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This is a photograph c.1895-1910 which shows the method of transport of goods to Orbost via the Snowy River. These boats and barges are moored at the riverbank at Orbost, and the bridge in the background is the Snowy River Bridge which was built in 1893. Goods were transported up and down the Snowy River between Orbost and Marlo. Along the river banks were many locations where farms could load their produce eg. bags of maize, onto barges and then transported down-river and transhipped onto larger vessels for transport to Melbourne. This was the main transport method prior to the coming of the railway in 1916, and the gradual improvement in road transport.

This photo is significant because it shows the main method of transport to and from Orbost and the Snowy River district from 1880s-1916.

A sepia coloured photograph showing three boats at the bank of a river, one of these is a paddle steamer. The other vessels appear to be barges with sacks and other items on their decks. In the background is a white painted suspension bridge which crosses the river. On the bank of the river, adjacent to the boats are a some planks or skids. Men are on one of the barges.

orbost, shipping, snowy river

This is a postcard c.1909 showing shipping at the Marlo Wharf. The largest vessel (with the funnel) is supposed to the 'Stormbird' which was an ocean-going vessel which traded between Marlo (the Snowy River) and Lakes Entrance, and Melbourne. From the 1880s-1916, Marlo which is at the mouth of the Snowy River, functioned as a small port for the district, and in particular, the township of Orbost which is upstream. Goods were transported up and down the river from the wharf by smaller boats and barges, and goods transhipped to the ocean-going boats.

This photograph is significant because is shows shipping at the Marlo Wharf.

A b/w photograph of a group of 7 boats at a wooden wharf which leads from the land into water. The largest vessel has several masts and long funnel, other boats also have masts, while two in the foreground have covers over their decks. Two small row boats are on the shore to the right of the photograph. A group of possibly 4 people appear to be sitting on a flat-topped wagon or trolley which is on the deck of the wharf. There appears to be a tramway on the wharf. A small building with a door is located on the land end to the left of the photograph. In the background, behind the boats are sand hummocks and the ocean.

marlo, shipping, snowy river

This is an early photograph of Orbost, c. 1889. It shows the lower end of Nicholson Street which runs n-s and leads to the Snowy River. On the right of this photo is the original Club Hotel, and the first building on the left is the store owned by George Temple.

This photo is significant because it shows some of the earliest commercial buildings in Orbost.

A b/w photograph showing an unsealed road with buildings on the left. On the right is a single-storey hotel. All buildings are weatherboard. On the right is a drain and bridge crossing. In the foreground are fallen trees and lumps of earth, seemingly the result of clearing.

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orbost, temple's store, orbost club hotel

This photograph appears to be of a group of people (1890s-1910) engaged in boating, located adjacent to the Marlo jetty. Marlo is located at the mount of the Snowy River and has always been a recreational area for holidays.

This photo is significant because it shows the early boating and recreational significance of Marlo.

A b/w photograph which is a print off an original. It shows 7 women and 2 men with a rowing boat, and 3 women holding dark coloured umbrellas. There is a jetty in the left background. The women are wearing full-length dresses.

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marlo, snowy river, recreation

This is an early 20th century photograph (c. 1910-1917) of the Commonwealth Hotel which was one of two hotels built in Orbost. The Commonwealth Hotel was built in 1901 and this photograph shows this hotel in its original form. The Commonwealth Hotel still exists in Orbost (2026) being a large 1930s building, and no longer used as a hotel.

This photograph is significant because it shows the c.1917 form of the Commonwealth Hotel, one of only 2 hotels built in Orbost.

