Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. Fred Griffith, as a member of the Albury Ski Club and owner of Bowna Lodge escorted the reporter and explained the potential of Falls Creek and the surrounding area to become a year-round playground, a paradise for tourists and a great income-earner for the State.This article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBelow photo When you're heading straight for a tree, sit down - that's one lesson learned by Jeanne King, assisted here by Fred Griffithfred griffith, falls creek pioneers

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. Fred Griffith, as a member of the Albury Ski Club and owner of Bowna Lodge escorted the reporter and explained the potential of Falls Creek and the surrounding area to become a year-round playground, a paradise for tourists and a great income-earner for the State.This article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBelow photo The ski tow at the foot of Bogong High Plains, an area of 280 square miles of unequalled ski-ing country.fred griffith, falls creek pioneers

This article acknowledged the naming of Ory's Trail at Falls Creek in 1986. Orest “Ory” Frueauf was born in Kharkov, Russia in 1925 and moved to Germany with his family to escape persecution. He was conscripted to the German Army during the Second World War. He was a POW until 1948. He was recruited by a French construction company to work as and interpreter on a hydroelectricity project in Tasmania. Ory then moved to work on the Snowy Mountain Scheme including driving a truck to fill the wall of the Rocky Valley dam. In 1952 Ory was recruited by the Albury Ski Club as its lodge supervisor. That year he also entered into a business partnership with Cecil Dobson, running the general store “Whitehaven” and Post Office at Falls Creek. They extended their business by adding accommodation turning Whitehaven into one of the best commercial lodges at Falls Creek. Ory and Cecil dissolved their business partnership in 1963 and Ory went on to build a new lodge called “Snowhaven” at the site of the present day Frueauf Village, Falls Creek. Ory retired to Tawonga, Victoria in 1992 and passed away in 1999.This article is significant because it documents the naming of Ory's Trail to recognise a pioneer of Falls Creek.A newspaper item about Ory Freauf on the occasion of the naming of Ory's Trail at Falls Creek.falls creek pioneers, frueauf, ory frueauf

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.A sketch map and notes written in blue inkbob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.Two black and white photographs of Bob Hymans.bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.Two black and white photographs of Bob Hymans.bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.Two black and white photographs of Bob Hymans.bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.A set of photos documenting the construction of 'Grand Coeur Chalet" at Falls Creek.bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This photo collection belonged to Bob Hymans and primarily documents the building of his chalet, Grand Coeur.This album is significant because it documents the building of an important chalet at Falls Creek and the work of one of its pioneers.A set of photos showing the scenery in the immediate area of "Grand Coeur" Chalet.bob hymans, grand coeur chalet, falls creek pioneers

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This collection of between 200 - 300 items includes documents from Bob Hymans' correspondence whilst he was pioneering developments at Falls Creek, Victoria. It consists of Aerogrammes, telegrams, maps and communication with American and French companies related to issues ranging from licences, ski tows, international visits and developments at Falls Creek.This Collection is significant because it contains correspondence records of a Falls Creek pioneer who played an active role in the development of Falls Creek Village, including the first ski lift as well as Grand Coeur and Four Seasons lodges.A collection of letters and other documents from the personal records of Bob Hymansbob hymans, falls creek pioneers

