The cattlemen's huts on the High Plains were used as shelter during the herding of the cattle on the Bogong High Plains during summer. Wallace's Hut is the oldest cattleman's hut and was owned by the Wallace family.This long handled spade was used by the 3 Wallace Brothers to dig 6 post holes for the posts of Wallace's Hut in 1889. On the 6th hole they struck rock 6 inches down but they persevered and succeeded in chipping away the rock to the required depth of 3 feet. This is the post in the south east corner.This long handled spade was made in Birmingham and was used by the 3 Wallace Brothers to dig 6 postholes for Wallace's Hut on the bogong high Plains in 1889.Birmingham 3 Cast Steel 234bogong high plains. wallace's hut. cattlemen's huts. tool.

The Melbourne Women's Walking Club enjoyed bush walking as a hobby travelling to the north east of Victoria, using pack horses and camping on a 9 day hike. One of the woman, 'Bill' describes each day in detail - what they did, where they went and what they saw giving an insight into walking and the Bogong High Plains in the mid 1930's before the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme opened up the area. The diary mentions a photo being taken by Mr Blackwell on the 9th day, New Year's Eve 'from a lovely bush track from which, looking back at intervals we got our final glimpse of Fainter. 5 miles from from our destination'.Historic: This extract from the diary of 'Bill', a member of the Melbourne Women's Walking Club gives an insight into walking in the mid 1930's and describes the Bogong High Plains as it was then before it was opened up with a road built during the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. It describes the area in summer including the flora & fauna, cattle grazing & cattlemen, the huts, the gauges set up by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, the people working up there, the weather and the lifestyle of the walking group - their food, duties, swimming etc.. Six double sided typed photocopied yellow pages describing the Melbourne Women's Walking Club trip to the Bogong High Plains at Christmas in 1934. Also one page photocopied of the programme for Year 1934-35 with an arrow pointing to the above trip and a page with a photocopied sepia photo of the "Melbourne Women's Walking Club / Bogong High Plains / Dec. 1934. DVD 12 photos of the trip arrow showing trip from Programme. Title of photo "Melbourne Women's Walking Club / Bogong High Plains / Dec. 1934melbourne women's walking club. bogong high plains. camping. pack horses. cattlemen's huts.

The arrival of explorers Hume & Hovell in 1842 brought about the widespread clearing of land in the valleys for pastoral uses and the displacement the original inhabitants in the high country which became a boon for cattlemen due to extensive lush summer grazing for cattle. High country cattlemen built a variety of huts for shelter and storage, when driving cattle up to the plains in summer, during mustering and bringing the cattle down from the mountains before winter closed in. These same huts now provide shelter from the elements for hikers, bush walkers and skiers. Wallace’s Hut is the oldest of the Cattleman’s huts still standing in the Alpine National Park and is classified under the National Trust. Due to their age and the ravages of the elements, including bush fires, many of the huts have been destroyed, or are falling into disrepair. Groups of willing volunteers are now working to preserve as many of the huts as possible with restoration or rebuilding.The numerous cattleman’s huts of the Alpine National Park and the colourful characters who erected them represent a significant part of the history of the high country area and early cattle grazing, which has been the theme for many poets and film-makers alike. They also have a significant role in the early days of the SECV when they were used by surveyors and other workers for shelter and temporary accommodation. More recently the huts have functioned as shelter for hikers and skiers caught out in the elements and a refuge along the long trek for bush walkers. They are a popular attraction for tourists and feature prominently in much of the tourist information of the region. Black and white double page Newspaper article from the Herald Sun Newspaper of February 18, 2006 regarding the efforts of Mr David Oldfield to preserve Victoria’s remaining High Country Huts through his photography and efforts to restore old and Re-build missing ones. Article shows a photograph of David Oldfield and some of his photographic work of the huts. Page number and date printed at top of each page 30 Herald Sun, Saturday, February 18, 2006 Herald Sun, Saturday, February 18, 2006 83 cattlemen's huts; david oldfield; bogong high plains; wallace's hut; high country; alpine national park

