This historical family photograph spans three generations of the Cooper Family, a pioneer family, still residing in the Kiewa Valley. The large axe held by Pat was a handy tool for pioneer families to chop down trees for land clearing, building sheds and fences, outhouses and fire wood. This photograph was taken during a time where both male and females did some heavy lifting and processing. The rural sector at this point in time was physically a hard location for both sexes. The segregation of the sexes into specific job categories was some times non existent although household "chores" was in the main a woman's domain. The rural sector was in this point of time one which women were highly respected and the unwritten law of providing "assistance" and "reverence" by men in such actions as, socially opening doors, tipping the cap, offering a sturdy arm for support and refraining from doing or saying anything "uncouth" in a woman's presence. It was in a time when women's liberation was just starting to grow strength. Rural areas, on the hole, took longer to interfuse "city" hatched norms of behaviour. This photograph of a pioneer family still residing in the Kiewa Valley demonstrates not only the close protective environment that the valley has on all its inhabitants but also the close bonding that neighbors have towards each other. The term "God's gifted country" fits warmly with all the settlements in the valley. The relatively isolated (physically, visually and communications wise) has since post World War II been whittled away by faster and vastly improved communications with "the outside" world. The strength of commitment to the rural life can be seen in the faces of the family members in this photograph. The proud heritage is displayed without any external pressure. This large black and white family photograph is a reproduction on Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper manufactured by Fujifilm. It is 200gsm matt finished paper with no borders. On the reverse side, written in pencil "Ted Cooper sitting aged 24-25, Pat Amery (Ted's youngest sister) holding Ted's eldest son Doug and Ted's father John Franklin Cooper(22-8-1892)"john cooper, ted cooper, pat amery, doug cooper, pioneer family kiewa valley

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

Portraits were taken professionally often on important occasions. As graziers from a prominent family in Redbank, Walter and Ada Ryder were well known and respected.Walter and Ada Ryder were pioneer high country graziers and cattlemen. Ada (nee Sullivan)'s family lived at Redbank. Their children were Walter, Victor, Beatrice, Vera, Lorna and Dorothy. Walter 1872 - 1954; Ada 1887 - 1983 Walter was a son of John and Annie Ryder - Walter's parents being one of the first settlers in the valley. According to Ada Ryder's notes and John Cooper's notes, Ryders were followed by Higginsons followed by Coopers in about 1867/8. Ropers held Mullindolingong Station/Mt Yorke Station, but had managers on the station before actually taking up residence about 1867/8. Whilst the Sullivans lived at Redbank (now known as Coral bank), the Ryders lived at Tawanga (correct spelling in those days) on Ryders Lane, Tawonga where John and Annie first built and lived; Walter and Ada then occupied the family home, followed by Vera Hore (nee Ryder) and the current owners Kevin and Rhonda Ryder.Black and white photo of an elderly man and woman both well dressed. Framed by cream cardboard 3.5 cm at sides and 5 cm top and bottom with a plain metal frame surrounding all sides with decorated corners. McPherson, Albury on front below righthand side of the photo.walter ryder; ada sullivan; cattle graziers; tawonga

The Dederang-Mt. Beauty Football Club, nicknamed the Bombers, is an Australian rules football club playing in the Tallangatta & District Football League. The club is based in Dederang, Victoria and Mount Beauty, Victoria. It was formed in the early1900s and disbanded in 1976 when it merged with Mount Beauty to form Dederang-Mount Beauty football club. In 1948 the competition received a boost with an influx of new players who came to work on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme. George and Gordon Hobbs were the famous Hobbs brothers of Dederang which two Premierships were built around. Four brothers starred in Dederang’s First Flag in the Tallangatta League in 1958. Dederang Football Club was one of the earliest recorded football clubs in the Kiewa Valley area. Many players came from pioneering farming families in the area and there were often several boys from the same family playing in the team. Dederang won its first flag in the Tallangata League in1958 led by the Hobbs brothers Rex, Colin, Ken and Jack2 original black and white photographs of Dederang football club teams. Mounted on heavy card 1. Dederang Football Team – 1923 2. Dederang Football Team – 1919 Glued underneath photo, Typed names of team players 1. Dederang Football Team – 1923 Standing- Dick Hore, Jack Creamer, Jim Thompson, Alex Speers, Rex Hollands, Harry Goonan, Son Hobbs, Andy McQuilton, Alie Briggs, Charlie Grealy, Walter Keat. Front- Tom Baker, Tom Arter, Chris Quonoey, Hyram Ivers,Norman Coad, Bill Arundel, Clarrie Jeffs, David Briggs. Umpire unknown. Lent by Mrs D Coad Yackandandah 2. Dederang Football Team – 1919 Standing- Tom Hollands, Mick Tooey, Rex Hollands, Charlie Grealey,Jack Charles, HyramIvers, Mr Hewitt, Andy McQuilton, Alex Speers, Jack Creamer, Andrew Nettie. Front- Norman Coad, Bill Goonan, Rex Ellis, Davis, Umpire, V Donaghu, Bev Day, Barny Keegan, Mick Hynes. Lent by Mrs D Coad, Yackandandah dederang, football

