A second copy was donated by Gil and Heather Richardson as part of the Mary Gilbert collection. The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. He owned it from 1901 until 1919. Thomas Marshall was the owner from 1919 - 1972. After 1972 it became Marshall's Hotel Pty Ltd . From 1981 there have been various owners. (ref In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall ; Orbost Historical Society Newsletter, November 2003)The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. It still stands today.A creased black / white photograph of a bullock team and workman outside the Commonwealth Hotel, Orbost. There are people watching the bullock team. The photgraph is on a white buff card. There is a sign "DIXON< COMMONWEALTH HOTEL" .on back - " Mary Gilbert, Orbost Mary ???????- Commonwealth Ivill" on front - "a well-known bullock later sold for £20 - an enormous price bottom front - Tommy Reeves on horse Archie Rodwell with black dogorbost-commonwealth-hotel

Before official competition began in 1894, scratch matches were held in the Old Station paddock. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy RoversFootball clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health.A large black / white photograph on a cream coloured buff card. It shows three rows of men, one seated, dressed in football uniforms. The photograph has been taken outdoors.There are three copies.on front - "Orbost Team 1906" There is a list of names.sport orbost-football recreation

This photograph shows Percy De Forest and his brother, Alfred of McLeod Street, Orbost. The photographer was Warren, Helena (1871-1962) who was a self-taught photographer who became both the local press correspondent and a producer of humorous trompe l'oeil postcard images. Helena Warren was a thirty-two year old settler living on a small mixed farm with her husband, William, at Newmerella, near Orbost in Gippsland, Victoria, when she bought her first camera, an Austral Box quarter-plate. Her family says she was entirely self-taught, like many women photographers who started out with nothing but the instructions on the packets of film and chemicals. In over fifty years practice she graduated from the total novice, who opened all her first mail order plates in bright sunlight and ruined them, to a competent photographer who became both the local press correspondent and an inveterate producer of humorous trompe l’oeil postcard images. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She 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 photograph has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,Two black / white photograohs of two small children sitting in a large pumpkin on water.on front - An Orbost Pumpkinpumpkins-orbost de-forest warren-helena-photography

This is a photograph of the Orbost Post Office on the site of the Commonwealth Hotel. The horse -drawn vehicle is a Cunninghame (Lakes Entrance) Coacht. The Post Mistress was Miss Farrell, who was a trained telegraphist. This was the first time the telegraph line had reached Orbost, and was about the year 1895 or 1896. (more info. from Newsletter Npovember 2008) This is a pictorial record of the an early Orbost Post Office. Post Offices are a vital necessity in any town or community playing a very important part in the progress and development of the town and district. A black / white photograph of a one - storey wooden building with a passenger coach drawn by a team of four horses outside the wooden picket fence. There are a man holding a flat basket, a young boy and a woman (on the verandah) standing nearby.on front - "Orbost Post office"farrell-post-office-orbost

The photograph shows the coach owned by Mr Tom Malinn of Sardine Creek. It is in front of the Orbost Club Hotel in Nicholson Street, Orbost. On lst Juy 1926, Tom Malin took over the horse drawn coach run from Orbost to Delegate. After a few years he obtained an International 2-3 ton truck. On his first trip to Bendoc he did not carry mail, but brought Miss Cunning, the first lady head teacher and collected ballot boxes. On his next trip (March 1930) he made history as the first mailman on this route to deliver mail in a motor vehicle. (info. Bendoc History) Tom and Sophie Malinn farmed at Martin’s Creek. Sophie (nee Jensen) married Tom Malinn in 1926. Sophie’s family had run the historic “Danebo Hotel” at Martin’s Creek for many years, and in 1931, Tom and Sophie began farming at Martin’s Creek, initially cropping maize and beans. The first hotel built in Orbost was the Club in 1885, an old wooden place on the corner built for J. A. Petersen of the Mitchell Hotel Bairnsdale, now known as the Victoria Hotel. Tom Maguire, a step­son of the late Mr. Petersen, carried on the club Hotel Orbost for 5 or 6 years. The property then came into the possession of Alfred Cooper, a Yorkshireman who purchased the freehold about 1890, pulled the building down and erected the present structure.This is a pictorial history horse-drawn transport used widely in Orbost until the late 1920sA black / white photograph of a horse-drawn buggy with four men on the buggy and two mmen standing beside it, It is in front of the Orbost Club Hotel in Nicholson Street, Orbost..on back - "Tom Malinn on coach run"malinn-tom club-hotel-orbost transport-orbost

