These photos are part of the Fred Griffith Collection. Frederick Charles “Fred” Griffith was born in Albury, NSW on 2 March 1910. Educated in Albury and Geelong Grammar. Beginning in 1927 he spent many years working first as a jackeroo and on a range of prominent pastoral and merino stud properties in NSW and Queensland. In 1935 he repurchased his former family property “Toonallook", Bowna, NSW and developed it to be the largest Romney Marsh stud in the world, exporting rams to Argentina. He introduced many innovative practices on his property including rabbit control measures and aerial crop dusting. He was an active member of the Albury Show Society and in 1949 established the Albury Sheep Show. Fred was also the Albury representative on the Graziers’ Association Council for over 30 years. He became a life member of both the Albury and Commercial Clubs. Fred’s greatest hobby was snow skiing. His first visit to the snow was to Kosciusko in 1919. The Albury Ski Club was formed in 1935 and Fred was an inaugural member. In 1949 they were granted a site at Falls Creek to build their own lodge. Fred guaranteed the Club for finance from the Bank of NSW. The first portion of the prefabricated building was constructed in Albury. It was transported to Falls Creek on the back of Fred’s truck and erected in one day. This was the bathroom section and the rest was completed in 1950. The original lodge was burned down in 1952 and a new one built the following year. In 1955, Fred also built the Bowna Lodge for his family in partnership with David Fairbairn. He became head of the North Eastern District Skiing Association (N.E.D.S.A.) and successfully applied to run the Australian Ski Championships. Fred also inaugurated children’s races at Falls Creek and ran them for about 20 years. He also formed the company “Falls Creek Ski Tows”. In 1956 Fred along with a group of key people selected the site for Thredbo Village. Fred and his brother sold Toonallook in sections between 1951 and 1974. He moved to Albury and set up as a landscape gardener and fencing contractor. After a serious work accident, Fred retired in 1985 and moved to Rosebud, Victoria where he died on 19 August 1992.These images record construction of a bridge at High Plains Road, Falls Creek Falls Creek by volunteers in 1950A set of black and white photographs showing steps in the construction of a bridge at Falls Creek on the King's Birthday weekend 05/06/1950fred griffith, falls creek, bridge building

The obituary is of Harry Vyner, who came to work for the SECV on the KHES in 1938This is an example of one man's life and how he came to live in the Kiewa Valley and his contribution to the development of Mount Beauty as a thriving community.A4 Sheet with family tree details of Harry Vyner / McKendrick families Newspaper cutting re Obituary of Harry Vyner dated December 1979harry vyner, country roads board, high plains road

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.Images of Joan Meyer near Fitzgerald's Hut on the Bogong High Plains. The original Fitzgerald Hut was built in 1903 by George Silas Fitzgerald. Destroyed by fire in 1991, it was rebuilt using salvaged and recycled timber. It is located in a large clearing, three to four hours hike from the Bogong High Plains Road These images document Joan's first trip on skis carrying a pack on her back.The trip took about two weeks to complete.falls creek, victorian snowfields, joan meyer, fitzgerald hut

Bogong high Plains showing mountains, places, roads and riversHistorical changes of infrastructure on the Bogong High PlainsBogong High Plains, hand written and 'copied with considerable simplification from F.C.V. (Falls Creek V.?) 'Feathetop' L 'Tawonga'. Paper is yellowed, writing is brown.bogong high plains map

The SECV continually updated their mapsDuring the development of the KHES the SECV had to continually update their mapsBoth Foolscap 1. Titled: High Plains Access Tracks & Roads 2. Mt Beauty Street Plan by SECV with Section Nos. and house numbersBoth have sticky tape marks on their back.khes maps

