black and white photograph, Ward Bros, late 19th / early 20th century

Historical information

Around 1885 Mr James Nixon started a sawmill in the paddock below Mr Harry Cameron's dairy. It was in Snaggers Lane on the east side of the present highway.
The photo is of James Nixon's sawmill with Percy Nixon in the centre foreground.

Significance

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 very yellowed photograph of five men, probably workers, at a mill site. The photograph is on a grey buff card.

Inscriptions & markings

on front - "Nixon's Sawmill"
on back - "Toby Nixon's Sawmill"

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