The Old Gateway or the Saint-Sauveur Gateway (13th Century). After the old regime it had, for some time, served as a Town Hall. In august 1944, the US troops, eager to facilitate truck traffic provisioning the frontline, wanted to blow up this tower. It was saved by the energetic intervention of Mayor Andre Halbout. The town plan of 1946 rerouted Chaussee Street, which now passes to the north of the tower. The south tower, its twin, disappeared in 1788.Colour photograph of the Old Gateway, Vire, Franceold gateway, vire, france

The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Mr. J. Vallins - Reminiscences given before the AHRS, City Hall, Ballarat on Nov 26th, 1899 : Vallins, born in Berkshire in 1831, arrived in Australia at Geelong in 1854. He came to Ballarat for the gold and spent most of the rest of his life here, living in Ligar Street. He died in 1904 and is buried in the Ballarat Old Cemetery.

The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Reminiscences narrated before the AHRS in the City hall, Ballarat, August 25th, 1899, by John P. Murray, from the Orkney Islands, who arrived in Melbourne as a 15 year old in 1849. He served as President of the Ballarat Shire Council 1871-72. In these reminiscences he recalls a time before the goldrush.

The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.John Hood was originally from London, and arrived in Melbourne from Tasmania in 1842. He first dug for gold in Little Bendigo / Nerrina, in 1852. He died in 1909, a very old man, at the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum.

"Bargains", The News, 8 May 1969. "Bialik College Parents' Club is planning its annual jumble sale for May 13 at Richmond Town Hall. Donations of old clothing fabrics toys jewellery and the like should phone Mrs. L. Sommers 49-2819 who will arrange for pick-up. Proceeds from the sale will assist in equipping the college's newly built classrooms."shakespeare grove, parents association, fundraising

Photograph attached to Card, photographed using flash photographyOld Castlemaine Schoolboys' First Reunion Flashlight Photo., Castlemaine Town Hall, Sept. 18th. 1912.reunion

photograph on card containing approximately 150 menOld Castlemaine Schoolboys Second Annual Re-Union, Flashlight Photo, Castlemaine Town Hall, October 10th, 1913, Reverse: W.J. Hodgson, Castlemaine

One of the oldest associations in Castlemaine is looking for new members. The Old Castlemaine Schoolboys Association was formed in the year 1912, making it 84 years in operation. Anyone over 30 years old and who is an Old Boy who attended a school within 15 kilometre radius of the Castlemaine Post office - St Mary's, the High School, Technical College, (now known as Castlemaine Secondary Colleges) is eligible for membership. The Association is planning a dinner and "get together" to talk about old times and rekindle friendships which existed all those years ago. This reunion is always held on the second Saturday in October, at the Castlemaine Town Hall Starting at 6:30pm. Another Project of the Castlemaine old Boys' Association undertakes is the supply of books to local school Libraries.

201 Old Castlemaine Schoolboys Reunion Dinner InvitationThe 101st Re-Union Castlemaine Town Hall, Saturday 8th October 2016cole, peter, sikora, william

BOYS' NIGHT OUT - Members enjoy the Old Castlemaine School Boys' Association annual dinner at the Castlemaine Town Hall in the mid 1950s