Pictorial record of the grave of pioneer woman Mrs Mary Hollonds, who passed away in 1862. The grave is located at Mullagong Station (farm) in Tawonga, five miles south of Keegan's Bridge. Miss Hobbs, formerly of Running Creek, mentioned that twin babies of the Brigg's family are buried at Mary Holland's feet.Pictorial record of pioneer gravesites in the Kiewa Valley. Social history of people in 1977 showing interested in local historyColour photograph of group visiting the grave of pioneer woman Mrs Mary Hollands at Mullagong on 29th May, 1977Handwritten in faint blue ink on back of photograph: Mrs Mary Holland's grave. Died 1862 Mullagong. 29th May, 1977kiewa valley, mullagong station, tawonga, hollonds family, brigg's family

Pictorial record of the graves of early pioneers Mrs Elizabeth Eyre who died in 1879 located at Tawonga Homestead and Mary Hollands , located at Mullagong in TawongaRecord of early history of Kiewa Valley pioneers Gwen Hobbs and Rob Hollands are descendants of pioneer farmers. Hobbs and Hollands families have lived and worked in the Kiewa Valley for many years.1. Colour photograph of 2 Kiewa Valley residents visiting gravesites of pioneer Elizabeth Eyre who died in 1879. Grave located at Tawonga Homestead. 2. Colour photograph of Kiewa Valley residents visiting the gravesite of Mrs Mary Hollands, pioneer of the area. Gravesite located at Mullagong property in Tawonga.1. Handwritten in ink on back of photograph: Gwen Hobbs and Rob Hollands - Tawonga Homestead grave 2. Handwritten in ink on back of photograph: Gwen Hobbs and Barbara, Rob and Margaret Hollands at Mullagong graveselisabeth eyre, mary hollonds, tawonga, graves

1. Kiewa Valley Consolidated School was established in 1953 combining Dederang North, Kergunyah, Gundowring, Kiewa, Gundowring Upper, Red Bluff, Charleroi and Gundowing North schools on a 10 acre site with 11 rooms at Kiewa. The bark was cut from the canoe tree, by aboriginal craftsmen, to produce a canoe for fishing in the rivers running through the Kiewa Valley either before or just after the 1800's. The tree trunk, located at Kiewa, would have been used at the beginning of European settlement in the Kiewa Valley or just before contact was made. 2. Pictorial record of the graves of early pioneers C Ibbotson, Mrs Elizabeth Eyre and John Eyre who died between 1858 – 1904, all located at Tawonga Homestead 1. The above schools are in the Kiewa Valley. The date and number of combined schools give insight into the change in population and families in the Kiewa Valley before and after 1953. The tree was found along the Kiewa River and indicates that Aborigines lived by the river and used tree bark to craft canoes to cross rivers and to fish in the deeper sections of the river. 2. Pictorial record of the early history of Kiewa Valley pioneers whose descendants have lived and worked in the Kiewa Valley for many years 1. Newspaper article of local school children visiting a canoe tree in Kiewa July 11, 1972. mounted on buff card 2. Black and white photo of pioneer graves at old Tawonga Homestead. Mounted on buff card 1. Handwritten in black ink above newspaper clipping ‘Canoe Tree Kiewa Valley Consolidated School. 11 July, 1972’ Handwritten in pencil at bottom of article ’10 Nov. ‘72’ 2. Handwritten in black ink above photo ‘Tawonga Homestead graves’ Handwritten below photo ‘T Ibbotson D. 1858, Elizabeth Eyre D. 1879, John Eyre D 1879, John Eyre D. 1904 tawonga homestead, canoe tree at kiewa, tawonga graves

