This felt deer was made by Helena warren of Newmerella. The deer was exhibited in the Royal Melbourne Show in the 1950's. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This object reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. This item also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A handmade felt toy fallow deer which is light brown with darker brown spots. It has dark brown antlers, dark brown feet and plastic eyes.handcrafts needlework warren-helena

This item was made by Mrs Helena warren of Newmerella. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This item reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century. This item also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A handmade white fluffy squirrel holding a gum nut. It is possibly made of sheepskin. The eyes are pink plastic. The whiskers are white nylon thread (item no. 2495.4)toys needlework warren-helena handcraft

This album was donated to the Orbost & District Historical Society after the death of Judy Walcott, a long-time member. The veiling of McKillops bridge was a 'Year of the Outback' event. The event was organised by Orbost resident, Sr Helen Barnes RSJ. to show solidarity with rural people. The local community transformed the bridge into "a symbol of communal love and hope", when its sides were draped with hundreds of personal messages. McKillop's Bridge, located high in the Snowy Mountains, is named after George McKillop, a pioneering explorer of the area. The bridge is a vital link for isolated farming communities living beyond the Bonang highway.This album is a useful reference tool.A large photo album with a bright yellow cover and 19 plastic sleeves. It contains photographs, newspaper clippings, brochures , maps and an invitation to the veiling of McKillops Bridge on 8th August 2002. It also contains the history of McKillops Bridge.On inside cover - left hand side - "To Marie with Best Wishes from Judy Walcott 8/8/2005"mckillops-bridge album

Vivienne Young was a teacher at Orbost Secondary College. She is well known as an artist particularly in the medium of felting. She moved from a farm in Wairewa to live in Orbost and is still involved as a felt artist taking her skills regularly to Mongolia working with women there to re-vitalise the felting skills of local women. The Orbost Butter and Produce Co Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893. The site of the factory was purchased at a cost of five pounds from Mr James Cameron. (See In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall)The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district.A pen and ink drawing of the Orbost Butter Factory in Lochiel Street on the corner of Browning street as it was before 1911 when it became the bean factory. It is outlined in black and shaded in brown tones. orbost-butter-factory young-vivienne

This folder was compiled in October 2015 from documents, magazines. papers and photographs donated by David Jellie, engineer in charge 1974 - 1976. In early 1974, as an Engineer with the Country Roads Board, David came to Orbost as the Supervising Engineer for the construction of the new bridges which were part of an 8.4km Orbost bypass road design. This was a major project involving not only a new bridge over the Snowy River (including Lochiel Lagoon), but other bridges over Ashby’s Gulch and Watt’s Gulch. These new bridges were opened in November 1976 with the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern end of the $2.4M Snowy River Bridge. (ref. May Leatch)This item is a useful reference tool on the construction history of the Snowy River Road bridges.A white plastic folder - Orbost Bridges - Snowy River Road Bridges. it contains newspaper articles, booklets, photographs and documents relating to the construction of the Snowy River Road Bridge in 1974 -1976.on front cover - 1974 - 76 ORBOST / SNOWY RIVER ROAD BRIDGES * construction * photos * articles * plans Donated by David Jellie Oct 2015snowy-river-bridges jellie-david

Samuel Lynn (1865-1949) was a farmer and grazier at Jarrahmond. He bred Clydesdales. The 13th Light Horse Regiment was formed at Broadmeadows in Victoria in March 1915; it was the third light horse regiment to have been raised in that state. Its regimental number quickly led to it becoming known as the "Devil's Own" regiment. It left Australia on 28 May and disembarked in Egypt on 29 June 1915. Horses have always been an important part of Orbost's history.A laminated set of photographs on cardboard. it is an arrangement of black / white photocopies posibly for a magazine or display. The photos are of local horses, local people and include Mr S. Lynn, A. Mosely and Orbost No 2 troop 13th Light Horse.photographs-horses lynn-samuel mosely 13th-light-horse