A b/w photograph and a copy of the same photo. The photo shows several buildings, including a long building with a front verandah. There is a street in the foreground of the photo. A group of horses and men are in front of the building, along with a coach which is drawn by 6 or 7 horses. The coach has the words 'Cunninghame' marked on the side. The main building has a sign attached to the front of the verandah, 'Commonwealth Hotel'. Another sign on the r.h.s. of the verandah indicates 'Dickson Hotel'.

orbost, hotels, commonwealth hotel

This is a plaque or sign which used to be attached to the buggy or delivery wagon owned by Orbost business, J S Tomlinson (John Scott Tomlinson). John Scott Tomlinson arrived at Tabbara, east of Orbost, with his parents and siblings, in circa 1886, aged 12 years. He was born in Maldon, Victoria on 5 December 1874, to Arthur James and Jessie Tomlinson. In 1906, John married Wilhelmina Murray, from Hobart, Tasmania. John Scott Tomlinson died in 1939. J S Tomlinson ran a store or business from c.1909 to 1939 in Orbost and as this sign indicates, was a General Merchant. He also had many civic involvements during his lifetime. For more information, please read the Orbost & District Historical Society Newsletters No. 179 and 180 which relate to the Tomlinson family in the Orbost district. These Newsletters can be read on the Orbost & District Historical Society's website.

This item is significant because it relates to one of the early businesses in Orbost.

A wooden sign, painted brown with gold lettering J S TOMLINSON General Merchant ORBOST. Top of sign is a fluted shape and the wooden edges of the sign have a rounded finish (rather than a square edge). Attached to the back of the sign are two metal support brackets for attaching the sign, most likely to a buggy or wagon.

J S TOMLINSON General Merchant ORBOST

tomlinson, john scott tomlinson, orbost

This photograph shows the early days of motorised transport in the Orbost district. This truck is in front of a shop belonging to L Herbert & Co. and is most likely at either Norrinbee (est. 1905) or Cann River. Lancelot Herbert came to Orbost in 1886 in the early days of establishment of the township and went into business with shops which he called SNOWY RIVER STORES. He and his family developed various business in the district over the following century.

This photograph is significant because it shows the style of early motorised transport in East Gippsland. Also, in the background is a store owned by L Herbert & Son, SNOWY RIVER STORES.

A sepia coloured photograph showing a truck with a load of wool bales on its tray, with two men and a young child standing near the front of the truck. Behind the truck is a building with the name L Herbert & Co Snowy River Stores painted onto the top of the building. A bicycle can be seen standing in front of the building.

L HERBERT & CO. SNOWY RIVER STORES

l herbert & co, noorenbee, cann river

In terms of the early history of Orbost, this photograph shows the functioning of the early method of transport which was along the Snowy River by boat. The small paddle steamer is the PS Curlip, built at Brodribb by Sam Richardson and his sons in 1890. It functioned on the Snowy River until 1915, assisting sailing boats in through the mouth of the river, and towing barges on the River.

This photo is significant because if shows the functioning of the PS Curlip on the Snowy River.

Two photos 2747.1, 2747.2 of the same scene. One is a b/w postcard and the other is a copy of it onto paper. The b/w postcard shows a small paddle steamer with a steam funnel towing a small row boat and two barges. One barge has a load of bags in it, and three men standing on the barge. The bow of the second barge is the only part to be seen. This entire scene is on an expanse of water, a river with trees along its banks.

Underneath the photo are these words: SNOWY RIVER, ORBOST

snowy river, ps curlip, river transport

Marlo is a small town near the mouth of the Snowy River. This 1913 photograph shows several boats, sailing boats and steamers, at the Marlo jetty. Until 1915, Marlo acted as a small port for goods coming in to the mouth of the Snowy River from coastal steamers and sailing ships. Here, goods and people were transhipped to small vessels to be transported up the Snowy River to Orbost. With the coming of the railway to Orbost in 1916, this transport route by ocean and river was made obsolete.

This photo is significant because it shows the functioning of the port of Marlo near the mouth of the Snowy River in 1913.

A b/w photo of a number of boats tied up to a wharf/jetty. Two men standing on the jetty. There are tall masts on several of the boats and also a funnel. The boat the foreground is a small launch.