In the 1830’s, European pastoralists started moving south from NSW into the Alps. In 1836, cattle grazing began around Omeo and the runs spread out into the foothills. The higher country was used for summer grazing and huts were built for shelter and storage during stock mustering. The lure of gold brought many people to the Alps from around 1850 to 1900. Bushfires destroyed the forests around Melbourne in 1939 and the boom in house-building after World War II ked to increased demand for timber from the Alps. This resulted in the building of a network of roads which helped open up access to the Alps. The early 1940’s brought the first of many workers to the Alps for the planning and construction of the Hydro-Electric Scheme. These were the pioneers and early settlers of the Kiewa Valley and provided a wealth of characters and a tapestry of stories and adventures to be handed down to future generations.These 3 posters, which were most likely produced for promotional purposes provide a glimpse into the early lives of the pioneer families of the Kiewa Valley through pictures and verse. They show their lifestyle and outline the hardships they had to endure in living and working in the Alpine region. They also highlight the early arguments regarding grazing in the high country which would ultimately lead to the end of the long traditions of the high country cattle men. Set of 3 A4 size posters with black and white photographs and text and colour background depicting various parts of the history of the Kiewa Valley. 1. Titled - ‘Life wasn’t meant to be easy’ Describes early life for Kiewa Hydro workers. 2. Titled - ‘Cattlemen of the High Plains’ Describes a brief history of life of the cattlemen of the high plains 3. Titled – ‘There are Places I’ll remember’ Depicts early photographs of residents of the Kiewa Valley, also includes the words from a John Lennon song as per poster title. Printed on each poster – Poster designed by Dyanne Photography - Wodonga 1. Printed at bottom of poster – Sources: G Napier and G Easdown “The Kiewa Story” 1993. Southern Hydro Archives, N Hetherington and R Hollands. G Gardner “The Kiewa Kids” 1998. 2. Printed at bottom of poster – Sources: D Purland. Handwritten at top of poster- Poster 4 3. Printed at bottom of poster – Sources: B Roper, W Davies, D Higginson, H Ryder. Handwritten at top of poster- Poster 3 kiewa valley; tourism; lifestyles

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;

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

John and Marion Damm (nee Simmonds) selected 317 acres of land at Gundowring in 1873. They lived there until 1902. Left for 4 years before returning to the Kiewa Valley in 1906.The Damm family is a pioneer family of the Kiewa Valley.Plastic red cover with transparent front held by 2 gold metal slide clips. 10 clear plastic sleeves holding a brief history, family tree, 4 typed pages, 5 handwritten pages, 4 typed pages - family of John Damm Jnr and handwritten pages - family of John Damm Jnr.damm family; simmonds family; kiewa valley;

The Ryder and Edmondson families lived in the Kiewa Valley and had grazing licenses and huts on the Bogong High Plains.Pioneer families of the Kiewa Valley and Cattlemen of the Bogong High Plains.Plastic red folder with transparent front held by 2 gold metal slide clips. 16 clear plastic sheets holding 17 pages of photocopied print and pictures, 1 family tree, 1 photocopied photo, 1 birth document, 1 printed page, 3 photocopied letters and 7 printed pages. ryder family; edmondson family; kiewa valley

George Maddison selected land in 1877 between the East and West Kiewa branches of the Kiewa River - known as the "Island". Now Mt Beauty.Pioneer family in the Kiewa ValleyPlastic brown folder with transparent front held by 2 gold metal slide clips. 9 clear plastic sheets holding 4 typed sheets, 3 typed sheets by Ted Maddison 1968, 4 handwritten pages in 1 plastic sleeve and 6 handwritten pages in 1 plastic sleeve (the handwritten sheets are the same as the typed sheets.)maddison family; mount beauty; kiewa valley

Ada Higginson owned the biscuit forcers.Historical: Ada Higginson and her family are pioneers of the Kiewa Valley.Large: Solid cylinder wooden roller with 1 end a wooden knob glued on and other end flat. The metal hollow cylinder fits over the wooden cylinder and has a screw cap with a hole and rim at the flat end. (This enables the disc to fit in while the food is forced through by the wooden cylinder.) There are 6 decorator, metal discs each with a different hollow pattern in the middle. This plunger has a pointy nozzle that can be attached by screwing on. Small: the same but with 7 decorator discs. Both metal cylinders have a cap at the flat end with 2 clips to hold it on, but move when you screw the cap off.The small one has a handle that is part of the cylinder but its knob looks as though it has fallen off. Old Cigar Box: 13 Discs inside and a folded yellow paper with recipes - Gingernuts & Sagasco Biscuits, in brown print.Simpson's / "Pirie", "Universal" & "Enterprise" / Biscuit Forcers domestic, cooking, biscuits, decorating, baking, icing, ada higginson

