A black / white photograph of a bush scene with a creek and what might be a bridge in background.creek river bush-scene

Maize,has been grown on the Orbost flats for at least 70 years. When early settlers began to arrive on the Snowy River somewhere in the 1880s, the land was mostly swamps and heavily timbered jungle on the river frontages. The swamps were drained, bit by bit, by men with short handled shovels and working in mud and water. The frontages were cleared by axe and shovel and fire. Several kinds of crops were experimented with such as hops, hemp and maize, the latter grew particularly well and became the main crop of district. The problem then was to thresh and deliver the product to the market. A small single cob machine was brought here and one man turned the handle, while the boy or Mum fed the cobs singly into the machine. A good day’s work would thresh about 50 bushels or about 12 bags (4 bushels). The task then was to cart the maize to market. For a few years this was done by horses and dray carrying about 60 bushels to Mossiface, where it was loaded onto river boats to Lakes Entrance, and then by ocean boats to Melbourne. Later it was taken to Bairnsdale by foot and loaded onto the trains to Melbourne. (more information in Newsletter October 2006) This crib, measuring seven chains, sixteen feet, contained 10,000 bags of maize cobs which were grown by Linc Timmons on Peter Irvine's farm (Fairlea?) in Orbost, East Gippsland. The growing of maize in the Orbost district contributed significantly to the economy of the township for many years, The many maize cribs once seen on the surrounding farms have now disappeared and this photograph is a pictorial record of that significance.A black / white photograph of a large maize crib full of maize in a paddock. There is a large framed copy of the original.agriculture-orbost farming-maize-orbost maize-crib-orbost

This is a photograph of Councillor Charles Henry Grove who represented South Riding on the Orbost Shire Council. from 1893 - 1901. He was president in 1893-1894, 1895-1896 and 1900-1901. He also served on the Tambo Shire prior to the formation of the Croajingolong / Orbost Shire. Charles Henry [Carl] Grove died on 17/4/1938 at Box Hill at the age of 88 and was buried in Orbost. Prior to coming to the Snowy River district, Carl worked as overseer on Buchan Station. In 1880, he selected land at Newmerella after first coming here in 1874 with early selector James A Robertson. He married Annie Robertson in 1876. Carl was a farmer, hop and seed grower and nurseryman. He was an elected Councillor of the newly formed Tambo Shire in 1882, and then in 1892 to the Orbost Shire where he served for many years filling various public roles. In 1911, he shifted to Queensland, but later returned to Victoria and died at Box Hill. (info. Newsletter 113Carl Grove was a prominent early Orbost citizen.A small square head and shoulders photograph of a man. It is attached to a white card with tape.on front - "Mr C. Grove"grove-charles

Jack Bruton selected land at Murrungowar and held the licence for the Murrungowar Hotel. He later became a butcher in Orbost. He was on the first Orbost Golf Club committee in 1906. .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.This is a pictorial record of Jack Bruton, one of the early settlers of Murrungowar, a former township east of Orbost.A black / white photograph of a man standing outside alone with his hands in his pocket. He has a moustache and has a pipe in his mouth. He is wearing a hat.on front - "Jack Bruton died 1921" on back - "Mr Jack Bruton, Murrungower Hotel"bruton-jack murrungowar-hotel orbost-golf-club

This photograph shows the pile drivers at work in the construction of the viaduct across the Snowy River flats. The Snowy River Floodplain Railway Bridges, two sequential and exceptionally long and low timber railway bridges on the Snowy River floodplain just west of Orbost, were built in 1916, and provided the original terminus point for the Bairnsdale-Orbost railway. The bridges are 770 metres and 183 metres long respectively. The shorter bridge is of uniformly 4.57 metre timber-beam construction, and has a sweeping curve in its deck. The longer bridge has a combination of 4.57 metre and 6.1 metrespans, and two 3.66 metre spans. The bridges are constructed from 'Southern Mahogany', Eucalyptus Botryoides, which grew along the coast east of Bairnsdale. The Snowy floodplain bridges were initially built in the context of an early twentieth-century interest in American-style 'Developmental Railways', designed to open remote areas to closer settlement, even if that meant running at a loss. The line was closed in August 1987. (information from Victorian Heritage Database)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.A black / white photograph of the farming flats at Orbost during the construction of the East Gippsland railway.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway viaduct-orbost transport railway

