Historical information
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway.
After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961.
Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007.
This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.
Significance
This item is significant because it documents proposals put forward by Bob Hymans to develop facilities in the Falls Creek Tourist Area.
Physical description
A letter of application from Mr Hymans for the lease of land offered by the State Electricity Commission to develop a tourist hotel. His hotel would provide accommodation for 100 guests. It would contain a dining-room seating 140 and cater for guests and day-visitors. Other facilities included a lounge, public-bar and lounge-bar facilities. A private lounge for reception would also provide guest and convention facilities.
His project was designed as a year-round resort hotel. As well as serving as a winter sports hotel, the plan featured indoor facilities including a heated swimming pool, squash courts, bowling alley and sauna bath. Stables, a tennis court and boats would also attract year-round tourism. The budgeted cost was £130,000 plus bowling alley equipment.
He planned that construction would commence in October, 1963 and be completed in June, 1965.
