Historical information

In 1912 the school at Pumpkin Point opened to serve the children of farmers living in the Bete Bolong district. This meant a big change in their way of life because in the past the children had been rowed across the Snowy River each day to attend school at Jarrahmond. Myrtle Bunting was the first HT of the school which had been erected on a block of land purchased from H. Richardson. The school functioned until 1952 when a shortage of pupils caused its closure. As a bus service to Orbost now operated, the school at Pumpkin Point faced permanent closure. J. McKeown bought the building.
Students attending the school at this time included Russells, Johnstones, Reeves, Healeys, Kavanaghs, Phillips, Rodwells, Mills, Baileys, Gilberts and Masons.

Significance

This item is associated with the history of education in the Orbost district.

Physical description

A black / white photograph of two Bete Bolong State School pupils - girls - standing against a large tree trunk with a scarecrow between them.

Inscriptions & markings

on back - handwritten " Hilda Russell & Elsie Morrison on Guy Gawkes at Bete Bolong"