In 1956 the School Fair was officially opened by the Mayoress Mrs L. T. Hodgson, who was introduced by president of the Parents' Association Mr G. Bromley. Mr Bromley thanked the large crowd for their support and asked them to also inspect the school ... Mrs Hodgson was presented with a shoulder spray by the secretary Mrs H. Smith. Stalls were extremely well-stocked and attractively set while amusements and entertainments included pony rides, lucky dips and films.behs, ballarat east high school, ballarat east, magazine, 1957, mrs h smith, mr g bromley, mrs l t hodgson, school fair, stalls

"ST. PETER'S DAYLESFORD. General Communion and Breakfast. On Sunday November 9, a general Communion of the men; of the parish will be held in St Peter's Church, Daylesford. A communion breakfast will subsequently take place." Melbourne Advocate, 30 October 1930. "General Communion and Breakfast, Daylesford War Memorial Protest by Rev. Dr. Collins Rights of Catholics Ignored THE splendid Catholicity of the Daylesford parish was demonstrated on Sunday morning last when a general Communion of the men of the parish took place at the 8 o'clock Mass at St. Peter's Church. This proud and edifying demonstration of faith concluded a very successful mission in the parish, conducted by the Rev. Fr. O'Flynn, C.SS.R., and Rev. Fr. Frean, C.SS.R., Daylesford parish is fairly scattered, and from every corner of it came men to take their part in the general Communion. The missioners and the Rev. W. M. Collins. D.D., P.P.. have reason to be deeply gratified at the result of the mission. His Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne (Most Rev. Dr. Mannix) was the celebrant of the Mass. He was assisted in administering the Sacrament by Rev. Dr. Collins. At the close of the Mass the hymn, "Faith of Our Fathers." was sung. The breakfast was served in the Daylesford Town Hall, the men marching there from the church. More than 250 partook of breakfast. In the balcony were lady parishioners who wished to listen to the speeches. His Grace the Archbishop was at the head table, and with him were Rev. W. M. Collins, P.P.; Crs. Bolton and Gleeson (Shire of Glenlyon), and Courtney (Shire of Davlesford); Messrs. Cleary and Egan (Blampied). Mr. J. T. Murphy. Mr. Considine, and Mr. O'Donnell (BuIIarto). Several selections were played by the Holy Cross Convent orchestra, Daylesford, and the catering was admirably carried out by Mrs. Mann. It was a well-organised and successful function, and the general arrangements reflected the highest credit on the Rev. Dr. Collins and those associated with him. Much favourable comment was made upon the great success achieved. A WAR MEMORIAL SERVICE. Strong Protest by Rev. Dr. Collins. The Rev. Dr. Collins said it was no exaggeration for him to say that he was a proud pastor that day. He had reason to be proud of the magnificent demonstration of faith made by the Catholic men of the parish at St. Peter's Church. It was promoted by a supernatural motive, and the men were sure to get their reward. He knew that many men had attended at great sacrifice, and that numbers had to grope about in the early hours to get everything in readiness at their farms and dairies. He was deeply thankful for the fine response made by the men to his invitation, and no greater encouragement could be given to him in his work in the parish. They had made a creditable demonstration before the people of Daylesford, whose good opinion they valued and wanted to retain. Catholics were part of the community, and the community's troubles were their troubles. Generally they had a few of their own troubles, but they were not wanting in helping the community to bear its troubles. Just now they were passing through a difficult time. The surrounding shires seemed to be better off than Daylesford, but the municipal fathers at Daylesford had spent a lot of money wisely in attracting tourists to the beautiful district. The money spent, he was certain, would come back a hundredfold. They appreciated the good work done by the municipal authorities, and were prepared to do their part in shoulder-ing their civic obligations. A Frankly Protestant Memorial Service. He could not let the occasion pass without calling the attention of the Daylesford people to an injustice that was being done the Catholic body, unwittingly he believed. Hie referred to the ceremony for the unveiling of the Soldiers' Memorial. It had been decided to adopt a frankly Protestant service. Catholics could not take part in a non-Catholic service, and that was not due in any way to any recent whim or caprice. Catholics had made common sacrifices, and the war memorial should stand for the Catholic boys who had fallen as well as non-Catholic soldiers. Catholics had contributed towards the cost of the memorial, and yet a programme had been adopted on the occasion of the public unveiling that excluded Catholics from taking part. They had a right to be at the ceremony, but it was asking them too much to shed their principles in order to be present. Their forefathers did not shed their principles when there was much more at stake, and they did not intend to shed theirs. They took that stand for Faith, and were still loyal citizens of Australia. The great