account

account - W. Cumming to R.P. Cameron

account - W. Cumming to R.P. Cameron

account - W. Cumming to R.P. Cameron

From the Collection of Orbost & District Historical Society Ruskin Street Orbost Victoria

Description: A white paper account with blue lines and black ink . It has a pink receipt attached as well as a yellow duty stamp. It is from W. Cumming, butcher, to R.P. Cameron.
Size: H-245mm W-170mm
Object Registration: 573
Keywords: cameron-robert-pullar cumming-william-butcher
Historical information: Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.
William Cumming was a prominent Orbost identity. He was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, in 1866 the son of William Cumming and Mary Ann Montgomery. He came to Australia, aged 28, and to Orbost in 1890. He farmed at Bete Bolong and during WW1 ran a butcher's shop on his farm. He was a shire councillor and served as a South Riding representative for 38 years. He was a keen Newmerella football supporter, a member of the Orbost Bowling Club as well as a director of the Orbost Butter Factory.
Cumming was married to Ellen Louise Mundy and had four children ( Harold, Mary, William and Gordon).
When Made: February 1st 1921
Made By: Cumming, W. (Maker)
Significance: This item is an example of a hand-written account for a local early 20th century business in Orbost. It is a useful research tool.
Last updated: 2 Mar 2018 at 10:18AM

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of four men working on the construction of a new bridge and its pylons

Historical information

This photograph shows the construction of the first bridge over the Snowy River at Orbost being built. the first pile bridge over the Snowy River was just completed by Mr Jim Granter when the 1891 flood took out the centre,. There were differences of opinion as to whether the council should pay . The Shire Secretary, Mr John Draffin, persuaded them to honour their obligations. Mr Granter and Mr Clarke finished it as a suspension bridge which was opened by Mrs William Watt. Soon after a mob of cattle stampeded, the weight snapped the cable, letting one side sag. Mr R.P. Cameron repaired it and this bridge remained until 1922. "In 1890 the contract for a bridge was let to Mr James Granter for £1450. This structure with additions and improvements made to it was to cost the ratepayers about £2,500, and its erection was proceeded with in a very satisfactory manner until, just as the greater-part of the work had been completed, the flood of 1891 came down on it, piling up mountains of logs, timber and debris against the piers, which had not been made wide enough apart to allow for. contingencies of this kind. The structure held out bravely until the turn of the flood and then gave way with a crash, about five bays from the centre disappearing in the stream." ( Snowy River Mail August 12 1893)

Significance

This is a pictorial record of the construction of the first bridge over the Snowy River.

Inscriptions & Markings

on back - "first bridge - 1st pile being driven"

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A large black / white photograph of a punt with a motor vehicle and people making their way across a river.

Historical information

This photograph shows vehicles and people being ferried across the Snowy River during the 1934 flood. The Orbost punt was reinstated on a temporary basis following damage to the bridge. Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. The centre span of the Orbost Bridge was washed away.

Significance

This is a pictorial record of the effects of the 1934 floods in the Orbost district.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front - "On the Snowy 1934"

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framed photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of a group of thirteen men, some standing, some sitting in front of a wooden shed. The photograph is in an ornate frame made of dried seeds.

Historical information

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This frame was made by Mary Lynch, wife of Matt Lynch. Pictured in the photograph are: Back: W. Fisher, Archie Rodwell, Mat Lynch, Rupert Mosley, George Granter, Arthur Saunders, Arther Pardew, John Bird, John Gilbert. Front: Bill Ginning, George Perry (secretary) John Johnston (president), Carl Dreverman.

Significance

This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. It is also an example of the craft skills of women in the early 20th century.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front - "Orbost Agricultural Show Committee probably 1904"

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framed photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of an elderly women accepting an award from a young womanl. Below the photograph is a medal and inscription on a light blue buff card. This is all inside a light blue wooden frame with gold edging.

Historical information

Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905, the daughter of John and Annie (nee Cameron) Gilbert. She died in 1989 aged 84. Mary Gilbert was not only the founder of the Orbost Historical Society and Museum but was a teacher at bthe Orbost High School for many years. She contributed much to the community as she was involved in so many aspects of it.

Significance

Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front - "British Empire Medal, Miss M. Gilbert for Services to Orbost High School and Education in Greneral"

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framed black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A large black / white photograph of a man in a suit with one hand in his pocket Standing behind him are two men and a woman. The photograph has been taken inside the museum. The photograph is mounted on a white buff card and is in a white wooden frame.

Historical information

This photograph shows Peter Nixon, Minister For The Interior officially opening the Orbost Historical Society Museum on December 1st, 1967. The first Orbost Museum was opened in 1967. It was situated in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Peter Nixon grew up on the family farm on the Snowy River. He entered Federal Parliament in 1961 as the Member for Gippsland, holding various portfolios before retiring in 1983.

