book

book - Sporting Bodies of Orbost

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

Description: A hard-covered book with a green spine and a green thatched cover. It contains financial statements, newspaper cuttings, photos which have labels hand-written in pen, minutes and a brief history of the Orbost Mechanics Hall.
Size: H-322mm W-197mm D-11mm
Object Registration: 3093
Keywords: fagg-peter sport-orbost mechanics-hall-orbost
Historical information: This collection was compiled by Peter Fagg who worked as a scientist with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (now DELWP) to study dieback in eucalypts. He specialised in the silviculture of the eucalypt forest types of South-East Australia for most of his 40-year career, which started with the Forests Commission Victoria. He was in Orbost from 1968 - 1973.
The contents of the book are all related to sporting groups in Orbost at the Mechanics Hall. Peter Fagg was the Publicity Officer for the group as well as president.
He was also associated with the Orbost municipal bands.
When Made: 1978
Made By: Fagg, Peter (Maker)
Significance: This item is related to Peter Fagg, a prominent member of the Orbost community. The item is a record of sporting activities in Orbost.
Inscriptions & Markings: on front cover in black marker - Affiliated Sporting Bodies of Orbost ( Mechanics Hall Committee)
Last updated: 13 Nov 2019 at 12:11PM

black and white photographs

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

3125.1 is a black / white photograph on grey card. It is of a lagoon surrounded by trees, grasses. 3125.2 is a black / white photograph of a lagoon showing a fence on the left side,with two men (one holding a baby), a child and a dog in front of the fence on the bank.

Historical information

These photographs are of Lochiel "Lagoon next to the Cameron House, "Lochiel" owned by James Cameron. The three Cameron brothers had entered into a partnership - John selected 200 acres, James 235 acres and Alex. 273 acres, all adjoining. They also took up 'Lochiel' under the suburban lot scheme. The 'Lochiel‟ property went to James on the dissolution of the partnership.

Significance

This is a pictorial record of Orbost in the early 20th century. This item is also associated with James Cameron, a prominent early Orbost identity.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front of 3125.1 - Lochiel Lagoon 1906

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of low set wooden buildings . In the foreground is a fence on the opposite side of the street. There are signs on the top part of the building which occupies the whole corner - "G. TEMPLE Wholesale & Retail Merchant, Building materials, furniture, ironmomgery, boots and shoes, grocery, drapery, Croajingalong General Store, The Orbost Equitable Grocery"

Historical information

This photograph shows George Temple's store which began operating C1888 opposite the post office in the main street of Orbost. The store stocked other stores at Bendoc supplying the gold fields. The men with their pack horses are on their way to the survey camp. George Temple, born in Yorkshire on 26/2/1832 was of the earliest Orbost storekeepers. Temple's Store was on the corner of Ruskin and Nicholson Streets opposite the post office. He packed stores to the Bendoc area goldfields. The store building eventually became part of Herbert's store when he died in 1917.

Significance

This item is associated with the very early history of Orbost. George and Mary Temple were early shopkeepers who operated a store opposite the Post Office for many years. Their daughters were very talented women.

Preview View Page

black and photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph mounted on crean card. There are trees in the foreground, buildings in the background. The buildings are wooden construction, some with shingle roofs and some bark.

Historical information

This is an early photograph of Orbost C1880 - 1890s. The photograph is part of the Mary Gilbert collection.

Significance

This is a pictorial record of Orbost in the late 19th century.

Inscriptions & Markings

There are some red pencil marks around frame of photograph.

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph mounted on brown card. It shows a large building surrounded by bare earth. There is a group of six adults and a child standing at one corner of the building. The building is made of bricks topped by stucco and has a tiled roof.

Historical information

This is a photograph of the Orbost High School in 1925. It has been identified by Mary Gilbert.

Significance

Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This photograph is representative of its history.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front bottom -1925 on back - Orbost High School 1925

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

a black / white photograph mounted on brown card. It is of a group of school children in front of an open doorwaay of a timber building. A female teacher is seated on a chair among them. A girl in the front is holding a board with what appears to be handwritten in white chalk on a blackboard -"Grades 111 & 1V Orbost".

