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

Two unsigned handwritten notes related to signs and developments on SIte 4A at Falls Creek leased by Bob Hymans

Inscriptions & markings

Transcript:
Copy keep
22/6/66
I beg to inform you that it is my intention to erect a sign advertising my business. It will be manufactured by a plastic sign firm, be positioned under the eaves of the Four Seasons Chalet and lit you by night.
Yours faithfully
________________________________________
I am taking the liberty herewith to I apply for your permission to erect a Ladies Hairdressing Salon on Site 4A
Yours faithfully.