Construction of the town of Mount Beauty commenced in 1946 and continued until 1952. It was built to provide family accommodation for workers engaged in the construction of the hydro electric power scheme. As well as housing, there was an administration building, staff hostel, merchandising centre, workmen's camps, base stores and workshops and the Mount Beauty Terminal Station. The first house was occupied in November, 1946 by the then manager of the trading store, with a frontage onto Hollonds Street. The total number of houses erected was 488, 162 custom built and 326 prefabricated. The main workmen's camp can be seen just left of the centre of the photograph and accommodated 144 men at the time of the photograph. By 1950 it could accommodate 1200men. Photo No. 1 is taken in 1947/early 1948 as there is no evidence of the staff hostel under construction. This hostel was commenced in August/September 1948 and is clearly shown in photograph No. 2, dating this photo as 1948 as it is before the completion of the bypass road connecting to the main (high plains) road. This road was constructed in 1939 and in 1948 followed the route of Tawonga Crescent. This remained in use until the bypass construction was completed in early 1949 and does not appear to be finished in this photograph.. Both photographs are taken from the power line easement adjacent to the Bright road.Significant historical pictorial record of the development of a town from grazing land. The type of terrain that had to be surveyed and then to construct roads and other infrastructure, with very little machinery, is also of prime significance in the development of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Two photographs, both hand painted to show colours, and both of Mount Beauty c 1947/48 not long after commencement of construction of homes and facilities for workers.Photo No.1 - on back of photo, left upper corner, faintly in pencil, SPIKE, underneath this is written T Pay,. Photo No. 2 - on back of photo, left upper corner, faintly in pencil, Jmount beauty, housing, accommodation

After World War II, the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River Valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the hydro scheme as skiing was a popular recreation. Many of the hydro employees were of European background and had grown up enjoying skiing and snow sports in their homelands and were keen to continue to pursue their winter sports interests. The first lift, a rope tow, was built at Falls Creek in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Two T-Bars were opened in 1961. In 1964, the Victorian Municipal Directory recorded that Falls Creek had 29 ski club lodges and 16 commercial lodges. The area became a popular tourist destination for both winter and summer sports.Employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in the Kiewa River Valley were the earliest skiers on the Bogong High Plains and built one of the first ski lodges at Falls Creek. They were amongst those pivotal in the development of the skiing and tourist industry at Falls Creek and on the Bogong High Plains. Black and white photographs of varying sizes mounted decoratively on heavy black Card. Some pages display a brief description printed in white ink 1. 4 photographs- displayed diagonally across page. 2 pictures of a group of men standing in the snow in front of a car with a loaded trailer behind. 1 photo of skiers. 1 photo of show hanging in tree branches. 2. 2 photographs- showing Upper Kiewa Road with snow in the background 3. 3 photographs- of skiers and 1 photo of 2 of men posing in the snow & 1 photo of 2 men posing shirtless in warmer weather. 4. 2 photographs- arranged diagonally on page showing early buildings and construction at Bogong Village 5. 2 photographs- 1 showing view of Bogong Village from higher up the mountain. 1 showing early Bogong High Plains road 6. 1 photograph- showing view down along Kiewa Valley from higher up in the mountains 1. Handwritten in white ink – A TRIP TO THE PLAINS 2. Handwritten in white ink – UPPER KIEWA ROAD MT FAINTER IN BACKGROUND 3 – 6. No markings bogong village; upper kiewa road; bogong high plains; falls creek; skiers

These photographs were taken in and around Mount Beauty and the Kiewa Valley by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, Victoria Junction Dam, also known as Lake Guy, is situated 16 kms from Mt Beauty, along the Bogong High Plains Road. It was built by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This collection of postcards and images is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful businessman in Falls Creek, Victoria.A colour image of Junction Dam in the Upper Kiewa area, showing a bench and autumn trees.mt. beauty, junction dam, lake guy, kiewa hydroelectric scheme

Published by the SECV in 1950. They controlled the roads from Mt Beauty to the Bogong High Plains and all other roads within the Kiewa works area. The roads are not open to general tourist traffic. Conducted tours of the Kiewa area are operated by Eastern Road Lines Pty. Ltd., AlburyThe SECV constructed the KHES and controlled all roads within the Kiewa works area.Large colored map folded in half and then in 3. Front third is mostly blue and white with titles.. When opened the cover has black and white photos beside it with print and 'Please Note'. Also in the other half, a 'Road Map to Kiewa' showing the south eastern side of Australia, mostly yellow (the land) and blue (the sea). Inside the map is a close up map of "Ground Plan of Kiewa Hydro Electric Project' with a 'Key Map Showing Distances'.map of kiewa 1950, khes map