Historical information

This is a photograph of students of Orbost State School. Mary Gilbert has identified the girl holding the sign as Pen Gilbert. The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated temporarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948.

Significance

This photograph is associate with the history of education i n Orbost.

Inscriptions & Markings

at bottom - "X PEN GILBERT"

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph mounted on grey card. It shows a group of school children posed in rows in front of an outside wall of a wooden building. A boy in the front row is holding a sign with "GRADE " written on it. The sign appears to be in white chalk on a blackboard.

Historical information

This is a group of students of Orbost State School. A list of those in the photograph has been hand-written by Mary Gilbert. Back Row- ?; Alan Nixon; Amy Yandle; Rose Whillance; Una Perry; Nellie Cross; Hilda Coverdale; Ada Morgan; Lesley Gluth; Molly Macalaster; Mel Gluth; Allie Macalaster Marion Gilbert; Ettie Hammill; Gwen Simpson; Marge Daley; Edie Boucher; ?; ? Burns; Gladys Gall; Billy Momford; mary Kavagnah; Hugh Hawkless; Norman Burns Royce Andrews; Syd Hardy; ? Lowater; Jim Tipping; ?; ? Joiner; ?; Sinclair Mosley; ? Pleydell; Ian McDonald The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated temporarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948.

Significance

This photograph is associated with the history of education in Orbost.

Inscriptions & Markings

There is a handwritten list of names attached to the bottom of the photograph.

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph mounted on brown card. It shows a group of school children in front of an outside wallm of of a timber building. A boy in front is holding a board with "Grades 1V & V" written on it.

Historical information

This is a photograph of students of Orbost State School. Those in the photograph have been identified by Mary Gilbert. Back Row - Billy Nixon; ?; ?; ?; Albert Williams; Stan Porter; Stan Farmer; Bert Johnston; Betty Gilbert; Bernice Feltis; Olive Gall; Lorna Farquahar: Bessie Gibbs; Cora Morgan; Dorothy Broome ?: Jack Gargan; Bill Dreverman; Tom Stevenson; George French; ?; Jim Nixon; Dorothy Tipping; Lorna Sadler; Ivy Swan; ?; ?; Edie Gall; ? ?; ?; Ray Tyrell; ?; ?; Tom Rodwell; /; Una Perry; Perth Hardy; ?; Molly Pardew; Alice Hammill; Effie Hammill; Muriel Grose; Francie Robinson; Marion Gilbert Jim Tipping; Dave Murray; Arthur Simpson; ? Grose The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated temporarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898. During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948.

Significance

This photograph is associated with the history of education in Orbost.

Inscriptions & Markings

A hand-written list of names is attached to the photograph. There is an arrow with "MARION" next to it. At top - BETT

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph showing a group school children in front of an outside wall of a timber building. Seated in the front row is a boy holding a sign with "GRADES 5 & 6" hand-written in what appears to be white chalk on a blackboard. The photograph is mounted on grey card and has a list of names attached to the bottom.

Historical information

This is a photograph of students from Orbost State School. Those in the photograph have been identified by Mary Gilbert. Back Row L-R - Eva Morgan; R. Powell; Doris Smith; ?; Mona Arkins; E. Hardy; H. Beattie; Molly Hammill; Jessie Morgan; Kath Daley; Jessie Gall; Nina Williams; Billy Kerr; Gwenda Beveridge; Emily Mackley; Chrissie Mackley; Myra Malcolm; Annie Malcolm; Betty Gilbert; K. Beattie; Doreen Feltis; B Woodlands; ?; ?; ?; Carl Wehner; Bill Grose; Ham Bird; Eddie Lowater; ?; Jack Morgan; B. Hawkless; Jack Nixon; Harry Perry; Georg perry; Arthur Simpson; Albert Shaw; Bill Laycox; ? Lock; Neha Cameron; Stan Smith; Stan Porter

Significance

This photograph is associated with the history of education on Orbost.

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of a group of children and one female teacher in front of an open doorway of a wooden school building. agirl seated in the front row is holding a board with "Grades V V1 Orbost" hand-written in what appears to be white chalk on a blackboard. .A list of those in photograph is attached.