Written by George E Scott who was born in Creswick March 1900. Moved to Vaughan in 1904. Attended Yapeen State School utill 1913 then to Castlemaine high school and technical schools. Poem written in 1950s.There is a lift to the old boys step tonight, and is feeling young and gay his eyes are bright and his heart is light, and his thoughts are far away. Back in his dear old Castlemaine, or out in the hills around living the days of his youth again feeling his pulses bound. For he's just answered the call that comes to the loyal hearts every year insistent, clear as the beating of drums it falls on the listening ear so the old boy went and his mates went to back home in their hundreds strong and years were bridged in at long day through in story and speech and song. At at the Bush school love so well he gathered with his comrades gay, old Lads and Lassie's with tales to tell of memories tucked away. And bright eyed children had joined them in there happy young faces shone, as they showed old scholars are pride and care in the school that was handed on. Around them the bushland was bright with flowers, and the dear little orchid blue Bloom there with bright, in the sunlit bowers- for it is our emblem true. So the old boy drained through that day again, and it lifted his heart like a song, then Knight came down on the old home town and the hall, with its happy throng. In long brave lines they had mustered there as they had on the days of yore, and as they answered the roll - but the years take toll- there were mates who would come no more. The toast called, and the speeches made, when, trooping into the hall, with faces bright, and their eyes alight, came the girls- the toast of them all. So they broke up and wandered and formed into groups, while many have time for a song, But bashing the ear was permissible here, and they kept at it- steady and long. So the hours flitted by happiest notes of memories sweet old refrain, old friendships renewed - past doing's reviewed, the old boy was feeling strain. For his ears had been punished, his hand had been wrung, his voice was hoarse as a crow, with an ache in his jaw- "I can't take any more, while I'm all in one piece, mates, I'll go." With Auld lang syne is singing a broke up and parted, "next year we will see you again" when the message goes ringing, their thoughts will go winging and calling them back to 'Mainepoem, yapeen

Dear old boy, the 24th annual reunion will be held in the town hall, Castlemaine, on Saturday ninth October, 1937 at 8 PM. You are earnestly invited to attend. And your subscription and tickets for reunion – the annual subscription 2/6 is now due. Members are urged to pay on before the night of meeting. Enclosed please find ticket (8/6) for the reunion. Change of address – members are asked to notify change of address age limit – the age of joining members is now 30 years. Extension of radius- the radius for membership is 7 miles. Members are urged to advise all of these to join and make the association one of the strongest in the state. Please try and secure new members. honor boards – 14 schools in the Castlemaine District have been presented with honour boards they are as follows – Fryerstown, Campbell's Creek, Chewton, Guildford, South Castlemaine, North Castlemaine, Woodbrook, Faraday, Elphinstone, Barkers Creek, Harcourt, Winters flat, St Mary's, Yapeen. School prize endowment – at the 1935 reunion

Dear Sir, The Committee of the Association has decided to hold the Seventh Annual Re-Union of Members in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 11th October 1919 at Eight PM. The alteration of the Night meeting from Friday to Saturday proved such a huge success last year that the committee has decided to again hold the meeting on Saturday, and it is to be hoped that members will do their utmost to be present and help to make the function a sucess. The extension of the radius for membership from four to seven miles has resulted in a large influx of new members, but it is certain that there are many more eligible, and members are urged to use their influence in getting additional members. Members are again invited to forward to the Secretary the names of their sons or any old pupils of the district school who have enlisted for service abroad, as a complete list is desired for an Honor Board to be hung in the Castlemaine Town Hall. nominations for the General Committee must be in the hands of the Secretary on or before October 4th to enable him to have ballot papers printed for distribution on the night of the re-union. Nominations must be signed by the nominee and nominators (2)