These maps were all dated 1933 which was before the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme and when Tawonga was spelt Towonga. North East Victoria in 1933 was before the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme so the townships of Mt Beauty and Bogong are not shown. The description of the Snow Lines was important as skiers, bushwalkers and campers relied on them. The details on the map include "ADB. Numbered from A.1-377 round plates. CD Numbered from C 1-235 square plates. Poles about 3 chains apart 27 to the mile." 3 Tourist location maps (folded) and printed on parchment. 1. Tourist map of the Dandenong Ranges. Brown cover. dated 6-4-33. Govt. printer showing roads, tracks in red and heights of the land. 2. Tourist Map of Warburton, Mt Baw Baw, and Walhalla. Blue and Orange cover. dated 23-5-33 Govt. printer. 3 different maps of each area showin roads, tracks and timber tramways.Also in red and blue. 3. Tourist Map of North Eastern Victoria including Bogong High Plains Mt Buffalo Etc. Green cover. dated June 1933 Govt. printer. Main map and insert titled Bogong High Plains. Showing roads , tracks and tram ways. On insert showing snow poles. Also Red and Blue and mountains.By Authority of H.J. Green - 6 pence. Dept of Lands and Survey, Melbourne1933 maps, tourism maps, bogong high plains map 1933, snow poles

“Fall-Line” was one of a series of magazines published by the Victorian Ski Association. It was produced from 1979 until 1985. It superseded their previous publication, “Ski” magazine and was followed by the “Australian Skiing” magazine. The Victorian Ski Association was formed in 1955.This magazine is significant because it documents developments in the ski industry in Australia.A magazine featuring a coloured image on the cover and containing articles and advertising related to developments in skiing in Australia. This issue included an update on improvements being made at Falls Creek. FALLS CREEK The chairlift access area near the medical centre, long famous as the Mudpie Parlour of Falls Creek, has been sealed and Falls Creek itself, the waters of which have filled many an unsuspecting gum- boot, has been bridged, also near the medical centre. A lock-up storage shed will be built along Bogong High Plains Road, just below the oversnow terminal, for the use and convenience of all village commercial operators and site holders. Direct access will be possible by snowmobile. Falls Creek rates have risen to $82.50 per bed (less 10% discount if paid on time). The rise is the first in two years, and is less than the corresponding rise in the C.P.I. over that period. The access trail from the water tanks at the base of the Home Trail to the nursery slope has been smoothed and widened to 12 metres, and a new six metre wide access trail has been cut from Falls Creek Road, just behind Diana lodge to the chairlift bottom station. The Village Bowl comfort station is being extended and renovated, and the finishing touches are being put on the comfort station in the upper car park. Construction of an akja station/toilet block in Sun Valley will commence in 1980. The Management Committee is investigating the purchase of a Mercedes 800 series snow-clearing machine to supplement the CRB equipment in use in village parking areas The village water supply has been re- designed to ensure adequate supply at all times.australian ski magazines, skiing australia, victorian ski association

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 documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A detailed circular in preparation for the 1968 winter season. Key topics included:- the rezoning of car parking and some roads also involving the opening of the road between Mt. Beauty and the Omeo Highway becoming a public road called the Bogong High Plains Tourist Road; snow clearing on roads and the use of chains; use of "Yellow Horse" shuttle service: slope preparation and the "Ratrac" snow packing machine; chair lift ticket prices; concerns re straying cattle and a water supply and sewerage update. Over the summer some new buildings had been constructed bringing beds available on the mountain to about 1,350 and a clean up of the Village would be organised before the season began. Tobogganing areas were discussed, The need for publicity was stressed and the Committee saw this as the responsibility of those who would benefit most. Consistent approaches to snow reporting, loutishness and garbage were called for. Oversnow transport, Ski School, Snow Patrol were outlined. Finally the need to foster positive relations and a coordinated approach towards public relations was called for.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration

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

This container is one of high quality and would have been found either in a bedroom containing small articles belonging to a woman or in an office or parlour containing small items used by the householder. The container would have been a relatively expensive item to purchase. This container has no known local provenance but it is a very attractive item from times past and one not common even when first purchased. It will be useful for displayThis is a round silver container with a plain base and the sides heavily-impressed with patterns of flowers, fronds and tendrils. There is an oval blank space on one side to insert a name or inscription. The lid is a detached one that fits over the top of the container. The lid has a curved top with the same impressed floral patterns. The name of the maker is on the base but it is difficult to decipher.‘quadruple plate’ Torun (?) …Company household items, history of warrnambool

This booklet was produced to advertise Mt Beauty, the Kiewa Scheme & surrounding areas to visitors / tourists. The photos cover Falls Creek with snow, lifts and skiers - one with Spion Kopje Lodge. Also Tawonga Camping ground, Bogong Village, Mt Beauty Chalet, the Control panel at Kiewa Power Station, Clover Dam at No. 3 Power Station, the road to Falls Creek and a view of Mt Beauty township. The photos indicate what Mt Beauty and the Kiewa Valley and High Plains looked like c1950's during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The area was recognised and encouraged as a tourist attraction especially Falls Creek enabling comparison with later photos and ideas. A fold down booklet postcard size of 12 colored photos - back to back of Mt Beauty, the Kiewa Scheme & surrounds. They fold in to form a front photo with title and a back card for stamp & address of addressee. On the back of the front photo are a few paragraphs describing the beauty, history and 'things to do' in the area for the visitor / tourist. mt beauty; kiewa scheme; tawonga; bogong; clover dam; kiewa valley; bogong high plains

Thomas Briggs was a pioneer of the Tawonga District. He worked on his parent's farm, selling goods, droving pigs and travelling to Yackandandah and Bright. He worked with pick and shovel on the Tawonga to Bright Road in 1902. He took up 320 acres of wild forest in Tawonga at 10 cents per acre per year for 20 years. He built a slab and shingle hut and a boundary fence. In 1886 he married Annie Maria Platt parenting 5 sons and 2 daughters until Annie died in 1953, aged 86 years.Thomas Briggs was a pioneer living in the Kiewa Valley with his parents and then with wife and family. This article is a history of his life from 1862 until 1887. See KVHS 0850 for information on the dray used to make the Tawonga Gap road - owned by John Briggs.Newspaper article Page 34 Border Morning Mail, Saturday, March 5, 1988 - Thomas Briggs Born 3rd Nov. 1862 who lived with his family at Upper Gundowring. His travels in the area including the Tawonga Gap and its construction in 1902 and his taking up of land in Tawonga in 1880. The article finishes in 1887 when he married Annie Maria Platt. The Thos Briggs story continues next week.thomas briggs; tawonga; kiewa valley; annie platt

Ski skins and webbing were introduced into the Victorian Alps by European skiers. Enthusiasts travelled to enjoy the snow and to explore the Victorian Alps including the Bogong High Plains. This equipment enabled them to travel over snow without slipping when going up hills. They took the skins off when they wanted to slide down hills. In later years waxes were used for cross country skiing and then 'fish tail' markings on the back of skis to enable skiers to travel distances up and down mountains. Later developments also included motor transport (replacing horses to get to the snow line) and roads to take skiers to the ski fields and mechanised tows to take skiers up mountains so they could ski down (downhill skiing).Skiers visited the Bogong High Plains especially during the years of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria's construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme from the 1930's onwards. Tourists to the area increased during this time and influenced the development of Falls Creek.Long cream strips with soft short 'fur' on one side and a type of strong hessian on the back with the length of the middle and sides stitched. At one end an adjustable strap is attached to a steel, hinged clasp and at the other end is a loop that fits over the ski. A quarter of the way from each end is a steel attachment for fastening over the ski - the 'toe' end with a rubber embossed flap and the other with a short and long strap each with a steel ring at the end.On the rubber attachment: 'vinersa/pat uno'ski skins; bogong high plains; falls creek