Historical information

This is a photograph of students at Orbost State School in 1915. Included in the photograph, as identified by Mary Gilbert' are Brian Harrison; ?; ? Whillance; Rupert Perry; ; Dolly Nixxon; Dot Stagg; Ella Cowell; Annie Macalaster; ? ?; ? Winchester; Rupert Bird; Mac Kerr; :; Clarrie Reynolds; D. Daly; Marion Watt; Audrey Cameron; Teen Dixon; Ethel Morris; ?; Toby Nixon; Charlie Winchester Miss Marie Haynes; Doris Smith; Alison Cameron; Ruby Morgan; Thida(?) Guy; Elsa Wehner; Gladys Boucher; Gloria Swanson; ? Lay; ? Rodwell Wally Simpson; ? Morgan; Reece Harrison; P. Summers; ?; Les Morgan; W. Lawless; ? Craker; A. Nish; P. Hocking Zenie Irvine; Essie Nixxon; Violet Gibbs; Adelaide Hardy; Verna Perry; Mary Gilbert; Margaret Irvine; Marge Henderson; Nellie Draffin; Roy Cameron The 19th of March 1886 proved an important day in the lives of many early settlers in the Orbost area, because on this day the Orbost State School opened. The fact that the school had first operated temporarily in a leased building, and on a half-time basis with SS2745 Jarrahmond, did not dampen the enthusiasm of the local inhabitants as they saw their offspring commence their education under the guidance of HT Campbell Mackay. However he remained in charge only until 12th of May 1886. The second HT, John Rowe, served until 1908. On 30th of June 1887, a portable room was provided; it being brought to the area by schooner. The school now had accommodation for 30 pupils; the teacher's welfare was considered because quarters of two rooms were attached. As the population increased so did the needs of the school. This was reflected in the provision of a larger classroom in 1898.

Significance

This photograph is associated with the history of education in Orbost.

Inscriptions & Markings

on back - "Grades V V1 Teacher Miss Merle Haynes who is now married, graduated at Monash, Maisie Ross holding board. Mary Gilbert on her right in picture"

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of children in front of a timber building with an open door. One female and two adult male teachers are with the children. At the front centre is a drum. Behind the drum is a boy holding a board with H.E.S. Orbost hand-written in what appears to be white chalk on a blackboard. There are three smaller boys holding brass musical instruments. The photograph is mounted on a brown card which is damaged. a card with names written in it has been attached to the photograph,

Historical information

This is a photograoh of students at the Higher Elementary School at Orbost. Mary Gilbert has identified those in the photograph. From L-R Back Row - ? Irvine; Madge Macalaster; Rhoda Perry; Daisy Scouller; Dorrie Napier; Lila Perry; Don Cameron_____________________- Rita Murray; Raay Fisher; Grace Morris; Reston Nish; Bill Irvine; Stella Rodwell; Headmaster Mr W. Guy; ?; Annie Stirling; Harold Napier; R Lay; Dora Smith; Doris Shortell; Percy Hambrock Nellie MacPherson; Irene Parker; Gertie Griebenow; Vera Saunders; Mr Jack Blaikie; Bernice Feltis; Dillkys Broome; Vera Spink; Jean Irvine; Lexie Nixon; Eda Ross; Maggie Whillance; Violet Scouller; Jean Stirling; Miss Zoe Hazlett; Lily Daly; Jack Parker; Eric Herbert; ?; Tom Henderson; Frank Richardson; Vance Moysey; Vernon Nevins; Frank Rodwell; Bill Fisher; ? Murray Kerr Molly Dreverman; Emmy Gibbs; Hilda Kerr; Charlie Richards; Mick; Spink; Tom Swan; Ronnie Gluth; Annie Gibbs; Madge Grose; Mary Reynolds During 1910-11 the first approaches were made to the Department for the establishment of a HES in Orbost and this became a reality in 1912. Orbost HES supplied post-primary education in the district until a high school was built in 1948.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

on the front of the card at the bottom - "X Frank Richardson Bill Guy H.T. 1915".