This wedding photo is of local pioneer families, Cooper and Larkins. John Cooper Jnr. married Annie Emma Larkins. The exact date is unknown. This is not only important for the Cooper & Larkin families but for historical reference for the Tawonga area where these families lived. It shows that even though the Kiewa Valley was considered remote during this period the tradition of a big formal wedding was still held with fashionable weddings. This photo was included in a group of photos. This photo has historical significance as it depicts members of local pioneer families getting married. It also is representative of the style of wedding dresses of the period and the style of men's wedding attire. The photograph itself is also significant as is demonstrates the style and formality of wedding photos during this time. The picture frame is likewise the style of the period. However, this is in bad condition with bore holes in it. This photo has good interpretive value and is well provenanced. Black and white wedding photo of John Cooper Jnr. and Annie Emma Larkins. The centre of the frame has carved hearts 3 cm wide all the way around.Photographer "Mendelsfohn's and Co. Melbourne"mendelsfohn's & co.. photographer of melbourne. wedding. furniture. wooden frame.

The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame is a museum located in Longreach, Queensland, Australia, which pays tribute to pioneers of the Australian outback. The centre is also dedicated to Australian stockmen who have shown bravery and courage. Registered in 1974. On July 28th 1985 the foundation stone of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre was laid. Hoofs and Horns magazine was established by R.M.Williams in 1944 and ceased in 2005. It was aimed at cattlemen and horsemen.'The Roper family's ancestors settled in the beautiful Kiewa Valley, Victoria over a century ago and started breeding Hereford cattle and horses.' This is their interest in Hoofs and Horns but the Hall of Fame is interested in 'John Roper, who came to Australia in 1843 at the age of 23 years and joined Leichhardt's expedition ...'2 papers - Hoofs and Horns, July 1985, Page 88 and page 90 printed with photos and map. The article has the title: 'The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame' 2 papers - Title The Roper Family compiled by Wilma Davies (nee Roper) and Mr Mike Cummings. Members of the Hall of Fame.. australian stockman's hall of flame, hoofs and horns magazine, cattlemen and horsemen, the roper family

Records names of local people and purchases bought from a local general store. When names in the register are indexed it may be possible to determine where the store was located. Historically significant. This shows who the families of the Kiewa Valley were and what type of things they purchased. This would be the only register for this store in 1906.It gives a good historical record of what families purchased during this period and how much they could spend. It also displays the importance of general stores to the community Leather spined cash book for general store, for period from 5th March 1906 to circa December 1906. Green cover with brown spine. Hand writtern entries record date, purchaser, account number and items purchased. 382 pages. "Commenced March 5th 06" on front page book, general store, customers, shop, store, cash book, ledger, 1906, groceries, accounts, kiewa valley, pioneers

This bamboo fishing rod was used in the mid to late 1900's and demonstrates that local production of recreational fishing poles was at a high level and their demand was high. Imported recreational sporting goods from either the United Kingdom, the United States of America or Asia countries was due to the larger lead up times from these suppliers and the greater import costs from slower ocean supply ships. It was only after World War II that the trade influx from other countries has supplied cheaper goods. This recreational fishing pole is highly significant to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates that recreational fishing has been evolved from the need to supply a balanced diet by the early pioneer families of fish from the major Kiewa rivers. The ability of the Kiewa Valley rivers to provide a good fishing environment (high protein diet) for both early indigenous families and early pioneers was the important food source that provided for a balanced diet and the higher level of nutritious development of both body and mind. This two piece wooden fishing Rod is made from bamboo shafts or poles, one length thicker than the other. The smaller diameter shaft is the top end and fits into the longer thicker shaft at a stainless steel tube end.The smaller shaft has a stainless steel reinforcement ring where both shafts fit together. At the bottom end of the thick shaft is a black rubber "stopper" or "foot". There are two stainless steel rings, each with a reel holding "bulge" which allows for the the reel's "prongs" to be secured. The top ring has a greater diameter allowing it to move up and down the shaft/pole to secure the top "prong" firmly onto the shaft/pole.recreation, river, rod, fishing, industry, fish

