This program belonged to Dr James Kerr. Conceived by Engineer-in-Chief C.Y. O’Connor and completed in 1903, the Coolgardie Goldfields Water Supply Scheme comprised a reservoir on the Helena River, eight steam-driven pumping stations and 566 kilometres of steel pipeline supplying 23,000 kilolitres of water daily to the arid goldfields of Western Australia. The project was officially opened by Sir John and Lady Forrest in January 1903. "Great pomp and ceremony heralded the arrival of water and the opening of the Scheme. Clean, fresh water could now be easily obtained in some of Australia's harshest country. However, this victory came at a great cost. The stress of the bold project was too much for O’Connor, who, after enduring endless criticism, took his life on 10 March 1902, before the Scheme was completed." - Western Australian Museum : The Coolgardie Goldfields Water Supply Scheme was an ambitious engineering feat because at the time water had never been lifted so high nor pumped so far (about 560 km). The Scheme, which pumps water from the better-watered coastal area, operates to this day. This item is associated with an historic event in the history of opening up arid areas of Australia to settlement. The item is associated with Dr James Kerr, the first doctor to settle in Orbost.A souvenir program from the opening of the works of the Coolgardie Water Supply. It has a maroon cover with gold print. Details include the date and place.coolgardie-water-supply western-australia-goldfields

Annie Cameron was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Cameron. Her father was a keen geologist and botanist. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. He was listed as a significant plant collector at Orbost, Victoria who collected on the Bemm, Cann and Snowy Rivers. (Based on the list published by J.H. Willis, D. Pearson, M.T. Davis, and J.W. Green, Western Australian Herbarium Research Notes Number 12, August 1986. Enhanced with information from George, A.S. (2009) Australian Botanist's Companion, Four Gables Press, WA.)These items are significant as a record of the occurrence of a plant species at a particular place and time and are a useful research resource. They are associated with the Cameron family, early Orbost settlers. Two albums of pressed flowers. 765.1 has a red cover with gold trim and printing. 765.2 has a blue cover. 765.1 - "Collected at Cann River 1874-98 by Annie Cameron " 765.2 - "Collected we believe by Robert P. Cameron in 1890's"botany australian-plants-flowers cameron-robert-pullar cameron-annie

A letter is a book in which letters or copies of letters are kept especially to provide a running account of a business or enterprise. This one was probably used by H. James & Co. with some letters written by Alan Richardson. Henry James (1860-1932) was an agent and auctioneer. Record secretary of the Snowy River Shipping company. Shire councillor. Foundation member of Butter Factory. This iotem is an example of very early book-keeping in Orbost and is probably associated with Henry James who was a prominent Orbost identity very much involved in the local community.A correspondence book with a blue suede fabric cover and brown binding. It has a red label on the spine. the end papers are marbled. It contains handwritten copies of correspondence.on spine - Letter Bookbook-keeping correspondence-book h.james-&-co richardson-alan

796.1 - Crown Land Sale by auction in the township of Mallacoota on Wednesday January 1920 at 2pm. 796.2 - Snowy River farms , 630 acres of river flat land at Orbost on Wednesday April 28, 1909 at 2.30pm. 796.3 - Famous Orbost Flats - "Important Sale of Snowy River Land" , 900 acres subdivided into 13 choice farms on Wednesday 1st December 1920 at 2.30pm. 796.4 - "Second Great Sale in James' Subdivision", adjoining town of Orbost on 16th May, 1919 at 2pm. 796.5 - "Subdivisional Sale Brooklands Estate", 5 rich Snowy River farms on Wednesday 23rd February at 2.30 at Orbost on account of James Hossack Esq. 796.6 - "Subdivisional sale of Splendid Residence Sites and Handy Small Paddocks" adjoining the progressive town of Orbost on 5th March 1915 at 11am at the rooms of H.James & Co. 796.7 - This is a contract drawing on waxed paper. Crossing near Harbecks Cunninghame Signed and traced N. Anderson 17/11/00. 796.8 - A plan and specification on waxed paper. Shire of Orbost Cunninghame Road - signed by the shire engineer. 796.9 - This is a hand drawn map of Orbost Cunninghame Road, November 1896. 796.10 - This is a hand drawn cross-section of a culvert on the Orbost Cunninghame Road. 796.11 - This is a plan of a culvert on Tabbara Road, 13th January 1899 796.12 - This is a poster for an "Important Subdivisional Sale' for land near Orbost Bridge, on Wednesday 16th March 1921 at the rooms of H. James & Co. These documents are an important part of Orbost history in that they show how the town and surrounding areas were subdivided for farming and residential settlement.A set of twelve maps, plans and land sale posters .orbost-land-1900s maps posters h.james

