HISTORY OF THE BALLARAT OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION HOMES AT CHARLES ANDERSON GROVE, LAKE GARDENS One of the original objectives of the Association was “to provide the shelter of a house for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years.” While the first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925 the Association had previously provided relief for needy pioneers from the time it was formed in 1883. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas boxes of groceries to deserving pensioners and in some cases payment of burial costs. Records indicate that in September 1922 three of the pensioners being assisted by the Association were accepted as residents in the newly erected Hassell Homes in Gillies Street (now demolished-opposite the High School). The first site for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Old Colonists' Association was temporarily reserved from sale in October 1891. The site was approximately 28 acres in area in Mt Clear nearly opposite Midvale Shopping Centre in Main Road. The site was heavily timbered and when cleared over 260 tons of wood was sold to the Woah Hawp Gold Mining Company. A set of gates were erected but no homes built, although a plan for this reserve was drawn which showed twenty buildings ranging from one to four unit per building. The reserve was revoked in November 1909. The second site temporarily reserved in November 1909 as an Asylum was in Alfredton and consisted of some 7 acres and was adjacent to land reserved for an Abattoirs for the Ballarat Council. The reserve was revoked in February 1912 as it was deemed more appropriate to be added to the Abattoir site. Council suggested four (4) other sites in exchange for this land and they were inspected by the President, Vice President and Secretary on 22 December 1912. The first site inspected was land on the west side of Creswick Road opposite the brick kilns (now occupied by the showgrounds and oval). The land was described as being good quality, well fenced, no trees, good drainage and ample acreage but some distance from trams. The second site was Perry Park which was described as being good land, well fenced, having frontage to Gillies Street, good drainage and about 26 acres (but subsequently reduced to 10 acres). It was closely planted with Pinus Insignias and Wattle and had easy access from the Botanic Gardens tram. The third site was the North West portion of Victoria Park (corner of Sturt and Gillies Street) and was described as good land, well fenced and drained and well located. The fourth site was the South West corner of Victoria Park and known as Pound Paddock (corner of Winter Street and Gillies Street). It was considered to be low lying and too close to the Abattoir, and was also a considerable distance from trams. While the third site was recommended as the most suitable for the erection of homes it was considered unwise from the point of view as citizens to reduce the acreage of the park and therefore it was recommended that the Perry Park site be asked for as the most acceptable to the Association for the building of homes. The site was eventually temporarily reserved for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Association in April 1914 with the gates from Mt Clear having been removed to the site a year earlier and eventually erected in 1917 for £12.10.0. In the same year the first 290 pine trees were advertised for removal in July and sold for £16. A sign indicating that the site was reserved for the erection of cottages was erected in September 1917. Stripping of the wattle bark (for tanning) and the cutting of the wood occurred in November 1918 with the land then being leased until it was required for the construction of the first homes in 1924. While the site was the third to be reserved it was the only one which was used for its intended purpose. It was named as Charles Anderson Grove in honour of Charles Anderson who joined the Association in 1918 and was President of the Association from 1942 to 1944. A number of cottages in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village of Gillies Street, Ballarat.charles anderson grove, old colonists' club, ballarat, old colonists' association, old colonists' homes, retirement village

This home was the first cottage built by the Old Colonists' Association, and was the gift of Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams. It was completed in 1925. From the minute books: "Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams, both natives of Ballarat, offered to build a cottage on the Association's ground at Perry Park [now known as Charles Anderson Grove] something after a style of the Hassell Homes. That offer was immediately followed by another from Mr S.W.J. Clark, a member of the Council. Both offers were promptly and gratefully accepted." One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. ::a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. ::b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. ::c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Mr and Mrs Fred John and Matilda Anne Williams of Melbourne made a generous donation to enable this cottage to be built. It was opened in their presence in 1925. Fred John Williams was the son of John Williams and Thomassina Whilley. Together with his brother Frank Williams, Fred Williams was the proprietor of J. Williams and Sons. The brothers took over the business when their father, John Williams, retired in January 1893. In 1918 Fred Williams left Ballarat for Melbourne, at which time he was described as someone who had ‘tried to benefit the whole of Ballarat’. He was highly involved with the Forward Ballarat Movement At the time of his death in February 1926 at Lorne F.J. Williams was a partner in the firm Williams Shoemen Pty. Ltd. By 2021 the cottage had numerous cracks and required work. These photographs are a record of the condition of the cottage at that time.Colour photograph of the exterior views of Williams Cottage at The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc retirement village at 3 Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat.old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, f.j. william, retirement village, williams cottage, fred john williams, matilda anne williams, fred williams, matilda williams

