MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.Two black and white images of Spion Kopje from Falls Creek. Skyline Lodge is visible in the first image.falls creek, victorian snowfields, spion kopje, skyline lodge

MEYER COLLECTION - FALLS CREEK PHOTOS In 1947 a determined group of like-minded State Electricity Commission (SEC) staff including Ray Meyer, the chief surveyor of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, had a common interest that revolved around the skiing potential of the snow-covered high plains which included what is now the resort of Falls Creek. The six SEC employees, Toni St Elmo, Ray Meyer, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson (together with their families) banded together to secretly build a 'hut' that was the first ski lodge at Falls Creek. Using a road built in 1930s to gain access to Falls Creek, their hut project was carried out in secret as efforts by other skiers were blocked by H.H.C. Williams – the engineer in charge of the Hydro Scheme. In 1946 Ray Meyer made a trip to the Lands Office in Melbourne. He came away with a 99-year lease on three acres that was ideally suited for a hut designed by Lloyd Dunn. Adrian Ruffenacht (Design Engineer for the KHS) had suggested where the group should build because of easy access to a spring for water. Much of the building material required was scavenged from derelict huts on the high plains. Due to the need for secrecy, the determined group worked on the hut in the evenings and weekends to avoid detection. During the building period the group had met at Echidna Rock (now known as Eagle Rock) where Skippy St Elmo announced, "This is my favourite ‘Skyline’.” And so the first lodge in the area at Falls Creek Ski Resort came into existence. With the development of the International Poma in the 1970s, the Skyline Lodge, which was sited between the ski-lift’s pole one and pole two, was demolished. However, the legacy of Ray Meyer, Toni St Elmo, Jack Minogue, Lloyd Dunn, Adrian Ruffenacht and Dave Gibson and Skyline lives on in the vibrant atmosphere of Falls Creek Resort. The MEYER COLLECTION documents developments on the Kiewa Hydro Scheme and their life at Falls Creek from the mid 1930s to 1960s.These images are significant because they depict aspects of the life of a pioneering family of Falls Creek and the founders of "Skyline", the first lodge at Falls Creek.A black and white image of men and packs near Nelse. Spion Kopje is in the background. Left to right:- L. Dunne, Wal Johnson, R. Meyer, A. Reddingfalls creek, ray meyer, spion kopje, nelse, a. redding, l. dunn, wal johnson

Julian Newton Brown arrived at Falls Creek in 1957. He had studied Pharmacy at Melbourne University. After developing a love for the mountains, Julian moved to Mt. Beauty and then Falls Creek. He worked for the SEC in the test laboratory at Rocky Valley reading weather instruments. By working several jobs, Julian was able to build a small lodge of 10 beds named “Arundel”, located at 18 Slalom Street, Falls Creek. The lodge is now the “Elk at Falls”. Arundel prospered and Julian extended it to include 32 beds and changed its name to "Julian’s” in 1961. When alcohol restrictions were eased in Falls Creek, Julian built a night club which he called “Big Julian’s” and later “THE MAN”. When Julian and his wife Beth retired and left Falls Creek, their son took over running the lodge. An active community man, Julian was a member of the Falls Creek Chamber of Commerce, a member of the SES, a stakeholder in Falls Creek, an author and a documentary maker. Julian Newton-Brown died in May 2020.This image is significant because it includes a prominent Falls Creek businessman and community member.A black and white image of a group of skiers and an early snowmobile on Spion Kopje, Left to Right:- Jim Flanagan, Julian Newton Brown, Bill Bridgford, unknown, Sun Newspaper Journalist, Pat Rauter, Geoff Henke, Rob Wardjulian newton brown, spion kopje, snowmobiles on falls creek

These photographs were taken in and around Falls Creek by Samuel Keith Pearce and printed for him as a foldout postcard by NuColor Vue. The postcards state they were printed for S. K. Pearce Pty. Ltd of Tawonga and Mount Beauty. Samuel Keith Pearce was born on 24 June 1917 in Armadale, Victoria. By the late 1940s he owned the Mt Beauty Supermarket, Newsagency, Drapery and Hardware store at Mount Beauty and also a store at Tawonga in partnership with his brother Gordon Cathew Pearce. For some time, they operated as Pearce Brothers. In the early 1960s Keith also opened a mini mart In Falls Creek. As well as being a keen photographer and an astute businessman, Keith Pearce was a well-known identity in the Kiewa Valley, making many contributions to the development of the area over a long period. This included serving as a member of the Bright Shire Council for many years. He worked hard to promote the interests of the Upper Kiewa Valley. As a sign of recognition and appreciation for his contribution to the community, the park opposite the grocery store in Mount Beauty was named the SK Pearce Gardens in his honour. Samuel Keith Pearce died on 7 July 1994 in Mount Beauty, VictoriaThis collection of postcards and image is significant because they were commissioned by a highly successful business in Falls Creek, Victoria.A postcard featuring a coloured image of the Spur T-Bar looking towards the Village and Spion Kopje in the background. The Spur T-Bar was constructed by Ron McCallum in 1961 ad operated until 1999.astra falls creek, falls creek accommodation, falls creek businesses

