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 National Bank of Australasia was formed in 1857. It began commercial operations in Queen Street, Melbourne in 1858. The Bank’s first branch in Kew opened at 87 High Street in 1885. A second building, on the corner of Walpole and Brougham Streets, designed by Inskip & Robertson, replaced the first branch in 1888. The second building remains, albeit in a somewhat altered state. In 1977, the President of the Kew Historical Society received two historic ‘Signature Books’ from the Kew branch of the National Bank of Australia.Important and unique record of names, occupations, addresses and signatures of customers of the branch. A number of signatures belong to individuals of statewide significance. Other information such as customer occupations may be unique.Ledger containing information about customers of the National Bank of Australasia's Kew Branch for the years 1894-1922. The ledger (N9457) was purchased on 9/12/85 from Sands & McDougall, Manufacturing Stationers, 46&48 Collins Street West, Melbourne. The front pages of the ledger have lines and lists of names and customer numbers. Subsequent sections are organised alphabetically by customer name. Columns on these pages include data arranged by: No. | Date | Name and Description (to be clearly written off by a member of the bank) | Signature | Initials of Bank Officer. On each page, sequential numbering extends across the years 1894-1922. Additional pieces of advice from customers are clipped through the page over the customer's signature. Spine - "SIGNATURE BOOK / N.B.OF A." Inside front cover: Stationers labelnational bank of australasia -- kew (vic.), signature books, banks -- kew (vic.), gordon greer, mr bendixon, marshall slattery, manuscripts, financial records, bank records, national bank of australia

Paris Panel Photo Eden Studios Photographer, Melbourne and Sydney George Frederick Harless, son of Christina (nee Key) and William George Harless, born 1894 (Carlton Vic. 27661/1894), died 25 Oct 1907 and was buried Boroondara General Cemetery, Kew, Victoria, Australia Eden Studios was big in Sydney from 1895 through 1927+ but only appears to have operated in Melbourne at 284 Collins Street from 1896-1900 and 149 Swanston Street 1904-1906.Inscibed on back in pencil George Frederick Harless 1898eden photo studios photographer, paris panel photo, george frederick harless, pam thoonen (nee ingram) collection

Collection of unbound (generally pinned) handwritten business accounts (Bush) of varying length - from 1 page to 8 pages. According to year of business operation; a. 1893; b. 1894; c. 1896; d. 1897; e. 1896/1889; f. 1900; g. 1901; h. 1902; I 1910.person, individual, bush collection - personal, bendigo, bush collection, collection, business, commerce, retail

Biographical Sheet - re Basil Watson, Typed A3 sheet with brief biography of Basil Watson - b. 12/10/1894, Bendigo; d. Point Cook, near Laverton 28/3/1917. Grandson of Bendigo mining investor, J B Watson. Source: Eustis, H N (1967)Eustis H.N.person, individual, basil watson

Early examples of Mrs. Potts' irons. First patented in 1871. These irons were in sets of three - with one interchangeable handle.2 metal irons with a metal and bakelite interchangeable handle. "Mrs. Potts' iron pat. Oct 18, 1875." "Mrs. Potts' iron pat. Oct 18, 1875/No./Pat. ground." irons, laundry irons

Borough of Wangaratta Certificate of Thanks and Apppreciation presented to Private Sydney Spencer Plum. 3431 1st Pioneer Battalion A.I.F, Born January 3rd 1894 at Dockers Plains. Father's name Albert F Plum. Mother's name Mary Plum. He was educated at North Wangaratta and Docker's Plains State School. He was a blacksmith when he enlisted June 12th 1915. He trained at Flemington Racecourse and embarked on SS "Nestor" October 11th 1915. He fought in battles; Peronne, Cambrai, Somme. Being wounded 3 times. He embarked for home per SS "Orontes"; disembarked January 28th 1919 and was discharged March 16th 1919. Later, he entered the service of the Victorian Railways Department.Oak framed certificates were presented by the Borough of Wangaratta to the relatives of soldiers killed in action and returned soldiers who enlisted from the Borough during the First World War. These ceremonies were well attended by the local communities and held at intervals when the soldiers and nurses returned home from active service.Burgandy wooden frame with sand coloured mounting of a certificate of thanks and appreciation from Borough of Wangaratta to Pte Sidney S PLUM. At the top of the certificate, it has the Australian and Union Jack flags entwined over some wattle. At the bottom it has the rising sun surrounded by a wreath with two crossed rifles underneath. To the bottom right there is a large red leather seal. Mounted beneath the certificate is a black plaque. On the back is a typed history of S.Plum.Plaque is inscribed: 3451A Pte Sydney Spencer Plum. 1st Pioneer Battalion A.I.F. Served 12/6/1915 to 16/3/1919. Peronne, Cambrai and Somme. Born 3/1/1894 - Died 25/7/1958. Certificate: For King & Empire, Borough of Wangaratta. The Mayor, Councillors, and Ratepayers of the Borough of Wangaratta hereby place on record their Thanks and Appreciation for the conduct of S.S.Plum who served his King and Country in the Great War, which commenced 4th August 1914. In Witness Whereof the Corporate Seal of the Municipality is hereto attached in the presence of Mayor, Town Clerk. He answered his country's call. D.W Patterson Co PTY LTD 495 Collins St Melbsidney, plum, wangaratta, wwi, world war 1, peronne, cambrai, somme, north wangaratta, dockers plains