This home was the first cottage built by the Old Colonists' Association, and was the gift of Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams. It was completed in 1925. From the minute books: "Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams, both natives of Ballarat, offered to build a cottage on the Association's ground at Perry Park [now known as Charles Anderson Grove] something after a style of the Hassell Homes. That offer was immediately followed by another from Mr S.W.J. Clark, a member of the Council. Both offers were promptly and gratefully accepted." One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. ::a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. ::b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. ::c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Mr and Mrs Fred John and Matilda Anne Williams of Melbourne made a generous donation to enable this cottage to be built. It was opened in their presence in 1925. Fred John Williams was the son of John Williams and Thomassina Whilley. Together with his brother Frank Williams, Fred Williams was the proprietor of J. Williams and Sons. The brothers took over the business when their father, John Williams, retired in January 1893. In 1918 Fred Williams left Ballarat for Melbourne, at which time he was described as someone who had ‘tried to benefit the whole of Ballarat’. He was highly involved with the Forward Ballarat Movement At the time of his death in February 1926 at Lorne F.J. Williams was a partner in the firm Williams Shoemen Pty. Ltd. By 2021 the cottage had numerous cracks and required work. These photographs are a record of the condition of the cottage at that time.Colour photograph of the interior views of Williams Cottage at The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc retirement village at 3 Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat.old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, f.j. william, retirement village, williams cottage, fred john williams, matilda anne williams, fred williams, matilda williams

Panoramic images of a picnic at Charles Anderson Grove retirement village before the community centre was built. charles anderson grove, ballarat old colonists' association picnic, retirement village

This home was the first cottage built by the Old Colonists' Association, and was the gift of Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams. It was completed in 1925. From the minute books: "Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams, both natives of Ballarat, offered to build a cottage on the Association's ground at Perry Park [now known as Charles Anderson Grove] something after a style of the Hassell Homes. That offer was immediately followed by another from Mr S.W.J. Clark, a member of the Council. Both offers were promptly and gratefully accepted." One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Mr and Mrs Fred John and Matilda Anne Williams of Melbourne made a generous donation to enable this cottage to be built. It was opened in their presence in 1925. Fred John Williams was the son of John Williams and Thomassina Whilley. Together with his brother Frank Williams, Fred Williams was the proprietor of J. Williams and Sons. The brothers took over the business when their father, John Williams, retired in January 1893. In 1918 Fred Williams left Ballarat for Melbourne, at which time he was described as someone who had ‘tried to benefit the whole of Ballarat’. He was highly involved with the Forward Ballarat Movement. At the time of his death in February 1926 at Lorne F.J. Williams was a partner in the firm Williams Shoemen Pty. Ltd. Colour photograph of Williams Cottage at The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat. It features a colourful flower border. old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, f.j. william, retirement village, williams cottage, fred john williams, matilda anne williams, fred williams, matilda williams

The Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove. The Titheridge home in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.charles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, titheridge cottage

Drone footoge featuring the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove. The area to the left is being prepared for 18 additional cottages to be built. old colonists' association of ballarat, drone footage, ballarat, aerial, charles anderson grove, retirement village

The Old Colonists' Retirement village was build at Charles Anderson Grove.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village, old colonists' association ballarat cottages

Hewcom Group won a multimillion-dollar contract to build stage one of the Old Colonists' Association of Victoria's Leith Park retirement village in St Helena.News article 1 page, black text.old colonists association, leith park retirement village, st helena

This home was completed in 1938. It was the gift of Mr and Mrs Barker. One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. ::a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. ::b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. ::c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Colour photograph of Barker Cottage at The Old Colonists' Assiation of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat.old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, barker, barker cottage, j. barker

Map of Greensborough and surrounds showing bus routes servicing Eltham College.Map of Greensborough and surrounds, black print with colour markings."Bundoora Retirement Village" marked in red pen at E20greensborough - maps, eltham college, bus routes, public transport

A celebration for the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the first Old Colonists Association of Victoria retirement village at Rushall Park North Fitzroy was held on 20 October 2019 at Leith Park St Helena. Leith Park was the Association's second village, built in the 1960s on land donated by Arthur C. Leith, Life Governor, Councillor and President of the Association 1949-1972.4 p. colour pamphlet printed on light cardboardleith park retirement village, old colonists association