This blacksmith's hammer was an integral tool used by cattle property "blacksmith's" for the maintenance of horse shoes and the manufacture/alterations and repair of any other metal item required by the property. Self sufficiency was the key element to the success of a cattle property especially in semi isolated rural areas(early Kiewa Valley) and the larger the property ie. stock holding the greater the need..This blacksmith's hammer would not only have been used on the cattle property of the pioneer family (the Ropers) in the earlier part of the 1900s but also up in the Bogong High Plains grazing region to maintain the constant refurbishment/maintenance of horse shoes and other metal items. Depending on each property's requirement for blacksmith's service, one from the larger property could have serviced all the valley's requirements.Large blacksmith's hammer has a handle of twisted iron encircling 19 cm. hammer head. It has a round striking end and a wedge shaped punch end.V.B. [in dots ]tools, horses, punch, blacksmiths

This book is a "snapshot" in time (1950s) detailing life in Australia covering a time when a "man's word and handshake" were his moral and quasi legal bond, and the now relative defunct saying "smoko" (having a "time out" from work for a cigarette and tea or coffee). The book spans an era where the male was still the "head" of the family even though for a majority of families the women took on the many "male only" roles during the World War II period. This shift in the leadership of the family hierarchy is mentioned, so ever slightly, (not to offend the still predominant macho male image) in both rural and city environments. The effects of the war, and later the push for women's emancipation and equality in both family, social, workplace and political areas of life, since this book was published, is now finally resolved. However there are still some sections of the recent migrate population where this male dominance is causing a few problems.The significance of this book is not only because it was donated by Mrs C. Roper ( from the Roper Family, a pioneer Kiewa Valley and surrounding Region family - originally beef cattle graziers) but also a Kiewa Valley resident and family, experiencing the shift in the social and economical life of post World War II rural Australia. The strong heritage link to this region of many families still residing within its boundaries, is a clear affirmation of the bond that the Kiewa Valley and its Regions have upon family unity. This unity within the rural environment is something that is attracting more and more families from sometimes alienating city life.This printed coloured sketched, or painted paper sleeve of the book is freely wrapped over a dark red hard cover. Into the front of the cover is pressed a standing pose of a farmer with long sleeves rolled up over his elbows. Behind him and to the right are what appears to be three sacks of wheat and next to him is a merino sheep. To the left and down are two dogs one with a fox in its jaws. The book contains 240 pages, 300 illustrations in gravure and 25 pictures in full colour. The inside fly leaf is a colour photograph of a rural scene with dirt road running in the centre and to the left a farm house and a five bay open storage barnOn the tittle page is a signature "C Roper"country life, australian "outback", rural industries, life on the land, swag-man of the bush

This item represents one of the most important spiritual references available to a settler in countryside Australia in the period 1800s to 1900s. This is the family bible and relates to the major religious beliefs of the early settlers who pioneered British/European colonial settlements. Although the first pages are missing the family name is written on the inside cover (J.A. Fleming). Most of these bibles (of this era) showed the family genealogical record of births, baptism and deaths, however this bible has the relevant pages missing. This bible would have provided the spiritual strength needed in bad times. Throughout this bible there are copies of specially commissioned lithographic engravings, each published between March 1812 to December 1813. These photographs were provided to visualise the theme of the each chapter.This item is significant because it shows that spiritualism of a small group (family in this case) is a vital part of the cohesive forces which holds a family(the basic subgroup of society) together, against all odds, and external pressures. It demonstrates that even in isolated or sparsely populated areas, the mores of a christian community is as strong as that of the cities. Mountains (Victorian Alps) have throughout the enlightened Ages been of extreme spiritual significance and this beholds those who live in this area.The families in the Kiewa Valley fall into the "isolated rural area" when this bible was first in use. This bible contains as its introduction,scripture history starting from 4004 BC "God created all things" to 2900 AD end of the World. There is a high degree of probability that this bible belonged to a member or members of the John Ambrose Flemming extended family who resided in the Kiewa Valley. J.A. Flemming (a famous English electrical engineer and physicist) invented the first diode in 1904). He and his family were devout Christians and he helped establish the Evolution Protest Movement.Leather bound bible. Leather in some areas is in tatters revealing the thick multi-layered cardboard backing. Front and back covers are held together by the thin leather binding. The lettering of the bible is large.Hand written inscriptions are in ink on the inside front cover, " J Tangam" at the top, "J A Fleming" underneath "Tangambalanga" and below that "1900". There are penciled dates "1937 1900" which have at one point in time been scribbled over in pencil. Although not marked on cover, the bible was known as "Brown's Bible" after the Author, the Rev. John Brown. Each of the major chapters is introduced by a copy of a lithographic print detailing the relevant religious picture and all are headed by "Brown's Superb Bible" and the date of the print. bible, rev. john brown, old and new testament, christianity