Martin Romuld was born near Trondheim in Norway on September 26, 1905. He started jumping on skis at age 6 or 7 and became very good at it. He completed his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Trondheim and decided to come to Australia. He arrived on 7 March 1928 and found a job with the SEC. The SEC wanted to investigate the possibility of a hydrological surveys necessary to determine the flow of water over a period of years. These surveys started in 1934 and continued until 1941. He lived at Wilkinson’s hut for most of the time during those years both in summer and winter. In his role with the SEC, Martin visited all the various creeks to measure water flow rates as often as was necessary. These skis were used on his winter rounds during the time he spent in the area. Martin also competed in skiing during the 1930s. He won the combined Australian title 3 or 4 times. He was unbeatable in cross country, probably due to the continual practice in his job. Before migrating to Australia, Martin had been runner up in the 1926 European Jump Championships held in France. Jumping was his favourite thrill and he would often construct a jump for practice near the Scout Hut (or Rover Chalet) quite near to Wilkinson’s. In 1941 Martin joined the Royal Australian Air Force and after the War skied mainly at Mt Buller. He maintained his involvement in competitive skiing as an official. In 1958 Martin was the main judge of the National jump which was held to the left of the Nissen tow. He also designed the jumping course at the Donna Buang snow fields. Martin Romuld was Co Vice-President of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs in 1949, along with Tom Mitchell M.L.A. Martin Romuld died on 14 July 1998 in Prahran, Victoria,These skis are significant because they belonged to a pioneer of Falls Creek and the sport of skiing in Australia.A set of skis made for Martin Romuld. They are made from American hickory which arrived in Australia via Norway in October 1933. Andy Broad made the skis and they were furnished with steel edges. There was enough hickory for 18 pairs of skis and a pair of competition cross country skis were also made for Martin Romuld. martin romuld', falls creek pioneers, australian skiing history

Skiing was first done at Falls Creek with the building of the towns of Bogong and Mt Beauty. European workers to the Hydro scheme thought that Falls Creek would make a good skiing village. The first ski lodge being opened in 1947. These skiis would have been used in those first seasons of Falls Creek and used by the first skiers of the time from 1945 onwards.These skiis are historically and socially significant, as they would have been one of the first type of skiis used at Falls Creek, one of Victoria first ski resorts, and used by the pioneers of skiing in Victoria. This item has good interpretive capacity as it shows the style of skiis that were used in the 1940's and they are a good comparative item against modern skiis. These skiis were used by Bill Bertram during the first winter traverse from Mount Hotham to the Mountain Creek base of Mount Bogong, see KVHS 0161 for biography of this historical event.Painted Red base with blue undercoat with center groove from base to 3/4 of way towards tip At tips are square pices with round holes possbily HOME MADE? 21 plus 2 holes on top face (for binding)sport, pioneers, snow, skiis, skiing, falls-creek, bogong-village, mt-beauty

This book was compiled by Esther Temple and David Lloyd with illustrations by Betty Barberis and additional material provided by Clare Roper, Joan Macdonald, Wilma Davies and Nell Bateman. The book was first penned in 1971. It briefly covers the period from the indigenous tribes(broken down into family groupings) known as the "first Australians" who lived in the valley well before English settlers arrived. first white settlement (graziers, miners, stockmen) to smaller settlements.The development or transformation from a pristine(hunter/gatherer) valley environment to one that has been gradually changing to a more commercial rural/industrial landscaped valley. This transformation was made within a time span of two hundred years. The book details the first pioneers and their descendants, along with the changes to their environments both domestic and commercial. The book highlights dates and events that shaped the "feel" of the valley. The extreme hardships faced by pioneer families during the extremely isolated times away from "civilisation".This publication provides an insight to the struggles and victories against the harsh Australian bushland by people who had not been raised in such a sometimes inhospitable environment. It was this transformation which instilled into the Australian psyche of self sufficiency and the ability to grasp onto ideas or "bush" remedies to overcome enormous difficulties. It is is ability that has produced the many inventions useful in the 20th and 21st centuries.This book has a 250 g/m cream coloured cover with print and drawings of rural aspects of historical significance ( Aboriginal and early white settlers). The book contains 124 pages of black and white photographs(139), black and white sketches(75), two pages of sketches and freehand drawings, two freehand maps one county lease /subdivision plan and black and white printing. See KVHS 0237 (B) for the official invitation to the launch of the book.The front top cover heading(in shaded print and enclosed in a banner form) "A HISTORY OF THE KIEWA VALLEY" The bottom printing "BY ESTHER TEMPLE & DAVID LLOYD ILLUSTRATIONS BY BETTY BARBERIS" and at the very bottom "KIEWA VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY" oN THE BOOK SPINE "A HISTORY OF THE KIEWA VALLEY.....BY ESTHER TEMPLE & DAVID LLOYD"early settlers, dederang, tawonga, mount beauty, sec vic hydro electricity, falls creek early settlers, bonegilla