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black / white photograph of a group of school children with an adult. Behind the three rows of children is a wall and windows. The back row is standing,the middle seated and the front row kneeling. The photograph is glued onto a brown cardboard mount with embossed decoration. On the front bottom right in red lettering "W Stanley Vogt, BAIRNSDALE".

Historical information

This school photograph has been identified by Mary Gilbert as being of Bete Bolong students with their teacher. The names are written on a separate piece of paper which was attached to the photograph. Back Row - George Healey; George Madden; Bert Paton; Harold Cumming; Charlie Ingram; Stan Paton; Bill Madden; Frank Sealey; Tom Cumming; Ted Johnston Middle Row - Rita Mundy; Ruby Richardson; Mary Cumming; Mollie Ingram; Clarrie Paton; Irene Richardson; Ella Paton; Ena Cumming; Grace Mundy; Violet Sealey; Maggie Webb; Bertha Johnstone Front Row - Billy Ingram; Ernie Sealey; Archie Johnston; Rupert Madden; Ron Healey; Jack Cumming; Gordon Healey; Mrs Hannak (?) Conner - teacher n 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.

Significance

This photograph is associated with education in Orbost. There is no longer a school at Bete Bolong.

Inscriptions & Markings

BETE BOLONG STATE SCHOOL W.Stanley Vogt, BAIRNSDALE

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A black and photograph on a light grey card. It has three rows of school children in front of a wooden building. Some are in uniform. attacched is a list of children in the photograph.

Historical information

This is a photograph of students at Bete Bolong School in 1941. Back Row - John McKeown; Dawn McCole; Anne Richardson; Mavis Coverdale; Joan Richardson; Leslie (Ginger) Johnstone Middle Row - Jan McKeown; Mary Coverdale; Dorothy Healey; Mary Russell; Elvie Purcell; Leslie McKeown; Barbara Johnstone Front Row - Frank Rodwell; Pat Purcell; ? Coverdale; Clem Healey; Gil Richardson; Ray Wait 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Significance

This is a pictorial record associated with education in the Orbost district,

Inscriptions & Markings

at bottom - handwritten list of names

Preview View Page

black and white photograph

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A large Black / white photograph on grey card. It shows two rows of men. The back row is standing and the front sitting. They are posed in front of a wooden building with an open door. On the left is a water tank

Historical information

This is a photograph of An Orbost Agricultural Show Committe. 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)

Significance

This photographs 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.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front - Howard D. Bulmer Photographer on right - hand-written < Jack Gilbert X on back - hand-written - L_R Arthur Rodwell, Mat Lynch, Rupert Mosely, S. Lynn, A. Pardew, John Gilbert, John Bird on sticker - "Take off man marked X Mr Matthew Lynch of Orbost"

Preview View Page

album

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A ohotograph album with red covers. It contains labelled photographs of East Gippsland. On the front cover a label has been glued on. "Taken by Alex Cameron 1898" is written in red pen.

Historical information

The photographs in this album were taken by Alex Cameron in 1898. The captions have been hand-written' Owned by Alexander Cameron who arrived in Australia in 1853. Alexander Cameron ("Big Alex") was an early settler on the Snowy River flats. he worked the paddle steamer Cheviot for a while, having a wharf and sheds on the Snowy River in 1900. Later moved to Cann River. This item is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection.

Significance

This item is associated with the Cameron family, earty settlers of Orbost. The photographs are pictorial records of early East Gippsland.

Inscriptions & Markings

on front cover - KODAK on spine - hand written KODAK

Preview View Page

book - William Thomas Ah Chow

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A soft covered 97pp book with a cream cover. On the front is a coloured photograph of a Chinese man in traditional robe and hat. On the back cover is Moscow Villa. It contains information, copies of 1949 photographs, documents, hand -written letters and a will. There is an envelope attached to the inside cover containing a disc, photos and family tree.