Printed paper dated Oct 6 1871 and signed by E Richards informing the Court that David Davies of Eaglehawk was rejected as a Candidate for admission into the Order. Has Court seal of Court Happy Valley A.O.F. 3544 Eaglehawk Bendigo.Also a Coat of Arms with the words -Ancient Order of Foresters Instituted from time immemorial .societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court happy valley no 3544, david davies, e richards

BHS CollectionDiggers & mining. Life Of The Selectors. Appears to be 3 miners driving a peg into the ground at night by the light of the lantern. Markings; Life Of The Selectors 1860-1890. Set 432 No.1. Selection at Midnight - ‘’Illustrated Australian News,’’ August 12, 1871. Visual Education Centre, Education Dept. of Victoria. Used as a teaching aid.Visual Education Centreeducation, tertiary, goldfields

Aviator's Certificate issued to Basil Watson. Blue leather cover with Basil Watson's photo on inside leaf. 'Federation Aeronautique Internationale' British Empire Aviator's Certificate No. 1910 issued by the Royal Aero Club of United Kingdom 18 Oct 1915. Reference to Basil Watson's birthplace Bendigo 12th Oct 1894.person, individual, basil watson

Six copies of the History of the firm of W D Mason Pty Ltd Glass Merchants of Bendigo 1894 - 1998. Note paper clipped to one copy and written in red ink: Original Revised Version 29/2/99. this version mentions machinery used, glass handling, making of mirrors, sandblasting and shopfronts.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - history of the firm of w d mason pty ltd 1894 - 1998, owen walter williams, evening mail newspaper, henry brooks & company of england, brooks robinson & co pty ltd of melbourne, shaw savill & albion company limited line, arawa (5026 tons), capt'n snooze, coles new world supermarket, susan rebecca lawson, walter williams, samuel thomas williams, owen mostyn williams, ann (annie) mckenzie, wavertree ellen williams, reed smart & tappin, bendigo cathedral (sacred heart), alan walter mason, walter david mason, melva joan mason, wavertree ellen mason (nee williams), j b young, taylor family, australian window glass company

non-fictionSome history of the Lidgerwood Family from1871lidgerwood family, in-jean-ious

Ivy Evelyn Medhurst (1896-1972) and Ivy May Clayton (1894-1946) "Ivy Clayton, right, daughter of Amy Clayton nee Burkett and Ivy Medhurst." - Vicki WilsonDigital copy of black and white photographclayton family, ivy may clayton, ivy medhurst

Photograph of young man in service uniform, identity: Victor George Thomson (1894 - 1948). Victor was the son of William Samuel Thompson and Elizabeth Alice Bishop. Victor was born in GembrookThompson CollectionSepia photograph of soldier on board with coloured flag logo of an embossed coat of armsMakers marks: coloured flags - Australia and UK with W Mason & Co 144 Bridge Road Richmond, Melbourne embossed Australian coat of Arms and embossed bows on top and bottom of photo. Inscription on back: Victor Thompson, my cousinthompson collection, nightingale

Black & white 35mm negative strip containing three pictures of the Bendigo Deutschen Verein 1871. Small Sepia photo of 114 small oval bust photos of men. The name, first word unknown, Bendigo Deutschen Verein 1871. Printed on the back of the photo - Photographed by Chevalier, Pall Mall, Sandhurst. Contained in a buff envelope with - 'Negs & Original Photo of Deutschen Verein'. Written on the back of the envelope is 'German Heritage Society, Bendigo'. Also a small yellow card with 'Negs - (22/9/95) Photo - original of Deutschen Verein. Small card with typed note - The Deutscher Verein met at the European Hotel (now demolished) in High St. There, in later years it had a library of over 5000 volumes.Chevalier, Pall Mall, Sandhurstnegative, bendigo, german heritage society, german heritage society collection - photograph deutschen verein & negative, chevalier