This book records the history of skiing in Victoria with photos of places and people showing equipment used in the snow fields and used by skiers.Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains are included in this book showing photos of local people and machinery etc. Dorothy Anderson (nee Ryder) owned and used this book. She lived at Tawonga.This is a bound pictorial book with a blue cover and white printed title.. The subject is Alpine resorts and ski areas in the Australian High Country in the 40s and 50s. 'To our very dear friends, Mr and Mrs Ryder, with our best wishes for a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year from Harold and 'Rel / Ril ?' 'snow, skiing, photography, pioneers, enthusiasts, heritage, st elmo, secv machinery, ryder family, bogong high plains, rope tow

Skippy and Toni St Elmo were responsible for early developments at the Falls Creek resort and for promoting a love of skiing. They left Melbourne in 1945 and settled at Falls Creek and moved into the first building constructed of corrugated iron and timber at Falls Creek in 1946. They were Falls Creek’s first workers with Toni employed by the State Electricity Commission to record weather-related data up to the construction of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme. In 1957, Toni was involved in building the first rope tow called Nissen on the same route as the Summit Quad. He also established the Nissen Ski School with ski instructor Milan Kovacic and was involved in the building of the resort’s first ski club Bogong in 1949. Toni taught Skippy to ski and she practised on the High Plains where she and her husband lived. Skippy St Elmo won many ski races during the 1950’s and represented Australia in New Zealand.Skippy and Toni St Elmo were pioneers of the Falls Creek area, promoting local ski sports and tourism. The played an important role in opening up the Falls Creek area and developing its sporting potential by establishing the first ski school, ski lifts and early lodge facilities. Skippy and Toni St Elmo were honoured at the Alpine Village at Falls Creek on November 17 2006, with the spreading of their ashes at the place which played such an important part in both their lives.Set of 8 black and white photographs of Skippy St Elmo and other skiers 1. Skippy and 3 others in New Zealand 1951 2. Skippy and 5 others Falls Creek 1955 3. Cake celebrating 20 years of sport at Nissen Lodge 4. Skippy and friend outside Nissen Lodge 5. Skippy on the ski slopes 6. Skippy on the ski slopes 7. Albury Ski Club team New Zwealand 1957 8. The Bogong Ski Club 1950 Written on back of photos 1. Bob Howe Albury, Skippy New Zealand 1951 – 942H 2. Falls Creek 1955. Skippy St Elmo: H Devonassore; Margaret ?; ?; Tony St Elmo; Olive? 3. Written on cake Nissen Alpine Club. 20 years of sport. FRED 4. Skippy St Elmo 5. Skippy 6. Skippy 7. Bob Howe (Albury) Skippy New Zealand 1957. Albury Ski Club Team raced in NZ 8. The Bogong Ski club, Coronet Park, 1950. M Denham (Capt); B Wiltshire; R Roberts; Skippy St Elmo; Gwen Morris; J Frazer; J Smith; L Piera; Manager & Coach Toni St Elmo. J D Knowles Photographer Box 188, Queenstown. 744B falls creek, skiing, bogong high plains

The photograph is from the album of Ivy Child. The young woman standing on the bridge is Ivy Child probably aged 17 years. The location is the Olinda Falls. Ivy May Child (1910 – 1989) was the daughter of Arthur Edward (Ted) Child (1878 – 1964) and Ethel May Madden (1888 – 1970). Ted Child was the son of Matthew Francis Child (1839 – 1933) and Martha Jeeves (1857 – 1926). He was the grandson of one of the early pioneers Francis Child. Ivy grew up on the family property on Childs Road and took many photographs. Most of these are glued into her photo album. The album covered the years from c1927 – 1932. Ivy married Henry William Burgess (1906 – 1968) in 1944. The photographs remain in their original state in the album with individual copies made. Black and white photograph showing a young woman standing on a wooden bridge with a handrail above a creek. Rocks are in the foreground in the creek and bush surrounds the scene.Handwritten below the photograph in the album: The Fallsivy child, olinda falls, bridge