Peter Nixon, the author of this book, grew up on the family farm on the Snowy River. He entered Federal Parliament in 1961 as the Member for Gippsland, holding various portfolios before retiring in 1983. The Nixon family has been in the Orbost district since 1885.This book records the history of the Nixon family and its association with Orbost.A book, titled From White Knowle to Pumpkin Point, the Nixons from 1593. On the cover is a coloured photograph of Pumpkin Point, taken by Peter Nixon, the author. There is a b/w photograph of James Nixon, with the caption, James Nixon 1832-1899 and Family, beneath it. The book is a compilation of stories and b/w photographs of the the first three generations of Nixons in Australia. There is a brief history of the Nixons in 1593 - the earliest records.2136.1 has "With compliments Peter Nixon 6/7/04" inside.nixon-family orbost-history nixon-james pumpkin-point snowy-river

This is a book written by a local historian containing historical information pertaining to Orbost and the surrounding district. A spiral bound book of 191pp. On the front and back covers are coloured print of the Morgan Barn c 1900, an original watercolour, artist unknown. The book documents the distinctive slatted barns of the lower Snowy River, Orbost, Victoria. The book was published by the Orbost Historical Society and was written by May Leatch and Ngaere Donald. It contains B/w photographs, drawings and stories of the barns and their histories.history-agriculture-orbost barns-slatted

In 1983 the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands replaced the Department of Crown Lands and Survey, the Department of State Forests and the Ministry for Conservation. This brochure/map was used as tourist information in Orbost.This item is a useful research tool.A folded map/brochure titled "DISCOVERING MARLO & THE SNOWY RIVER ESTUARY". On the front is a photograph of Marlo and the title in yellow print. There is a locality map for access to Corringle beach and the brochure Includes a key to fishing sites and various tourist locations. On the back of the brochure are notes on fishing, wildlife and a boating guide, map brochure snowy-river marlo

The book was compiled by Peter Allard and Geoff Alves and published by the Genoa Town Committee. Genoa is a small town in East Gippsland, Victoria. It is close to the New South Wales border where the Princes Highway crosses the Genoa River.A paperback book of 120pp titled Border tales : stories from Genoa, Wangarabell, Wroxham, Timbillica, Maramingo, Nungatta, Wingan and Gipsy Point. On the front cover is a coloured picture of the bridge across the Genoa river at Genoa.

This book was produced at the Mallacoota Central School. Bruce Pascoe wrote the introduction for the book. He was teaching at Mallacoota.This book is a valuable reference book which is used by ornithologists to compare recordings of bird sightings in Mallacoota.A small 52 pp book titled Birds of Mallacoota 1979. On the front cover is a photo of a pelican at Coull's Point, Mallacoota. The photo was taken by Wayne Stevens. The title is in black. It contains photographs and maps.book birds mallacoota pascoe-bruce

The book was compiled by Allan B. Peisley. In 1891 a pineboard, portable school building was sent from Melbourne to Gabo by schooner, and transported to a site approximately 1½ miles SE of Genoa. When erected by Henry Bucknall, it was listed as Genoa River School. It opened on 24th of August with an enrol­ment of approximately 20 pupils under the guidance of Algernon de Havilland, and served the district until 1928 when a combination of white ants and dry rot caused the building to be abandoned. School was held in the Genoa hall as a 'temporary' measure until a new building was erected, and it was during this period that N. A. Wake­field, later lecturer and author of natural history articles and books, served as HT. The ‘temporary' measure proved seemingly permanent as it was not until 1953 that a new school was built on the present site, ½ mile W of Genoa. This school was opened by the late Sir Albert Lind on 15th of August 1953, the original name being amended to Genoa State School. Since then much has been done to maintain the grounds and buildings at a high standard.This item is a useful reference tool on the history of Genoa in East Gippsland.A book of 36 pp titled Genoa School History. On the front cover are black and white images of buildings and wrens. The text is black. The pages have been photocopied.education genoa