These posters were produced for a display during the Mt Beauty Music Festival in 1998. They cover the history of the Kiewa Valley from the early days, farming and the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. These posters summarise the history of the Kiewa Valley and were compiled using memories, publications and documents. The posters are clear and useful for display.Large glossy cardboard posters: Mostly blue and white with photos and writing of the history of different aspects of the Kiewa Valley 1. Bogong School 2. Bogong Village 3. Mt Beauty 4. Tawonga 5. The Early Years 6. Kiewa Hydro Story 7. The Kiewa Valley Runs 8 & 9. Cattlemen & Huts of High Plains. Created for display with sources sighted. See KVHS 0956 bogong state school. bogong village. state electricity commission of victoria. tawonga. surveyors. mt beauty. camps. kiewa hydro electric scheme. kiewa valley.

Wallace's Hut is the oldest surviving cattlemen's hut on the High Plains, built in 1889 by the three Wallace brothers - Arthur, William and Stewart. Their father David bought land at Kergunyah as well as grazing land on the banks of the Kiewa River, North East Victoria. Once the boys were old enough, the family followed the local squatters’ custom of taking their cattle up to the mountains for the spring and summer to fatten the mob, at the same time resting their home pastures. They decided to build a hut where they could shelter from the extreme mountain weather. The timber was cut from the forest about four hundred metres east of the hut, and the hearth stone was dragged in from Pretty Valley. The chimney had a base of rubble and above this iron sheeting on a timber frame. The slab walls were lined with hessian and later with tar-paper, and inside there was a bush table, sleeping platform and a rustic fire-side settle. The hut nestled among snow gums sheltered by a rocky outcrop. The names of the Wallace brothers were burnt into the tie-beams of the roof and at the back of the mantelpiece. The Wallace family’s lease expired in the late 1930s and the hut was bought by the State Electricity Commission to house staff on the High Plains and it became the first home of Toni and Skippy St. Elmo. The SEC covered the old shingles with iron, and later on the walls and chimney as well, and they added a lean-to. Wallace’s Hut is now owned by the Crown and maintained by Parks Victoria. It is on the Historic Buildings Register and is classified by the National Trust.This image is significant because it depicts an important heritage-listed structure and refuge for cattlemen and other travellers in Victoria's High Country.A black and white photograph of a skier outside of Wallace's Hut. Several sets of skis and poles are standing around and other skiers are in the background.wallace's hut, toni and skippy st. elmo, high country huts

The Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park opened in 2013 with 40 kilometres of trails in the Victorian Alpine National Park. Designed and built by World Trail, the bike trails provide access to beautiful alpine terrain. The rides now extend over more than 50 kilometres, catering for a range of abilities and providing activities in the summer season. All trails start and finish in the resort. The high-altitude trails of Falls Creek include a range of wide gravel roads to winding single trails. The graded trails include rides to the Rocky Valley Lake, historic cattlemen’s huts such as Cope Hut and Wallaces Hut, the top of Mt McKay, Pretty Valley Lake and for the experts the ride to Mt Nelse and the Spion Kopje summit. MTB Bike Patrol Top To ensure rider safety, Falls Creek Resort introduced a Bike Patrol service during shuttle operating hours. Many Ski Patrol members transitioned into these roles, offering riders peace of mind that medical care was available quickly if needed. The program highlighted the resort's commitment to duty of care and to growing mountain biking responsibly. This shirt was designed by Australian Company Dharco as a highly visible uniform for crew at the Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park. Jo Prothero, Director of Marketing for Falls Creek Resort Management from 2012 to 2019, generously donated two mountain bike jerseys that capture a pivotal era in the resort's history. During Jo's tenure, the resort made significant investments in mountain bike trails, aiming to activate the village during the summer months and support local businesses. This development included appointing Blue Dirt as the resort's first shuttle operator, transporting riders from Howman's Gap to the Summit.This shirt is significant as it is representative of the Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park development.A uni-sex style shirt designed to be worn by mountain bike crews in Falls Creek, Victoria. It has multi-coloured panels of black, orange, yellow and grey. It features an image of a mountain biker descending a slope on the front along with the manufacturer's name. Sponsors' logos also feature across the lower backOn front: PARK CREW/ DHARCO On back: Falls Creek Mountain Bike Park On both sleeves: PARK CREWfalls creek mountain bike park, falls creek staff uniform

