Historical information

This box was used by Lindsay Thomson's mother, Annie M. Thomson for the transport of hen eggs from Orbost to Melbourne by rail - C 1940's -1950's.
The Bairnsdale-Orbost railway was opened in 1916 to serve the agricultural and timber industry. Because of the decline in traffic and heavy operating costs, the line was finally closed in August, 1987.
Orbost Railway Station was opened on Monday 10 April 1916 as the terminus of the Orbost railway line, and closed in 1987. The station was located on the west side of the Snowy River despite the town of Orbost being on the east side of the river, in order to save on the costs of a bridge over the river, which at the time had highly variable levels.

Significance

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.

Physical description

A wooden box with two inside sections and a wooden lid which is secured on both ends by large nails/spikes which are fitted into a groove and are then turned.

Inscriptions & markings

On front and back in black stencilled letters A M T
O B