This item belonged to Alan Richardson, a sawmiller at Tabbara. He helped to build and held a ticket for the paddle steamer "Curlip". He was a member of the Rechabites from March 3 1892. The Independent Order of Rechabites began in Salford, England in 1835. It was named after Rechab, a leader in the Old Testament, who instructed his tribe to refrain from drinking alcohol. During the Industrial Revolution the idea of temperance became popular as damage was caused to families by alcohol. In Australia it was first established in Tasmania in the mid 1800s. In 1847 a branch was created in Victoria, and it then spread to other States. Members were provided with assistance during times of sickness, death and hardship. This item is associated with the Richardson family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A small grey book with a black spine. The title and details are in black print. Inside is a magazine cutting - "The Rechabite July 1st 1931". This book is the "Constitution of the Victorian District, No 82" and contains the district by-laws."This is to certify that Bro. A.J. Richardson was admitted clearance a member of the Orbost.........."richardson-alan rechabites

This diary probably belonged to Alan Richardson who was a member of the Rechabites. Alan Richardson, was a wmiller at Tabbara. He helped to build and held a ticket for the paddle steamer "Curlip". He was a member of the Rechabites from March 3 1892. The Independent Order of Rechabites began in Salford, England in 1835. It was named after Rechab, a leader in the Old Testament, who instructed his tribe to refrain from drinking alcohol. During the Industrial Revolution the idea of temperance became popular as damage was caused to families by alcohol. In Australia it was first established in Tasmania in the mid 1800s. In 1847 a branch was created in Victoria, and it then spread to other States. Members were provided with assistance during times of sickness, death and hardship. This item is associated with Alan Richardson. The Richardsons were a prominent pioneering family in early Orbost.A small book, a diary with a fabric and paper cover. It contains handwritten costings for building projects, There are some loose pages with Literature associated with the Rechabites. rechabites richardson-alan