Underneath the photo, written in black ink: Marlo 1913: Snowy on left, Stormbird on right.

marlo, sailing boats, transport

1970 was the Bicentennial of the 1770 voyage of Cp. James Cook to eastern Australia and the Pacific. Pt Hicks was one of the first places on the Australian mainland which Cook saw from his boat 'Endeavour'. This photo was taken from Pt Hicks on 20 April 1970.

This photo is significant because it is a record of the start of a yacht race in 1770 from Pt Hicks to Sydney.

A b/w photo of a crowd of people standing on rocks in the foreground. Behind them is the ocean with a group of yachts and other boats. Written a the bottom of the photo in black ink are these words: 20th APRIL 1970. START OF BI-CENTENNARY YACHT RACE FROM POINT HICKS TO SYDNEY

as above: 20th APRIL 1970. START OF BI-CENTENNARY YACHT RACE FROM POINT HICKS TO SYDNEY

pt hicks, 1770 bicentennial yacht race

The 1971 was a huge flood, a record for the Snowy River at Orbost, causing massive damage to farmland, railway and road connections. Orbost was isolated for at least a week. This photo is one of many taken of this momentous event, a humorous one of a cow who has wandered into an abandoned house during or after the flood. The Nixon family were well-known farmers of the Orbost district. This photo is a copy of one that was published in THE SUN in Melbourne.

This photo is significant because of its everyday humour, showing a cow in a residence. It is also an important record of one of the effects of the significant 1971 Snowy River flood at Orbost.

A b/w photograph showing a cow peering from behind an open door in a bedroom of a house. An iron framed bed can be seen to the right-hand-side of the photograph. Written in black ink at the bottom of the photo are these words: 71 FLOOD TOBY NIXON'S COW JIM NIXON'S HOUSE

71 FLOOD TOBY NIXON'S COW JIM NIXON'S HOUSE is written in ink below the photo.

snowy river flood, orbost, nixon, cow in house

This photograph is not specifically identified, but is most likely of the Snowy River in flood near Orbost, dated possibly from 1900-1950s.

This photo is significant because it shows the extent of a Snowy River flood in the Orbost district.

A b/w photograph of a river in flood. In the foreground is a soil bank and a half-submerged tree, leading down to water. A bank a trees is beyond, with a river on the far side of these trees.

orbost, snowy river, flood

This postcard shows a rural scene from the Orbost area. In the early days of settlement, transport was basic, usually by horse and cart (as shown in this photo), or by walking or riding a horse. This photo is of a cart crossing the Brodribb River, travelling through water. The Brodribb River is a tributary of the Snowy River, and joins the Snowy at Marlo.

This photo is significant because it records a very ordinary, everyday event of rural life in the Orbost district.

Two sides of a postcard. On one side is a b/w photograph of a horse and cart being driven by a man through water. Two men are sitting at the back of the cart. It appears to be a farm cart. Below the photograph are these words written in black ink: CROSSING PEOPLE AT BRODRIBB. On the reverse side is a message written in black ink.

On reverse side: Dear Mr Coulson. Herewith two snaps as promised. Had good trip, arrived Sydney following Wed. night - having enjoyable holiday here. Kind regards & good luck Yours faithfully A J L Anderson

transport, orbost, brodribb river

James Forsyth's shop was one of the first in Orbost, dating from the 1880s. It was located in the southern section of Nicholson Street, on the eastern side. This building later became Frank and Gladys Matthews shop. The building was demolished in the early 2000s to make way for a Foodworks Supermarket.

This photograph shows the Forsyth shop which was one of the earliest in Orbost.