Significance

Peter Nixon grew up on the family farm on the Snowy River. He entered Federal Parliament in 1961 as the Member for Gippsland, holding various portfolios before retiring in 1983. The Nixon family has been in the Orbost district since 1885.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front below the photograph - " Opening of the Orbost Historical Society Museum by Mr Peter Nixon M.H.R., Minister of the Interior 1st December 1967"

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framed photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A large framed photograph of a football team - three rows, . The back row is standing, middle row seated on a bench and the front row sitting on the ground. The photograph is mounted on a dark grey buff card. The frame is an ornate brown and gold wooden one.

Historical information

The Orbost Football Club was started in 1894. The Orbost football club players were known as the Busters and wore green and gold guernseys. An Orbost football team has participated in the East Gippsland League since the early 20th century. In 2003 in response to a dwindling population, the Snowy Rovers and Orbost Football Clubs were driven to merge into the Orbost Snowy Rovers

Significance

Football clubs, through their many changes, have always been an important social fabric of the community. Sport is often regarded as an important part of life in rural Australia, contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front below the photograph - "Presented to Orbost Football Club Premiers in 1912 by Howard D. Bulmer"

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A small black / white portrait photograph, oval shaped with a white background. It is of a middle-aged man with a full beard and moustache.

Historical information

James Alexander ROBERTSON was born 14th June, 1855, at Pentridge. the Coburg area which was known as Pentridge at the time, and prior to the building of the gaol. His parents were James Thomson Robertson and Esther (nee Hale), At age 20 James became the first selector on the Snowy River at Lochend. He took up Lots 1, 2 and 3, in the Parish of Newmerella in 1875; with his selection being ratified on May 1st, 1876. The selection included hill and river flat land in the area near where Icy Creek enters the Snowy River. James gradually improved and farmed the property; he cleared and drained Icy Creek and constructed the first known flood-gate on the Snowy River. To meet his farming commitments he supplemented his income by working on the construction and maintenance of roads and drains in the Newmerella area. He gained a contract with the Bairnsdale Shire council to construct the first road cutting down Burn’s Hill at Newmerella. His tender was for £16 ($32), and it took him, with four others, two months to complete the contract. He was single, and, after his untimely death at aged 29, in 1884, his parents and surviving unmarried sisters and brothers moved from Sarsfield to take over his selection at Lochend. (more information Newsletter April 2013)

Significance

James Robertson was the first selector of land at Lochend, Orbost.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front at bottom - typed in black -:"James Alexander Robertson, Late of Lochend, Snowy River"

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A small black / whitee head and shoulders photograph of a man with beard and moustache, He is wearing a suit and tie.

Historical information

This is a photograph of Councillor Charles Henry Grove who represented South Riding on the Orbost Shire Council. from 1893 - 1901. He was president in 1893-1894, 1895-1896 and 1900-1901. He also served on the Tambo Shire prior to the formation of the Croajingolong / Orbost Shire. Charles Henry [Carl] Grove died on 17/4/1938 at Box Hill at the age of 88 and was buried in Orbost. Prior to coming to the Snowy River district, Carl worked as overseer on Buchan Station. In 1880, he selected land at Newmerella after first coming here in 1874 with early selector James A Robertson. He married Annie Robertson in 1876. Carl was a farmer, hop and seed grower and nurseryman. He was an elected Councillor of the newly formed Tambo Shire in 1882, and then in 1892 to the Orbost Shire where he served for many years filling various public roles. In 1911, he shifted to Queensland, but later returned to Victoria and died at Box Hill. (info. Newsletter 113)

Significance

This item is associated with Carl Grove, a prominent early Orbost citizen.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of a man and a woman on a horse. Behind them is a foal.

Historical information

This photograph is of Toby Nixon (Percival Charles Nixon) and Lexie Nixon, his sister. It was taken at the Roll Call for the "Back To Orbost" celebrations in 1937. Toby Nixon was born on 27.3.1902. He was the of George and Emily Nixon. Married to Grace Forbes, he farmed maize at Jarrahmond as well as wheat at Buchan. He was an active member of the Maize Growers Association, helping to create the Maize Board. He was also a director of the Seed Bean Board for many years. His sister, Lexie, married Edward Fortescue Abbott. (more information in "From White Knowle to Pumpkin Point" by Peter Nixon.)

Significance

This photograph is associated with the Nixon family which contributed greatly to the history of the Orbost district. Toby Nixon was a well-respected Orbost identity.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A small black / white photograph of a group of men wearing lawn bowling uniforms. In front of them are two balls.