This article focuses on Toni St. Elmo and his views on the future of skiing in Falls Creek and the development of Spion Kopje as an important ski field with the potential to rival Mt. Kosciusko.This article is significant because it documents the variety of activities available at Falls Creek during its development.A newspaper item reports on Toni St. Elmo's vision for the future of Falls Creek and the snowfields on Spion Kopje. It features a photo of Toni and Skippy St. Elmo.toni st. elmo, falls creek development, spion kopje

This article focuses on developments at Falls Creek in 1957. It makes reference to Toni and Skippy St. Elmo, Bob Hymans, Cecil Dobson, Fed Griffith and Oreste Frueauf.This article is significant because it documents developments in Falls Creek and refers to several pioneers of the area.A newspaper item reporting on the development of Falls Creek and its facilities. toni st. elmo, falls creek development, spion kopje

Series of five includes: Bogong High Plains - Pretty Valley Sheet, Rocky Valley Sheet and Bogong Sheet. The Hotham Sheet is in the tube but not photographed. The Spion Kopje Sheet is not included. The Victoria Conservation Trust published the posters in 1980Bogong High PlainsThere are 4 sheets - Hotham not photographed. The Victoria Conservation Trust published this series of the Bogong High Plains in 1980. All coloured, glossy and two sided.flora and fauna, bogong high plains, victoria conservation trust

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this publication include:- Page 14: In evidence before the State Development Committee at Mt. Beauty, Tom Mitchell outlined the need for further construction of roads in the area and stated a case for the development of an alpine village to be established at Falls Creek. He also suggested that the question of ski tows be left to the ski clubs, but that the Government consider the installation of a chair-hoist at Spion Kopje. It also seemed likely that the 1950 Victorian State titles and the 1951 International Race with New Zealand will be held in the Falls Creek-Spion Kopje area. ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, nedsa events, victorian skiing 1949

This booklet was produced to advertise Mt Beauty, the Kiewa Scheme & surrounding areas to visitors / tourists. The photos cover Falls Creek with snow, lifts and skiers - one with Spion Kopje Lodge. Also Tawonga Camping ground, Bogong Village, Mt Beauty Chalet, the Control panel at Kiewa Power Station, Clover Dam at No. 3 Power Station, the road to Falls Creek and a view of Mt Beauty township. The photos indicate what Mt Beauty and the Kiewa Valley and High Plains looked like c1950's during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. The area was recognised and encouraged as a tourist attraction especially Falls Creek enabling comparison with later photos and ideas. A fold down booklet postcard size of 12 colored photos - back to back of Mt Beauty, the Kiewa Scheme & surrounds. They fold in to form a front photo with title and a back card for stamp & address of addressee. On the back of the front photo are a few paragraphs describing the beauty, history and 'things to do' in the area for the visitor / tourist. mt beauty; kiewa scheme; tawonga; bogong; clover dam; kiewa valley; bogong high plains

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski industry in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 127 features a photo of Skyline Lodge taken by S. Flattely with the following text " THE S.C.V.'s SKYLINE LODGE, FALLS CREEK, BOGONG HIGH PLAINS This Lodge in its setting of alpine grandeur, with the impressive outlook to the Spion Kopje Spur, is one of the most comfortable cabins in our mountains. Some vacancies in July and Spring, when snow is still plentiful in this area, Book at S.C.V. Office. Page 134 outlines information for visitors to Skyline including transport, garbage, safety, traffic rules and the use of the lodge.schuss journal, the ski club of victoria, skyline lodge

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 3 - Myrtleford Ski Club has acquired a skiliner. It has seating for 20 passengers. Other clubs which own their own buses include Y.H.A,, Albury and Wangaratta. Page 7 - There seems to be a lack of interest in skiing anywhere at Falls Creek but the populated part of the Frying Pan Spur. There are other wonderful slopes on the west face of the Frying Pan, McKay, Ruined Castle and much further away at Spion Kopje and Timms. Bob Hymans and Toni St. Elmo are prepared to guide tour parties. Pages 14, 15 & 17 - A detailed article relating events of the opening weekend of the 1954 winter including activities at Falls Creek and Bob Hymans extensionsbob hymans, toni st. elmo, myrtleford ski club

