This is a 2nd edition of an earlier print, 1978. It has been revised and edited by John Phillips for the Orbost & District Historical Society in 2010. Harry Grosvenor was the headmaster at Newmerella School from 1962 to 1972. Harry was deeply involved in the 1978 publication by the Newmerella Progress Association called: Newmerella - Valley of Plenty. The book is a pictorial history of the early Newmerella district ( west of the Snowy River ).This is a local history book written by Harry Grosvenor a local author.A paperback book, titled Newmerella Valley of Plenty. The front cover is brown with white text and has three b/w photographs of the Snowy River flats as sen from the Newmerella hill. One is a photograph of the railway line with a steam train on the rail viaduct. newmerella-history

This is the program of a major country music event held at Newmerella /Orbost on Sunday 12th January 1986. It has been collected and donated by Elaine Brogan who attended this festival. This festival started in the early 1980's and was held annually.This item is significant because it details a major musical event in the 1980's32 page paper booklet, cover is black lettering on white background, drawing of a logo on top left of cover. StapledOFFICIAL SOUVENIR PROGRAMME (COMPLIMENTARY) 5TH ANNUAL SNOWY RIVER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL ORBOST LIONS CLUB SUNDAY JANUARY 12TH 1986 at NEWMERELLA RECREATION RESERVEmusic festival, orbost, country music festival

This booklet records the trip made by members of the Orbost and District Historical Society (including Heather Terrell, Roy Hofen and Eddie Slatter) on 15 October 2024 to view sites associated with the 1914 blasting accident site at Newmerella. Others attending were Noreen Thomson, May Leatch, Gaye Pearson, Lois Crisp, Heather Terrel, John Philips and Geoff Stevenson. This blasting accident which killed three workers occurred during construction of the Bairnsdale - Orbost railway line. It involved two men, a father and son from the same family (John and Peter Carroll) and another worker John Sullivan, all of whom died. It was the worst accident to occur during construction of this railway. This booklet is significant because it records details of the site where the deaths of three men working on the railway construction at Newmerella occurred, located about two miles west of Orbost. John and Peter Carroll and John Sullivan 13th of March 1914 died in this accident. 11 page plastic covered booklet. The cover page has a large coloured photograph of a trail through bushland. The writing on the cover is in orange print. Orbost & District Historical Society Inc RAIL TRAIL TRIP To Newmerella Blasting Accident Site Tuesday 15th October, 2024railway blasting accident 1914, railway construction deaths, carroll, sullivan

This book is a useful reference tool on the history of Newmerella.Four copies of a 80 pp soft covered stapled book with a light brown cover with the title, "NEWMERELLA - VALLEY OF PLENTY' in a darker brown print at the top. Below is an illustration of the Snowy River flats. It contains an outline of the history of Newmerella from the beginning of the 19th century until 1978. There are black/white photographs, detailed information and maps.newmerella-history valley-of-plenty

The official Newmerella Football Club was probably started in 1913. Simon Gargan was the founder of the Newmerella Football Club.Prior to that teams played socially in Orbost and district. This item probably belonged to A. WaitFootball clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health. A red cardboard shield - shaped ticket with "NEWMERELLA FOOTBALL CLUB member's ticket 1956" on it. It has two blue coloured cord ties.Newmerella Football Club Season 1956 Member's Ticket. N.G. Heinko Pres; G.C. Collis, Hon Sec"newmerella-football-club recreation

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost to record transactions relating bto the Newmerella Drainage Area from 1927 to 1950. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council.This item is a hand-written record of the accounts of the Orbost Shire local government. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed into the East Gippsland Shire Council. A ledger with a black cover and brown binding. It has marbled end covers. It contains handwritten records of transactions relating to the Newmerella Drainage Area. On the front cover in gold print is "LOAN CASH BOOK (underlined) NEWMERELLA DRAINAGE AREA ACCOUNT (underlined) SHIRE OF ORBOST". on spine - "Newmerella Drainage Area Cash Book" in gold print.orbost-shire-council ledger accounts newmerella-drainage-area

This photograph is probably of school teams.This is a pictorial record reflecting the importance of sport in Orbost society.Two black / white photograph / postcards of a group of girls dressed in sports uniforms. In photograph 3155.2 a man is holding a drum stick and another a drum. There are two other men on the left. All men are wearing suits.3155.2 - on back - "Girls Hockey Team Orbost V Newmerella Newmerella won"sport-hockey-orbost recreation