majority, he was certain, did not realise the difficulties of Catholics, and that the stand taken was a matter of principle. There was always a minority, however, who were ever ready to score a victory over Rome at any price. Thanks to Non-Catholics. Having made his protest, he would not be honest if he did not express his gratitude to many non-Catholics in Daylesford for their help. In the Boxing Day carnival, which was their principal effort on behalf of the schools, non-Catholics gave splendid support, which he very much appreciated. The success of the carnival was dependent to a large extent on the generous help of Protestants. He trusted that the Catholic men generally would take note of what he said, and turn over a new leaf, as so many new leaves had been turned over since the mission. Missioners and Nuns Thanked. The work of the Redemptorist Fathers had been fruitful of results in the parish, and what they had done had paved the way for the magnificent men's demonstration. He wished heartily to thank the Fathers, and his thanks were also due to the Holy Cross Convent. If the Faith were strong in Daylesford, it was largely due to the Catholic schools in the district. They should never forget the Presentation nuns, and should be prepared to help them in every possible way. He was very thankful to the Rev. Mother for her kindness in entertaining many at the convent, and also for providing the orchestra at the Communion breakfast. A Splendid Success. He was greatly delighted at the presence of his Grace the Archbishop. When he started to talk about the breakfast, many told him it would not be a success. First of all, it was intended to hold the breakfast in the schoolroom, but the response was so good that it was considered they should get the Rex Theatre. Finally, they were compelled to take the Town Hall in order to accommodate the large number who purchased tickets. The presence of his Grace gave additional lustre to the successful demonstration. He was proud of the men of the parish, and hoped God would bless them and their families. (Applause.) The first toast honoured was that of "The Pope and the King." WELCOME TO HIS GRACE Proposing the toast of "His Grace the Archbishop," Cr. J. Bolton said he wished to congratulate the Rev. Dr. Collins on the wonderful success of the two functions. All parts of the parish were represented at the general Communion in St. Peter's Church, and it was an inspiring spectacle. It showed that the Faith was deep and strong in Daylesford. A great privilege had been given to them, and they owed grateful thanks to the Rev. Dr. Collins. He wished to welcome his Grace the Archbishop, and he trusted that he would enjoy his visit to the district. The country was passing through a difficult time at present, and it required plenty of clear thinking and acting to put things right again. He hoped his Grace would touch on the situation, and give them the benefit of his thoughtful and wellreasoned views. Whatever his Grace said would be worth listening to. (Applause.) THE ARCHBISHOP CONGRATULATES PASTOR AND PEOPLE. DAYLESFORD A MODEL PARISH. His Grace the Archbishop said he need not assure them that he came to Daylesford with great pleasure. His visits to Daylesford were always pleasant, but the present visit was additionally pleasant and memorable because he had the opportunity of assisting at one of the most inspiring functions that it had ever been his good fortune to attend. He was really touched to the heart when he stood on the altar and saw the beautiful St. Peter's Church—there were few churches to compare with it in the country—filled with the men of Daylesford and of the surrounding districts. Practically all the Catholic men in the parish were present at the general Communion, and it gave him very deep satisfaction and genuine pleasure to be amongst them. As the Rev. Dr. Collins and Cr. Bolton had said, it was a proof of the depth and soundness of the Faith of the Catholic people of the parish. He wished to congratulate the Rev. Dr. Collins upon the magnificent success that had attended his efforts since he came to Daylesford. He thought the Rev. Dr. Collins had been a very happy man since he took up work in the parish. He came to Daylesford more or less broken in health, and his best friends were doubtful whether his health would stand the strain of parochial duty. However, he had never looked back. He doubted if Dr. Collins would care to leave Daylesford, unless he were appointed Prefect of Propaganda, Rome, or some very high distinction was conferred on him. At all events, things had gone on well with Dr. Collins since he came to Daylesford, and he could see some of the reason for it in looking at the fine gathering before him. The Rev. Dr. Collins was a very zealous and spiritual man, and his lot had been cast amongst people who had responded to his labours. ... (Melbourne Advocate, 13 November 1930) Black and white photograph taken in Daylesford Town Hall depicting numerous men standing, and sitting at tables during the St Peter's Catholic Church Communion Breakfast. Arch Bishop Daniel Mannix stands centre back.st peter's catholic church, daylesford, communion breakfast, daylesford town hall, daniel mannix, george gervasoni, gus gervasoni