A picture of the original Gordon Lodge lodge-room of 1886 - room currently in use by the Lodge's artist-in-residence. Below is a newspaper article from the North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic: 1873 - 1894) for Friday 22 April 1887 that describes the architecture of the building at the time of its completion. From some of the details included in the article it is obvious that the journalist who wrote the article was a Freemason. THE MASONIC HALL ASCOT VALE North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic. : 1873 - 1894) Friday 22 April 1887 THE MASONIC HALL ASCOT VALE The now Masonic Hall, Ascot Vale, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Worshipful Master of the Gordon Lodge (Bro, W. F. Lamonby) in October last has just been completed, and will be formally opened: with grand Masonic ball on the 13th prox. The hall stands on a fine block of land having a frontage of 50ft to the Maribyrnong road by a depth of 130 ft., and is built of brick and cement on a most substantial foundation of bluestone. The Tuscan style of architecture has been adopted with the most successful result, and the front design which is especially handsome, includes four massive pilasters with frieze architrave and enriched cornice, forming the entablature of the order,- and giving a most imposing appearance. The front door, over which are the masonic emblems, is seven feet wide, and two escape doors made to open outwards in compliance with the Central Board of Health regulations are also provided, in case of emergency. In the vestibule is a very fine elliptic arch with keystone enriched with fruit, and the whole floor, 9ft. 6in. wide, is laid with Cawkwell's encaustic tyles. On the right, of tile vestibule is a commodious committee room 22ft. by 12ft 6in with side entrance for members, so that in case the main hall is engaged no inconvenience need be caused. On the left is the Secretary's room, and off this again is a staircase cellar. The vestibule is well lighted with two exceedingly pretty chandeliers, which have a very pleasing effect and give it a nice bright appearance ascending a handsome staircase leading from the vestibule the upper storey is reached, and here everything is splendidly arranged, especially 'the Lodge Room, which is a model of neatness and of comfort. The dimensions are 28ft. x 22ft 6in. with an elevation of 17ft. 6in. to the beautiful cove ceiling, which is quite a work of art. At the east end of the room on a raised dais is the master's chair with the masonic emblems, and neat forms of polished kauri are placed at the sides for members, about 150 of whom can be accommodated. The lighting and ventilation have both been well attended to and all is very complete. The main hall is 75ft. by 35 ft. with a stage 15ft. deep, leaving the auditorium 60ft. x 35ft. with a seating capacity about 600. Round the walls up to 6ft 6in. is a handsome dado in Portland cement and above it are panelled Tuscan pilasters to the entablature, architrave enriched frieze and medallion cornice forming the main cornice to the hall. Immediately inside the cornice is a sunken panel all-round the ceiling relieved with ornamental outlet ventilators. There are twelve large windows, six on each aide, and the sashes, skirting boards, and doors throughout the building are beautifully painted in imitation of grained cedar. Two enormous gas reflectors, each for 50 lights are suspended from the ceiling and besides these, four elegant hanging chandeliers for lighting up the proscenium, and back of the stage, under which is a storeroom for seats, &c, when the hall is required for a ball. The floor is made of kauri, secretly nailed, and is beautifully finished off. At the back of the stage are two lavatories and ladies and gentlemen's dressing rooms, between which are a connecting passage for a call boy. Outside is a capital asphalted yard, and the other usual conveniences on an improved plan. There is a right-of-way asphalted on each side of the building, and a large lamp is to be placed opposite the main entrance to light up the front. Everything that forethought and ability could suggest to make the hall comfortable and popular has been done, and it now only remains for the public to avail themselves of the advantages offered them by the enterprising Company. The cost of the building and furniture, including a magnificent piano, was £2,500, and the land £300. Mr J. C. M. Cowan, of Ascot Vale, is the architect, and Messrs Parker and Pater, of South Melbourne, the contractors. The plastering was done by Mr I Nicholas, of Murray Street, Moonee Ponds, who is also entitled to great praise for his splendid workmanship. Mr Cowan has been most assiduous and particular in seeing that his instructions were carried out to his satisfaction, and the result must be exceedingly gratifying to him and to the directors. The Masonic hall is only one of the many buildings erected by Mr Cowan in this district, among the others being the well known residences of Meessrs. J. Levy, Mooneo Street; W. Murphy, Eglington street; G. Groube, Maribyrnong street; C. A. Arvier, Moonee Ponds ; and F. Paul, Mount Alexander road. It may also be mentioned that Mr Cowan generously presented the plans for the now local fire brigade tower which is acknowledged to be one of the strongest and most graceful around Melbourne, The new Masonic Hall does infinite credit to the borough, and in accommodation, design, and comfort it is not surpassed by any similar building of the kind outside the city.

Born 1866 in Glasgow. Ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1894, in Chiltern, Victoria. Served at Williamstown North from 1895, and in Deepdene from 1918. He was the first minister at Deepdene. Died in 1933B & W matte head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Caldwell, mounted on buff card.

Alfred Benjamin Lokan Born 2/12/1894. Died Stawell 10/5/1981. Married to Ottilie Meta with four children. In Identities Index. Resident of 14 Shirreff StreetSix draft horses in harness with wagon piled high with Mallee Roots. Alfred Benjamin Lokan standing beside cart.Horses Names : Rose Lofty Bess Prince Boxer Kate A B Lokantransport

Miss Eleanor Boness was Postmistress at Linton between 1890 and 1894. In the photograph she is most likely the woman not wearing a hat, with Jim Wearne who was postal assistant standing next to her.Sepia photograph of Linton Post Office, with members of the public standing outside it, and two staff members, identified as Jim Wearne and Miss Boness. (Side view of building, taken in Clyde Street).Across top of card mount: "Linton Post Office 1900". Across bottom of card mount: "Jim Wearne Miss Boness". Note: Although this photograph is dated 1900 in the inscription, it was most likely taken at an earlier time. linton post office, jim wearne, eleanor boness