Newspaper article: Goodwill gifts, Diamond Valley Leader, 15 December 2004, Melbourne City Mission seeking donations for residents of Eltham Retirement Village, manager Colleen Tenni. Newspaper advertisement: Diamond Valley Leader, 25 June 2005, Eltham Villa Aged Care. Newspaper advertisement: Diamond Valley Leader 15 October 2008, Eltham Villa Aged Care, manager Joanne Tomada. Newspaper advertisement: Diamond Valley Leader, 11 November 2009, Eltham Villa. Newspaper article: A home away from home, Diamond Valley Leader, 14 March 2007, Details of Eltham Villa, manager Mary Maleki. Newspaper article: A home away from home, Diamond Valley Leader, 21 July 2010, Eltham Villa Aged Care, manager Joanne Tomada, co-ordinator Tania Fox.main road, eltham, melbourne citymission, eltham retirement village, colleen tenni, eltham villa aged care, joanne tomada., mary maleki, tania fox, judge book retirement village

The Wilson homes were completed in 1966. One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. ::a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. ::b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. ::c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Colour photograph pf a cream brick building known as the Wilson Homes. They are a part of the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat Retirement Village at Charles Anderson Grove. old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, wilson, wilson homes

This home was the second cottage built by the Old Colonists' Association, and was the gift of Sydney W.J. Clark. It was completed in 1925. From the minute books: "Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams, both natives of Ballarat, offered to build a cottage on the Association's ground at PErry Park [now Charles Anderson Grove] something after a style of the Hassell Homes. That Offer was immediately followed by another from Mr S.W.J. Clark, a member of the Council. Both offers were promOne of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. ::a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. ::b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. ::c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Colour photograph of The Old Colonists' Association Cottage at The Old Colonists' Assiation of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, sydney w.j. clark

The Farrer Cottage was built in 1956.Colour photograph of a cottage in the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Retirement Village.charles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, farrer cottage, old colonists' association, ballarat

Colour photograph of a Development in Ballarat East. It is a retirement village run by the Mercy sisters. ballarat, mercy convent, ballarat east, retirement home

The Guymer Cottage was built in 1956. Dr Edward Albert Howes Guymer was born in 1891 and died in 1962 In 1946 Dr. E. A. H. Guymer was Vice-President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. He served as President from 1948-1950.Colour photograph of a red brick cottage at the Charles Anderson Grove Retirement Villagecharles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, guymer cottage, edward albert howes guymer, dr guymer

The Farrer Cottage was built in 1956.Black and white photograph of a cottage in the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Retirement Village.charles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, farrer cottage, old colonists' association, ballarat

The Guymer Cottage was built in 1956. Dr Edward Albert Howes Guymer was born in 1891 and died in 1962 In 1946 Dr. E. A. H. Guymer was Vice-President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. He served as President from 1948-1950.Black and white photograph of a red brick cottage at the Charles Anderson Grove Retirement Villagecharles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, guymer cottage, edward albert howes guymer, dr guymer

Residents of the Fernleigh Flats Retirement village are understood to be well and strong enough to care for themselves and need to be over the age of 55 years. Fernleigh Flats is owned and operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. "TO LET, a Brick House, corner of Urquhart and Ripon Streets. Apply Owen Cazaly, Mining Exchange."(Ballarat Star, 16 Aug 1867) "SALE BY AUCTION, Corner of Urquhart and Ripon streets, 07 COMFORTABLE COTTAGE PROPERTY. M'GREGOR BROTHERS, instructed by the owner, Mr Bradbury, who has bought another property, will sell by public auction, on Monday, 16th May, at half-past 12, His six-roomed substantially-built RESIDENCE. The owner has, under his own supervision, spared no expense in making this a most comfortable and convenient dwelling, situated on a quarter of an acre allotment, at the corner of Urqhuart and Ripon streets, high and dry. Garden laid out with choice young fruit trees; ground capable of growing anything. Fowl yard fenced off. making It a most desirable residence. For a family residence or as An investment this is a good opportunity. Inspection invited. Auctioneer, R. M'GREGOR. (Ballarat Star, 12 May 1893.)A retirement village on the corner of Urquhart Street and Ripon Street, Ballarat. The street trees surrounding this property include a number of trees (blue cedar?) and suggest the demolition of an older stately home on this site. fernleigh flats, residences, architecture