The Gold Discovery centenary (1851-1951) monument in its original position in Albert St, Ballarat facing Sturt St, with the original public toilets behind. The monument features a replica of the Welcome Nugget, found in 1858 and the world's largest at that time. The monument also lists the weight of gold removed from the large "deep lead" mines, with a model of surface buildings of a mine sitting on top. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. ballarat, vintage bus, gold mining, welcome nugget

The Myer store, at the south west corner of Armstrong and Sturt Streets, with the 'new' cantilevered verandah (and evidently still some building renovations happening). This building has had many tenants and occupiers, but has always been a department store, originally constructed 1869-71 for R.J. Mitchell. The architect was noted Ballarat architect H.R.Caselli. A replica of the 1901 verandah was built in the late 1980s. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. sturt street, myer store, christmas lights, christmas decorations, verandahs, ballarat, olympic games

The first section of the Ballarat Post Office was built in 1864, the second (including the tower and offices in Lydiard St) in 1885. The original design had the arched windows on the ground floor (facing Sturt St) forming a colonnade, but these were soon filled in to provide more internal space. Here the Post Office is decorated for the 1956 Olympic Games, when the rowing and canoeing events were held on Lake Wendouree. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. post office building, olympic games, lydiard street north, sturt street, federation university, illuminations

Demolition appears to be under way in this image of the Alfred Hall. It was built in 1862 for the visit of Queen Victoria's son Prince Alfred the Duke of Edinburgh, across the Yarrowee (which formed the municipal boundary) apparently because the municipalities of Ballarat and Ballarat East could not decide who should have the honour! The Alfred Hall held many of the city's events over 89 years, but was symbolically locked up the day the Civic Hall in Mair Street was officially opened, in August 1956. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. alfred hall, curtis street, holden cars, ballarat

Cuthbert House, erected in 1959 as a display house for the famous Ballarat begonias. It replaced the earlier Keel House. The conservatory was not open to the public, but the flowers could be viewed through the windows. It was replaced in 1995 with the current Robert Clark Conservatory. The former Lakeside Hospital can be seen in the background. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. greenhouse, botanical gardens, lake wendouree, lakeside hospital, hothouse, ballarat, conservatory, begonias

Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. fernery, botanical gardens, lake wendouree, ballarat

A night exposure of Bridge Street looking west. The tram tracks are clear, one set going straight ahead up Victoria St hill, the other set turning along Main Road. Stone's at Stones Corner was a select ladies dress shop for many years. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. bridge street

This image perfectly captures the Botanical Gardens in late afternoon light. The Statuary Pavilion was built following a bequest from James Russell Thompson, who was originally from Scotland. The Wallace Statue was purchased with money remaining in the bequest after the Pavilion was established. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. statues, statuary pavillion, botanical gardens, lake wendouree, william wallace statue, charles summer, james russell thompson

St Andrew's Kirk faces into Sturt St, but this photograph is taken at an unusual angle from Dawson St. Architecturally this church is of great importance being part of the group of churches in Dawson St which includes St Patrick Cathedral, and the former Congregational and Baptist churches. The cast iron fence was erected after 1900. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.

James Russell Thompson (1818-1886) a successful mining investor and stockbroker of the Ballarat Stock Exchange, gifted the pavilion and the statues within, as a 10,000 pound bequest to the City in his will. The pavilion, designed by architect T.E. Molloy on an octagonal plan with a convex curved roof, was constructed in 1887, and houses the statues Flight from Pompeii, Rebekah, Susannah, Modesty and Ruth. The pavilion is a major feature of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, and unique in Victoria. It is a favourite subject for photographers, and Mrs Strange has captured it surrounded by massed small begonias. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. botanical gardens, lake wendouree, james russell thompson, statuary pavilion, weighing machine

The memorial to those who fell at the Eureka Stockade in 1854, erected in 1884. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. eureka stockade, eureka stockade memorial, eureka street, ballarat east

Morshead's was a popular department store in the 1950s and 1960s. In this night exposure the famous window displays can be clearly seen. Also at the extreme right of the photograph the verandah over 'the bridge' can be seen - the creek is covered over making an arcade. Also the verandah posts which were all removed in the 1960s and cantilevered verandahs installed throughout Ballarat. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. bridge street, department store, trams, illuminations, shop windows, advertising