Nicholas Caire was born on Guernsey in the Channel Islands in 1837. He arrived in Adelaide with his parents in about 1860. In 1867, following photographic journeys in Gippsland, he opened a studio in Adelaide. From 1870 to 1876 he lived and worked in Talbot in Central Victoria. In 1876 he purchased T. F. Chuck's studios in the Royal Arcade Melbourne. In 1885, following the introduction of dry plate photography, he began a series of landscape series, which were commercially successful. As a photographer, he travelled extensively through Victoria, photographing places few of his contemporaries had previously seen. He died in 1918. Reference: Jack Cato, 'Caire, Nicholas John (1837–1918)', Australian Dictionary of Biography.An original, rare photograph from the series 'Views of Victoria: General Series' by the photographer, Nicholas Caire (1837-1918). The series of 60 photographs that comprise the series was issued c. 1876 and reinforced a neo-Romantic view of the Australian landscape to which a growing nationalist movement would respond. Nicholas Caire was active as a photographer in Australia from 1858 until his death in 1918. His vision of the Australian bush and pioneer life had a counterpart in the works of Henry Lawson and other nationalist poets, authors and painters.Views of Victoria (General Series) No.32 / 'View of Sailor’s Creek Falls’ / Albumen silver photograph mounted on boardOn Reverse: ‘The Sailor’s Creek Falls are situated near Daylesford, in one of the valleys of the Jim Crow Ranges. The Creek at this particular juncture is naturally adapted for the formation of a large reservoir. The stream of water is small during summer months, but a great body of water may sometimes be seen during the winter or wet seasons.’nicholas caire (1837-1918), sailor's creek (vic), jim crow ranges, daylesford, sailor's falls, photography - landscapes - victoria

Judith (Judy) Forras and Christine Smith both represented Australia at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck. Judy was a National Ice-Skating champion before becoming an Olympic Alpine Skier. She had already won the Victorian skating title she met her future husband Ernest Forras, owner of the Kooroora Chalet and ski instructor at Mt. Buller. After having four children, Judy came back to skiing, winning every major State and National Title in all three disciplines, Slalom, Downhill and Giant Slalom, therefore gaining automatic selection to the Olympic team for Innsbruck in 1964. The only other Australian woman selected to that team was Christine Smith. She was born in Cooma NSW, Christine learned to ski at an early age. She won the 1961 NSW Junior Champion title before being selected in the Australian Team to ski against New Zealand. Christine gained selection for the 1962 St. Moritz Commonwealth Winter Games. In the 1964 Innsbruck Olympic Winter Games she placed 27th in the Downhill and 28th in the Slalom. Before departing for Innsbruck, members of the team including Ross Milne, completed some of their training at Falls Creek, Victoria where this photograph was taken.This image is significant because it represents two women who were pioneers in the Winter Olympic movement in Australia.A black and white image showing two female skiers, representatives of the Australian Winter Olympic team of 1964.winter olympics innsbruck, judy forras, christine smith

Tom Mitchell was a strong supporter of trans-Tasman ski competitions and in the early 1950s visits between local clubs became common. In 1953 a team from New Zealand visited Falls Creek for the first time. This was only a few months after Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzig Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Toni St. Elmo, supported by Tom Mitchell proposed that a peak on the Bogong High Plains northwest of Mt. Nelse should be named Mt. Hillary in honour of the New Zealander's success. He also suggested a ceremony should be held during the visit of members of the New Zealand Ski team to Australia in September 1953. This image from the St. Elimo Collection held by the Falls Creek Historical Society, represents the planting of a New Zealand flag on the mountain during the ceremony.This image is significant because it is part of the St. Elmo Collection which documents early pioneers of Falls Creek and their outstanding contribution to skiing in Australia.A coloured image of two skiers carrying a New Zealand flag across the High Plains.Beneath the image: Tony St Elmo and Tom Mitchell ski out across Bakers Spur to plant a flag on Mt Hillary in 1953, north of Mt Nelse, and which now seems to have been lost off the map. Pic - The St Elmo Collection.tom mitchell, st. elmo collection, toni st. elmo, sir edmund hillary