This photograph is of a cutting on a road at Bete Bolong known as Hofen's Cutting. This photograph was taken c. 1906 when transport was by horse, wagon and prior to cars and railways.This is a pictorial record of early Bete Bolong showing a road through a cutting which was known as Hofen's cutting. Two black / white photographs showing a dirt road heading down a cutting with a post and rail wooden fence on the left side in the background. In 958.1 there is a cut - away hillside beside the dirt road.on back - "Newmerella" (note: this location is at Bete Bolong and not on Newmerella Hill) 958.1 - on back - "Hofen's Bluff 1906"bete bolong, orbost, tracks/roads

In 1912 work was underrway on the Bairnsdale to Orbost railway. It was opened on April 10 1916. The two bridges on the railway viaduct, which crosses the Snowy River floodplain at Orbost, were built from local Southern Mahogany. The bridge on the Bairnsdale end (770m) is now the longest in Victoria. (info. Helen Martin)This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.A black / white photograph, oval-shaped on white background. It is of the railway viaduct across the flats at Orbost,.photo caption -"ORBOST RAILWAY BRIDGE, NEWMERELLA E. S. Vogt, Bairnsdale"newmerella orbost-viaduct east-gipsland-railway

This ledger was used by the Shire of Orbost from 1927 -1940. The item was donated to Orbost & District Historical society from P.R.O.V. as a Place of Deposit (POD) item for safe keeping by a local history group or museum. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994 when it became part of the East Gippsland Shire Council. Orbost was at first included in the Bairnsdale Shire from 1882 and was later part of the Tambo Shire. Because of travelling distances the Croajingalong Shire was created in 1892 (name changed to Orbost Shire 17.2.1893 with James Cameron as the first Shire President. In 1994 it amalgamated to become part of East Gippsland Shire Council. This item is a handwritten record of the accounts of the Orbost Shire local government. It pre-dates computer records. The Orbost Shire Council no longer exists having been absorbed by the East Gippsland Shire Council.A ledger with a black cover and brown leather binding. It has marbled end pages. On the front cover in gold print is " LOAN LEDGER (underlined) NEWMERELLA DRAINAGE AREA ACCOUNT (underlined) SHIRE OF ORBOST.on spine - "Newmerella Drainage Area Loan Ledger"ledger orbost-shire newmerella-drainage-area accounts

These forms were used by Henry's Timber Company in Newmerella. Hec Pow and his father sold the Newmerella mill to Henry Silverberg and Les Grace. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.Twenty-eight dark green hard-backed folders, with black spines and silver metal fastenings, containing wages sheets for employees of Henry's Timber Co Pty Ltd.All have labels with "Henry's Timber Co Pty Ltd" and dates of wages sheets included. They are hand-written.timber-industry-orbost henry's-timber-company

Ellen Thomas was an Aboriginal woman who lived in Newmerella. George Thomas who lived with his family at Newmerella on Grand View Road until the 1950's. The family was a very well-respected local Aboriginal family.The Thomas family were early residents of Newmerella.A black / white portrait photograph of a lady in a long-sleeved top and long skirt. The photo is oval -shaped and mounted in a light grey card.on back - Ellen Thomasthomas-ellen

These plans were used by POW Sawmills, Newmerella, probably owned at the time by Henry's Timber Company. Hec Pow and his father sold the Newmerella mill to Henry Silverberg and Les Grace. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.Eight large plans for various sections of POW's at Newmerella. The plans were drawn up for Bonang Timbers and Bowman.2317.2 - on back in pen "REC 24/9/80" 2317.3 - on back in red pen "INCOMPLETE SET OF PLANS" ; sticker with "Shire of Orbost Compulsory Inspection" 2317.5 - "DODD" in red ink (John H. Dodd Pty Ltd)

These forms were used by Hector G. Pow's Sawmiller Company in Newmerella ( Henty's & Pow). Pow's had a mill at Cabbage Tree as well. Hec Pow and his father sold the Newmerella mill to Henry Silverberg and Les Grace. The mill is currently owned by Mectec.Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.Thirty dark green hard-backed folders with black spines and silver metal fastenings, containing wages sheets for employees of POW's Sawmills P/L. All have labels with "POW's Sawmills P/L" and dates of wages sheets included. They are hand-written.