John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, the son of Mathew Robson and Hannah Sproat. Hesailed to Australia on the "Arabian", landing at Port Phillip in 1854. Obituary DEATH OF MR. JOHN ROBSON ANOTHER PIONEER GONE. AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE MAN. General regret was expressed at the death yesterday morning at Miss Garnett's private hospital, of Mr John Robson, musician and and elocutonist and one of Ballarat's oldest, best known and most respected citizens. Mr Robson had been sitting for a few weeks, and his medical adviser, diagnosed his complaint as appendicitis, which afflicted, him in such a severe form that an operation was deemed to be absolutely necessary. He was removed to Miss Garnett's private hospital, and about a week ago he was operated upon. Mr Robson, being a man of robust constitution, stood the shock of the operation well, and he was making good headway towards recovery when the spell of hot weather set in, and caused exhaustion. Heart failure followed, and exhaustion the attention of his medical adviser, and the careful nursing he received, the end came peacefully at the time stated above. Mr John Robson was born at Newcastle, Northumberland, England, in , and he was therefore 72 years of age. Mr Robson's father, who was a contractor, had much to do with the building of the City of Newcastle. After passing through minor schools, Mr John Robson entered the academy of Professor Ross, and soon rose to a foremost position in the classes. When his studies were completed he was apprenticed to an architect and for a time studied the technique of this important branch of his father's calling. His adaptability for the work was great, and hopes were entertained that he would rise to a high position in the profession. Then came glowing reports of the wonderful Australian gold discoveries. Mr Robson’s father decided to migrate to these parts, and he sent a son to prepare the way. Believing that tools and timber might not be procured in Australia. Mr Robson, senr, constructed a portable wooden residence, which was shipped in pieces on the White Star liner Arabian which brought the family over. In 1854 Mr John Robson, who was then nearly 17 years of age, landed at Port Phillip, and with the other members of the family came on to Ballarat, which place he made his home to the end. When he first reached Ballarat, Mr Robson joined in the search for gold, but not being strong enough for this rough work, he turned his attention to carpentering. This he did not care much about, and in 1858 he was appointed a teacher in St. Paul's Day School, Ballarat, but in the following year he relinquished this position and became exchange clerk in the local branch of the National Bank. Being adapted to this quickly made himself acquainted with the details of a banker’s profession, and his rise was rapid. In the year 1871, about 12 years after he joined the bank, he was appointed manager, and for four years occupied that position with conspicuous success. He was connected with the National Bank for eighteen years, and in 1875 he entered business on his own account. With his brother, Mr Wm. Robson, he erected red-gum sawmills at Gunbower, on the River Murray. Subsequently he was offered the management of the Australian and European Bank in mills. In 1886, he accepted the position and held it until the bank was absorbed by the Commercial Bank of Australia. For a time he lived privately, still, how ever, holding his interest in the saw mills. In 1886, he accepted, the position of manager of the Ballarat branch of the Mercantile Bank of Australia. This bank was closed in 1892, and Mr Robson retired, altogether from commercial circles. In the meantime his brother died, and the saw-mills were sold. Mr Robson held a very important position in music, in fact he for many years was looked upon as the leading musician in Ballarat, he being master of quite a variety of instruments. In 1864. he was appointed conductor of the old Harmonic Society in this city, and subsequently conductor of the Ballarat Liedertafel. Under his leadership this society attained a high state of efficiency, which has since been well-maintained. Many years ago Mr Robson formed an operatic company from amongst Ballarat residents, and such beautiful operas as “Lucrezia Borgia' "Lucia di Lammermoor," “Ernani,' La Sonnambula,” and others were successfully rendered. As an elocutionist, Mr Robson attained much prominence, he being recognised as one of the most capable teachers in Ballarat. He was president of the one-time Ballarat Shakespearian Dramatic Club, which under his direction, from time to time produced Shakespeare’s masterpieces. In this, too, he took the chief characters, the roles of Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, and Shylock, all being powerfully represented by him. For some years prior to his demise Mr Robson, acted as a teacher of music, and elocution, and many of his pupils, competed with great success at the Ballarat and other competitions. Some years ago he acted as adjudicator at the South street competitions, when he gave every satisfaction, and his services were frequently secured to judge at competitions in other parts of the State and in other states of the Commonwealth. At the Ballarat band contests every year, he was a conspicuous figure, and he always acted as leader of the massed bands, by whom his appearance was always enthusiastically greeted. In his younger days he took a keen interest in several forms of sport, was a successful oarsman, one of the best amateur boxers of his weight and as a billiard player was able to hold his own with professionals. 'Mr Robson was an earnest adherent of the Church of England, and in social and other organisations he from time to time held important positions. As a Anglican churchman, he was widely respected, being the official principal and lay Canon of the Cathedral, a member of the Bishops Council, and a prominent member of St. Paul's Church, Ballarat East. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic order. and was a Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Victoria, an office which he filled with the greatest credit. He was also a member of the Old Colonists' Association and the Mechanics' Institute, was at one time vice-president of the Art Gallery was once a member of the School of Mines Council, and was many years ago made a Justice of the Pence. On many occasions he was asked to stand for Parliament, as a representative of Ballarat and on one occasion he consented to do so, but subsequently retired without going to the poll in favor of the late Mr Daniel Brophy. He was also often pressed to stand for both the Ballarat East and City Councils, but he declined to allow himself to be nominated. Mr Robson was an active gentleman, and a brilliant conversationalist. His courtesy, high mental and moral endowments, and warm open-heartedness, made him a most interesting and congenial companion. During his long residence in Ballarat, which city he declined to sever his connected with, he was well known and much courted, and was looked up on as one of the most prominent citizens, and his loss will be very severely felt. Some years ago a portrait of Mr Robson, in full Masonic regalia, was painted by he late Mr Stanton Bowman, and was presented by Mr Robson to the citizens, and it was hung in the City Hall, where it is always admired by visitors. The late Mr John Robson never married, and with his brother, James, lived for many years in Eureka street, Ballarat. The two brothers were nearly always together, and as they walked the streets with arms linked, they were frequently referred to as the Siamese twins. The only Australian relative of the late Mr John Robson is his brother. Mr James Robson, who hardly left the bedside during John's illness, and to him the blow has been a very severe one. In his bereavement he will have the heartfelt sympathy not only of the whole of the residents of Ballarat, but of people in all parts of the State. When the news of Mr Robson’s death became known the flags were flown at half-mast at the City and Town Halls, and the Old Colonists’ Hall, out of respect to the memory of the deceased. The interment will take place at the Old Cemetery this afternoon. The cortege will leave “Rothbury," Eureka street, Mr Robson’s late residence, at 3 o'clock, for St. Paul’s Church, where there will be a short service conducted by the vicar, the Rev T. A. Colebrook. (Ballarat Star, January 1910)Photographic portrait of John Robson, member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.john robson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Photograph of a marble memorial to Lieutenant Colonel William Collard Smith M.L.A..In Memoriam Lt.Col. Willia Collard Smith M.L.A. Ballaarat West Member of the Municipal Council of Ballaarat from 1856 until 1892 Chairman 1860-1. Mayor 1874 and 1887 Obiit 20th October 1894william collard smith, ballarat, council, mayor, volunteer regiment