Bogong Primary School opened in 1941 to provide an education for the employees of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. The school had up to date equipment and received glowing reports from school inspectors. It closed c1986.The Bogong State School was opened for the children of S.E.C.V. workers who lived in Bogong in a remote part of north east Victoria. The nearest school would have been 14 miles away and over mountain roads subject to heavy construction traffic and extremes of climatic conditionsBlack and white photograph of children standing outside Bogong Primary School (estimated mid to late 60's) Photo mounted on buff cardHandwritten underneath the photo - We are standing outside our school. The people are Gary Tusker, David Hunter, Matthew Corr, Debbie Hunter and me (Gary Schneider)bogong school, secv

Mount Bogong located in the Alpine National Park and part of the Victorian Alps of the Great Dividing Range, is the highest mountain in Victoria, Australia, at 1,986 metres (6,516 ft) above sea level. The Big River separates the massif of the mountain from the Bogong High Plains to the south. From the nearby town of Mount Beauty to its summit, Mount Bogong rises more than 1,600 metres (5,200 ft), thus making it one of the highest peaks in Australia not only in terms of its elevation above sea level, but also in terms of actual base-to-summit prominence. Mount Bogong is a popular backcountry skiing mountain through winter but only has snow for the mid winter-spring months. It is around 30 kilometres (19 mi) by road and walking track or 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) direct to Mount Beauty. Falls Creek and Mount Hotham ski resorts are also nearby. Camping is relatively safe below the tree line but the summit ridgeline is very exposed. Emergency shelter is also available at Bivouac Hut on the Staircase Spur, and at Cleve Cole, above Camp Creek on the broad ridge to the south of the summit, and Michells Hut on the Eskdale Spur. Mt Bogong is a popular recreational venue in the Kiewa Valley for back country skiing and bush walking and is a favourite with sightseers and popular subject for photographersBlack and white photograph of Mt bogong taken from Tawonga - Thursday May 6th, 1937Handwritten on back of photograph. Thursday May 6th, 1937. Mt Bogong Tawongamt bogong, tawonga, kiewa valley

After World War II, the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the scheme. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Falls Creek Post Office opened on 9 June 1958 (with telegraph and telephone facilities only until 1964) .Despite strong opposition from the head of the Kiewa scheme, who didn't want tourists clogging up his roads and destroying his "dry" construction camps by bringing in booze, Falls Creek boomed as much as Hotham, partly owing to its relatively good access road. Early lodges included Bogong (c.1946), Skyline (1947), Albury (1949), Myrtleford (1949) and Dawn (c.1950).The souvenir postcard photographed and produced by an enterprising local businessman Mr S K Pearce, was produced as a memento for skiers and other visitors to the Falls Creek and Mt Beauty area to send to family and friends as a reminder of their visit to the region, or to keep as a personal souvenir. It presented an excellent promotional opportunity for enterprising local businessmen to promote the area to skiers and tourists near and far. It also presents an excellent pictorial history of the falls creek area around the late 1950’s to early 1960’sColour postcard folder (unused) containing 13 photographs of the Falls Creek ski area and surrounds. Inside cover has a brief description of the area and the services available to visitors Printed on front cover- FALLS CREEK SKI VILLAGE. Your Souvenir Folder Photo of skiing slopes of the village Inside front flap - a brief description of the Falls Creek area and the services available to visitors 1. Diana Lodge parking area and Spion Kopje 2. Winterhaven Lodge 3. Ski Hirage Centre and skiing slopes 4. Ski Lodges from main road 5. Nelse and Arundel Lodges 6. Day visitors’ shelter and parking area 7. Summit T-Bar lift 8. Spur T-bar looking towards Village and Spion Kopje 9. T-bar lower station and Snow Crystal Inn 10. ‘Akja’ rescue sled in use 11. Falls Creek road and Grand Coeur Lodge annex 12. Rope tows and beginner slopes 13. Back cover- Published by Nucolorvue Pty Ltd Mentone Vic. Printed in Australia For S.K.Pearce Pty Ltd Tawonga and Mt Beauty falls creek, snow, bogong high plains, victorian alps