This is a 2nd edition of an earlier print, 1978. It has been revised and edited by John Phillips for the Orbost & District Historical Society in 2010. Harry Grosvenor was the headmaster at Newmerella School from 1962 to 1972. Harry was deeply involved in the 1978 publication by the Newmerella Progress Association called: Newmerella - Valley of Plenty. The book is a pictorial history of the early Newmerella district ( west of the Snowy River ).This is a local history book written by Harry Grosvenor a local author.A paperback book, titled Newmerella Valley of Plenty. The front cover is brown with white text and has three b/w photographs of the Snowy River flats as sen from the Newmerella hill. One is a photograph of the railway line with a steam train on the rail viaduct. newmerella-history

This book was produced as part of the centenary celebrations in 2006. In 2006 Orbost Golf Club celebrated its’ Centenary having originally been 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.This is a local history book.A 38 pp spiral bound book titled Orbost Golf Club Centenary Booklet 1906-2006 Centenary Celebrations 9/12 2006. The front cover is cream and has a black line sketch of the old club house at Orbost Golf Club.recreation orbost-golf-club

This book was produced for the 1937 celebrations. It was a souvenir and official program. Probably published by the organising committee.This is a locally produced book which is a useful reference tool on the history of Orbost.A 44 pp buff coloured book titled Back To Orbost 1937. Contains b/w photographs, advertisements, historical articles.orbost-history celebrations reunions

This was the official program for the 1963 Back To Orbost Celebrations. 2194.4 is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection.This is a locally produced book useful for reference.Four copies of a 16 pp page book with a white cover, black print, titled Back To Orbost Celebrations 1963. Friday 8 March 1963 Saturday 16 March 1963.Stamped on front cover - Orbost Historical Societyorbost-history celebrations reunions

This is the 4th issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine was owned by Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is the fourth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine and is a useful reference tool. A 36 pp green covered magazine titled Croajingolong 1951. This is the 4th issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the fifth issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This fifth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful reference tool.A grey covered magazine of 32 pp. On the front cover is the text Orbost High school Croajingolong 1952 Dec. 1952 Vol.1 No.5croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the seventh issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". this magazine was owned by Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This seventh issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School is a useful reference tool.A 22 pp grey covered magazine titled Croajingolong 1954 Vol. 1 No. 7 Dec. 1954On front cover - M. Gilbert handwritten in blue pencroajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the eighth issue of the Orbost High School annual magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". This magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This eighth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine is a useful reference tool.A 24 pp magazine with a grey cover titled Croajingolong 1955. Vol.1 No. 8croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the seventeenth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east". It belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is a useful reference tool.A yellow covered magazine with black print : Croajingolong Vol. 1 No. 17 1964. On the left side is the Orbost High School badge, a sheaf of corn inside a double oval. inside which is the school motto, " acti labores iundi".

This is the twenty-fifth issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east. 2220.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school. 2220.2 belonged to Andrew Murray.This magazine is a useful reference tool.Two copies of Croajingolong 1972. It has an orange cover with dark brown print.2220.2 has Andrew Murray written in blue pen on the front cover.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This is the twenty-sixth issue of the annual magazine of Orbost High School. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east. 221.1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This is a useful reference tool.Three copies of Croajingolong 1973. Itb has a pale blue cover with dark blue print and an illustration of stylise ocean waves and mountains.2221.3 has autographs inside.croajingolong orbost- high-school

This is the twenty-eighth issue of the annual Orbost High school magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east. 2223,1 belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This is a useful reference tool.Two copies of Croajingolong 1975, It has a cream cover with dark blue print. There is a blue and yellow stripe on the left hand side.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This the twenty-ninth issue of the annual Orbost High School magazine. The name Croajingolong derives from the Australian Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning "belonging to" and kraua, meaning "east. This magazine belonged to Mary Gilbert, a former teacher at the school.This magazine is a useful refereence tool.A magazine with a pale blue cover and brown print - Orbost High School 1976 Croajingolong.croajingolong orbost-high-school