In 1912 the school at Pumpkin Point opened to serve the children of farmers living in the Bete Bolong district. This meant a big change in their way of life because in the past the children had been rowed across the Snowy River each day to attend school at Jarrahmond. Myrtle Bunting was the first HT of the school which had been erected on a block of land purchased from H. Richardson. The school functioned until 1952 when a shortage of pupils caused its closure. As a bus service to Orbost now operated, the school at Pumpkin Point faced permanent closure. J. McKeown bought the building. Students attending the school at this time included Russells, Johnstones, Reeves, Healeys, Kavanaghs, Phillips, Rodwells, Mills, Baileys, Gilberts and Masons. Mr. Oswald S. Green taught at Bete Bolong State School until he was appointed to Rokewood Junction in August 1937.This item is associated with the history of education in the Orbost district. There is no longer a school at Bete Bolong.A small black / white photograph of students sitting in a classroom.on back - "Bete Bolong School, 1937. O.S. Green was H.T."bete-bolong-school pumpkin-point green-o.s.

In 1912 the school at Pumpkin Point opened to serve the children of farmers living in the Bete Bolong district. This meant a big change in their way of life because in the past the children had been rowed across the Snowy River each day to attend school at Jarrahmond. Myrtle Bunting was the first HT of the school which had been erected on a block of land purchased from H. Richardson. The school functioned until 1952 when a shortage of pupils caused its closure. As a bus service to Orbost now operated, the school at Pumpkin Point faced permanent closure. J. McKeown bought the building. Students attending the school at this time included Russells, Johnstones, Reeves, Healeys, Kavanaghs, Phillips, Rodwells, Mills, Baileys, Gilberts and Masons. Mr. Oswald S. Green taught at Bete Bolong State School until he was appointed to Rokewood Junction in August 1937. This photograph is associated with the history of education in the Orbost district. There is no longer a school at Bete Bolong.A small black / white photograph of students and teachers standing outside a school.on back - " Bete Bolong School , 1937"bete-bolong-state-school education-orbost

In 1912 the school at Pumpkin Point opened to serve the children of farmers living in the Bete Bolong district. This meant a big change in their way of life because in the past the children had been rowed across the Snowy River each day to attend school at Jarrahmond. Myrtle Bunting was the first HT of the school which had been erected on a block of land purchased from H. Richardson. The school functioned until 1952 when a shortage of pupils caused its closure. As a bus service to Orbost now operated, the school at Pumpkin Point faced permanent closure. J. McKeown bought the building. Students attending the school at this time included Russells, Johnstones, Reeves, Healeys, Kavanaghs, Phillips, Rodwells, Mills, Baileys, Gilberts and Masons.These photographs are associated with the history of education in the Orbost district. There is no longer a school at Bete Bolong.Two small photographs of students standing at the doorway of a school building.photograph-bete-bolong-school eductation-orbost

In 1912 the school at Pumpkin Point opened to serve the children of farmers living in the Bete Bolong district. This meant a big change in their way of life because in the past the children had been rowed across the Snowy River each day to attend school at Jarrahmond. Myrtle Bunting was the first HT of the school which had been erected on a block of land purchased from H. Richardson. The school functioned until 1952 when a shortage of pupils caused its closure. As a bus service to Orbost now operated, the school at Pumpkin Point faced permanent closure. J. McKeown bought the building.This item is associated with the history of education in the Orbost districtA small black / white photograph of students from the Bete Bolong State School at the District Sports.on back - S.S. Bete Bolongeducation-orbost bete-bolong-state-school