This photograph is of the first Church of England in Orbost, dedicated on Sunday, 6th March, 1892 by the Rt. Rev. T. Geo, Bishop of Melbourne, The church was later used in the `1970s by the Orbost State School as a music, physical education room until it was moved. The rectory was later moved so the new church could fit.This item is reminiscent of the late 19th - mid 20th centuries when church-going was more common.Three copies of the first Orbost Church of England with the small rectory adjacent.on back - "Mary Gilbert - Church of England"church-orbost church of england-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. The closure of this railway was a controversial issue at the time with many public protests in the district. Protesters stood in front of a VR locomotive holding up signs with " SAVE FUEL JOBS ROADS LIVES ORBOST MR HAMER DON"T LET THIS HAPPEN SAVE RAIL" Others held placards with "DON"T CUT OFF ORBOST" and "We the Children demand our ????secure railway"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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.Seven black / white photographs related to the closure of the Orbost Railway Line.orbost-railway east-gippsland-railway protests-rail-closure

This History of the Great Western Primary Scholl No. 860 was compiled to coincide with Back T School on November 16, 17 & 18 1984 Fawn card cover with brown decorative border within which is a pencil drawing of early Great Western School.Great Western State School No 860 1867 - 1984 A Souvenir Bookletstawell education

This item was used in the Slab Hut (Orbost Visitor Information Centre).This item is a useful pictorial reference tool on the history of Orbost.A 2002 stapled calendar, titled "Continuing Our Federation".On the front is a black/white photograph of the main street of Orbost. It has blue print and an ornate blue frame. It contains photographs of earl Orbost, one for each month. on front cover -"SLAB HUT COPY" in red felt tip pen.calendar-continuing -our-federation photographs-historic-orbost

Pumpkins were grown widely on Orbost farms and used to feed pigsThis photograph is associated with pumpkin growing in Orbost.A black / white photograph / postcard of a paddock of pumpkins.on front- at bottom - "Orbost, East Gippsland"orbost-agriculture pumpkins-orbost

This certificate for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012. Connie Tomlinson was the daughter of Tomlinson, John (Mr) who worked in Temple's then Herbert's store, then his own business - very keen worker for starting Orbost Hospital. Father was also seecretary of Loyal Orbost Lodge for 21 years.Miss Tomlinson owned Connort (now Moogji building) and worked as a secretary at the Orbost Shire Council.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This certificate is representative of its history.A laminated copy of Orbost Higher Elementary School 1920 Pass Certificate. It was awarded to Constance Tomlinson for History Drawing Geography and is signed by A.A. Tipping (headmaster)On back : Produced by John Phillips for the Orbost Secondary College Centenary Celebrations on Saturday 28th April and Sunday 29th April 2012certificate education orbost tomlinson-connie

Girls marched for the crowds at the "Back To Orbost High School" Golden Jubilee celebrations.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This item is representative of its historyA black / white photograph of a crowd watching marching girls at Orbost High School.on back - " High School Girls Marching 1962 O.H.S. Jubilee 1962"marching-girls-orbost orbost-high-school education-orbost

These photocopied documents were used in the Orbost Secondary College Library. In the latter half of 1913 working bees, concerts, balls, sports carnivals and collections were held to raise funds before The Hospital Movement felt they were ready to ask The Public Health Department for plans for a suitable building (2000 -2500 pounds) for use as a permanent hospital in Orbost. A Hospital Committee was formed and despite several a major setback (the president died in November 2013), continued to hold many public events in order to raise the funds necessary. Orbost Hospital was officially opened in 1930. ( Read Margaret Holland's "Orbost Hospital: History, Personalities and Stories.) These documents are a useful research tool on the history of Orbost Regional Health.A stapled collection of photo-copied minutes from the fund-raising committee for the Orbost Hospital.orbost-hospital health-fund-raising

The Maternal, Infant, and Pre-school Welfare division of the Victorian Health Department published this booklet to assist expectant mothers with information regarding their confinement.Pre-natal information was important for expectant mothers especially those living in isolation eg. the farming community in the Kiewa Valley.Cream coloured booklet with 65 pages held by 2 staples. It has 10 chapters on pre-natal and 4 chapters on post natal. It is very comprehensive with a few black & white illustrations. There is an 'Obstetric Table' on page 5 "To calculate the date of confinement." It was produced by the Maternal, Infant, and Pre-School Welfare Division. prenatal, victorian health department

