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

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

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.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of Ray Meyer outside Roper's Hut. Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, building skyline, skyline founders, toni st elmo, adrian ruffenacht, jack minogue, ray meyer, lloyd dunn, david gibson

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

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 depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Image of Mt. Bogong from above Roper's Hut with Wal Johnson and Ray Meyer seated on the ground. ROPER'S HUT Frederick Roper and his family grazed the Bogong High Plains from the 1890s until 1908. Frederick "Jack" built three huts. The hut known as Roper’s Hut was built on Jack's new grazing lease after his former run had been acquired by the SEC in the late 1930s. It had become a well-used refuge hut prior to its destruction in the 2003 bushfires. It was rebuilt by Victorian High Country Huts Association in 2008.falls creek, bogong high plains, wal johnson, ray meyer, ropers hut

1. These Skis were hand carved in Sweden around 1937 and brought to Australia where they were purchased around 1962 by a Bogong Rover Scout. They were refurbished with steel edging and plastic soles and saw extensive service on the Bogong High Plains between 1962 and 1968. They performed magnificently, riding out the deepest mogul with ease because of their highly curved tips. Of particuular interest is the way the Kandahar toe iron has been attached to the ski. The ski was slotted through its width, the tow iron inserted and then folded vertically to give an integral attachment. In those days skins were used extensively for uphill climbing, hence the yellow plastic patch on the back surface to protect from the skin buckle. Cable bindings were used to enable the boot to lift for climbing. When ready for a downhill run, the cable was slipped under the side-pulls to anchor the heel. The beauty of these bindings in those days was that they were composite downhill and touring skis. These particular skis were of lightweight timber (timber unknown) compared to others of their day, which are often made of Hickory which is much denser and heavier. Rover Scouts and the Bogong High Plains The Bogong Rover Lodge started as an SEC (State Electricity Commission) hut near Langford's Gap and was carried on the backs of Rover Scouts across to its present location on the Southern side of the Bogong High Plains around 1937 under the direction of W.F. (Bill) Waters, a skiing pioneer, synonymous with establishing skiing on the BHP. The Rover Scouts left Melbourne by train to Bairnsdale. They went onto Omeo (bus?) where they stayed overnight at the pub then (bus?) to Fitzgerald's farm on the Omeo Highway. Then on packhorses to the snow line. Then they carried their packs and skis. to the lodge. The Lodge continues to this day (2026) as a base for Scouts skiing and bushwalking on the Bogong High Plains. Rovers, the senior branch of Scouting, are aged between 18 to 25 years. The Bogong Rover Lodge / Chalet / or Scout Hut is open all year round.1. 2 pairs of skis: One pair is hand-crafted Swedish wooden skis circa 1937. Quite a thick ski. Tapered shape with a distinctive pointed toe. Coated with dark brown varnish which is lifting in some parts. The ski has a yellow plastic patch at the rear and a re-inforced foot plate. Bindings are metal and leather. 216 cm long and 7 cm wide. The second pair of skies are red plastic. Possibly Italian with an unusual downhill & touring binding circa 1970. 198 cm long and 7 cm wide Bogong Rover overshirt (winter). Pure wool, long sleeves, 2 front buttons, pockets with insignia include Box Hill District Boy Scouts Alpine Rovers Badge on right top of sleeve. Epaulettes on the left and right shoulders. Left hand side has 8 pieces of coloured tabs attached. Also, Green triangular cotton neck tie with leather toggle.Labels 'pure wool'; 'scout shop' 'size 14'rover scouts, cross country skiing, bill waters, swedish skis, scouts uniform

Mrs Clare Roper wore this dress to a garden party at Buckingham Palace when she was invited there to represent the Lions Club.The Roper Family is one of the pioneering farming families of the Kiewa Valley. They built and used Ropers Hut on the High Plains. The dress worn by Clare Roper has historical significance as it represents the importance of the CWA which Claire Roper was involved with as President thus being invited to Buckingham Palace. The dress also shows the fashions of the time and indicates ladies living in the small country towns still viewed fashion as important. Since we know it was Clare Ropers dress it is well provenances, is in reasonable condition and has very good interpretive capacity. This brown shirt waister dress has an 'A' line skirt with an inverted pleat on the lower half of both the front and back. The dress has a 'Peter Pan' collar, matching belt, pockets and short sleeves. There are 3 bound button holes and buttons, gold set with pearls, only one is complete. The front top, cuffs and pockets are embroidered with cream lace. There is a press stud and hook at the neck. There is also a side zip opening in the skirt.kiewa, farming; ropers hut; lions club; clothing; clothes; dress; clare roper; high plains; buckingham palace;

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

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 depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Images of visitors at Cleve Cole Lodge. Photo 1. L to R:- Ray Meyer, H. Gibbs and Wal Johnson. Photo 2. Ray Meyer and Wal Johnson having photo taken. CLEVE COLE HUT was built in 1937 for the Ski Club of Victoria, to commemorate pioneer skier, Cleve Cole, who died on a disastrous ski trip across the high In August 1936 three men, Cleve Cole, Mick Hull, and Howard Michell, skied from Mount Hotham across the Bogong High Plains to Mount. On reaching the mountain they became trapped for four days on the summit ridge by appalling weather conditions. For three days they followed the Big River through rough country before deciding that Howard should continue alone to find help, leaving Mick to care for Cleve who was barely able to continue. Three days later a search party, raised after Howard had reached Glen Valley, found Cleve and Mick. Within two days the group arrived at Glen Valley where, tragically, Cleve Cole died later that night. In memory of Cleve’s life and his pioneering work in the Victorian alpine country it was decided to build a refuge hut on the mountain. It is called the Cleve Cole Memorial Hut.falls creek, bogong high plains, cleve cole hut