This copy of an original photograph created in the early 1900s details the "horse and cart" era when the normal transportation of the day was, in this rural setting, exclusively by horse and cart. The importance of this particular photograph to the subjects can be seen by the formal suits worn by both subjects.The natural bush and grassed backdrop have not been "touched up". The dray behind the horses is barely visible (fog like aperture). The lad , John Cooper was 14 years old when this photograph was taken. Both were in the process of harnessing four horses to "hook up" on the dray behind them. From their attire it looks like a trip to town or "the church".This photograph of life on a rural property in the early 1900 shows the rough and hard (physically) life in rural areas before great mechanical revolution/evolution post World War II. This was a time in the Kiewa Valley when most transportation was by horse drawn carriages and transportation routes where dirt roads with potholes. The significance of a local pioneer "family" encapsulated by this photograph cannot be reproduced as effectively in any other form. This digitised scanned copy of an original photograph of four work horses is on 200gms Fujicolor (Fujifilm) Crystal Archive paper has a silver side on which the image has been printed and a matt reverse side.The darker slightly "blurred" image has had a white frame placed over it at the time of encapsulation to provide the finished photo with a frame. This method highlights and focuses the view into the photograph. It is a clever way to permit the eyes to focus into the image to give it a greater third dimensional aspect. on the reverse side hand written(in pencil) "John Cooper & Paddy Cullen (itinerant worker) on grandfathers place (opposite Nesta Drews place) (orange Grove). "Grandfather emigrated from England with Ryders""orange grove " property, early tawonga life style, john cooper, paddy cullen, harnessing working horses

Historically this ledger not only details the legible hand writing of this era but also the day to day commercial activity in this region(first entry in 1895).The neatness and the diligence of those who were required to pen the information was a requirement by all who were in commercial trade. Emphasis on neatness was ingrained in students at a young age. This era was well before general typewriters and computers. Generally all students of commerce required an accuracy in writing and arithmetic. Neatness and order were a selection requirement. This ledger belonged to a general store, which was a forerunner to supermarkets and specialty stores. The shop provided everything from food, postage stamps, nails, tobacco, boots and Epsom salts. The general store provided nearly every product required to exist in a remote rural area of Australia in the 1800's.This item clearly identifies the Kiewa Valley as having a substantial financial hub to accommodate the various commercial enterprises within a rural environment Circa 1880's. Although Kiewa Valley had mining, agriculture, cattle and sheep it was also composed of a mixed society, encompassing all levels of society at that period. It identifies some the commercial activities(newsagency/general store) undertaken by specific families farming in the Kiewa Valley and relates their history in the pioneer period of the late 1800's. Some of those pioneers still have descendants living on the same home sites provided by the 1847 Land Act.This ledger has a very thick cover of strong compressed cardboard. Originally it had a cloth covering both front and back(Glued on) but due to wear and tear it is only attached to the back cover) and is a faded blue colour. The corners of the opening side of the cover are reinforced by suede cloth,in a triangular shape, and enclose both the front and inside portions of the the ledger. The spine is reinforced by a suede section to provide increased strength and protection. The inside cover (both front and back) has an orange bubbles with red and blue sinuous lines forming shapes in a haphazardous pattern. The grammage of the lined sheets (blue) is approximately 120g/m. Originally the first seven of twelve pages were indented and alphabetically marked with black letters (one letter per page) however this ledger had been modified to cover only the initials of customers and the pages of unused letters were glued to the previous page. The remaining pages are numbered in black print at the top outside edge of each page. There are 890 page numbers. Each page has thirty seven blue horizontal lines and one double red line ( top). Each page has thirteen vertical lines starting from the top horizontal double red lines and ending at the bottom of the page. These lines segregate the page into blocks for the date, the transaction and financial input. There are three double vertical red lines which designate the amount of money of each transaction (in pounds, shillings,and pence).On the suede spine in gold lettering and on a red (port coloured) background "LEDGER"grocery shop, haberdashery, general store