These roof nails are from the Orbost Butter Factory which was on the corner of Lochiel and Browning Streets, Orbost. 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.Two lead headed roof nails from the Orbost Butter Factory roof. They are painted red on top.nails metal orbost-butter-factory cameron-james

This receipt was found inside a book that came from Orbost House. Orbost House, believed to have been established by the Macalister family around the turn of the 20th century was a boarding house in Lochiel Street, Orbost. James Bugg was an early settler at Murrangower.A paper receipt from the Shire of Orbost made out to Jas Bugg Year 1908 for seven shillings and sixpence.receipt bugg-james docket

Kilmany Family Care Community Residential Units - ordinary community houses that are adapted for accommodation for up to six people with intellectual disabilities - opened at Orbost. See article on p. 25 of C&N for May 14, 1986.Caroline Hogg, Community Affairs Minister & Barry Murphy MLC snipping ribbon at opening of new units.Identification of persons & place.kilmany family care, hogg, caroline, murphy, barry mlc

This photograph of the Orbost Municipal Band was taken for the 1937 Back To Orbost celebrations. The band is wearing new uniforms, bought especially for the occasion and for subsequent use. The double-breasted navy jackets have three pairs of silver buttons, three silver stripes on the cuffs and a silver lyre on each lapel. the bandmaster's stripes were gold. The jacket was worn with a white shirt and a bow tie. The caps were navy blue with a silver braided band and a central lyre. There were 29 members at this time. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. (Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall) The Orbost Municipal Orbost Band played a major role in the Orbost community activities. Charles Spink made sure each soldier returning home from the 1914 to 1918 war was welcomed home in front of the Shire Hall to the music of the Orbost Municipal Band. The band played in the main street on most Friday nights. The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members. A very creased and crumpled black / white photograph of a band in uniforms. The back row is standing, the middle sitting on a seat while a row of younger boys are sitting, cross-legged on the grass at the front. All have instruments. They are in front of a wooden building.on front - "Orbost Municipal Band 4.3.37"orbost-municipal-band music back-to-orbost-celebrations

The three men in this photograph, one of a set of six), are all from the Donchi family who have been involved in sleeper - cutting since the 1890s. From left to right they are Brian, Ken and Alan Donchi. The photograph was taken for an article in the Victorian Railways Magazine in 1975, a pamphlet produced for Victorian Railways. It contains photographs and an article about Orbost as "Timber Country" and a detailed article titled, " Cutting Sleepers is a Family Business" which tells about the Donchi family.This photograph is associated with the timber and sleeper-cutting industry in the Orbost Region. Timber sleepers were superceded by concrete sleepers in c. 1970s. 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 many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.A black / white photograph of three members of the Donchi family working at sleeper - cuttingin a timber coupe in Orbost.on back - Pr 8764timber-industry-orbost sleeper - cutting donchi-family-orbost

Booklet produced for the 50th anniversary of the school (1924-1974) and sold for 20 cents. Contains lists of school principals and Departmental Inspectors. Photos are of first committee, first students, early and present teachers.Soft covered booklet 8 pages with pen and ink drawing of school building. Brief history compiled for 50th anniversary of the school, with Jubilee Celebrations programme on back cover. Front cover by "Nature Notes", and 4 pages of black and white photos. (5 copies)

This item was owned by Ethel M. Lynn of Fairleigh, Orbost. The Lynn family is well-known in the Orbost area. Ethel Lynn, a general nurse, is believed to have been working at Bairnsdale in 1924.The album is historically-significant because it documents personal voices from before World War I in the form of poems, witticisms, well wishes and drawings.A black, dimpled leatherette covered autograph book. It contains autographs and sketches attributed to Orbost and Bairnsdale locals,On cover - Autographsautograph-book lynn-ethel

This photograph shows spectators watching the Orbost Races on the flat in 1899. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races. Bellagoogan on Majors Creek near Orbost was the site of the first race course.This item is a pictorial record depicting the popularity of horse racing in Orbost in the late 19th century.A black / white photograph of a large group of people in the background with three horse carriages under trees. Some ladies are sitting in the open carriages which are parked underneath tress. Some are holding open umbrellas. It is on a grey buff card.on front - " On the flat. Orbost Races 1899"equestrian orbost-horse-racing recreation