Black and white imahe of the Maryborough Town Hall and Port Office, with horse drawn vehicles in the foreground. maryborough, victoria, maryborough town hall, maryborough post office

A postcard from Belfast. Part of the collection relating to John Basil McLean, who normally signs himself Basil. He returned to Australia in April 1920. The date on this card implies someone sent this a few months later from Belfast. One of the items relating to JB McLean was a vesta (match) case from Belfast (see item 01125). This postcard was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and kept them as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).Postcards were a very common form of communication. They were also a common souvenir. This type of correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1.Standard size postcard showing coloured image of City Hall, Belfast. Front - “City Hall, Belfast / 46398 JV” Back - “Belfast / 18.8.20 / Dear Jack, / I am just here for a / few days on holiday. It’s / charming on the outskirts, and / the scenery is great, though ‘spose / it does not come up to the Blue / Mtns. Many thanks for the book / of views. Am sure you must / have enjoyed your stay amongst / the mountains, and weren’t you / lucky in obtaining 2 months / leave. We’ve just been over this / town hall. The whole of / the interior is practically / built of white and green / marble, with some wonderful old wood carving dotted here / and there. Suppose you have / now settled down, and of course / its getting for summer with / you now. Hope you are / very well. Yours sincerely / Dorothy”souvenir, postcard