This "sewing and darning" box was purchased before 1952 (the date that the Clark Brothers merged with J&P Coats). It was in an era where the production and alteration/modification to any household or personal clothing was carried out by a family member/s. This was at the period where self sufficiency in rural and especially remote areas was a requirement and not just a hobby. Clothing modifications and "hand me downs" was a way of life. The long and tiresome journey from home to millinery shops was a great force to ensure that home sewing was carried out in the majority of residential and farm areas.This sewing box was donated by a pioneer family in the Kiewa Valley. Its significance points to an era before the establishment of the Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme and the establishment of the Mount Beauty Township. It was a time when the rural industries of the Kiewa Valley was rich in production of beef, dairy products, tobacco leaf and before the mass of alpine adventurers that tourism sparked. It was a time rural enterprises out shone tourism.This wooden sewing box is covered with decorative paper. The lid is fastened to the bottom section with two small hinges each having four screws. Each side is fixed to the other by a mortise groove. At the front of the box is a small clasp for complete closure. The box contains needles, darrning thread, thimble, a glass vial with metal screwtop and a red plastic cylindrical container with a thimble screw on top(contains a small reel with three different cotton thread compartments).On outside lid "FROM A FRIEND. I DO NOT WISH THEE GRANDEUR, NOR YET A STORE OF WEALTH, I WISH THEE RICHER TREASURE, CONTENTMENT, PEACE & HEALTH", On inside lid "USE CLARK & CO ANCHOR COTTONS FOR HAND & MACHINE SEWING ANCHOR MILLS, PAISLEY" Each of the different sewing boxes from the Clark Bros. has a label with different "friend" passages.sewing box, hand stitching, domestic clothes alterations, haberdashery

This photograph was typical of the mid 1900's when photography was in the hands of the professional artist for important events, be they family or public occasions. This photograph holds and protects from ageing, part of a very significant occasion, the 90th birthday photograph of the matriarch Claire Roper, one of the founding grazier families from Tawonga within the Kiewa Valley This photograph therefore hold a very historical significance and has good exhibition value. This black and white photograph was professionally taken on Kodak paper in the time of the Australian Melbourne Olympics 1956. See KVHS 0092 for frame.On back of photograph "KODAK official sponsor of the Olympic Games" Underneath the symbolic rings of the Olympic Federationphotograph of early 1900's kiewa valley pioneer, the roper family, claire roper, pioneer family, cattle, bogong high plains

This "camp fire" hot plate has been used from the early 1900's on camp drafts /droving cattle onto and from the Victorian high plains. The size of "camp" kitchens would depend on the amount of "cattle" men required to collect and move the "herd" to and from the "lush" high plains.This "camp fire" hot plate is significant because it was donated by a member of the Roper family (the Roper's of the Kiewa Valley) a "pioneer" family. This particular camp fire hot plate originated in Tasmania however the Victorian Alps are very similar to the Tasmanian mountain regions and this type of cooking utensil was, and still is, used in isolated regions e.g. large cattle properties in the Northern Territory. This Camp Fire hot plate was used on the High Plains at the Roper Hut for approximately 35 years.This open fire hot plate is made from caste iron. It has a circular flat (cooking) base, ideal for a few thick pieces of prime steak, a high semi circular handle with a large circular carry ring, to apply a thick stick or rod through it as an insulated handle (to position the hot plate where required over a fire). The "handle" can be folded down to save space when packing it in the saddle bags. The handle has a strong metal rivet on each end (is loose enough to allow it to be moved to either side e.g. flattened). One end, of the handle, has a movable sleeve to fasten the the handle in an upright positioncamp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen, cattlemen

The early Kiewa Valley farmers opened up the Bogong High Plains for cattle grazing in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many farmers of the Kiewa Valley built huts on the Bogong High Plains to stay in during the summer mustering season. The Roper family had their own cattle run on the High Plains with several version's of Ropers Hut being built and used for this purpose. These boots were owned by Fred Roper whose father was one of the first pioneers of the Upper Kiewa Valley and Tawonga farming district. These boots were made around the late 1800's to early 1900's and are of a quality hide and a very good example of historical clothing worn at the time. These boots are very significant to the Kiewa Valley because the mark a period of early farming within the Kiewa Valley and Bogong High Plains as they were worn by Fred Roper who comes from one of the farming pioneering families of Tawonga. These boots were used when mustering the families cattle up to the Bogong High Plains for summer grazing and also around his farm in Tawonga when riding his horses. They were donated by his great grand daughter Leonie Roper in 2011, therefore the manufacturing of these boots could be anything from the late 1880's to early 1900's. They are made of high quality leather and were made to last the tough conditions of mustering and farming cattle. They also had wooden stock which fitted into them "KVHS 0445"These knee high "riding" boots have a 4 "rung" laces at the base of the upright boot and a strap at the top of the boot. They are made of brown leather and have a small heel (not the usual higher heel for stirrups)riding boots. footwear. cattle mustering footwear. roper family. cattlemen. bogong high plains.