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. Fred Griffith, as a member of the Albury Ski Club and owner of Bowna Lodge escorted the reporter and explained the potential of Falls Creek and the surrounding area to become a year-round playground, a paradise for tourists and a great income-earner for the State.This article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBeside photo of Albury Ski Club: An early morning scene outside the Albury Ski Club Lodge, Falls Creek. The lodge is packed every weekend by ski enthusiasts.albury ski club, bowna ski club, fred griffith

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. Fred Griffith, as a member of the Albury Ski Club and owner of Bowna Lodge escorted the reporter and explained the potential of Falls Creek and the surrounding area to become a year-round playground, a paradise for tourists and a great income-earner for the State.This article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBelow photo Johnny Robertson points out the route of a long, downhill follow-my-leader to expert skiers Bob Howe, Norm Douglas (Albury dentist and President of the Albury Ski Club) and Dick Walpole.albury ski club, bob howe, dick walpole

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. Fred Griffith, as a member of the Albury Ski Club and owner of Bowna Lodge escorted the reporter and explained the potential of Falls Creek and the surrounding area to become a year-round playground, a paradise for tourists and a great income-earner for the State.This article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBeside photo Peg Plunkett and Angela Bowlar on the summit of the Bogong High Plains, where the snow is perfect for six to eight months a year.bogong high plains, snow conditions falls creek

Australian Magazine (A.M.) published a special three page article about Falls Creek and the Bogong High Plains on 24th August 1954. The article was titled "Australia's playground of the future". Written by Muir Maclaren, it referred to the Bogong High Plains as a comparatively new and unexploited winter playground which could be one of the best snow resorts in the world. There were 13 huts which were at Falls Creek which were there due to "hard work, the grace of God, and the permission of the Victorian State Electricity Commission". A brief history of the Albury Ski Club Lodge was included. In 1954 the Lodge was run byLes Meikle and had the Club had a membership of 200 people. Lodges with accommodation established at this time, with the ability to house a total of 280 people, included Albury, Skyline, Bogong, Myrtleford, Hymans, Dawn, Galleon, Kiewa Valley, Snowden, Nelse, Moroma, Trowalla, St, Trinian's, Bowna and Nissen. The reporter also interviewed Skippy and Toni St. Elmo and gave a description of the tow and its fees. He outlined Toni's earlier background with the SEC and noted that Toni had recently named a peak in the area Mt.. Hillary in honour of the success of Edmund Hillary in conquering Mt. EverestThis article and accompanying images are significant because they capture early information about the Bogong High Plains, Falls Creek and its pioneers.A centre spread from a monthly publication featuring text and colour imagesBeneath photo Toni St. Elmo and his wife, Skippy, who run the ski tow and a ski school. Skippy won the Albury Club Club Championship against men.bogong high plains, skippy st. elmo, toni st. elmo

This article focuses on developments at Falls Creek in 1957. It makes reference to Toni and Skippy St. Elmo, Bob Hymans, Cecil Dobson, Fed Griffith and Oreste Frueauf.This article is significant because it documents developments in Falls Creek and refers to several pioneers of the area.A newspaper item reporting on the development of Falls Creek and its facilities. toni st. elmo, falls creek development, spion kopje

George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This photo is significant because it captures an image of two pioneers of pioneers and active members of Falls Creek Village.A black and white image of George Shirling with two motorbikes on the bank of the West Kiewa River.george shirling, koki lodge

Cecil Dobson began work as a carpenter/ labourer in Mount Beauty in 1947 and then as a chainman and truck driver on the High Plains. He started a small shop on the mountain to which supplies had to be dragged on a sledge. In 1952 he entered into a business partnership with Orest “Ory” Freauf, running the general store “Whitehaven” and Post Office at Falls Creek. They acquired a crawler tractor which they called “Leaping Lina” to make transport easier. He also built lodges for other people, including the Dawn Ski Club Lodge. To make more money and get away from the grocery store, Cec and Ory extended their business by adding accommodation turning Whitehaven into one of the best commercial lodges at Falls Creek. Ory and Cecil dissolved their business partnership in 1963. Cec retired in 1984 and moved to Tawonga South, Victoria. This item is significant because it pictures a pioneer of Falls Creek, Victoria.A black and white portrait of Cecil Dobson and a second photo of Cecil driving a crawler tractor.falls creek ski lodges, cecil dobson