Paperback book. The cover photograph shows snow plains, wildflowers, cattle, cattlemen and the mountain scenery across the Howqua Valley in Victoria.non-fictionA book that records the early development of Victoria's alpine regions by the pioneer cattlemen.cattle, victoria, beeding, history, hill farming, mountain life, cattlemen

"The Association was officially launched in November 1967 with the aim of preserving and maintaining good relations and understanding within the cattle industry and between that industry and all bodies and organisations with which the industry is associated in the spheres of Government, and land use and marketing." (ref Mountain Cattlemen's Association web-site) Since 1972, the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria, have produced a journal, “The Voice of the Mountains”. This journal commemorates the activities and history of the previous twelve months and bygone years of cattlemen and their families. This item was used in the library of Orbost Secondary College.The journals form a part of Victoria’s history and are a useful research tool.A 48 pp book covered in clear contact. It has a pale green cover with a picture of a hut and a lyre bird. It is titled :"Voice of the Mountains, Journal of the Mountain District Cattlemen's Association of Victoria, October 1979 No 5" and is priced at $2.00.journal-voice-of--the-mountains cattle-industry cattlemen-history

This is a pictorial history of the Crooked River district.This is a useful reference tool on the history of gold mining in the Dargo area.A thin 56 pp paperback book titled,"Dargo Crooked River a Pictorial History". On the yellow front cover is a sepia photograph of a man standing outside a rough wooden hut. The title and author are printed in black text over this. The book contains Black / white photographs and the history of Dargo and Crooked River. The information is divided int decades. Inside there is a newspaper cutting of Victorian cattlemen on Junction Plain near Omeo.dargo-crooked-river gold-mining east-gippsland-history

This portable 'dunny' toilet may have been taken on camping trips possibly to the Bogong High Plains where this type of facility didn't exist.Cattlemen grazed their cattle on the Bogong High Plains during summer. They stayed in huts which had basic amenities such as a fireplace, tree stumps for seats and an area set aside for a bed. A separate area was used to stock firewood and the hut was located near a stream. Toilet amenities were most often in the bush.Dirty dented hollow tin cylinder with open ends top and bottom. It has a curved seat attached to the cylinder and a cover attached to the seat by a hinge at the back. It is hand made with basic fittings and is light to lift.Top of lid: "Guaranteed not / to use too much / water / Lifetime guarantee / on all parts / Bush Plumbing Co. camping. camping equipment. portable toilet. cattlemen. bogong high plains.

Canvas stretchers were portable and easily carried by pack horses. They were more luxurious than a hard wooden bed or the ground. Canvas was the best material to use at the time. This canvas stretcher may have been used on camping trips or by the cattlemen when visiting their huts on the Bogong High Plains.Used as a stretcher or camp bed and is very heavy. It is made of wood and 4 pieces of canvas sewn together. It has sides of elongated cubed wood with 4 handle extensions which are also cubed wood partly carved out near their ends for a more comfortable grip. The top has canvas attached to the wooden sides. The bottom has wood attached including the handles and a piece in the middle. Also attached are 4 steel rollers. A nail sticks out and stops the handles from going any further than the rollers. 4 metal strips are also attached for guidance of the sliding handles. 2 metal flat rods are attached to the sides at each end and joined in the middle by hinged nail enabling movement creating a metal strip at right angles to the length of the stretcher. The metal handles are attached here too. stretcher. bogong high plains. camping. sleeping.