A b/w photograph of a shop front on a street. Verandah posts at the front, along with a separate hitching rail. Above the front of the building are painted the words JAS FORSYTH, General Storekeeper, Baker and Produce Merchant. Australian Stores. The word BAKERY is written above the entrance. This photo appears to be a copy, not an original photo.

as above

orbost, james forsyth, grocer

This photograph is most likely of a 'special excursion train' travelling to Orbost during the c.1980s. The photo shows it crossing the long wooden bridge known as the viaduct over the Snowy River floodplain. The train is travelling towards Orbost.

This photo is significant because it is evidence of an excursion train crossing the Snowy River Floodplain on the large railway viaduct, prior to arriving at the Orbost Railway Station.

A colour photo of a steam train travelling over a wooden railway bridge. In the foreground is a fence across a paddock.

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orbost, railways, orbost viaduct, excursion train

This photograph depicts the operation of a punt across the Snowy River following a flood. Most likely, this relates to the effects of the 1934 flood which did significant damage to the road bridge across the Snowy River. This resulted in the installation of a punt which carried people, vehicles and stock across the River until the bridge could be repaired. Refer also to photograph 2737.

This photograph is significant because it shows the operation of a punt across the Snowy River following a flood in the 1930s. It is an excellent record of this event.

A b/w photograph showing a large expanse of river water, with a punt carrying several men and a vehicle. The punt is near a bank of the river and is attached to the river bank by several lines of cable or rope. The vehicle on the punt is c.1920s model car.

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snowy river, flood, orbost, punt

This photograph seems to relate to damage done to a Railway Line, presumably the Orbost railway line, by a significant flood. There were a number of damaging floods of the Snowy River which caused damage to the railway line adjacent to the River at Orbost, eg. 1934, 1950s, 1970s. Most likely date for this photo is the 1930s or 1950s. This interpretation is made from the style of clothing worn by the two men.

This photo is significant because it shows the power of flood damage to a railway line in a very graphic way.

A b/w photograph of two men sitting on top of a section of railway line which is suspended in mid-air, presumably over a wash-out due to flood damage.

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orbost railway, snowy river, floods

In June 1925, a big flood in the Snowy River at Orbost occurred. These photos in THE LEADER newspaper record some of the effects on the Orbost district.

This newspaper clipping is significant because it is a photographic record of a major flood in the Snowy River at Orbost in June 1925.

Large newspaper clipping with three b/w photos. The top photo shows a group of children standing in front of a building. Below this photo are two smaller b/w photos. The one on the l. h. s. shows three people in a small boat in floodwaters. The one on the right is of two men standing near an old car and looking into water.

Top photo: Pupils at the Orbost State School. Bottom left: Crossing the Snowy River on the way to Marlo in flood time. Bottom right: Princes Highway near Orbost. Other names written in red ink: M. Nixon, M. Gilbert. ? Trewin. The year before the Higher Elementary School became separate. Also written beneath the top photo: June 20th 1925. Mr M Woodhouse was the Headmaster at O S C (Orbost State School) 1925.

flood, snowy river, orbost, orbost school

This ledger comes from Wehners blacksmiths business, Orbost. It is a work/business ledger with the names of clients from 1937 to 1947. Herman Wehner came to Orbost in 1889 and established his blacksmith's business. He was later joined by his son Oswald (Ossie). Tom Wehner (Ossie's son) was the last blacksmith in Orbost when the business closed in 1991. The shop was on the south east corner of Nicholson and Raymond Sts, Orbost.

This ledger is significant because it notes the the names of clients of Wehners blacksmith business from 1937 to 1947. It also records the value of the work done and payment recorded.

Large green and brown covered book with dark green cloth and dark brown leather binding which shows evidence damage on cover and some pages inside, also inside is a mottled blue colouring. It has 422 pages.

Names and dates of clients of Wehner blacksmith business and also several invoices. 1937 to 1947

wehner, blacksmith, orbost, ledger

History booklet of the Marlo district written by OS. Green. Contains photos, maps, diagrams. Dated from 1875 to 1983

This booklet is significant because it describes the history, in detail, the area around Marlo.