These four scrap books were compiled by Margaret Smith, a long time member of the Orbost & District Historical Society. They were donated by her family after her death in 2015.These items are useful reference tools.Four large scrap books containing clippings from the Snowy River Mail. They are pasted in. Two books, 2529.1 and 2529.2 are for 2007 and 25209.3 and 2529.4 are for 2007. All books are large format books for NEWS & CUTTINGS. they contain personal items and news articles.Labelled 2006 and 2007smith-margaret news-orbost scrap-books

This book was used by Orbost Shire Council at the "Back to Orbost" celebrations in 1937 and again in 1963. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The book was presented to the president, Jacob Perry, as a token of esteem and in appreciation of his interest and services to the movement. Jacob Perry was an Orbost farmer. Born 1874. Died 1950. He was a Boer War veteran , 4th Victorian Imperial Bushmen. He was a shire councillor and worker for school affairs. The book was used again on Friday, 8th March to Saturday, 16th March 1963.This item is a record of an early Orbost celebration and a useful reference tool.A green covered hard back visitors' book with a red spine and gold lettering on the front cover. It contains names and addresses and comments from those who attended the "Back to Orbost" celebrations in 1937 and in 1963. Entries have been hand-written in ink (1937) and biro (1963).On front in gold framed rectangle - "BACK TO ORBOST 27th FEBRUARY TO 6th MARCH 1937"visitors'-book back-to-orbost-celebrations perry-jacob

A Mechanics’ Institute hall was constructed in 1885 and opened as Orbost's first library. It was situated in Browning Street, Orbost. The hall is still in use today as a community venue. Mechanics' Institutes are the forerunners of public libraries and adult education in Australia. The origin of mechanics' institutes is attributed to Dr George Birkbeck, who in 1799 gave a series of free lectures for the working men of Glasgow. At the time, 'mechanic' meant artisan, tradesman or working man. The movement spread quickly throughout the British Empire. The first Victorian Mechanics' Institute was the Melbourne Mechanics' Institute established in 1839. From the 1850s, Mechanics' Institutes quickly spread throughout Victoria wherever a hall or library, or a school was needed. This ledger was used by the Orbost Mechanics' Institute from 1884 until 1926. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum.The Mechanics' Institute was a very early feature of the Orbost community. The building became a community facility used for a variety of essential civic needs in particular a library. It also provided a suitable venue for community social requirements and functions.A heavy minute book with faded black covers and brown binding. The edges of the pages are marbled as are the end covers. Pages inside are blue with hand-written black ink records. It contains minutes from the Orbost Mechanics Institute.on spine on red leather in gold lettering: "MINUTE BOOK"minute-book orbost-mechanics'-institute

Orbost has been subject to major floods throughout its history, such as those which left the town isolated in 1934, 1952, 1971 and 1978. It is recorded that the Snowy River broke its banks and flooded the flats 104 times between 1884 and 1978. Extensive flooding in Eastern Victoria during June 1978, caused widespread damage to roads, road closures and hazards to traffic, particularly over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of a significant event in Orbost history.A collection of black/white newspaper clippings relating to the 1978 flood in Orbost. Some are original articles. others are photo-copies. They appear to be from the Snowy River Mail newspaper.floods-orbost-1978 newspaper-articles

The Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre) was opened on March 28, 1987. It was officially opened by Dr D. Caughey, the governor of Victoria. The Orbost Visitor Information Centre is situated in Forest Park on Nicholson Street. The centre is housed in the historic Slab Hut. The hut was an original family dwelling built in 1872, on a site approximately three kilometres upstream from the junction of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers. The Hut was removed from its original site around 1970, and stored until 1984 when the Shire Council approved the current site. It was restored and brought to life as a Tourist Information Centre in 1987.The Slab Hut is an icon of Orbost. These newspaper articles are contemporary records of the opening of this building.A selection of articles from The News and the Snowy River Mail. All relate to the opening of the Slab Hut, the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. They are photographs, information and the history of the Slab Hut.slab-hut-orbost newspaper-snowy-river-mail