Documents relate to aspects of Legacy committees from as early as 1923 to 1950. In the original archive project these documents were put together. The card (two copies) is a promotion of the Deceased Soldiers Children Welfare Committee. It is asking the Legatees where they would like to help - for instance the Junior Boys Club, the holiday camp, Big Brothers for deceased comrades sons, or with vocational placements. This shows that the legatees were being reminded of their obligation to Legacy. It also captures the part of the poem 'In Flanders Field' that relates to the Torch and a quote about Legacy's work. It is from approximately 1927. A letter dated 1966, that accompanies these cards is from Frank Doolan and it claims that this might the sole surviving example of the brochure. He says it is an 'early Legacy story' that is now nearly 40 years old. It also says : 'In those days Literary and debating amongst boys was an important part of our weekly Boys Class, under Jim Gillespie, Alan Murray, Harold Peters and Co, and we turned out some remarkable boys including Ted Kennedy, Graham Billiet, Jack Covue and Jim McGregor, and entered several of them at Ballarat South Street in this year of 1928, which was also the year of the first demonstration in the Melbourne Town Hall.' Another letter is to Legatee Joynt from Legatee J Barnes dated 18th November 1938, it mentions that the recent Clothing Committee meeting had decided it was better to approach Legatee wives directly to get donations of clothing for the junior legatees, by ringing them. It was attached to a report on the meeting of the Clothing Committee from 11 November 1938. A third letter is a a cover letter to the Chairman of Legacy (W E Orr) attached to the resolutions made at the Welfare Sub Committee meeting on 29 August 1950. One recommendation was the hiring of a full time social worker and that the Contact Committee be reconvened to oversea contact with the widows.These documents are a snap shot of some of the work legatees were doing in sub committees to achieve the aims of Legacy.Documents and a brochure relating to the Welfare Committee of Legacy in the 1930s.committee, activities

Photograph of Ballarat Summer car No.20 and 3 other tramcars (2 with former double deck horse tram trailers) at City Centre, Nth side of Sturt St at Grenville St Nth. Photo shows the large passenger shelter/ESCO office, several pedestrians, and the commercial buildings of the Eastern end of Sturt St. Prominent in the background are the Mechanics Institute, and the Town Hall. See item 5134 for a digital image and a copy negative.Yields information about SEC tramway operations, and the buildings and layout of the East end of Sturt St.Black and white photograph on plain paperHas details of photograph and year on rear and number "T30". Also, "Ballarat Tramways", "Sturt Street in 1912", "Showing 3 old el types, 2 trailers and No.20 summer car(near band stand), "W.Jack Photo".ballarat, sturt st, tram 20, horse tram trailer

Rose Series - P1713, titled "The Town Hall and Sturt St, Ballarat Vic" with an ESCo tram with a "Vote No" on the front dash panel, two taxis mid-block, and the Town Hall in the background. Drivers standing along both taxis. On the rear in pencil in a note to Ken Magor of Newcastle, Wal Jack has written: "Ballarat old type No. 6. Note route colors square coloured sheet right hand side above driver's head & lower destination sign. Also note side adverts boards on car roof. See item 3581 for a copy negative and 5177 for a digital image of this postcard. Yields information about Ballarat 's trams in the 1930's and three street scene at the City Centre with the Town Hall in the background. Shows nature of the area with street lights and parked motor vehicles and a sign on the tram regarding prohibition and a vote on the banning of the sale of alcohol.Postcard black and white, divided back, with a handwritten note on rear.See image 2 for details of the handwritten note by Wal Jack on the rear. tramways, trams, esco, sturt st, lydiard st, taxis, town hall, tram 6

Valentine Series postcard of Postcard, looking from the top of the Nichol and Allen Building in Grenville St looking west. Titled "Sturt St Ballarat" in the top left-hand corner. Has two ESCo trams in the view, with a 3rd outside the town hall. Shows all the buildings on both sides of Sturt St, many flying prominent flags. Postcard by Valentine & Sons, printed in Great Britain. In a note to Ken Magor, Wal Jack has written on the rear: "old type, No. 17 on left and No. 11 on right. Photo taken from Grenville Street looking west about 1912." Yields information about Sturt St looking west from Grenville St about 1912.Postcard, colour, divided back, with a handwritten note on rear.See image 2 for the handwritten note on the rear. tramways, trams, sturt st, postcards, grenville st, tram 17, tram 11, esco