Cream booklet with an aerial photo of the Marlo township and area, Snowy River and sea. Black writing in an orange coloured box.

MARLO THE TOWNSHIP: THE PLAINS, THE CAPE. OS. GREEN

marlo, marlo and district, snowy river, os. green

This is a photograph taken of the Snowy River Bridge at Orbost in 1934. The photo destruction of the mid-section of the bridge by the 1934 flood. This was a major flood. This photo has been used for display purposes.

This photo is significant because is shows the destruction caused by a major flood in the Snowy River in 1934.

A b/w photo showing a large timber bridge with a section in the middle missing. The bridge has white railings. In the background appear to be a barge. There is also a small rowboat in the front left of the photo.

On back: 1934 flood.

snowy river, snowy river bridge, orbost, 1934 flood

This is a photograph from c1890-1910 of a recreational outing in a small yacht, probably on the Snowy River near Orbost/Marlo. The river has always been used for outings as well as a major transport route from the 1870s onwards. This photo shows a quiet outing on the river.

This photo is significant because it shows a recreational use of the Snowy River near Orbost/Marlo.

A b/w photograph of a small yacht with 2 sails. It has 6 people on it, with the boat in the middle of a river and riverside vegetation behind.

On back of photo: 'Could be Percy Watt's boat'.

snowy river, sailing

The original of this photo was almost certainly taken at Marlo. From the very earliest times, Marlo was a holiday place for people from Orbost and further afield. Marlo is adjacent to the mount of the Snowy River, and is on the estuary of the Snowy. This photo appears to show a group of people enjoying boating on the River.

This photo is significant because it shows an aspect of holiday-making at Marlo c.1890-1910.

A b/w copy of a framed photograph of a small boat being held by a man. Eight people are in or near the boat, one man standing in the water. Wooden jetty on the left hand side.

Landing at The Jetty. O.S. Green, 31 Malcolm Street, Blackburn

snowy river, marlo, boating

These photos were used for publication in the Snowy River Mail in Orbost as part of the 'Histories Mysteries' series by the Orbost & District Historical Society. They show various topics which do not relate to each other. They do show various aspects of life in the Orbost district over time.

These photos are significant because they show different aspects of life in Orbost. One of the photos shows a celebration at the end of World War I.

Four b/w photos of Orbost people. 2734.1 B/w photo of two women wearing white hats and dresses (bowing ladies). 2734.2 B/w photo of 2 women and one man. 2734.3 An old b/w postcard/photo with a sepia hue. It shows a crowd of people and an archway VICTORY PEACE LIBERTY constructed over a gateway. A British and USA flags are flying. 2734.4 An old b/w postcard/photo showing a group of 7 people posed in two rows. All appear to be wearing costumes for a performance.

2734.1 on back: Lakes Entrance Bowling Club. 2734.2 on back: Orbost Get Together for Rotary. Faye Cuthbertson, Dawn Veltman (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Stan Weatherall, Orbost (Pres.)

orbost, world war i

This series of photos documents some of the destruction from the January 1971 flood at Orbost. This flood was a record Snowy River flood and isolated the district through road and bridge destruction.

These photos are significant because they document aspects of the record 1971 flood at Orbost, and are of good quality.

A series of b/w photos from the 1971 record flood in Orbost. 2733.1 A b/w aerial photograph of a farm house with debris around, cattle in the background. Inscription: 1971 FLOOD. 2733.2 A b/w photo of 2 people walking towards an upturned vehicle in floodwaters. Inscription: 1971 FLOOD. 2733.3 A b/w photo taken at night time. Five people beside and climbing on a tree which has been uprooted, with water flowing underneath. Inscription: 1971 FLOOD. 2733.4 A b/w photo of a man standing in doorway of the old pumphouse for the Butter Factory. He is leaning out of the doorway and pointing to a mark on the wall (presumably the height of the 1971 flood). Inscription: FLOOD MARKER AT ORBOST BUTTER FACTORY. 2733.5 A b/w photo of a man and woman walking on a road towards a section of the road which has been broken-up by a flood waters. Inscription: 1971 FLOOD HIGHWAY AT SOUTHERN END OF TOWN. 2733.6 A b/w photo of two men with a boat hauled up on an eroded bank. They appear to be loading or unloading car seats. Inscription on back: 1971 FLOOD CLEANING UP.