The Ryder and Edmondson families lived in the Kiewa Valley and had grazing licenses and huts on the Bogong High Plains.Pioneer families of the Kiewa Valley and Cattlemen of the Bogong High Plains.Plastic red folder with transparent front held by 2 gold metal slide clips. 16 clear plastic sheets holding 17 pages of photocopied print and pictures, 1 family tree, 1 photocopied photo, 1 birth document, 1 printed page, 3 photocopied letters and 7 printed pages. ryder family; edmondson family; kiewa valley

Leo Wimmer who lived locally was commissioned to do the painting for the Mt Beauty, S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd., Supermarket as a display was wanted to fit against the blank walls opposite the cash registers (where the liquor store is now). His idea was to break up the parts in the painting and use these as large replicas painted on wood for the display. An official opening was held and Leo used the money earned to visit his homeland, Austria. Leo trained as a restorer of church art in Austria.This painting was commissioned for a Cattlemen's display behind the cash registers at the Mt Beauty S. K. Pearce Supermarket. Each part of the foreground was painted separately onto stand alone boards -the cattle, the hut, the grass and the Mt Beauty township. Leo Wimmer lived locally and was a professional frame conservator. Leo Wimmer specialised in gilding and worked at the National Gallery of Victoria and later the National Gallery of Australia (NGA Nov. 1981 - 1990) where he was responsible for conservation of gilded frames in the national collection. This involved crafting of missing pieces on period frames, conservation/restoration of gilded surfaces, crafting of period frames, and lecturing at galleries and institutions on gilding, wood carving, Australian frame history and crafting of period frames. Framed painting of Mt Bogong with cattle, Mt Beauty township and cattleman's hut in foreground.Circular watermark (illegible) on bottom right corner. "Wimmer / 1" is underneath the watermark.cattlemen; bogong high plains; s.k.pearce; mt beauty supermarket; leo wimmer;

Farmers from the Kiewa Valley drove their cattle up to the Bogong High Plains during summer. Each family had a lease and a hut to stay in. Pack horses were used to carry food and other necessary items for the men while they were away.The Ryder family farmed in the Kiewa Valley and had a grazing lease and hut on the Bogong High Plains where they droe their cattle during summer. Black and white photo with 2 men on horses each followed by two packhorses. Wally Ryder is on the horseman on the right. January 1947. This photo is published on page 114 of 'A History of the Kiewa Valley' by Esther Temple and David Lloyd.On back 'Pack horses leaving Mt Beauty / January 1947 / Suspect Wally Ryder on right.'wally ryder, cattlemen, packhorses

Roper's Hut belonged to the Roper family who brought their cattle up onto the Bogong High Plains during summer. Their hut was visited and used by skiers and walkers. The log books kept a record of their visits over the years.The log books gave an insight into the activities of visitors, the weather, the frequency, etc. The case was a safe place for storage of these books.Light brown vinyl case with zip fastener around three sides and partly at the back on each side. There is a separate pocket at the top with a zip fastener. There is a flap to fasten the case across the centre top and a leather handle. The zip around the case has a silver fastener with a small key hole.The inside is mostly black and has two vinyl straps that fasten to hold the contents in place and there is an open pocket inside.roper's hut case, roper's hut log book, cattlemen's hut

Cattlemen from the Kiewa Valley had huts up on the High Plains. Each Summer they would take their cattle up to the High Plains for grazing.Coloured photo of a Cattleman riding along a bush track and followed by a packhorse. cattlemen, pack horses