In 1912 the school at Pumpkin Point opened to serve the children of farmers living in the Bete Bolong district. This meant a big change in their way of life because in the past the children had been rowed across the Snowy River each day to attend school at Jarrahmond. Myrtle Bunting was the first HT of the school which had been erected on a block of land purchased from H. Richardson. The school functioned until 1952 when a shortage of pupils caused its closure. As a bus service to Orbost now operated, the school at Pumpkin Point faced permanent closure. J. McKeown bought the building. Students attending the school at this time included Russells, Johnstones, Reeves, Healeys, Kavanaghs, Phillips, Rodwells, Mills, Baileys, Gilberts and Masons.This item is associated with the history of education in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of two Bete Bolong State School pupils - girls - standing against a large tree trunk with a scarecrow between them.on back - handwritten " Hilda Russell & Elsie Morrison on Guy Gawkes at Bete Bolong"education-orbost bete-bolong

Grace Cameron was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. She was the sister of Annie (later Mrs John Gilbert) who was the first white girl born in Orbost.This item is aesthetically significant and shows the skill and craftmanship of the women of the early settler families.Large oblong oil painting on green painted tin with the top and bottom rolled for decoration. Painting of three single petalled pink roses in full bloom with two small buds.tin painting cameron-grace art

Owned by Alexander Cameron who arrived in Australia in 1853. Alexander Cameron ("Big Alex") was an early settler on the Snowy River flats. he worked the paddle steamer Cheviot for a while, having a wharf and sheds on the Snowy River in 1900. Later moved to Cann River.This item is an example of a handcrafted religious ornament of the late 19th-early 20th century.Handmade, round, religious text ornament of celluloid and cardboard with silver writing.Front - "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?"ornament handmade religious

Brought from Skye, Scotland, in 1850's by Malcolm McLeod, an early Orbost pioneer, and donated by his granddaughter, Margaret McLeod. The tapestry was worked by Miss Grace Cameron. This was possibly a repair job done when acquired by the donor. Grace Cameron was the daughter of John Cameron who selected the first land on the Snowy River flats. The McLeods and Camerons were early Orbost pioneers. This chair has aesthetic significance and reflects the needlework skill of Grace Cameron.Wooden rocking chair with chair cane It has a tapestry back with a floral design. Wire has been placed around the legs for support.chair rocking-chair mcleod-malcolm cameron-grace tapestry

Editor's chair. Used by Mr Billy Ross, proprietor of "Snowy River Mail". Donated by Mr George Hollins, later proprietor of "Snowy River Mail". William Ross (1868-1957) was editor of S.R.M. for many years. He was also a talented musician, Presbyterian church organist. Married Jessie Gray. Brought up Jean,Les, Dave, Keith Gray.Since 1890 the Snowy River Mail has been the local newspaper of the Orbost district.This local paper has been the means by which readers in Orbost were able to learn about newsworthy events and issues in their local community for over a centuryLarge round carved wood and leather arm chair on metal swivel. Wooden leg supports. Padded seat - probably horsehair. Spring suspension.On back of head rest - cut out 3.chair chair-wooden billy-ross snowy-river-mail

Share certificate issued by New Gippsland Boulder Mine - operating at Errinundra and receipt for Herbert, Eric W. Receipt is for amount of four pounds - signed by Bird, W. Prospectus was printed in 1934 at office of Snowy River Mail - 4 page booklet. Gold, copper and silver were the target minerals.The crusher from the Boulder Mine is now at the Slab Hut in Orbost. The first Gippsland Boulder Co.,was at Boulder Creek – 13 miles north of Club Terrace, within 2 miles of Errinundra River. The company registered in January 1898 and commenced crushing in September with a 10-head battery. In the first nine months’ yields totalled 1,418 oz from 972 tons.There was a tramway between the mine workings and the battery.The crusher from the Boulder Mine is now at the Slab Hut in Orbost. This document is a reference for gold mining and exploration in the Far East Gippsland area. The Herbert family has reside in Orbost since the late 19th century.Copy of New Gippsland Boulder Mine share certificate and receipt. Framed in small black wooden frame.certificate-share-new-gippsland-boulder-mine mineralogy mining boulder-creek