This was owned and used by J.G. Ralston of Orbost. John Gavin Ralston was born 26 July 1914 at Eden, N.S.W. and came to Orbost in the early 1920's, with his parents and siblings. They lived at the corner of Tennyson and Salisbury Streets. Jack was educated at Orbost Higher Elementary School before being apprenticed to William Ross at the Snowy River Mail as a lino-type operator. He married Jean Cameron. After WW11 when he served overseas in the islands) He resumed his trade at the Snowy River Mail until 1949 when began J.G.& J.M. Ralston, Seed & Produce Merchants. Jack Ralston was very involved in the Orbost sporting community, the Presbyterian Church and the Orbost Municipal Band. He also served in the Orbost sub-branch of the R.S.L. He died on April 15 1967. (ref. Margaret Smith O.D.H.S. Newsletter) Collecting match box holders / grips was a popular hobby. They were made to fit over a box of matches for protection. Some were especially produced for significant occasions. This item is an example of a very common personal item rarely used today.A painted metal matchbox cover with a thin wooden matchbox inside. It is cream coloured with a picture of a cricketer being bowled out. In the top right hand corner is "OWZAT". The matches are Bryant & May's Crown Safety Matches. it is a rectangular cardboard box with a sliding cardboard drawer. The box has a paper label with text reading, "BRYANT & MAY'S CROWN SAFETY MATCHES" and an image of a crown. The top and bottom side has a purple striking paper, to light match. Bottom and sides of sliding drawer are a green color.J.G.Ralstonmatchbox-holder smoking-accessories ralston-j.g.

This hook was probably used in lift sacks of corn / maize to the lofts in the barns using a pulley beam system sometimes driven by a small tractor or a horse.This item is connected to the agricultural history of the Snowy River flats of the Orbost district. Intensive farming for maize was an integral part of the history of Orbost.A double bag hook consisting of two double metal hooks on a metal ring.bag-hook rural

Probably used in the local bean growing industry. The Orbost area was once a large bean growing area as the fertile snowy River flats produced good quality beans. It was exported to other states of Australia. Green beans were sent to Melbourne by train and later to Sydney, either via Bombala where they were railed, or to Eden to continue the journey on fish trucks. One pound per bag was considered a good price in the early 1920's and pickers were paid one shilling and sixpence. (Ref: Newmerella Valley of Plenty)A round wooden framed sieve. The frame holds the wire mesh sieve. It is braced with seven thin wire strips.sieve agriculture tool

This certificate was presented to Donald David Thomson , sleeper hewer, aged 42 years for rescuing S.C. Curtis, aged 52, G. Wylie, aged 54, J. Dalgleish, aged 5 from flood waters at White gulch on the Snowy River on January 8, 1934. (The certificate reads as White's Gulch but should be Watt's gulch.) Although damage estimated at 500,000 pounds was caused by the unprecedented floods along the Snowy River, no lives were lost because of the courageous actions of men like Donald Thomson.A framed copy of a printed and hand-written certificate from the Royal Humane Society of Australia awarded to Donald David Thomson for rescuing victims of the floodwaters in Orbost January 1934. It is dated 6.3.1934.Printed at top of certificate: THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY / OF AUSTRALASIA. Has names of Society patrons and committee as well as names and ages of those rescued. award certificate royal-humane-society flood snowy-river 1934 thomson-david

The photo was probably taken by Will Herbert and used at the 1937 "Back to Orbost" celebrations. The photo depicts the Snowy River at Orbost when it was at a high level.A coloured photograph in a brown wooden frame which has gold painted decorated edges. A wire hanger is attached. The photo shows reflections of trees along the bank of the Snowy River in 1937.On bottom right of photo - Snowy River Orbost On back of frame - Back to Orbost 1937 from Will Herbertphotography snowy-river orbost-1937

These labels were probably glued to boxes or bags containing butter produced at the Orbost Butter Factory.The Orbost Butter and Produce Co. Ltd was registered on June 1st 1893 and was an important source of income to the Orbost district. Five rectangular paper labels used by the Orbost Butter Factory. They have a white background with the words ORBOST BUTTER printed in red inside a red frame.labels orbost-butter-factory dairy farming butter