After World War II, the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme was started in the Kiewa River valley by the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. On land previously used only for summer cattle grazing in the natural alpine grasslands, the first ski lodge was built in 1948 by workers from the scheme. The first lift, a rope tow, was built in 1951 and the first chairlift in Australia was constructed there in 1957. Falls Creek Post Office opened on 9 June 1958 (with telegraph and telephone facilities only until 1964) .Despite strong opposition from the head of the Kiewa scheme, who didn't want tourists clogging up his roads and destroying his "dry" construction camps by bringing in booze, Falls Creek boomed as much as Hotham, partly owing to its relatively good access road. Early lodges included Bogong (c.1946), Skyline (1947), Albury (1949), Myrtleford (1949) and Dawn (c.1950).The souvenir postcard photographed and produced by an enterprising local businessman Mr S K Pearce, was produced as a memento for skiers and other visitors to the Falls Creek and Mt Beauty area to send to family and friends as a reminder of their visit to the region, or to keep as a personal souvenir. It presented an excellent promotional opportunity for enterprising local businessmen to promote the area to skiers and tourists near and far. It also presents an excellent pictorial history of the falls creek area around the late 1950’s to early 1960’sColour postcard folder (unused) containing 13 photographs of the Falls Creek ski area and surrounds. Inside cover has a brief description of the area and the services available to visitors Printed on front cover- FALLS CREEK SKI VILLAGE. Your Souvenir Folder Photo of skiing slopes of the village Inside front flap - a brief description of the Falls Creek area and the services available to visitors 1. Diana Lodge parking area and Spion Kopje 2. Winterhaven Lodge 3. Ski Hirage Centre and skiing slopes 4. Ski Lodges from main road 5. Nelse and Arundel Lodges 6. Day visitors’ shelter and parking area 7. Summit T-Bar lift 8. Spur T-bar looking towards Village and Spion Kopje 9. T-bar lower station and Snow Crystal Inn 10. ‘Akja’ rescue sled in use 11. Falls Creek road and Grand Coeur Lodge annex 12. Rope tows and beginner slopes 13. Back cover- Published by Nucolorvue Pty Ltd Mentone Vic. Printed in Australia For S.K.Pearce Pty Ltd Tawonga and Mt Beauty falls creek, snow, bogong high plains, victorian alps

Schuss was advertised as Victoria’s Official Ski Journal It was issued monthly from 1935 to 1961 except during the war when summer issues covered two months. This continued after the war, but it averaged 10 issues annually over its 25 year life. Schuss was published by the Ski Club of Victoria which had a membership of 38 Ski Clubs and demanded to be recognised as the prime authority on skiing in the state. The other 30 ski clubs with 85% of the members disagreed and the politics of skiing became heated. These clubs formed the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs with their own journal, Ski Horizon. With the establishment of the Victorian Ski Association, Ski-Horizon published its last issue in Nov - Dec. 1955 and the role of the official journal was fully taken over by “Schuss”. This item is significant because it contains stories, images and information documenting the development of the ski industry in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 153 - an advertisement for ski lessons, tours and accommodation for skiers with Bob Hymans. A second advertisement for Pearce Bros., General Merchants at Tawonga stated they could arrange for food supplies for clubs or ski parties to be delivered into lodges at city prices. Page 168 feature a photo by H. Gibbs - On the road to Falls Creek, beyond Howman's Gap, showing slopes of of Spion Kopje in the background. Page 177 - The Galleon Ski Club had opened its books to a limited number of Associate Members and offered its Members use of the "GALLEON" Lodge. Associate Membership fee was set at £1/1/- per annum. Lodge fees were 12/6 per day per member. Page 182 announced ALBURY Ski Club's Annual Ball will be held this year on November 28th. The event promised to live up to the reputation of the previous year's very happy "do" at Toonallook Woolshed, and it should be worth going a long way to be in it, even to devoting the whole weekend to a visit. Note the date now.schuss journal, bob hymans, h. gibbs photos, galleon ski club, albury ski club