2733.1 1971 FLOOD. 2733.2 1971 FLOOD. 2733.3 1971 FLOOD. 2733.4 FLOOD MARKER AT ORBOST BUTTER FACTORY. 2733.5 1971 FLOOD HIGHWAY AT SOUTHERN END OF TOWN. 2733.6 1971 FLOOD CLEANING UP.

orbost, snowy river, 1971 flood

This is fold-out folder with excellent quality colour photos was produced in the 1960s and used in the tourist industry within the Orbost/Marlo district. It showcases the district with excellent photographs.

This item is significant because it represents a quality tourist production from the 1960s, and shows scenes and buildings from that era.

A fold-out envelope containing 12 colour photos of the Orbost/Marlo district. The cover has a colour photo of a white wooden bridge over a river with trees on the banks. At the top of this photo is a red strip with the words ORBOST and MARLO in black, orange and yellow print.

On front cover:ORBOST and MARLO Inside the fold-out are captions to the 12 photos.

orbost, marlo, tourism, photos

This souvenir is a promotion of the Orbost district dated from the 1950's

This item is significant because it showing images of Orbost attractions used as tourist interest in the 1950's.

Grey envelope with red and black printing with blue drawing with a person behind a tripod holding a camera. Eight fold out photographs that drop down when opened.

Front inscriptions - Camera Views of -------- Orbost, Vic 17.1. 55. Back inscriptions - Copyright. Produced by Murray Views, Gympie, Q. Samuel Lee & Co., Printers, Stanthorpe, Q. Serial No. CCV

orbost, souvenir, photos

This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including access roads to Orbost. This photo shows road damage at the southern end of Nicholson Street, adjacent to the Snowy River. This was the main road leading in to Orbost and also the Princes Highway in 1971. Orbost was completely cut off for several days following this flood.

This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on the main road leading into Orbost.

A b/w photo showing severe damage to a roadway in the foreground, people walking on the intact roadway behind, and the road leading up a hill through buildings.

Written in black ink below the photo: '1971 flood'. Written on the back of the photo: 'Orbost and its 3,000 people in East Gippsland were cut off today by 50 square miles of Snowy River floodway. The washed out Princes Highway a quarter mile on the Melbourne side of Orbost in East Gippsland, today. ln the background is Orbost's main street'.

orbost, snowy river, 1971 flood damage

This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including the Orbost Railway Station yards at Newmerella (Orbost).

This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on railway infrastructure at Orbost/Newmerella.

Two b/w photos of 1971 flood damage at the railway station yards at Orbost. 2731.1 shows a huge amount of debris and upheaval of wagons, railway lines etc. A large crane is in the background, along with poles. 2731.2 shows debris and some sections of railway line, also parts of wagons.

Written below both photos: '1971 flood, railway yards, Orbost'.

orbost, orbost railway, 1971 flood damage

This is one of many photos taken following the devastating Snowy River flood of 1971 which inflicted huge impact on the Orbost area, including the railway bridges adjacent to the Orbost Railway Station at Newmerella (Orbost). This photo appears to show a workman or assessor, perhaps from the Railways, near a section of railway line which has been undermined by the flood.

This photo is significant because it shows the impact of the 1971 Snowy River flood on railway infrastructure at Orbost/Newmerella.

A b/w photo showing a man walking near a section of railway line suspended over water.

Written in black ink underneath the photo: 1971 flood, railway line suspended over washaway

orbost, orbost railways, flood damage 1971