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 depicts aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Black and White Images taken at Cleve Cole Hut Photo 1 Outside Cleve Cole 1951 - From Left: Ray Meyer, Wal Johnson and other people from a visiting group Photo 2 Cleve Cole Hut Mt. Bogong CLEVE COLE HUT was built in 1937 for the Ski Club of Victoria, to commemorate pioneer skier, Cleve Cole, who died on a disastrous ski trip across the high In August 1936 three men, Cleve Cole, Mick Hull, and Howard Michell, skied from Mount Hotham across the Bogong High Plains to Mount. On reaching the mountain they became trapped for four days on the summit ridge by appalling weather conditions. For three days they followed the Big River through rough country before deciding that Howard should continue alone to find help, leaving Mick to care for Cleve who was barely able to continue. Three days later a search party, raised after Howard had reached Glen Valley, found Cleve and Mick. Within two days the group arrived at Glen Valley where, tragically, Cleve Cole died later that night. In memory of Cleve’s life and his pioneering work in the Victorian alpine country it was decided to build a refuge hut on the mountain. It is called the Cleve Cole Memorial Hut.falls creek, bogong high plains, ray meyer, cleve cole hut

Skippy St Elmo - Champion Skier and High Country Housewife. For much of the winter 1945 newly married Skippy St Elmo was alone in Wallace's Hut while her husband Toni worked as an assistant hydrographical observer for the SEC. During her first two weeks Skippy had her first ski lesson and promised herself that someday she would be able to ski. Before winter's end she was accompanying Toni around the snow gauges. The following year, Skippy and Toni became the first full time residents of Falls Creek. Along with a group of other SEC workers they built the first lodge at Falls Creek, “Skyline” in 1947. Not only did Skippy fulfill her promise to be able to ski but also went on to become the Victorian Women's 1949 Downhill & Combined Champion and in 1954 won the Albury Ski Club Men's championship. While modest about her skiing success, Skippy was very proud of her domestic skills and cooking prowess using a camp oven. She also was spent time sewing ski wear for both Toni and herself. Skippy definitely earned the title of “Falls Creek’s First Lady”.This item is significant because it documents a pioneering figure of Victorian skiing.Poster composed of photos and text explaining basic information about Skippy St. Elmo mounted on display board.skippy st elmo, key figures of falls creek, skyline

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

This volume of 350 pages includes 34 maps, 326 illustrations and diagrams. It has a brown cloth with white lettering and a pictorial jacket featuring cattlemen on the High Plains. It includes an index and bibliography. The front page has an inscription which indicates it had been given to Ore Frueauf of Falls Creek.non-fictionThis book records the development of Victoria's alpine regions by the pioneer cattlemen. They came from the Monaro in the 1830s to reach the Plains of Omeo while others advanced up the Murray tributaries to discover the Bogong High Plains in the 1830s and the Gippslanders moved their herds to Alpine pastures in the 1860s. The cattlemen, the snow plain pastures, the mountain scene and the bush huts are described and illustrated in this volume. It records an era in Australia whose story is becoming lost.victorian high country, mountain cattlemen, victorian high plains

A book of 224 pages including maps, illustrations and photographic images, both black and white and colour. It includes a bibliography.The lives of the mountain cattlemen of Victoria's alpine country revolve around the annual muster held before the first snowfall of autumn, when they bring their cattle down to lower pastures for winter feeding, or consign them for auction at the annual calf sales in Omeo or Myrtleford. The close-knit communities of cattlemen share the common hazards of this mountainous region, enduring the snow and freezing conditions of winter and the threat of ravaging bushfires in summer, finding shelter from the harshness of the environment in little huts which they built from the rough materials available. But the dangers of steep slopes and rocky terrain, in which more than one drover has lost his life, hold no terrors for them. These tough and resourceful cattlemen are self-sufficient and skilful in everything they do, whether it is bushmanship, horse-riding, or telling tall tales. In this book their yarns and reminiscences about their mates, their horses and Hereford cattle, and their indispensable dogs, reveal a characteristic courage and endurance, and an indomitable sense of humour. This book provides an enduring record of a vanishing breed of Australians, folk heroes in their own right, whose lives form the basis of verse and legend.mountain cattlemen, cattle breeders victoria, australian cattlemen, bogong high plains history

Henry Beater Christian (1886-1962) , was a descendant of one of the earliest settler families in Kew. Employed at the Kew Asylum as a 'public servant', he was a skilled amateur photographer, photographing numerous scenes in Kew and on his travels around Victoria. The majority of his photographs date from 1916 to 1929. His finest photographs are housed in two photograph albums. Digital copy of a photograph from page 34 of the 47-page photograph album containing 261 gelatinous silver images, loaned by Diane Washfold with permission given to digitise and hold a copy in our collection. John Chapman has written in 'Bushwalking Clubs - A Brief History', about the establishment in Victoria of the first bushwalking club in 1888, and the popularisation of bushwalking during the interwar period. Henry Christian's 'walks' appear to have been undertaken solely or with a companion/s. This black and white photo is part of a group of photos taken in the Victorian High Country. The page is labelled 'Bogong ****' and includes photos of landscapes, individuals, and built structures. This small black and white photo is of a man standing outside a group of wooden buildings in or near Bogong in Victoria in the mid-1920s."BOGONG [illegible]"henry beater christian (1886-1962), landscape photography, christian-washfold collection, photograph albums, bushwalking, northeast victoria, victorian high country, bogong