Ballarat Railway Station photographed from Platform 2. The tower can be seen without the clock which was only installed after a fire in the 1980s. The B class diesels were the first mainline diesel locomotives built for the Victorian Railways, in 1952-3. They were unusual in having a streamlined drivers cab at each end. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. ballarat train station, victorian railways, diesel locomotive, clock tower, b class locomotive

Ballarat Town Hall erected 1870-72 at a cost of 17,976 pounds, on the south east corner of Sturt and Armstrong Streets. The raised corner pavilions in the design of the building make it unique in the State. This photograph shows a busy Ballarat intersection on a typical working day. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.ballarat town hall, sturt street, council trucks, tram, illuminations, street furniture, statues, verandahs

This interesting photograph shows how a presently unprepossesing corner of Ballarat once looked. Also included is the Buck's Head hotel at the extreme right, which closed in 1960 and was demolished. The Morshead's department store windows were famous for their displays. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.grenville street, bridge street, department store, grocery store, illuminations, letterbox

Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.lake wendouree, swans, ballarat

Mrs Strange has captured the Gardens looking their leafy best, probably early Autumn, in this slide featuring colourful garden seating once a feature of the Gardens. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.botanical gardens, lake wendouree, statuary pavillion, william wallace statue, garden furniture

A delightfully framed shot of the Botanical Gardens in the mid to late 1950s. We can be reasonably sure of the date of this image because it shows the Keel House conservatory. Designed and fabricated in England, it was then re-assembled in the Ballarat Gardens in 1906. It was purely for display, only allowing public viewing through glass windows at either end. It became known as the Keel House because the roofline resembled a boat hull. The Keel House was replaced in 1959 by Cuthbert House, another conservatory which also did not allow public access. Cuthbert House was replaced in 1995 by the present Robert Clark conservatory, which allows public access for the first time. Note other details in this photograph, the sprinkler at full bore and the little boy hiding behind the sundial. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.greenhouse, glasshouse, keel glasshouse, garden, building, public building, ballarat botanical garden

The Cenotaph is one of the collection of war memorials in Sturt St, Ballarat, and was erected in 1948. St Andrew's Kirk was first constructed in 1862-4, and the spire added in 1884. This beautifully composed photograph shows Sturt St looking its best in late afternoon light. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.church, sturt street, cenotaph

This image appears to have been taken from Ballarat Base Hospital, looking east over Drummond Street to Mt Warrenheip. The City Fire Brigade tower painted white can be seen to the right, while St Andrew's Kirk dominates the middle ground of the photograph. Many photographs over the years have been taken from this viewpoint, and are interesting to compare. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.mount warrenheip, ballarat east

A lovely shot of the western end of Sturt Street, looking east to Mt Warrenheip. Not much traffic today! Just a tram and an early Holden, yet at the time of this photograph, this was the main highway through to Adelaide. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.sturt street, trams

An interesting night exposure. Unfortunately it is not known what event these fireworks were supporting. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.fireworks, lake wendouree

A series of photographs showing a street parade, these may be from an early Begonia Festival Parade. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. north western victorian regiment, parade, ballarat voluntary riflemen

A series of photographs showing a street parade, it may be an early Begonia Festival Parade. Because of the bunting, Union Jacks, and crowns, it may be dated to 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II visited Ballarat at the time of the Begonia Festival. This float may be the float of the Queen of Begonias. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. parade, sturt street, royal visit

A series of photographs showing a street parade, it may be an early Begonia Festival Parade. Because of the bunting, Union Jacks, and crowns, it may be dated to 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II visited Ballarat at the time of the Begonia Festival. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library. brass band, parade, sturt street, royal visits, ballarat

Ballarat Orphanage, Victoria Street, Ballarat East, decked in flags probably for the Queen's visit in 1954. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.

Mr and Mrs Strange lived in Clayton Street, Ballarat East. This photograph is likely taken from their home, and it may be their children and friends heading off to school one morning. Bon Strange titled this slide "Autumn Morn" Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.autumn, children, ballarat, clayton street, ballarat east

Lister's petrol station at the corner of Main Road and Bridge streets. The petrol station replaced Levy's Vegetable and Fruit Market circa 1940s. Mrs Bon Strange and her husband Bert were well known Ballarat residents. When Mrs Strange died some years ago, her extensive slide collection was sorted through and those relevant to Ballarat were gifted to the Ballarat Library.