Steve Lee is a three time Australian Olympian who competed at Sarajevo 1984, Calgary 1988 and Albertville 1992. He also achieved 1st in the Furano World Cup Super G in 1985. Steve Lee grew up in Falls Creek and had skis on his feet when he was just two years old. He later became a member of the Falls Creek Race Club and at the age of 14 won State and National Junior titles. After repeated success, Steve was selected to race overseas in the Australian Junior team. He won the Australian Open Championship at the age of 17. For 10 years, Steve never missed a race in the World Cup Circuit. Overall, he claimed 20 top 15 finishes in Downhill, Super-G and combined events. Towards the end of his career Lee swapped the World Cup circuit for the World Pro Tour in the USA, winning the Pro Downhill Tour ‘King of the Mountain’ title. He was also running a photography business in Falls Creek and was also involved in sports commentating on Australian television. This included commentating Alpine Freestyle events at four Winter Olympics and several World Championships. Steve co-founded Chill Factor Ski magazine and spent a decade as a National Selector and President of Falls Creek Race Club. He also became involved in movies, working with Roger Moore and Jackie Chan as a stuntman. As well as these activities Steve started guiding in the mid-90s and established Back Country Tours at his home area in Falls Creek Australia and also in Hakuba, Japan in 2011.This image is significant because it captures an Australian Winter Olympian and pioneer of the Falls Creek Ski community.A colour photo of Steve Lee in his uniform featuring the logo of the Albertville Winter Olympic Gamessteve lee, australian olympians

In 1948 Bob Hymans (1922-2007) built a small lodge on the corner of Falls Creek Road by the oversnow called Four Seasons or The Grand Coeur Annexe. Believed to be a wonderful host Bob also owned and operated Southern Cross and Grand Coeur. Grand Coeur unfortunately burnt down in 1961. These skis, now located in the Falls Creek Museum, were donated by Bob’s daughter Bridget. They hung in the main room of the Lodge for many years, never touching snow.These skis are significant because they were owned by Bob Hymans, a pioneer of Falls Creek, Victoria.A pair of wooden skis with bindings and poles.bob hymans, four seasons, grand coeur chalet

A collection of six issues of the Australian Ski Year Book. The publications contain articles and images related to the Ski Industry in Australia and overseas."The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. And it was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. The first edition included an account of the first journey across the mountain range on skis from Kiandra to Kosciusko in 1927 by the party led by Dr Herbert Schlink, a former resident of Wodonga. Other editions included contributions from Tom Mitchell, a pioneer of Falls Creek.australian skiing, australian ski publications, tom mitchell, herbert schlink

This item is from the private collection of George Shirling of Red Onion, Falls Creek. George Shirling arrived in Falls Creek in 1962. He engaged Phil Nowell to build the original Koki Alpine Lodge which opened in 1965 with 14 beds. George operated the lodge with Michael “Baldy” Blackwell as manager. He also graduated in sport psychology in 1981 and was invited to become team psychologist for the Australian Winter Olympic team which went to Albertville, France, in 1992. He later owned the Red Onion Chalet. George credited the success of Koki to “Baldy” Blackwell. “Baldy” and Phil Nowell started the Trackers Mountain Lodge in partnership during the 1980s. In 1971 George sold Koki Lodge to Sigi Doerr. In 2024 the renamed Koki Alpine resort remains a highly popular destination in Falls Creek. George Shirling passed away on 27th February 2023. He had remained actively involved in Falls Creek and was generous with his time and knowledge, always an amazing supporter of The Falls Creek Museum and Falls Creek Village.This item is significant because it is a portrait of George Shirling, a significant pioneer of Falls Creek and the ski industry in Australia.A framed colour portrait of George Shirling. A title label has been added to the image.On Label: George Shirling 17/1/38 to 27/2/2023 Falls Creek - always in his heartgeorge shirling, koki lodge, red onion, accommodation falls creek