Historical information

These items were donated by George Shirling, a long-term stakeholder in Falls Creek, first building and owning Koki Lodge and later owning and operating the Red Onion Lodge. The metal sledge was at Red Onion when George bought the lodge from Lauriston GIrls' School in 1974. Lauriston had owned the Red Onion for about three years. The sledge was most likely made or acquired by the Australian Alpine Club who had built there in 1963 and owned the Lodge until 1970.

The suitcases belonged to George Shirling's parents who arrived in Australia from Austria in 1938. George then used this suitcase when he travelled to Falls Creek in the early 1960s.

Significance

These items are significant because they were donated to the Falls Creek Historical Society by a long-standing and highly regarded member of the Falls Creek community.

Physical description

A sledge made from a metal frame and base plate with a rope lead attached.
A leather suitcase with a silk lining and leather handles. A variety of travel stickers have been attached.