On 24 January 1991 a severe hailstorm occurred in Orbost. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1991 damage at $12 million. This newspaper records contemporary accounts of significant local events.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 30.1.1991. the main article relates to the severe hail storm in Orbost on January 24, 1991. The newspaper contains news articles, photographs and advertisements.hail-storm-orbost-1991 snowy river mail

In early 1974, as an Engineer with the Country Roads Board, David came to Orbost as the Supervising Engineer for the construction of the new bridges which were part of an 8.4km Orbost bypass road design. This was a major project involving not only a new bridge over the Snowy River (including Lochiel Lagoon), but other bridges over Ashby’s Gulch and Watt’s Gulch. These new bridges were opened in November 1976 with the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern end of the $2.4M Snowy River Bridge. The new bridge, built by the CRB at a cost of $2.4 million, is 1.6 metres above the record flood levels of 1971. (ref. May Leatch) This newspaper contains contemporary reports of a significant event in Orbost.A Snowy River Mail newspaper, dated 1.12.1976. It contains news articles, photographs and advertisements. The main article relates to the official opening of the Snowy River Bridge and the unveiling of a plaque on the eastern approach. It also contains a history of the first Snowy River Bridge.snowy-river-bridge orbost-bridges snowy-river-mail

The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. The closure of this railway was a controversial issue at the time with many public protests in the district. These articles are contemporary record of a significant event in Orbost history.Three articles relating to the closure of the Bairnsdale - Orbost Railway in 1987. They are from the Snowy River Mail and The News. They contain photographs, news articles and the history of the line and its closure. orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway snowy-river-mail

This item was used by Victorian Railways 1970's/1980's. It was used at Orbost Railway Station for the consignment of timber from Orbost to Westall.. Westall was a major timber-receiving depot near Dandenong, Victoria. Westall railway station is located on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines in Victoria, Australia. It serves the south-eastern Melbourne suburb of Clayton South, opening on 6 February 1951. Westall station was opened as a workers only platform on 16 October 1954. It was provided for the adjacent Martin & King railway coachbuilding factory. The station was opened to the public on 1 June 1959 when all trains on the line began stopping there. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.An unused brown/buff coloured goods/freight consignment envelope used by Victorian Railways, this one for timber from Orbost to Westall. It is DL size.2497-78 VICTORIAN RAILWAYS G.F 63 From ORBOST to WESTALL MASS Tonnes kg Vehicle No Contents TIMBER Consignee Date orbost-bairnsdale-railway westall

This is a ball ticket purchased by Marilyn Morgan C1950's.Community events such as balls were an important feature of the mid 20th century. This was pre-television and night social events were well attended. This item is reminiscent of that era.A pale pink coloured rectangular shaped ticket made of cardboard. It has fluted gold edging. The wording is in black " Orbost Urban Fire Brigade and Orbost & District Table Tennis association CABARET BALL Friday May 28th at Assembly Hall. B.Y.O. £14 double £7 single"7 written in red ink on left hand top.recreation dancing ticket cabaret

This ticket was for an entertainment at Brodribb for the celebration of the incoming bi-centennial year, 1988. The bicentenary of Australia was celebrated in 1988. It marked 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet of British convict ships at Sydney in 1788. Many events were organised to celebrate the occasion.The Apex Club of Orbost was a volunteer service club which contributed to the Orbost community. A declining population has led to the demise of many social groups in the area. The Apex Club, like other groups in Orbost have organised social events for the local community for many years.A rectangular shaped cardboard ticket coloured white/cream. On the front in brown print is " APEX 'Up the Broddy' new Year's Eve - '87/88 WElcome in the Bi-Centennial Year BYO barbecue and drinks. 50/50 dancing - prizes and games. Light supper provided. Entertainment for all the family. $10 per family/couple". In red is 000052.celebration bicentennial-celebration-orbost