Henry James (1860-1932) was an agent and auctioneer. Record secretary of the Snowy River Shipping company. Shire councillor. Foundation member of Butter Factory.Henry James was a prominent Orbost identity who was very much involved in the local community.Invitation to James, H. (Mr) to the opening of Federal Parliament by the Prime Minister Edmund Bartonon 9 May 1901. Framed in wood, white paper with print of the young queen on a horse holding court. Colour invitations shows a young woman with armour and sword dismounting from a white horse in front of an older woman who has a crown in front of her. Several other women look on. The room is hung with heraldic bunting and shields, including one of the Union Jack and one showing the Southern Cross. The older woman is dressed as Britannia, and her shield and trident are at rest beside her.Printed: His Majesty's Ministers of State for the Commonwealth of Australia/ request the honour of the presence of... / in the Exhibition Building, Melbourne, on Thursday, 9th May, to witness/ the Opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth./ Edmund Barton/ Prime Minister invitation 1901 parliament james-harry federation snowy-river-shipping-company

Gold nugget was found by the father of Lynch, Ray (Mr.) who was Mat Lynch. Nugget was found at McKenzie River in 1890.Matthew Lynch (1861-1939) was a snagger. Selected land at Brodribb. Gold prospector.This item, as well as having an aesthetic significance, is representative of the gold mining activities in East Gippsland.Handmade metallic tie pin with small gold nugget on top.tiepin costume accessories gold-nugget lynch-matthew

Made as wedding present for Cameron, John (Mrs) in 1880 at Lakes Entrance. John Cameron (1847-1930) selected first land on Snowy River flats. Married Elizabeth Roadknight (1863-1939) who was born in Cunninghame (now Lakes Entrance).This item is associated with the Cameron family who were early Orbost settlers.Large handmade woven Aboriginal basket.basket household basket-woven aboriginal lakes-entrance cameron-john

These items are from the Temple estate. George Temple (1832-1916) started Temple's store opposite Orbost Post Office. Packed stores to Bendoc area gold fields, also had a store in Cann River. This item is an example of a popular piece of jewelry worn by women in the early 20th century. These brooches were sold in a local store and could have been purchased for a local funeral.Black, bakelite brooch - three small sections form centre of brooch, one is a hexagonal cone-shape with hexagonal dome attached by link to smaller circular polygon attached by link to a smaller flat pentagon. Black mesh in the shape of wings form the backing featuring eight bakelite stars of varying sizes (two smaller stars missing from the assembly). A metal pin is attached to the rear in the form of a clasp.1900s jewellery, bakelite, mourning brooch, george temple, orbost store

Studs used by Mrs Jean Snow, daughter of John Cameron who in 1875 selected the first lan on the Snowy River flats.Block with 13 asorted studs used with clothing. Glued to block with putty.studs costume-accessories haberdashery

The Tabbara Sawmill was located at Brodribb River, at the lower Snowy River estuary. In the early 1900’s bow saws and broad axes were used to selectively log the forest. Ox driven carts pulled the logs to the Snowy River; the logs were floated downstream to the steam powered mill. The PS Curlip steamboat, transported the timber to growing townships, for schools, houses and farms. The mill closed in 1903. Knife and fork with steel blades and bone handles..Knife - Joseph Rodgers & Son Cuttlers to her Majestyknife fork cutlery domestic-item rodgers-joseph

This item is an early souvenir of the local district.Small white plate with black rim. Black and white illustration of the bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost.Back - Made in Orbost. Front - The Bridge Over The Snowy River At Orbost, Vic.plate souvenir snowy-river orbost

Ina Cameron was the daughter of Alex Cameron and Helen nee Stirling. They lived for a time at Metung and then at Cann River. She was the grand-daughter of the Hon. James Cameron. She married Jack Campbell.Small ink illustration of flowers (blossoms) with foliage on pink background. There is a box showing name and date. The picture is in a plastic gold and cream frame with scalloped edges and has a stand on the back.Front - Ina Cameron, Cann River, 1910illustration cameron, ina cann-river

