This trowel was presented to John Russell, director of Orbost Butter Factory for fiftyyears and Chairman for nine years. John Russell was an early Orbost blacksmith in Orbost, and director of the Orbost Butter Factory for 50 years. He came to Orbost in c. 1890 at the invitation of another early settler, James Nixon, became a blacksmith, and later a farmer and landholder. Many of his descendants still live in the Orbost area.This item is significant because of its association with the Orbost Butter Factory as well as the connection with the Russell family, Orbost pioneers.A silver (plated?) trowel ornately decorated with engravings. It is attached to a bone(?) handle with a silver metal ferule. the trowel is triangular with a scalloped lower edge.Presented to John Russel Esq.; Chairmen of Directors ;To Commemorate the Laying of; Foundation Stone; of the Orbost Butter and Produce; Coy's New Factory; 22.9.15 on right hand side : silver marks - crown, lion H.G.H.russell-john orbost-butter-factory

This item was made by John Russell Senior, a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and later chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). The buggy lifter was handed down to George Henry Russell (Doug), the second son between 1970 and 1973.Blacksmiths played an essential part in the regional parts of Victoria and were required to use their ingenuity and skills to design and make tools needed on local farms. This item is an example of a tool specifically designed for a horse-drawn wagon. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Australia’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A metal buggy wheel lifter. It has two hooks connected at the top by a bolt and a shackle. The hooks fit under the rim to enable the wheel to be lifted with a pulley / crane system operated by a man or a horse.tool buggy-lifter russell-john blacksmith wheelwright

John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and later chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). His blacksmith business was in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of the book-keeping of an early 20th century Orbost business and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with red lines and black print. Details are hand-written in blue ink. It is from J. Russell to R. P. Cameron.account-book-keeping russell-john blacksmith cameron-r.p.

This photograph shows three generations of the Russell family in Orbost. On the left is John Russell with his son Bill Russell and his wife Ede and their son Ian. John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). Bill was born at Orbost in 1893, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Maud (nee Clarke). Upon his father’s retirement he took over the homestead part of the holding, 1,000 acres of river flats and hill land. He was involved in dairying and was also a successful beef cattle breeder and maize grower. He was elected to the Orbost Shire Council in 1929 and shortly afterwards was President for 18 months (from May 1930 to August 1931). He served a further term as President in 1934-35. He represented the South riding. He was chairman of the Bean Board and a well-known horse and show judge and a member of the Royal Agricultural Society. He was an elocutionist of some note and a member of the committee of management of the Orbost Hospital. He was also a prominent member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and a Justice of the Peace. He served as president of the Orbost Golf Club and assisted with the preparation and layout of the present Orbost Golf course. This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white photograph of a family. A lady is in the middle with a man on each side and a young boy in front. They are standing outside a house in the garden.on back - "3 generations, Johnny Russell, Ede & Bill Russell & Ian Russell"russell-family-orbost

The identity discs of Australian soldiers of the First World War were initially made of aluminum and then made of a fibre material. Like other soldiers of the Great War the Australian 'Diggers' were issued an identity tag or disc. The first official disc was a small flat metal disc of aluminum, then there were two identity discs issued, made of a fibre one was a red disc the other was grey and octagonal. The discs were usually stamped with the information that the Military required. The Regimental number, Regimental name, soldiers' surname and initials and his religion were on the tag. Douglas Russell was a farmer, the son of John Russell, director of the Orbost Butter Factory for 50 years. Alex Pullar Cameron died from injuries in 1919.Two World War 1 identity tags. Both are aluminium and engraved on front. There are loops at the top for a chain around the neck..1 22046 Vet Sgt G.H D. Russell.........Pres. .2 6267 GNR A.P. Cameron................Presworld-war-1 identity-disc russell-g.h.d. cameron-a.p.

John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). He was a keen bowler, playing up to, the age of ninety.This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.A black / white, head and shoulders, portrait photograph of a balding man in a suit and tie. There is a badge on his lapel.russell-john

This beautiful costume was the 'going-away' dress worn by Mrs John Russell at her wedding in c.1884. It has been passed down through the Russell family and was donated by her grand-daughter Mrs David Nixon. John Russell was an early Orbost blacksmith in Orbost, and director of the Orbost Butter Factory for 50 years. He came to Orbost in c. 1890 at the invitation of another early settler, James Nixon, became a blacksmith, and later a farmer and landholder. Many of his descendants still live in the Orbost area. This full length female costume is made of moroon satin with gold velvet inserts. It has a small train at the back, scalloped folds with lace edging down the front of the skirt, and two rows of 14 buttons each down the bodice.going-away-dress 1890s-dress