Colours of ticket reflect school, colours of green and yellow. The ticket was issued for a ball/celebration for the centenary of Orbost Primary School. This school was the earliest primary school in Orbost established in 1886.Orbost Primary School was the earliest primary school in Orbost. A centenary celebration ball would have been a popular local event.A rectangular shaped yellow card with a fluted gold edge. Printed in green is "ORBOST PRIMARY SCHOOL 2744 CENTENARY BALL 1886 - 1986 Venue - Orbost Assembly Hall 8.00pm -2.00am Saturday Nov. 1st Music by "MAINSTREAM" Cost $15 per head. Supper provided -BYO drinks & glasses." In bottom right corner is No.56orbost-primary-school-centenary celebration

This is a program for the 7th Annual Timber Ball held in August 1996. It was sponsored by the Timber Industry.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and these balls are no longer held. Community balls and dances are becoming rarer as more home entertainment is available and musical tastes have changed. This item is reminiscent of a previous social activity.A pale mauve coloured paper folded in half as a program. Print is black. Front page is framed with a graphical musical frame. Underneath print are images of two timber trucks on either side of a tree. The wording is : "Members of the Orbost Timber Ball Committee welcome you to our 7th Annual Ball Saturday 24 August 1996.' Inside are the names of committee members and sponsors. dancing recreation orbost-timber-industry

Young Farmers is a network of clubs for young people aged 16 to 30. Young Farmers helps people meet new friends, improve skills, participate in their community and have fun. Activities range from weekends away to casual BBQs, field days, balls, farm tours and team events. (ref. Victorian Young Farmers Inc.) Traditionally a debutante ball was held for debutantes to formally come out into society. Debutante balls continue to have a devout following in parts of Victoria, particularly in smaller regional areas.Community dances/ balls are an important part of Orbost's social history and this item reflects that.A white/cream sheet of paper folded in half. It has black print "ORBOST YOUNG FARMERS CLUB DEBUTANTE BALL 5th OCTOBER 1973 President Mr Colin Granter Secretary Miss Helen Codey". Inside are lists of the official party, flower girls and debutantes with partners.dancing ball debutantes-ball

Published by the Orbost Golf Club.The golf club was established in 1906 it was originally formed as the Snowy River Golf Club and played on private land near the banks of the Snowy River just to the south of town. In the 1930’s the Golf Club relocated to its present site and was renamed Orbost Golf Club. The land was shared by the Show grounds and Racing Club. Orbost Golf Club later acquired the land outright to provide a permanent home for golfers in Orbost and surrounding district.A thin, 24pp booklet with a grey cover titled "Orbost Golf Club Rules". It contains the rules of the Orbost Golf Club and has a loose sheet with amendments. The cover has blue print.orbost-golf-club recreation sport golf

Massey Herbert was a prominent Orbost citizen being the youngest candidate In Orbost's history to have been elected to the shire council. This letter was written by Massey Herbert for Marilyn Morgan as a job reference. Marilyn worked at Herbert's Snowy River Store in Nicholson Street, Orbost from 1.1.1966 until 27.4.1968.Associated with a well-known Orbost business which started in 1888 and finally closed in c.1970.A typed letter of reference from Massey Herbert for Marilyn Morgan. It is typed on a Herbert's Snowy River Pty Ltd letter head. The header is green and red print and the text black. The envelope is 2599.2.herbert-massey snowy-river-stores morgan-marilyn

This was created for the annual Orbost Show 1975. It provides information to potential exhibitors. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah HallThis item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.A six fold sheet of white paper with information on categories for the Orbost Annual Show, March 10th 1975. Tet is black print.orbost-show

This item was made for the Orbost Railway 100 Years Exhibition held at Orbost in March, 2016. It is a copy of an original paper delivered by Maurice Kernot to the Victorian Institute of Engineers in 1917. Maurice Edwin Kernot was the vice president and managed the construction of the Bairnsdale-Orbost Railway in 1912. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987.This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.Seventeen pages of photocopied document in a black plastic folder. The pages are in separate sleeves. On the back is a price sticker $1 flat file Marbig Single - Red Orbost Authorid News.orbost-bairnsdale-railway east-gippsland-railway kernot-maurice railway