Historical information

This family history book was published as a family record of the Ah Chow family. A limited number of copies were printed. Thomas William (Bill) Ah Chow was a Chinese-Australian soldier, farmer, fire lookout and legendary bushman of East Gippsland in Victoria. Many Chinese came to the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s to seek their fortune at the Omeo and Cassilis diggings. Many of the immigrants later settled and integrated into their local communities working as farm labourers, tending market gardens, making furniture, running grocery stores and cafes or practising Chinese medicine. Thomas William "Bill" Ah Chow of Bruthen, Victoria attempted to enlist early in the War but was rejected for being "not substantially of European origin". Undeterred, he reapplied and was accepted in June 1917. During his service with the 5th Battalion, he was wounded at least three times. After the War, Bill returned to Bruthen where he drove sheep, worked cattle and eventually assisted in the building of roads through the area. He became a Forestry Commission fire-spotter and built a hut called 'Moscow Villa' in 1942. He lived in the hut during the summer months and in winter, returned to his family in Ensay. Whenever there was fire danger, he rode his horse up to the fire tower on Mt Nugong and acted as look-out. Bill worked for the Forestry Commission for more than twenty years and came out of retirement to continue his duties when no suitable replacement could be found. Bill died in 1967 and is buried in Omeo. Moscow Villa still stands and is a popular camping site

Significance

This is a useful reference item. As a family history it is detailed and contains useful copies of personal documents.

Preview View Page

black and white photographs

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

Fifteen black / white photographs of the last train to leave Orbost Railway station.

Historical information

These photographs are of the final train to leave Orbost railway Station on August 21 1987 signalling the closure of the line. 3105.12 shows Locomotive T408 and on the side is written "LAST TRAIN EX ORBOST 24.8.87".

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. The closure of the line was a significant event in Orbost's history.

Inscriptions & Markings

3105.1 - on back - "Last Train leaving Orbost Railway Station on Friday August 21. 1987. SRM August 26 1987 Last train from Orbost, Friday last saw the end of an era when the last freight train to pull out of Orbost Station at about 4.co pm. A symbolic wave from engineer, Bill Buckley, was the only ceremony to mark the passing of rail transport for East Gippsland." 3105.2 - on back - " Last train prepares to leave from Orbost on August 21, 1987." 3105.3 - on back - " The Orbost railhead following the departure of the last train on Friday August 21, 1987. Shows spectators who farewelled the last train." 3105.4 - on back - "From Grandview, Newmerella, shows the last train from Orbost crossing the timber Trestle (sic) viaduct across the Snowy River flats on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.5 - on back - " A pair of Series 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives which were used to haul the final train from the Orbost Rail Head on Friday, August 21, 1987. Goods shed on right" 3105.6 - on back - " VFTY Timber Wagons at the Orbost Railway Station. 30 of these large wagons were built for the timber traffic between Orbost and Melbourne. Part of last train to leave Orbost on August 1, 1987." 3105.7 - on back - "The Fordson powered Rail Tractor which was used during shunting at the Orbost railway station, hooked up behind the second locomotive for its final journal from Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987." 3105.8 - on back - "Two Series 3 "T" Class Locomotives (Diesel Electric) were used to haul the final train from Orbost - T408 and T347, T408 was the leading locomotive. Orbost Goods Shed is on the left. Last train left on Friday August 27, 1987." 3105.9 - on back - " 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives often used in pairs to haul the timber trains out of Orbost. This locomotive was used to lead (haul) the final train from Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.10 - on back - "The Gantry at the Orbost Railway Yards - capacity 10 tons. The last wagons before being hooked up to the locos for their last trip out of Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987" 3105.11 - on back - " Station Masters Office and Goods Shed at Orbost Railway Station. The two Series 3 "T" Class Diesel Electric locomotives waiting to haul the final train from Orbost on Friday 21 1987"

Preview View Page

black and white photographs

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

Five black / white photographs related to closure of the Orbost - Bairnsdale Railway Line.

Historical information

These photographs are from the Snowy River Mail newspaper, September 9, 1987. Ron Hayward's family ran a shop in Rupert Street, Orbost.