Bogong Village, which was known as “The Junction”, is well recorded. The first tent camp was at the junction of Pretty Valley and Rocky Valley streams in the early 40’s. Further downstream were the sawmill, stables and blacksmith’s forge. Horses were the main mode of transport in the early days. The road to Bogong had reached the lookout spur just beyond Roper’s Spur track just before the 1939 fires. The early forties saw rapid growth of the village, with single and married men’s quarters, workshops, mess huts and administrative offices. The facilities necessary for communal living were quickly in place- a post office, police station, co-op store, medical centre, community hall/theatre, tennis courts and school. Much of the temporary accommodation that housed groups such as the Albion Quarrying Company were in the area now under water.This group of photographs are a pictorial record of the early history of the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, the people who worked in the background supplying administrative support and the workers and their families. It also shows a glimpse into how a large group of people from very diverse backgrounds came together to enjoy social activities and share each others companyGroup of 10 black and white photographs and photocopies of original photographs of varying sizes (some official SECV photos) Some Photos are labelled with the date and the names of SECV staff members. Depicting early life at Bogong Village 1. Group photo – Kiewa House Residents 1.8.41 (SECV official photo) 2. Female staff residents 3. Female office staff 4. Kitchen staff – Junction Mess (SECV official photo) 5. Male administration staff Bogong 6. Bogong Social Club fancy dress ball, 1940 7. Wives and children of SECV workers 8. Children in fancy dress 9. Opening of Volunteer Air Observers post 1943 10. Flag raising at opening of Volunteer Air Observers post 1. Printed under photo: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 1.8.41 Time: 12.30pm No:K 435 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works. Kiewa House Residents Back Row L to R: S.A. Salmon, W. Strachn, T.A Connors, W.J Norman, R.C Grealey, R.D Hegarty, Mrs Hegarty, W.R Morgan, S.A Clarke, P. Morgan, P.J. Harnetty, G.W Crouch. Front Row L to R: W.L Godfrey, R.S Hollands, Pte. R Charlesworth, R.L Dunn, N Caldwell, L.T Davies, I Webber, H.L Kendall, P Tiller, Ricky Hegarty, L.T Guy, M.C Cox, K.F Calder, D.S Gibson 2. Printed on bottom: Staff who lived at Kiewa House and worked in the Administration Office c 1943 Handwritten at bottom Priscilla Johnson (nee Reid) At top of page A GOOD LIFE: WOMEN’S RECOLLECTIONS OF LIFE IN THE UPPER KIEWA VALLEY 3. Printed under photo- Office Staff – Bogong 4. Printed under photo: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 18.5.40 Time: 11.05am No:K 103. Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works. Kitchen Staff- Junction Mess. Opening night of the new staff mess Bogong. 5. Printed under photo -Administration staff Bogong 6. Printed under photo- The social club raised money for patriotic fund from fancy dress nights. (1st Fancy Dress Ball, Bogong 1940) 7. Printed above photo: ---- and family life begins (1942 Bogong) 8. Printed under photo: A favourite photograph 9. Printed under photo: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 24.5.43 Time: 2.8pm No:K 1151 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works. Bogong- Squadron Leader Leggett speaking at opening of Air Observer’s Post 10. Printed under photo: Raising the flag at the opening of the Volunteer Air Observer’s Post at Bogong - 1943 bogong village; kiewa hydro electric scheme; social activities; community clubs