This "camp fire" hot plate has been used from the early 1900's on camp drafts /droving cattle onto and from the Victorian high plains. The size of "camp" kitchens would depend on the amount of "cattle" men required to collect and move the "herd" to and from the "lush" high plains.This "camp fire" hot plate is significant because it was donated by a member of the Roper family (the Roper's of the Kiewa Valley) a "pioneer" family. This particular camp fire hot plate originated in Tasmania however the Victorian Alps are very similar to the Tasmanian mountain regions and this type of cooking utensil was, and still is, used in isolated regions e.g. large cattle properties in the Northern Territory. This Camp Fire hot plate was used on the High Plains at the Roper Hut for approximately 35 years.This open fire hot plate is made from caste iron. It has a circular flat (cooking) base, ideal for a few thick pieces of prime steak, a high semi circular handle with a large circular carry ring, to apply a thick stick or rod through it as an insulated handle (to position the hot plate where required over a fire). The "handle" can be folded down to save space when packing it in the saddle bags. The handle has a strong metal rivet on each end (is loose enough to allow it to be moved to either side e.g. flattened). One end, of the handle, has a movable sleeve to fasten the the handle in an upright positioncamp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen, cattlemen

This pair of "adjustable" boots came from the 1950's era in which the majority of footwear was either locally manufactured or imported from England or Europe. Quality hard wearing leather was a rural necessity especially for the cattle mustering activity in the Kiewa Valley and the Bogong High Plains region. The late 1900's provided a cheaper made riding boot from Asia, however many rural based riders still prefer an Australian made boot. The better quality (stronger stitching) of Australian boots is the main considerations of "stock horse riders". In 1947 a scientific research project started to provide an impact analysis of any damage to alpine vegetation by cattle grazing in the Alpine regions incorporating the Bogong High Plains area. This monitoring is the longest running ecological study ever undertaken in Australia. From this study, compelling evidence was presented to the Victorian Government to cease cattle grazing in the Alpine regions including the Bogong High Plains. All grazing was banned by the Victorian Government in 2005. Recreational horse riding within the Bogong High Plains is still permitted.These pair of women's riding boots are very significant to the Kiewa Valley as the boots were worn by one of the descendants of a pioneer family living and operating a cattle station before the SEC Hydro Electricity Scheme opened up the semi remote rural location in the 1950's. These boots were worn during the annual six weeks (approx.) mustering of cattle in the Bogong High Plains location (Victorian Alps region). The owner of these boots was Clare Roper, part of the Roper Family who built a "lodging" hut on the "High Plains" for accommodating riders during the periods (up to six weeks) when controlling grazing cattle during the summer muster seasons. It was unusual for women in the early to mid 1900's to go up on the High Plains to join the muster, which Clare Roper often did. These boots have high historical significance and good interpretive capacity.These brown "knee high" lady riding boots, are fastened by long "boot" laces which go from the base of the "fastening" position to a boot height of 22 cm. At the top end of the boot is a leather flap which crosses the front section of the boot and is fastened to the outside leg region by two straps. These provide the wearer with an adjustable tie. The boot has a "tongue" of 22 mm long. The boot has six pairs of metal boot lace "hooks" and eight pairs of boot lace "eyelets".ladies riding boots. cattle mustering footwear. rural footwear. cattlemen. bogong high plains. roper family. horses.

This type of cast iron kettle was used by pioneer families, mainly rural in the early 1900's upon open fires (log). It covered rural activities that needed a constant readily available source of boiling water, in or mainly outside the kitchen of homesteads. This kettle was used in the early to late 1900's for the refreshment of stock men and farmers that had irregular "tea" breaks under sometimes hard and gruelling conditions.This kettle belonged to and was used by a Kiewa Valley, pioneer family, the Roper Family. This kettle was moved from their Kiewa Valley property to their hut built on the Bogong High Plains. The Bogong High Plains area provided Kiewa Valley cattlemen a good supply of fodder to supplement their Kiewa Valley grazing areas. This "camp draft" activity , in the high plains, could take up to six weeks.This large cast iron modified camp pot (cauldron) has a long tap connection located at the bottom end. The "tap" is made from brass and has a simple elongated "bar" control swivel at the end to control the water flow. The tap suggests that only water was heated (to a constant boil) for the replenishment of cattlemen's, or other horse rider's, tea or coffee mugs. Refreshments at a "temporary" location on the Bogong High Plains. There was a "log" hut built by the Roper family as temporary accommodation for cattlemen and other family members.Ot the flat bottom "FIRST QUALITY 2 GALLONS"camp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen

Cattlemen used cooking pots when on the High Plains.Used by the Cattlemen on the Bogong High Plains at Roper's Hut.This cast iron lid fits the cast iron pot. It has a handle (cast iron) on top. The lid is domed. The outer 1 cm edge is flat. Inside this edge the lid dips 2 cms before rising into the dome.Albion / No. 15 / Maryboroughbogong high plains. cattlemen. camp oven. cooking. roper's hut.

Wallace's hut was built in 1889 and is probably the oldest surviving hut on the high plains of north-east Victoria. It was built in six weeks by Irish immigrant brothers Arthur, William and Stewart Wallace among old snow gums on a grassy plain above the snowline. The brothers held grazing leases on the High Plains and the hut was built to provide shelter for the cattlemen working there. It is probably the oldest hut on the Victorian high plains. It is part of the early history of hydroelectricity in the state and has links with early SEC meteorological data recording in the area Apart from its historical significance, Wallace’s Hut is a popular stop for tourists and photographers and is the starting point for the Wallace’s Heritage trail, which is a popular and well used hiking track, by locals and visitors alike.2 black and white photographs mounted on buff card. Photos taken during a bus trip to Wallace's Hut on Feb. 20, 1970 1. Group of local Kiewa Valley residents on a bus tour to Wallace's hut 2. Group of adults and children pictured outside Wallace's hut1. Handwritten in black ink on bottom of photo 'Wallace's Hut, Bogong High Plains, 20 Feb, 1970 2. No markingswallace's hut, bogong high plains, bush walking, cattlemen

In the mid to late 1930’s survey outposts were established to plot the early stages of the Kiewa Hydro Electric System for the SECV in the Bogong High Plains. Before any roads were built, the old cattleman’s tracks were used with packhorses to deliver supplies, wages and mail and collect timesheets and correspondence from the workmen and dam builders living in canvas tents and at the outlying survey posts. The trip up the mountain was long and hard and dangerous for both horse and man Most of the men of the survey teams were not bush-men and were often ill equipped for the harsh weather and living conditions of bush camping, often arriving in their city clothes ready for work. The tent city at Bogong was destroyed by bush fires in 1939 after which an access road was built from Mt Beauty to transport building materials for more permanent dwellings for workmen. Pack horses continued to be used for transporting goods etc. to workers further up the mountain.Without the work of horsemen and their pack horses providing supplies and communications for outlying outposts, surveying and early planning for the Kiewa Valley Hydro Electric scheme could not have gone ahead and the dams and power stations which support the system could not have been constructed. The Hydro-electric scheme, and the workers who planned and built it play a major part in the early history of the Kiewa Valley and many original families still remain living, or have ties with the local area.: Set of 21 black and white photographs and copies of photographs depicting the pack horses and the men who handled them, transporting supplies and correspondence to the outlying camps and survey posts in the Bogong High Plains, via the rough cattlemen’s tracks. Photographs also show the early tent camps of the workers. Some photos mounted on A4 white paper. Some photos enlarged to A3 poster size for display1. Handwritten on back – Max Lawrence 2. -8 No inscriptions 9. Handwritten on back- Packing in supplies for early workers of the Kiewa Hydro scheme. There were no roads in the early days of the scheme 10. Printed on bottom of photo- Roper’s cattle on road below Howman’s Gap 11. Handwritten on back – Roper’s et al about to leave for the high plains 12. Printed under photo- Syd Ryder at the Pretty Valley Cut-Out (JBR) 13-16. No markings 17. Printed under photo- Gwen Talbot visits the Camp area. 1937 18. Handwritten on back- 14/1 Barbara Talbot 19. No markings 20-21. No markings 22. Printed under photo- STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA. Date: 15-3-45 Time: 8.0pm No: K 1838 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works, Investigations 1944-1945 – Survey Camp at Young’s Hut pack horses; bogong high plains; survey posts; supplies delivery