Significance

Inscriptions & Markings

3104.1 - on back - "A view from Grandview, Newmerella, of the last train to leave Orbost on Friday August 21, 1987. As the afternoon sun lengthens the shadows on the Snowy River flats, the sun also sets on an era in Far East Gippsland transport as the last train crosses the viaduct." 3104,2 - 0n back - "Ron Hayward passes over the staff during the last crew changeover for the last train to run on the Orbost line. Ron Haywood (L) who 39 years and 6 months ago drove the first diesel loco to Orbost (T366T) presents the last staff to the driver, Bill Buckley, who took the last diesel out." 3104.3 - on back -" as above - 2nd paragraph only 3104.4 - on back - " Ron Hayward who took the first diesel engine from Bairnsdale to Orbost on February 21. 1957 when he was stationed at Orbosst. Last Friday he rode on the last diesel to Orbost after obtaining a special pass from V Line , he also handed over the staff for the last change at Orbost. The last driver was Bill Buckley." 3104.5 - on back - "LAST TRAIN ROLLS INTO ORBOST B/A Friday August 28 1987 For Ron Hayward the last train journey on the Orbost rail line was a sad occasion. Mr Hayward took the first diesel engine from Bairnsdale to Orbost on February 21, 1957, whe he was stationed at Orbost. Last Friday he rode on the last diesel too Orbost after obtaining a special pass from V-Line. He also handed over the staff for the last change at Orbost. The last driver was Bill Buckley. Mr Hayward was an engine driver with nhe railways and transferred to Orbost when steam engines used the line. He left the railways in in 1957 but took up a job with them again in 1968. He said also it was a privilege to have been able to ride on the last train, the occasion was a sad one,"

Preview View Page

black and white photographs

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

Seven black / white photographs and one postcard print.

Historical information

These photographs relate to the East Gippsland Railway. 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

These photographs are 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.

Inscriptions & Markings

3103.1 on back - " Orbost- Snowy River flats viaduct 22-2-1964 ARHS special train Ray Jude photo" 3103.2 - on back -" Orbost Snowy River flats viaduct A.R.H.S. special train 22.2.1969" 3103.3 - on back - " A.R.H.S. special across bridge between Waygara & Nowa Nowa 22-2-1964 3103.4 - on back - " Nowa Nowa Boggy Creek Bridge A.R.H.s. Orbost tour Ray Jude photo" 3103.5 - on back - " Orbost 22-2-1969 SM office & goods shed Ray Jude photo" 3103.6 - on back - " Orbost Railway Yards - 22 February 19369 Ray Jude photo" 3103.7 - on back - " Orbost May 27 -1936 Orbost Rail Station" 3103.8 - on front - caption - Unloading Ballast Orbost line near Newmerella 1915 - J. Sullivan Colin ?

Preview View Page

black and white photographs

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

Three black / white photographs of flood debris and flood waters near a railway line. 3102.l has a pile driver 3102.2 shows a gap in the viaduct and 3102.3 shows men with a tractor cleaning up the debris,

Historical information

The 1971 flood was the the worst flood on record. At Jarrahmond it was at least 11 metres and up to one and a half kilometres wide on the flats causing enormous damage to the flood plain. Records say that "The brown floodwater stain in Bass Strait could be seen from passing airliners." Considerable damage was done to railway infrastructure, roads and farms. More information from the APRIL, 2008 newsletter by John Phillips. (see orbosthistory.com.au) The railway line was destroyed and was not expected to be opened for a fortnight. Orbost was cut off by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodwater.

Significance

These photographs are pictorial records of the 1971 floods which was a significant event in the history of Orbost. They are also associated with the East Gippsland Railway.

Inscriptions & Markings

3102.1 - on back - "1971 FLOOD REPAIRS TO ORBOST RAILWAY VIADUCT - 15th February 1971. Donated by Audrey Van Den Berg VRH 3693" 3102.2 - on back - " DAMAGE TO RAILWAY VIADUCT ACCUMULATED DEBRIS" 3102.3 - on back - "DAMAGE TO RAILWAY VIADUCT AT ORBOST. CLEAN UP BEGINS"

Preview View Page

box of documents

Orbost & District Historical Society , Orbost

A cardboard box of documents of Orbost & District Historical Society, It contains minutes, correspondence, accounts, receipt and cheque books. There are also two keys.

Historical information

These documents show the beginnings of the society with a committee in 1966 leading to the formation in 1967,

Significance

These documents record the history of the Orbost & District Historical Society.

Preview View Page

book

What would you like to do?