Historical information

This is a photograph of the first committee and members of the Orbost Bowling Club in 1931. L-R: Rev. Montgomerie, Ab Trewin, Dave & Dick Pardew, Jack Cameron, Harry Cameron, Carl Dreverman, Lance Herbert, Rupert Mosley, J. McKeown, Sam Lynn, T. Bartold - Geo. Haymes. The first meeting was held on 23/3/1922, then the Orbost bowling Club was formed in 1929 when the funds for the construction of the green were issued by debentures of five pounds each. These were all taken up and a six rink green was laid down. Inaugural President, Sam Lynn and Secretary T. Bartold, the first Club Champion was M. Rothberg. It was not until 1951 that women were admitted as associates albeit restrictions.Associate members were not to exceed 25 and ladieswere to be of good character with preference to be given to wives of male members. Ladies had tot be off premises by 4pm. It was not until 1935/1936 that Orbost became a member of the Central Gippsland Bowling Association.

Significance

Bowling clubs play a significant role in community recreation needs. The Orbost Bowling Club plays an important role in the Orbost community.

Inscriptions & Markings

on back - handwritten - "Opening Orbost BC Committee Oct 1931"

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A small black / white photograph of four men, two standing and two sitting, in a horse draw buggy. Four large horses are attached to it.

Historical information

This photograph shows Sam Lynn with his team of Clydesdales. Samuel James Lynn was born in 1865 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. His father was James Lynn and his mother was Mary Jane Keith. Sam, as he was known, was the second of three brothers, his older brother being William and his younger brother was John Wilson Lynn. (info. Margaret Hollands) Samuel Lynn was a well-known Orbost pioneer. He owned much property throughout the district , bred Clydesdale horses and fattened about 600 cattle. He was in great demand as a judge of both cattle and horses at agricultural shows in Victoria and interstate. He was a shire councillor for 30 years and president several times. He took a great interest in the sporting clubs of the town and played cricket until late in life. He was goal umpire for the local football team for many years, judged for the Orbost Racing Club and was the first president of the Orbost Bowls Club. He was also a member of the first municipal band.

Significance

Sam Lynn was a well-known Orbost pioneer. The Lynn family has a long historic connection with the Orbost agricultural history.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A large black / white photograph of an elderly lady seated and holding a cup of, with biscuit. She has a shawl draped over her shoulders.

Historical information

This is a photograph of Elizabeth Lawless on her 102nd birthday. The Lawless family lived in Orbost from 1907 - c 1920. John Francis Lawless had a saddlery shop. He died at an early age - 47 years - June 7 1912, leaving his wife, Elizabeth and seven children. The eldest son, Victor Rowland lawless volunteered for service in WW1 but did not leave Australia because of illness. The second son, Edward Vincent Lawless (b 1895 d 1917) worked for McCoy & Co. in Orbost, coachbuilding, undertakers, general blacksmiths and farriers, prior to enlisting in WW!. He was trained as a signaller and was sent to France where he was killed in action on 9.10.1917. Elizabeth Lawless worked as a ladies' nurse (midwife) in Orbost prior to leaving the district in 1920. She lived to 6.6.1975 aged 104 years.

Significance

The Lawless family was a prominent family in Orbost in the early 20th century.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A large black / white photograph of an elderly lady standing beside a younger man who is holding a letter and reading to her.

Historical information

This photograph shows Nelson Burn reading a telegram from the queen to his grandmother, Mrs Paul Hocking, on her 100th birthday. Her husband, James Hocking, was the first watchmaker in Orbost. He had been a lay preacher at Wangaratta and Yan Yean before coming to Orbost. He was an 1891 Rechabite and an Orbost Shire Councillor. Eliza Ann Hocking (nee Eddy) was born on 16.7.1856 at Blackwater Hall in England, She had arrived in Australia on the sailing boat "Poocia" on 8-7-1880. The voyage following the Cape route took about 7 weeks. For a time, with her husband, she lived at Chewton, on the gold fields, before coming to Orbost. She was a foundation member of the Methodist Ladies’ Guild in 1912. She lived in Salisbury Street, Orbost. She died on 9.4.1957. Colin Nelson Burn, born 7.7.1921, was her grandson, son of Robert Alfred Burn and Edith Jane Hocking. He began Sta-Brite' Painting and Decorating Services in Salisbury Street, Orbost. He served in the forces during World War II. He was a Life member of the Snowy Rovers Football Club. He joined the Orbost Fire Brigade on 1-5-1946. He died 1.2.2015. His son, Peter continues the painting business in Orbost. (info. from John Phillips)

Significance

This is a pictorial record of an Orbost resident reaching 100 years. A 100 year birthday is a significant milestone. The Hocking / Burn family have been associated with the Orbost district since 1889.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white, head and shoulders, portrait photograph of a balding man in a suit and tie. There is a badge on his lapel.