This ledger was used initially by H. James & Co., Shipping and General Commission agents in Orbost in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district.He was a stock agent and auctioneer. H. James proved a very keen businessman and did well. He eventually formed agencies, conducted an auctioneering business and controlled the bean market. He also helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost and was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF.Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district.He was a stock agent and auctioneer who helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost. He was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF.A heavy ledger. Covers are heavy cardboadr coloured green It has a brown leather spine. the bottom right hand corners have been cut off. It contains records of auction sales and lists goods sold on assignment.on spine : LEDGER On the first 3-4 pages in pencil are O's and 's gamesjames-harry shipping-orbost auctioneer

Local land boards were community based "tribunals" consisting of a chairman appointed by the the state government and two(?) local members who were there or their knowledge of local land management practices. These boards were establishe in the mid-late 19th century and generally dealt with disputes about fencing, water rights, general land enquiries and the opening or closing of local roads.This document is a record of local land issues in the late 19th century. A sheet of paper, held together with sticky tape, stating the names of cases to be read by court regarding land. document land-use land-board gregson

Snowy River Shipping Company formed in 1880. They were soon shipping produce (mainly vegetables) from the area to Melbourne. The Snowy River Shipping Company was formed by Mr Henry James during the 1880s, with Captain McNeil as master. Captain Hegarty was the shipping agent at Marlo. Towing a line of small barges these paddle steamers plied their trade between the port of Marlo, and the farms along the river banks, churning their way almost twenty miles upstream to a landing beside what is now Frank Richardson’s property. On these trips, the barges carried mail and supplies to the townspeople and farmers, loading their produce, mostly maize, on the return trip to the coast. The coming of the railway in 1915 spelt the end for the little river boats. ( ref. F. W. RODWELL in the “Snowy Review”) Frank Richardson 1877-1950 was a sawmiller at Tabbara and helped build and run paddle steamer "Curlip"as engineer.This item is associated with an early transport business of the local district. The Snowy River once had its own paddle steamers. This item is reminiscent of that time.A light blue and white blank cheque for the Snowy River Shipping Company. The cheque is for The National Bank of Australasia and is numbered 01,491 in bold black print. It has a one penny stamp duty imprint.snowy-river-shipping-company james-harry

These documents were written and prepared for Lindsay Thomson, Scott Street, Orbost. The correspondence is for costing of freight delivered for use by Lindsay as a builder.These documents are associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.Seven documents relating rail freight. Two are cash deposit accounts to Lindsay Thomson from Victorian Railways. There is correspondence and receipts referring to the rail freight. Both typed and hand-written information.2609.1 on back handwritten in pen "L D Thom(p)sonthomson-lindsay railway-freight accounts

These are copies of an original video shot by Ray Barling on the day that the Orbost-Bairnsdale line closed in 1987. He used a hand-held video camera from his cabin on the train, The video was shown at the 2016 Centenary Exhibition in Orbost. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels. This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. On April 10 1916, the first scheduled train service left Orbost for Bairnsdale. The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987. Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels, The video was shown for the first time at the Centenary Exhibition held in Orbost, by the Orbost & District Historical Society, t created much interest leading to the production of the videos.Two copies of a D.V.D. titled"Last Train To Orbost 21 August 1987". The cover is a photo of the last train.rail-closure orbost-bairnsdale-railway

The video shows Laurie LIght, a sleeper cutter for 42 years, using a swing saw. There is also a video of a lyre bird display. Laurie Light was born on May 12, 1938 to parents, Arthur Vernon Light and Nellie Hall. He started work with his father, a sleeper cutter for the Victorian Railways, at the age of 16. (More info. from newsletter LAURIE LIGHT, SLEEPER CUTTER - Heather Terrell)This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost. It is also associated with the timber industry of East Gippsland.A D.V.D. of pictures and a video on Laurie Light, a sleeper cutter from 1950-1992. The disc is in a clear plastic case with a black insert. It is a copy of the original. this copy was probably made in 2016.On disc in red marker : "LAURIE LIGHT SLEEPER CUTTING with swing saw and lyre bird display"sleeper-cutting light-laurie timber-industry-orbost