Bogong Village, which was known as “The Junction”, is well recorded. The first tent camp was at the junction of Pretty Valley and Rocky Valley streams in the early 40’s. Further downstream were the sawmill, stables and blacksmith’s forge. Horses were the main mode of transport in the early days. The road to Bogong had reached the lookout spur just beyond Roper’s Spur track just before the 1939 fires. The early forties saw rapid growth of the village, with single and married men’s quarters, workshops, mess huts and administrative offices. The facilities necessary for communal living were quickly in place- a post office, police station, co-op store, medical centre, community hall/theatre, tennis courts and school. Much of the temporary accommodation that housed groups such as the Albion Quarrying Company were in the area now under water.Pictorial history of the early years of Bogong Village including one photo taken following the devastating fires of 1939. Photos show the terrain in which Bogong Village was built, the early construction used for the temporary buildings and the housing and the amount of infrastructure required to accommodate the needs of the residents of the area including workers, their families and other support staff. Set of 9 black and white photographs and photocopies of photographs depicting early buildings at Bogong Village . Photos show very early construction buildings as well as the village in various weather conditions, including snowing and after bush fires. (some official SECV photographs) 1. Bogong Village in heavy snow 2. Bogong Township during heavy snow (SECV Official Photo) 3. VIP Lodge at Bogong in the snow 4. Bogong Village - circa 1940’s 5. Bogong Village under street lights 6. Lewis Construction Camp (SECV Official Photo) 7. Albion Quarrying Co. Camp (SECV Official Photo) 8. Tent camp and early buildings following 1939 fires 9. Typical house – Bogong Village 1. Handwritten under photo – August 1948 2. Printed under photo: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 25.8.48 Time: 9am No:K 4680 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works. Bogong Township 3. Handwritten on back of photo- V.I.P. Lodge, Bogong 4 – 5. No markings 6. Printed under photo: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 28.11.40 Time: 1.40pm No:K284 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works. Lewis Construction Camp 7. Printed under photo: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 11.1.41 Time: 10.40am No:K294 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works. Albion Quarrying Co. Camp – Bogong. Handwritten on back of photo: On the floor of the present dam 8. No markings 9. Printed under photo: STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA Date: 11.1.46 Time: 1.23pm No:K2181 Kiewa Hydro-Electric Works. Bogong – Typical House bogong village; 1939 fires; kiewa hydro electric scheme;

Chapters are divided into groups of 50 years from1800 - 2010 covering the history of the area. It covers places, events families etc.Historical account contributed by local families. Soft cardboard coloured cover, with picture of road lined by thick cover of trees. 194 pages. Includes black and white photos.running creek, kancoona, kiewa valley, robert down

Postcards were available at tourist destinations to promote the resort by enabling visitors to write to friends and family.The Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme hastened the development of Falls Creek as a popular destination for skiers. Roads, buildings including accommodation & chalets, ski clubs, snow vehicles, ski tows etc enabled visitors to live and ski in the snow. When construction of the KHES was completed Falls Creek continued to develop both as a winter and summer resort. Serrated edge colored postcards. 1. "On Langlauf Skis in the Australian Snowfields' - Photograph by Uwe Steinward 2. 'Ski-school and instructors at Falls Creek, Victoria' Photograph by Uwe Steinward x2 3. Overlooking the Victorian snowfields, Falls Creek, Victoria' Photograph by Uwe Steinward 4. 'Skiing down the slopes at Falls Creek, Victoria.' photograph by Uwe Steinward x3falls creek, snow, skiing, alpine sport, langlauf skmiing, uwe steinward

Early settlers came to Dederang from Kergunyah. The main road, Dederang to Tawonga was opened about 1860 - 1864, connecting 'Crosthwaite's Gap' with 'Smith's corner'. Jim Goonan's ancestors selected land between Dederang and Tawonga in the early 1860's.A comprehensive history of the town of Dederang from the 1860's up to the 1950's. Early settlers, infrastructure, businesses, activities including sport and life style are described giving an insight into how the Kiewa Valley developed during this time.26 typed pages of the History of Dederang. Each page consists of paragraphs with a heading.dederang, jim goonan, kiewa valley

The Bright-Tawonga Road was built in 1896, connecting the Ovens and Kiewa valleys. The article gives an description of the event.The Bright - Tawonga road connected Tawonga to the larger town of Bright and the closest railway service. This road provided the Upper Kiewa Valley with access to larger markets, alternative transport and increased facilities not available in the Kiewa Valley in the early, pre SEC days. It describes how roads were built in 1896 with little machinery. The KVHS has in its collection the dray used to help build the road. One page article from the 'Shire News' dated 19th March 1996bright-tawonga road, road works, kiewa valley, ovens valley, dray

Bogong Village was built by the SECV in 1940 for the workers of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. In 1971, 30 houses were furnished for use as holiday homes for SEC personnel throughout the State. From 1989 to 1993 the houses were restored & renovated.During the 1990s the buildings in the village had been leased to private owners. Many of them rented their houses for tourists. The Commissioner's lodge was on the other side of the Mt Beauty - Falls Creek road, above Bogong Village. Wally Baldwin ran it in the 1960's.It was destroyed by the 2003 bushfires.These papers present a history of 'the Commissioner's lodge' and Bogong Village in the 1990's. The Progress Association was an active community group in 1963/64.Papers advertising Bogong Village & the Lodge for accommodation with rates 1997/1998. Describes the alternatives, maps and cafe hours, Also, 'Jan's Recollections' and on the back of these pages a hand written list of members of the the Progress Association 1963-64 as 'per Mr A. McCullough's spiel'. In original folder and includes a pamphlet & postcard.bogong village, secv lodge, lake guy, state electricity commission of victoria., kiewa hydro electric scheme, tourism, accommodation

