Historical information

Pat Donchi's grandfather came to Orbost to cut sleepers in the 1890s. Pat and his sons have carried on since then. This photograph, one of six, was taken for the Victorian railways Magazine in 1975, a pamphlet produced for Victorian Railways. It contains photographs and an article about Orbost as "Timber Country" and a detailed article titled, " Cutting Sleepers is a Family Business" which tells about the Donchi family

Significance

This item is associated with the timber and sleeper-cutting industry in the Orbost Region. Timber sleepers were superceded by concrete sleepers in c. 1970s. Orbost has historically been based on the timber industry, but that industry has declined considerably over the last 20 years. The number of locals involved in the timber industry has declined and many of the mills have closed. This item reflects a time when that industry was a significant contributor to the economy of the district.

Physical description

A black / white photograph of Pat Donchi, a local sleeper cutter, falling a tree with a chainsaw.

Inscriptions & markings

on back - Pr 8708