Historical information

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.

Significance

This item is associated with the Russell family, early settlers in the Orbost district.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white portrait photograph of a man with wavy hair, a small white beard and moustache.

Historical information

This is a photograph of Mr Harry Felix . Richardson who selected land at Bete Bolong in 1887. He married Elizabeth Wardle in 1893 and had no children. Harry Richardson was a keen angler, rifle shooter and cricketer and was very much involved with the local community. With his brother, Alan, he had pioneered the move to the Snowy in 1878. He died in Bairnsdale , aged 83, in 1941.

Significance

Harry Richardson was a prominent and active member of the Orbost community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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blak and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white head and shoulders portrait of a balding man with a moustache. He is wearing a suit and tie.

Historical information

This is a photograph of Mr John Scouller (born 1861 , died 1935) who was the first manager of the Orbost Butter Factory which opened in 1892. He filled the position for thirty years.

Significance

John Scouller was a prominent Orbost citizen in the late 19th and earyl 20th centuries.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of four women wearing log skirts / dresses and elaborate hats, two sitting on a log and two standing on either side.

Historical information

This is a photograph of the four daughters of Mrs George Thomas. L -R : Elleen Parsons, Julia Eaton, Eva Murray and Violet Gay. George Thomas and Gtranny Thomas lived at Newmerella on Grand View Road until the 1950's. In the Newmerella Koorie Community, there were about 15 families. The family was a very well-respected local Aboriginal family. . George was a stockman for Jas Stirling. From Colin Thomas "I learned that George Thomas was Kitty Johnson’s oldest son. As a young boy George had been found by the Reverend John Bulmer, in addition to other young Aboriginal children in the bush around the Lake Tyers area. He had gathered them all together and took them onto the reserve at the Mission. After quite a number of years had passed George had met and fallen in love with a young half-caste girl, known as Agnes Patterson. Agnes was of Monaro descent and came from New South Wales. George and Agnes got married at Lake Tyers. Because of the half-caste act George and Agnes had to leave the reserve along with their nine girls. They moved to Newmerella, situated outside the township of Orbost. This was the place that George and his wife and children came to call home. Soon after, George and Agnes would add to their family bringing the total of children to fourteen, the last five of whom were boys. At the time of the First World War George’s boy’s volunteered their services and joined the army. When in Europe one of the boys sustained an injury which caused the loss of an arm. Following the end of the war the boys came home, as men."

Significance

The Thomas family was a well-respected family in Newmerell in the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. The daughter were well known for their needlework and craft skills.

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of a man with glasses wearing a suit, hat and gloves, sitting on a chair, with one hand resting on his thigh. He has a bushy moustache. The portrait is oval shaped with a white background.

Historical information

This is a portrait of Dr James Kerr. Dr James Kerr practised medicine in Orbost from 1889 -1928. He was the first doctor to settle in Orbost. He served the Orbost community for 40 years travelling everywhere on horseback. He married Hilda Constance Temple in Orbost on November 30, 1893. On April 29th 1931, three glass windows were dedicated to "Dr James Kerr. Beloved Physician of Orbost" in St James Church of England , Orbost. ( Ref Orbost Hospital, History, Personalities and Stories by Margaret Hollands)

Significance

Dr James Kerr was the first doctor to settle in Orbost. He was an integral part of the Orbost community for over 40 years.

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black / white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white portrait photograph of a man, with beard and moustache, wearing a bow tie and suit jacket.

Historical information

This is a photograph of John Johnston. John Johnston was elected as a member of the Orbost Council and during thirty-five years of service, he was president four times. He was also president of the Agricultural Society and Chairman of the local School Committee for over thirty years, (from Richard Johnston -1969 in "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District: by Mary Gilbert)

Significance

John Johnston was a prominent citizen of Orbost in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was referred to as "the father of the council".

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black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

Two black / white photographs of a woman in a pen feeding two emus and some chickens.

Historical information

Charles Henry [Carl] Grove died on 17/4/1938 at Box Hill at the age of 88 and was buried in Orbost. Prior to coming to the Snowy River district, Carl worked as overseer on Buchan Station. In 1880, he selected land at Newmerella after first coming here in 1874 with early selector James A Robertson. He married Annie Robertson in 1876. Carl was a farmer, hop and seed grower and nurseryman. He was an elected Councillor of the newly formed Tambo Shire in 1882, and then in 1892 to the Orbost Shire where he served for many years filling various public roles. In 1911, he shifted to Queensland, but later returned to Victoria and died at Box Hill. (info. Newsletter 113)

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