Roper's Hut was built in 1939 and was burnt down in 2003. It was rebuilt in 2008 and is situated on the Bogong High Plains on Duane Spur (where Duane's hut had been before it too was destroyed by (1939) bushfires, between Mt Nelse and Big River. The original hut was used as a shelter for cattlemen who grazed their cattle on the High Plains during summer. The Victorian High Country Huts Association Inc. members and friends helped rebuild the hut which is now used as an emergency shelter for visitors to the High Plains.The memorabilia is significant as the items belonged to the Roper family who were one of the original settlers of the Kiewa Valley and one of the original families who drove their cattle up to the Bogong High Plains. The burnt plaque and forks and the rebuilding of the huts (Duane's & Roper's) are significant as bush fires are a constant threat to the Bogong High Plains destroying large areas at a time.1. Bronze Plaque and 2 damaged forks from Roper's Hut which was destroyed by bush fires in 2003. 2. DVD & USB and hard copy photos of the rebuild of Roper's Hut in January 2008.The plaque had 'In Memory of / John F. P. Roper/ died 3-12-1977 / Aged 78 years / He built the original hut Feb. 1939'roper's hut, cattlemen, bogong high plains, bronze plaque, roper family, bush fires

Edmondson's Hut is a cattleman's hut on the Bogong High Plains. Jim Edmondson obtained Run 33 (near Mt Nelse) in the early 1930s. He pre cut the timber at his property in Tawonga and along with iron for the walls, chimney and roof took it up to the Bogong High Plains on pack horse. The hut's wall and ceiling were lined and the hut had a 'fairly good floor and bunks'. In 1971 the hut was donated to the Education Department and was approved for transfer by the Lands Department in 1974. Bogong Outdoor School camp has been using the hut for students to camp in as well as National Fitness parties when walking in the area. The upper Kiewa Valley was settled from the mid 1860s and from its earliest days cattle were taken on to the Bogong High Plains to graze during summer. Jim Edmondson took his cattle from the Kiewa Valley to Mt Fainter and later to Run 33, near Mt Nelse. His hut is significant in the history of Cattlemen's huts on the Bogong High Plains.Four A4 typed sheets on white paper - 1. Acknowledgement of transfer of Edmondson's Hut. 2. History of Visitors (to the hut) Prior to 1971. 3. Two poems. 4. One poem 1. Emblem of Education Dept. Centre top of page. Addressed to James Edmondson, Tawonga, Victoria. 2. Page headed History and Visitors prior 1971. 3. My Old black Poley Cow (and) Roper's Track. 4. So Long, Mates!education department. edmondson's hut. bogong high plains. cattlemen. poetry. cattleman hut. bush walking.