3254.1 shows aTculvert over the gully at the foot of Burn’s Hill cutting at Newmerella and has been taken looking up tpward Burn's Cutting at Newmerella .Photograph 3254.2 has been taken from below the cutting. More information in Newsletter, November 2010.These photographs are pictorial records of Burn's Cutting and the old coach road in a time before the establishment of the Orbost to Bairnsdale railway line.Two black / white photographs of a gravel road on the side of a cutting. Both have a coach on the road. burn-road-newmerella cutting-newmerella coach-road-newmerella

These photographs were taken from Warren's property at Newmerella. They were taken looking to the north-west.These photographs form an interesting panoramic landscape of the Snowy River flats in Orbost. The method of photographing two scenes and placing them side-by-side was used if a specialist panoramic camera was unavailable.Two black / white photographs which are designed to fir together to make a panorama. They are of river flats with maize crops and houses in the background. The photographs have been taken from a high point.on back - "From Warrens to N.W."newmerella snowy-river-flats maize-crops photography

This jug was presented as a trophy to the Newmerella football team in 1909. The jug was donated by Carl Dreverman & Co. Carl Dreverman & Co. was an Ironmongers in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Established in 1900 at first as Dreverman and Reynolds, Carl Dreverman took over the store which still exists today in Orbost as Orbost Hardware. The official Newmerella Football Club was probably started in 1913. Simon Gargan was the founder of the Newmerella Football Club.Prior to that teams played socially. This cup was presented to the Newmerella team which defeated an Orbost team.Football clubs in Orbost and district, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health.A silver plated pear shaped jug presented as a trophy. It has ornate floral decorations on the handle and a hinged lid. It has a circular base. It was possibly designed as a wine jug.W&H inside a pennant On front - Football Season 1909 Presented by CARL DREVERNAN & CO. Walker & Hall ORBOST V. NEWMERELLA won by Newmerella Sheffield England 1594 Patent 79759silver-plate trophy newmerella-football-club dreverman football

These three photos were taken at the time of the opening of the Orbost Railway (Bairnsdale-Orbost) in 1916. This was an extremely important and much anticipated event for this remote community In East Gippsland, Victoria. This railway was constructed 1912-1916, and functioned until 1987. It was a 'developmental' railway line, constructed to encourage and promote development in this region which suffered from extremely poor transport and lack of access to markets.These photographs are significant because they are a record of an extremely important event in the history of Orbost, ie. the opening of the railway line in 1916.Three b/w photos/postcards of the Orbost Railway, 1916 2713.1 An oval shaped b/w photo/postcard showing a steam engine and five train carriages on a railway line, and workers beside the line using shovels. 2713.2 A panoramic rural view taken from an elevated position, showing paddocks, a long railway bridge on the right hand side with a line of telegraph poles beside it, one house on a road, and buildings in the distance. 2713.3 A steam train on a wooden bridge in the foreground. Steam from the train covers much of the photograph. Paddocks of maize, a barn and shed, and dead trees.2713.1 NEWMERELLA RAILWAY, ORBOST STANLEY VOGT, BAIRNSDALE 2713.2 Railway Viaduct, Orbost Flats 2713.3 First Government Train to Orbost, Official Opening. W S Vogt, Bairnsdaleorbost railway, newmerella

3255.1 is a photograph of the Princes Freeway construction of the roadway embankment at the foot of Newmerella Hill. 3255.2 is of the construction of the roadway, the Princes Freeway looking down from Newmerella toward Orbost. 3255.3 shows the Princes Freeway from Grandview , Newmerella, and shows the southern end of Ashby's Gulch with its bridge. 3255.4 is of the Princes Freeway showing the bridge across Ashby's Gulch and a train on the railway viaduct. Ashby's Gulch is named for the Ashby family. The Ashby family was one of the early settlers in Orbost at Newmerella. Roy Ashby, son of James Rowland Ashby and Edith Annie Hall, was born on 21 Nov 1892 in Orbost. Victoria. Australia and died in 1942 in Orbost. Victoria. Australia at age 50. Roy married Elsie May Stephens, daughter of James Stephens and Sarah Taylor, in 1920 in Victoria.Australia. Elsie was born on 15 Sep 1898 in Beaconsfield Tasmania.Australia and died in 1974 in Orbost Australia at age 76. Their children were: Roy Ashby, William Henry Ashby, Cordelia Valma Ashby and Edith Ashby. This photograph is associated with the construction of the main roads into Orbost. It is also connected to the Orbost to Bairnsdale Railway.Four black / white photographs of road construction and rail bridges.road-construction-newmerella princes-freeway-newmerella ashby's-gulch-newmerella orbost-railway