Junction Dam is a reinforced slab and buttress type construction and was commenced in February, 1940 by Lewis Construction Company. Stiff leg derricks were erected at appropriate locations at the site of the dam and used for the disposal of excavated material and the placing of concrete. A rock crushing and screening plant was established at a site a short distance upstream from the dam site and concrete was supplied from a central mixing plant placed close to the upstream toe of the structure. The SEC took over the construction in April 1942 and the dam wall was completed in March, 1944. Bogong township was commenced in early 1940 with the construction of a workmen's camp housing 96 men, (known as Junction camp). Construction of housing for families commenced shortly after. Forty houses, plus office, workshops, stores and laboratory accommodation were completed over the next 5 years,Of historical significance as a pictorial record of Junction Dam, Lake Guy and Bogong Village, as the photos were taken only 4 years after completion and one photo taken on completion of the dam wall but before the lake was filled with water.12 small black and white photographs of Junction Dam, Bogong Village and surrounding area.Photo 1 - On the back upper edge in pen 'Junction Dam'. Then '12' in pencil, circular stamp, printed in centre 'Print by Willson White Albury'. Photo 2 - On the back upper edge in pen 'Junction Dam October 1948'. Stamp as no. 1 photo. Stamp '998L' lower centre. Photo 3 - on the back upper edge in pen 'Junction Dam October 1948'. Circular stamp with 'Kodak Print' . Lower centre back is stamped 'velox' and '998L'. Photo 4 - upper back, in ink - 'Junction Dam Spion Kopje in background. October 1948'. Stamps as photo no. 4. Photo 5 - upper back, in ink - 'Lake Guy (orange filter) October 1948'. Centre back, in pencil '29' and circular stamp with words 'Print by Willson White Albury'. Photo 6 - upper back edge 'Junction, Bogong from Radio Receiving Shack Dec. 1948'. In pencil '14'. Photo 7 - On back of photo 'View of Mountains from Little Arthur Fire Track October 1948'. Two circular stamps with 'Kodak Print', another two stamps - 'Velox' and '998L'. Photo 8 - On back in ink 'Loone's Store Bogong with Spion Kopje in background. October 1948'. Lower down, stamps 'Velox' and '998L'. Part of circular stamp with one word 'Kodak'. Photo 9 - on back in ink 'Junction Camp, Bogong Village & Lake Guy from Little Arthur Fire Track. October 1948'. Stamped across writing '998L'. Lower down stamped 'Velox' and circular stamp with words 'Kodak Print'. Photo 10 - on back in ink 'Junction Camp & Bogong Village Lake Guy in Foreground. October 1948'. Stamps as photo 9. Photo 11 - on back in ink 'Junction Camp & Bogong Village, Lake Guy in Foreground. October 1948'. Lower stamp '998L'. Photo 12 - 'Junction of Rocky & Pretty Rivers with tennis courts in foreground October 1948' . Circular stamp with words, 'Print by Willson White Albury'. Number '29' written pencil.junction dam; bogong village; kiewa hydro electric scheme; lake guy

In October 1947 construction was commenced on the erection of the workmen's camp at Rocky Valley. Also in 1947 construction of a stream diversion was commenced to allow excavation to commence for the dam wall. In the summer of 1948/49, stripping of the foundation area on both sides of the river was carried out. Weather conditions were not always favourable during the construction, particularly 1955/56 summer, and work would have to cease each year for the winter season due to the severe conditions. The dam is a earth and rock fill structure with a height of about 30.5 metres and crest length 518.16 metres and was completed in March, 1959.These photographs show the type of terrain in the area prior to the construction and filling of Rocky Valley Dam. Also of interest is the type of accommodation provided for those working on the construction and the early cranes available in the 1940/50's. Of historical importance to understand the conditions in the early construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric SchemeEleven small black and white photographsPhoto No. 1 - on the back, printed in ink"Rocky Valley - New Mess & offices Dec. 1948". In pencil '14 on the back Photo No. 2 - on the back, printed in ink "Rocky Valley Camp. October 1948". Also stamped on the back "998L" Photo No. 3 -on the back, printed in ink "Rocky Valley Hostel October 1948". Also stamped on the back '998L' Photo No. 4 - on the back, printed in ink "Spion Kopje from bedroom window. October 1948". Stamped on the back '998L'. Photo No. 5 - on the back, printed in ink "Rocky Valley Basin Dec. 1948." In pencil on back, 14. Photo No. 6 - on the back, printed in ink "Site of Wall for Rocky Valley Dam Dec. 1948". In pencil on back, 14. Photo No. 7 - On the back, printed in ink "Commencing of Diversion Tunnel Rocky Valley December 1948". In pencil on back, 14. Photo No. 8 - on the back, printed in ink "One of the two electric cranes at Rocky Valley December 1948". In pencil on back, 14. Photo No. 9 - on the back, printed in ink "'Rapier' (H.Y.) electric crane Rocky Valley December 1948". In pencil on back, 14 . Photo No. 10 - on the back, printed in ink " Pretty Valley Pump line construction Mt. Cope in Background Nov 1948. Circular stamp with the words 'print by Wilson White Albury' in the circle. Photo No. 11 - on the back, printed in ink "Stringing cable on Ruined Castle October 1948. Same stamp as No. 10. In pencil '31'. rocky valley; pretty valley; ruined castle; bogong high plains; kiewa hydro electric scheme