They are both pieces of ribbon used for the opening of the snowy River Bridge on July 4 1922. The ribbon was made to represent the red, white and blue of the British flag. This was the second bridge over the Snowy River. The first bridge was officially opened in August, 1893 (ref. S.R.M. 12.8.1893) by Mrs W. Watt, the mother of Councillor Watt, who presided over the opening of the 1922 bridge. This bridge was extensively damaged when a herd of cattle allegedly stampeded over it causing the cable to snap. Even after repairs it became obvious that a new bridge was needed. This second bridge, was built by the Victorian Railways and the Country Roads Board. Constructed at a cost of 35,000 pounds and used second-hand girders from the Flinders Street- Spencer Street viaduct. On July 4 1922 it was officially opened by Mrs James Cameron. Unfortunately, her husband, who had long championed the building of the bridge so that it would be ready for the railway to continue to the border, was too ill to attend the ceremony. In fact, James Cameron died on July 13 after a long and severe illness (ref. S.R.M. 20.7.1922). Souvenirs kept by enthusiastic spectators like this have helped to preserve the history of an important Orbost event.Two pieces of ribbon in British flag pattern of red, white and blue. These have been pinned onto card with a handwritten description of their history.snowy-river cameron souvenir

The Man from Snowy River" is a poem by Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. It was first published in The Bulletin, an Australian news magazine, on 26th April 1890. The poem tells the story of a horseback pursuit to recapture the colt of a prizewinning racehorse that escaped from its paddock and is living wild with the brumbies (wild horses) of the mountain ranges. Eventually the brumbies descend a seemingly impassably steep slope, at which point the assembled riders give up the pursuit, except the young hero, who spurs his pony down the "terrible descent" to catch the mob.Two characters mentioned in the early part of the poem are featured in previous Paterson poems; "Clancy of the Overflow" and Harrison from "Old Pardon, Son of Reprieve".The town of Orbost is situated on the Snowy River and the town has always been "the heart of Snowy River country".A first day cover for "The Man From Snowy River" stamps. There is a picture of a saddle in the top left-hand corner. There is a strip 5 stamps on the envelope and it has been stamped at Orbost Post Office. This strip has 5 scenes based on the Banjo Patterson legendary poem by the same name. The stamps include: At The Station, Mountain Bend, The Terrible Descent, At Their Heels and Brought Them Back.first-day-cover man-from-snowy-river stamps philately

This was presented to Mr A.D. Munro by the residents of Orbost on his retirement as postmaster in 1888. In 1883 the mail terminus was at Newmerella. In July 1883 it was extended to the north side of the river and Archie Munroe became Acting Post Master. He was Post Master until 1885 when the telegraph line came to Orbost.Archie Munro was a well-known Orbost identity who first operated a boot shop in Cameron's barn. He was also active in the promotion of the first brass band in Orbost. He was the son of Hector Munro.A large brown leather portable writing desk. It has a brass handle on the top. Inside are copies of some Munro family documents in a document folder.On a brass plate-Presented to Mr A.B. Munro by the RESIDENTS OF ORBOST on his retirement as Post Master. A.D. 1888munro-archie writing-desk post-office

This was used by the father of Massey Coote on his visits to the mines at Bemm River. Robert Massey Coote was the second storekeeper in Orbost - a partner of Lancelot Herbert.Very small magnifying glass in the shape of a hammer. It has concave glass at both ends and comes in a small brown wooden hinged box. A small piece of sheet glass is included.magnifying-glass optical-instrument coote-massey

Owned by the Mundy family of Orbost district. The Mundy family were farmers / settlers in the Snowy River area since c. 1880s. The original Mundy family moved to a land "selection" at Betebolong in the early 1880's from Buchan. Mundy familyA roughing plane made of wood with a small blade, held together with metal bolts. Also called a grooving plough plane.WHM is stamped into the wood (WJM?)grooving-plane roughing-plane woodworking-tool

Used on the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line which closed in 1987. 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.A stamp holder made of aluminium into which numbers and possibly letters can be inserted. Also a square shallow wooden box containing numbers which are used with the stamp. The numbers appear to be made of rubber.possibly V G R railway-history orbost-bairnsdale-railway

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

Used by Victorian Railways at stations on the Orbost-Bairnsdale line. 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.A thick, hexagonal shaped pencil made of wood, painted dark blue, containing blue graphite marker.VICTORIA RAILWAYS written in gold lettering Emperor, Made in Australia railway-history victorian-railways orbost-bairnsdale-railway