Originated in the United Kingdom in 1822 with a motto "No Man Is At All Times Wise" and a maxim of "Justice, Truth and Philanthropy". A branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was formed at Bogong by Grand Lodge Officers from Melbourne and other members. The ceremony was held at Lewis Camp Mess (Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme) with a world record of 78 new members initiated and a world record of over 100 pounds was raised. Another branch, No. 150, was opened in Mt Beauty. The Bogong and Mt Beauty lodges combined in 1948 and organised a Christmas treat for all children of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Historical: The Bogong R.A.O.B. was formed circa Sept. 1946 and the Mt Beauty R.A.O.B. in 1948. The Members Board, the 78 members initiated and the money raise indicate that it was a popular organisation in Bogong and then in Mt Beauty during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This club also shows how important social clubs were in making up part of the community thus making it socially historic as well. This board has good interpretive capacity as it tells the story of this club which was important to the community at the time. Large hollow wooden box with 2 wooden doors at the front that open out the from centre to a hollow box. Attached to the front of the box, at the top, is a wooden decoration with curved edges along the top. In the centre of this are the letters R.A.O.B.- the letters having been carved out of the wood and then filled with a different wood. Both doors have steel attachments and a locked padlock hangs on the door on the left. Inside the box is a white paper sign with black writing backed onto masonite. Inside the right hand side door a coloured paper sign is attached."R.A.O.B." top centre of box. "Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes" etc. on black and white sign inside box. "Mt Beauty Lodge No. 150. This is to certify that Brother (blank) initiated into ...on 19th March 1949 ....signed by Chas / Chris A. Angus, Secretary" on coloured paper inside right hand side door.royal antediluvian order of buffaloes. bogong. mt beauty. charitable organisation. kiewa hydro electric scheme. lewis camp mess, clubs, societies

Originated in the United Kingdom in 1822 with a motto "No man Is At All Times Wise" and a maxim of "Justice, Truth and Philanthropy". A branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was formed at Bogong by Grand Lodge Officers from Melbourne and other members. The ceremony was held at Lewis Camp Mess (Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme) with a world record of 78 new members initiated and a world record of over 100 pounds was raised. Another branch, No. 150 was opened in Mt Beauty. The Bogong and Mt Beauty lodges combined in 1948 and organised a Christmas treat for all children of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Historical: The Bogong R.A.O.B. was formed circa Sept. 1946 and the Mt Beauty R.A.O.B. in 1948. It was a popular organisation in Bogong and then in Mt Beauty during the construction of the K.H.E.S. This club shows how important social clubs were in making up part of the community thus making it socially historic as well. It was a voluntary charitable organisation with a complicated ceremonial tradition and enjoyed by its participants. The donor, Brian William John Bourke was a cook at the pub and other places around the town. He had lived in the area since the 1950s and passed away 2019 and is buried at Tawonga Cemetery.Small brown leather case with attached handle and sliding clips on each side. The corners are reinforced with steel.The hinge appears to be stitched on and is held by an attached leather strap on the right side. Inside: the lid has a material open gathered pocket holding 4 small books and 4 thin booklets / papers. The case holds 2 large leather red and gold cuffs, 1 red with gold decoration apron, 1 red ribboned necklace with a personal badge and 1 of the lodge and 2 short ribbons (one green and 1 blue) with badges attached including the Mt Beauty badge on horns. 1 cardboard roll with B W J Bourke / Mt Beauty on the outside and 4 certificates rolled inside. These are dated 1964, 1970, 1974, 1974 . See also KVHS 0084, KVHS 0945, KVHS 1441 Brian William John Bourkeroyal antediluvian order of buffaloes, bogong, mt beauty, charitable organisation, lewis camp mess, r.a.o.b.