This item was made by Mrs Helena warren of Newmerella. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This item reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century. This item also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A handmade white fluffy squirrel holding a gum nut. It is possibly made of sheepskin. The eyes are pink plastic. The whiskers are white nylon thread (item no. 2495.4)toys needlework warren-helena handcraft

This felt deer was made by Helena warren of Newmerella. The deer was exhibited in the Royal Melbourne Show in the 1950's. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She was a fine amateur photographer who supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert).This object reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to mid 20th century. This item also has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A handmade felt toy fallow deer which is light brown with darker brown spots. It has dark brown antlers, dark brown feet and plastic eyes.handcrafts needlework warren-helena

Julia Eaton was the daughter of George Thomas who lived with his family at Newmerella on Grand View Road until the 1950's. The family was a very well-respected local Aboriginal family.This item is an example of a common domestic item hand made by an Orbost local. It reflects the needlework skills of women in the early to middle 20th century. White/cream coloured soft thread macrame cloth with tassels around the edge.cloth tablewear domestic linen

These photographs were probably published in the Snowy River Mail. Some of the Orbost identities in the photographs are: Jim Holden; Brian Morgan; Clarrie Ingram; Jeffrey Fecondo; David Holden; Brian Holden; Richard Morgan; Sue Joiner and Charlie Owen. They were taken in the Poultry Shed at the Orbost Show at the Newmerella Showground. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)These photographs are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.Twenty-two black / white photographs and four coloured photographs. all are related to the Orbost Agricultural Show.poultry agriculture-show-orbost

3185.1 is a view from Hofen's Bluff at Bete Bolong. 3185.2 is a view taken from Mt Raymond looking west at swampland. 3185.3 was taken from Warrens Road, Newmerella looking over the flats towards Orbost, north-east. 3185.4 was taken at Cameron's Lagoon / Lochiel Lagoon in Orbost.These postcards are pictorial records of Orbost in the first half of the 20th century.Four black / white postcards of views around Orbost. postcards-orbost hofen's-bluff newmerella lochiel-lagoon cameron's-lagoon

These photographs were taken at the annual Orbost Agricultural Show at the Newmerella Showground. They were probably published in the Snowy River Mail newspaper. Some of the Orbost identities pictured include : Russell Crofts, Kevin McDonald, Brian McDonald, Gail & Lee Winchester, Julie & Lisa Drummond, Marion Russell, Sylvia MurrayRod Kleinitz, Rober Morgan, Trevor Perry, Brian Woodlands, anna light, Louella Brunt, Colin Weir, Wendy Pinnock, Raeleen Reed, Margaret Joiner and Jo-anne Mundy. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)These photographs are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Seventeen black / white phootgraphs which were taken at the Orbost Agricultural Show.orbost-agricultural-show

This photograph shows a distant view of the Orbost township taken from Grandview Lookout at Newmerella. It appears to have been taken before the railway line was there.This is a pictorial record of early Orbost.A small black / white photograph of the Orbost township taken from Grandview Lookout , Newmerella. The main road can be seen below with paddocks of crops on both sides.on back - "Distant View, Orbost from Grandview"orbost-township-c19th grandview-lookout orbost-flats-paddocks

3084.1 is titled "Ready For Launching" and is of Mr Lachlan Macalaster on the left and Mr Jim Holden preparing to release two roosters for a competition - The Rooster Chase,. 3084.2 was taken at the 1978 annual Orbost Show in a new division for goats. the photograph was taken during the judging. Linda and Val Donald are in the photograph' 3084.3 and 3084.4 are of the new pavillion at Newmerella Recreation Ground,This is a pictorial record associated with the annual Orbost Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.Four black / white photographs. 3084.1 shows two men each holding a rooster. 3084.2 shows a group of five people standing near some goats. 3084.3 and 3084.4 are of the construction of a large metal shed.Each photograph has a label on the back with detailed information.orbost-show macalaster-lachlan holden-jim donald-val agriculture

This photograph is of a train on the small rail bridge which crosses over the Burn Road Newmerella cutting. In 1912 work was underway to complete the Bairnsdale to Orbost section of the railway. This meant the end of river transport for the area. The railway was opened on April 10 1916 and closed in 1987. The letter written on the card is from Hilda Graham to her uncle.This item is associated with the history of the Orbost-Bairnsdale railway line and therefore reflects the role that the rail line played in the social and economic history of Orbost.A black / white postcard photograph showing a train engine crossing on a small rail bridge. On the back is a handwritten letter.Photo caption - "NEWMERELLA RAILWAY, ORBOST STANLEY VOGT"newmerella east-gippsland-railway