This kettle was used by pioneer families, mainly rural, folk that needed a constant readily available source of boiling water, in or mainly outside the homestead.. This kettle was used in the early to late 1900's for the refreshment of stock men and farmers that had irregular "tea" breaks under sometimes hard and gruelling conditions.This kettle belonged and was used by a Kiewa Valley, pioneer family, the Roper Family. This kettle was moved from their Kiewa Valley property to their hut built on the Bogong High Plains. A scientific study started in 1947 to study the impact of grazing cattle on the natural Alpine and sub Alpine vegetation found grazing cattle had an adverse affect on the natural Alpine and sub alpine vegetation, and grazing on the plains was stopped by the Victorian Government in 2005.This "camp draft" could take up to six weeks.This large cast iron kettle holds a capacity of three pints of water/tea. It has a flat base and mushroom shaped handle welded onto the "pot" below the rim of the pot opening. It has a rim to position the tea pot lid but no lid. It has a curved spout "welded" to the main body.Clark Qualitycamp fire cooking utensils, hot plate, cast iron cooking appliance, drovers kitchen

This pair of "adjustable" boots came from the 1950's era in which the majority of footwear was either locally manufactured or imported from England or Europe. Quality hard wearing leather was a rural necessity especially for the cattle mustering activity in the Kiewa Valley and the Bogong High Plains region. The late 1900's provided a cheaper made riding boot from Asia, however many rural based riders still prefer an Australian made boot. The better quality (stronger stitching) of Australian boots is the main considerations of "stock horse riders". In 1947 a scientific research project started to provide an impact analysis of any damage to alpine vegetation by cattle grazing in the Alpine regions incorporating the Bogong High Plains area. This monitoring is the longest running ecological study ever undertaken in Australia. From this study, compelling evidence was presented to the Victorian Government to cease cattle grazing in the Alpine regions including the Bogong High Plains. All grazing was banned by the Victorian Government in 2005. Recreational horse riding within the Bogong High Plains is still permitted.These pair of women's riding boots are very significant to the Kiewa Valley as the boots were worn by one of the descendants of a pioneer family living and operating a cattle station before the SEC Hydro Electricity Scheme opened up the semi remote rural location in the 1950's. These boots were worn during the annual six weeks (approx.) mustering of cattle in the Bogong High Plains location (Victorian Alps region). The owner of these boots was Clare Roper, part of the Roper Family who built a "lodging" hut on the "High Plains" for accommodating riders during the periods (up to six weeks) when controlling grazing cattle during the summer muster seasons. It was unusual for women in the early to mid 1900's to go up on the High Plains to join the muster, which Clare Roper often did. These boots have high historical significance and good interpretive capacity.These brown "knee high" lady riding boots, are fastened by long "boot" laces which go from the base of the "fastening" position to a boot height of 22 cm. At the top end of the boot is a leather flap which crosses the front section of the boot and is fastened to the outside leg region by two straps. These provide the wearer with an adjustable tie. The boot has a "tongue" of 22 mm long. The boot has six pairs of metal boot lace "hooks" and eight pairs of boot lace "eyelets".ladies riding boots. cattle mustering footwear. rural footwear. cattlemen. bogong high plains. roper family. horses.

This bottle of castor oil was used during the mid to late 1900's when there was a Hospital in the Kiewa Valley, but regarded as only for serious injuries and near death situation. For this reason many households had a "first aid" box full of items such as this bottle of castor oil. Home based remedies for non life threatening injuries and illnesses were a part of life in a semi remote rural region. True and trusted family "health" remedies were passed from generation to generation.This Castor Oil bottle is very significant to the Kiewa Valley as it demonstrates the self reliance of the early farming and grazing pioneer families. Knowledge of "first aid" was uppermost to the survival of families before the late 1900's. Naturopathic remedies such as connected with the castor oil contained in this bottle, although may not be sanctioned by medical research, does not take into account of the positive "self healing" of the human mind (if you think it is doing you good it creates a positive action). Such preservation techniques were handed down through the generations.Medical Reference material was limited to books available and read and not not from "the internet" in the latter part of the 1900's. The availability of General Practitioners increased because of the boost in the population growth (SEC Vic Hydro Electricity Scheme) in the Kiewa Valley from 1940's onward. This small indigo coloured glass bottle has a narrow neck and a screw on lid.It has an embossed manufacturer's name and contents (Castor Oil) on one side and identification marks embossed on the underside base.medicine bottles, home first aid remedies, indigo glass medicine bottles