Part of a photographic record of Buninyong township. The buildings range from 1960s back to 1896, 1887, 1866, to a remnant of 1855, hidden within the shop of D. Brown electrician, consequently reflecting much alteration and change when compared to earlier photos.The streetscape is of historic significance, recording the detail of the streetscape in 1993. Many of the buildings have since undergone significant renovation/change.Streetscape of Learmonth St., Buninyong, looking over roundabout to Town Hall and businesses. Elm trees in the grounds of the Uniting (formerly Presbyterian) Church are seen in the background. Buildings are the fire station, council offices, Town Hall, Whykes Butchers, M. & D. Brown electrician, Buninyong Cake Shop and former bank, now a residence. Oak trees are in front of the council offices and shire hall. One tree planted in 1959 to mark the occasion of the connection of a water supply to Buninyong. A variety of elm is at the end of the row outside the Bank, now a residence. Junipers on each side of the former bank door was planted c1970.learmonth st, buninyong, bank, cake shop, m & d brown, electrician, whykes butchers, whykes, town hall, council offices, fire station

These photographs were taken at the annual Orbost Agricultural Show at the Newmerella Showground. They were probably published in the Snowy River Mail newspaper. Some of the Orbost identities pictured include : Russell Crofts, Kevin McDonald, Brian McDonald, Gail & Lee Winchester, Julie & Lisa Drummond, Marion Russell, Sylvia MurrayRod Kleinitz, Rober Morgan, Trevor Perry, Brian Woodlands, anna light, Louella Brunt, Colin Weir, Wendy Pinnock, Raeleen Reed, Margaret Joiner and Jo-anne Mundy. 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 Hall)These photographs are 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. Seventeen black / white phootgraphs which were taken at the Orbost Agricultural Show.orbost-agricultural-show

Frank Richardson 1877-1950 was a sawmiller at Tabbara and helped build and run paddle steamer "Curlip"as engineer.This item is an early pictorial record of the old Snowy River bridge at Orbost.A large b/w photograph of the Snowy River bridge at Orbost. In the foreground there is a man in a small canoe with paddles. The photograph is pasted onto a black buff card. 2606.2 is a copy of the original used for display.On front : "Eastwood Bros, Bairnsdale, Orbost Bridge over Snowy River".photograph-snowy-river-bridge eastwood-bros

These articles were collected by David Nixon for the Orbost Aero Club. Orbost Aero Club began in 1969 with Basil Dowie as Chair, David Nixon as Secretary/Treasurer. The group went into recess from 1977-1991 closing in 1997. The mid 1960s were boom years in flying training in Australia and the number of Aero Clubs grew rapidly. The Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years particularly for patient transfer by aerial ambulance. The Orbost Aero Club Club played a significant role in the establishment of the small airport at Marlo and in the ongoing operation and development of the airport over the years.A colection of newspaer cuttings which pertain to the Orbost / Marlo Aerodrome.orbost-aero-club marlo-airport

The Orbost Football Club began in 1894. This photograph shows the premiership team of 1921.They defeated Buchan. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy RoversFootball clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health.A black / white photograph of three rows of men in sports clothes The back row is standing, the middle sitting on chairs and the front row sitting on the ground.. All men have their arms folded and the photograph has been taken outside. The photograph has been pasted onto a grey buff card.on front - "Orbost Football Club Premiers - 1921" on back - 'Mary Gilbert"orbost-football-club recreation sport

This photograph shows Harry Perry (School Council President); Bruce Osborns (Orbost High Head Teacher); Alex McDonald (head of Dept of Education); Bert May; Bruce Evans (M.L.C.) and Peter Nixon (minister For The Interior). It was taken at the Golden Jubilee celebrations for Orbost High School in 1962.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This item is representative of its historyA black / white photograph of seven men wearing suits sitting on a stage with one man addressing an audience.on back - names + Orbost H.s. Golden Jubilee"education-orbost orbost-high-school-golden-jubilee

Used at Orbost railway station for the consignment of goods/freight, in this case, timber to Westall. 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. 2498-78 VICTORIAN RAILWAYS From ORBOST to WESTALL Contents TIMBER railway-history orbost-bairnsdale-railway

This magazine was produced as a program for the 75th Annual Show at Newmerella Recreation Reserve. 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 small thin 40 pp paper booklet with a buff coloured cover. On the cover is the title, "75th Annual Show in black print. It is inside a black border with "Orbost Agricultural Show" at the top. There is the date of the event, details of the committee members and costs of admission beneath the title.orbost-annual-show