11 of the 13 photos were taken by Tor Holth and used in his book "Cattlemen of the High Country" first published in 1980. Co writer was Jane Holth (Barnaby). Of the other two photos, one was taken by C. Roper (2 old gentlemen of the High Plains) and the other (Fred Roper, Tom Hollonds, Kyran Marum - early cattlemen) unknown photographer. The book tells the story of the lives of the mountain cattlemen of Victoria's high country, the harsh conditions and challenges they faced when they mustered their cattle before winter to bring them down to lower pastures. Huts were built of any materials available and were scattered about the high plains to provide shelter from the elements. Some are still standing despite the many bushfires that have ravaged the area.The photographs are of historic significance as they are of early pioneers in the cattle industry in the Kiewa Valley. The huts are of significant interest as they show different types of construction and materials as does the cattle yard at Bogong Jack's. All 13 photos are black and white and printed on photographic paper and are of varying size. 1.On the back, hand written in pencil - "Bogong Jacks hut on Fainter Spur". 2.15 in top right hand corner and 120% centre of photo and circled. 2.On the back a typewritten label cut out and fixed with sticky tape "45 b.&w. Cope Hut, known also as the Menzies of the high plains." Lower left corner is a handwritten label, written in red biro, COPE HUT (underlined) V circled and Journeys into History. 3. Top right hand corner '2.32(a) and across the back, written in pencil, 'Wallace's Hut 1976' and 'TOR HOLTH' in red biro on small sticker lower R corner. 4.2.32(c) in pencil top R corner. 'Wallaces Hut 1976' in pencil across back of photo. 5. '42.7a' in pencil top R corner. Written in pencil across back of photo 'Remains of the second Tawanga Hut.' 6. 'Jim Edmundson Mt. Beauty' handwritten in blue biro across back of photo. 7. '2.26' in pencil top R corner. 'Cattle yard at Bogong Jack's' handwritten in blue biro across back of photo. 8. 'Jim Edmondson of Edmondsons hut' written in pencil on back of photo. 9. 'Geoff Wallace Kergunyah' written in pencil on back of photo. 10.' Geoff Wallace Kergunyah' handwritten in pencil on back of photo. 11. 2.11 in pencil top R corner. 'Fred Roper & Jack Platt. Ph. C.Roper' handwritten in orange pen and under, in pencil, '2 old gentlemen of the High Plains.' 12. Written in black pen across back of photo 'Left to right Fred Roper, Tom Hollonds, Kyran Marum - early cattlemen' 13. Hand written on back of photo 'Sid Ryder' photos, cattlemen, high plains, huts

Wallace's Hut, the oldest hut on the Bogong High Plains, was restored in march 1999Cattlemen's Huts belonged to farming families of the Kiewa Valley. They used the huts when staying with their cattle on the High Plains during summer.7 coloured photos laminated depicting restoration of Wallace's Hut. March 1999 and 1 larger photo of Cope Hut (on hill) 1 larger photo, 2 medium sized photos and the 4 smaller photos laminated together.All have velcro tape on the back in the cornerswallace's hut, bogong high plains

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because it documents the activities of a prominent family in Falls Creek, VictoriaA photo of Ray Meyer at the Kiewa River near Blairs Hut. The original hut, built by cattlemen Frank and Tim Blair in 1923-24, was burnt down around 193o. It was rebuilt by Frank and his son in 1932. It is constructed of Alpine Ash.ray meyer, blairs hut, falls creek, victorian snowfields

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.This image is significant because Wallace's Hut is a heritage listed building which has provided shelter to cattlemen and skier on the High Plains since 1889.A black and white photo taken by John Meyer inside Wallace's Hut. The hut was built in 1889 and is probably the oldest surviving hut on the high plains of north-east Victoria. The State Electricity Commission used the hut from the late 1920s until the early 1940s to collect data on precipitation for possible future hydroelectric works. Toni and Skippy spent their first years on the mountain living in Wallace's Hut. falls creek, victorian snowfields, joan meyer, diamantina hut

Subtitled "The story of the mountain cattlemen of the Bogongs", this publication of 248 pages includes illustrations, photos, portraits, an index and maps on the end papers. The original edition was published in 1980 A history of the cattlemen of the Bogongs in the Victorian Alps, including their bushcraft, yarns, hut construction, dog and horse training. It looks at the issue of fire and cattle grazing and the struggle of the mountain cattlemen to retain their leases after the bushfires of 2003. This publication provides an enduring record of a special group of Australian pioneers whose lives and qualities of endurance have become part of Australian folklore.bogong high plains, cattlemen of the high plains, bogong high plains history