The Blue Duck Hotel stands at the confluence of 3 trout rivers - Cobungra, Bundarra and Mitta Mitta, called Angler's Rest. The original 1900's building was of slab construction and operated as a butcher shop, servicing miners on the track from Omeo to Mt. Wills. In 1912 it was purchased by a miner, Billy O'Connell, and he obtained a hotel license. In the early 1920's he transported 2 houses from Omeo on Horse drays. One is the main building of the Blue Duck and the other was a residence where Billy and his wife raised their nine children. The small log structure behind the pub is State School No.4286 where the children attended school. A teacher was shared with Glen Wills. By the late 1920's the hotel was discovered and patronized by keen anglers. Sir Harold Clapp (head of the railways) was one and he had the bronze blue duck cast and presented to the owners in the 1930's. This stands at the entrance to the premises.These photographs are of a building, in a remote area, that has provided a service to miners, anglers and travellers for over 100 years and continues to do so today. It also played a vital role in the history of the Mt. Wills/Omeo gold mining days.3 Post cards, Black and White photographs. 3 small black and white photographsPost Card No. 1 - "Blue Duck Hotel- Omeo-Glen wills road Ray Love Series No.2"(written on lower front) Post Card No. 2- "Looking towards Bogong High Plains. Omeo-Glen Wills road"(front, bottom, L hand) Ray Love Series No. 18 (front, lower R hand corner) On both of above photos, centre back, is stamped POST CARD and underneath this is printed "A GENUINE PHOTOGRAPH'/ Post Card No. 3 - Bottom L hand corner "Mystic Sea Australian Alps". R hand corner "(Bulmer Copyright)". Each small photograph, handwritten on back "Blue duck Hotel". All have circular stamp with "Print by Wilson White Albury" blue duck hotel; anglers rest; omeo highway; fishing; mining

In 1947 it was proposed to construct a dam on the Pretty Valley branch of the East Kiewa River. This was part of the initial planning in 1937. The Pretty Valley Reservoir was to be part of a pumped-storage scheme with a pumping station located immediately below the main structure. Preparatory work was commenced in 1946 with erection of staff accommodation. Between 1947 and 1950 the main camp was erected, access roads, constructed and banks and benches at the dam site undertaken. Following the financial crisis in 1951, a review of the scheme was carried out and work ceased in June 1951. Construction of the dam was deleted from the programme of works and all buildings removed.A pictorial history of part of the initial planning in 1937 for a dam to be constructed at Pretty Valley as part of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.7 small black and white photographs of Pretty ValleyAll photos have a circular stamp on the back with 'Print by Willson White Albury' enclosed. Photo 1 - on the back, handwritten in ink 'New 22Kv pump line - Pretty Valley Nov. 1948'. In pencil '18'. Photo 2 - On the back, handwritten in ink 'Pretty Valley - Staff mess on right Nov. 1948'. In pencil '18'. Photo 3 - On the back, handwritten in ink 'Pretty Valley Basin - looking S.E. Nov. 1948'. In pencil '5'. Photo 4 - On the back, handwritten in ink 'New pump 22Kv line, Pretty Valley - looking towards Mt. Mackie. Nov. 1948'. In pencil '5'. Photo 5 - On the back, handwritten in ink 'Pretty Valley. Mt. Cope just out of picture extreme right. Nov. 1948'. In pencil '78'. Photo 6 - on the back, handwritten in ink 'View from Pretty Valley Ruined Castle in Background Nov. 1948'. In pencil '78'. Photo 7 - on the back, handwritten in ink 'Pretty Valley Pump line (Nov. 1948)'. In pencil'78'.construct, dam, pretty valley