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 letter is significant because it reflects the relationship between Bob Hymans, the State Electricity Commission and the Management Committee.

Physical description

A letter to Mr. Hymans' from the SEC outlining changes to be made to the land divisions in Christie Street. The intention was to create two separate sites - Site 4 and Site 4A. SIte 4 was the location of Mr Hymans' existing accommodation. He had submitted a proposal for development of Site 4A. The dimensions of each site and the proposed rentals is included in this letter. His current lease would expire on the 31st October 1964, so Mr Hymans needed to indicate what future lease arrangement he desired to pursue.