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.

This may have been Mrs.Strange's favourite spot to photograph the Lake, another image in this series captures the same view in a different mood. 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 is often considered the soul of Ballarat according to advertisements from the early 1900's saying "Sydney may have it's Harbour, Melbourne, it's bay but Ballarat has Lake Wendouree." This view shows north shore. 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.

A view from the "Fairyland" area of the Wendouree Lake showing Mount Warrenheip in the background. Lake Wendouree is often considered the soul of Ballarat according to advertisements from the early 1900's saying "Sydney may have it's Harbour, Melbourne, it's bay but Ballarat has Lake Wendouree." This may have been Mrs.Strange's favorite spot to photograph the Lake, another image in this series captures the same area in a different mood. 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

This slide shows the 1956 "Queen of Begonias" in Ballarat, on her float during the Begonia Festival street parade. Miss Carol Penrose, who was crowned by the Prime Minister Robert Menzies, is shown in the background. The runners up that year were Janet Saunders and Hillary Richards, otherwise known as "Princesses", one being pictured here, in front of the Begonia Queen. 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.begonia festival, festival, queen of begonias, ballarat, parade

Botanical Gardens at Ballarat, using bedding begonias which are no longer in use today due to drought conditions. 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, begonias, begonia festival, bedding plants

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. Unfortunately it is not clear which band this is, if you have any further information please comment below. 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.

Part of a parade on Creswick road, showing the R.A.A.F Wireless Air Gunner School no.1's (WAGS) float. The display shows a missile and a few of the Cadets aboard. The location of this photograph was easily identifiable by the large chimney in the background along with Coltmans (presently Aldi) The missile though fake looking is in fact a real missile known as the Red Dean, and was supposed to be the largest air to air missile developed by Britain but was never fully developed and all work on it was cancelled in the 1950's 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.millitary, raaf, r.a.a.f, wags, parade, ballarat, missile, red dean

A small conservatory at the Eureka Stockade Gardens housed begonias which did not quite 'make the grade' to be shown at Cuthbert House at the Botanical Gardens. Visiting this hothouse was sometimes a way to 'beat the crowds'. Mrs Strange's photograph shows these begonias were still worth seeing. 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.conservatory, begonias, begonia festival, eureka stockade

This leporello photo album, published by A.J Punshon, Bookseller contains 12 unique scenes around Ballarat, notably the Botanical Gardens and the Town Hall. The images appear hand drawn and are possibly lithographs. Inside the back-cover of the leporello is a tiny sticker identifying A.J Punshon Bookseller as the publisher or supplier. This sticker might be the only evidence of Punshon in business in Ballarat, apart from a single entry in Niven's 1888 Ballarat and District Directory, which gives his occupation as bookseller and address as 82 Dawson Street south. The only result from a search in Trove indicates he published the Australian Almanac for 1887. His name is not familiar as one of the booksellers of Ballarat. Alfred James Punshon was born in Prahan in 1856 to Isabella Lockwood and Robert Punshon; he married Elizabeth Lyons of Buningyong in 1881, they had two daughters, Ethel Mary in 1882 and Flora Hazel in 1894. It seems the family moved to Melbourne after Flora's birth. Elizabeth Punshon died in St.Kilda 1913 and Alfred died in 1938, in South Yarra. It seems in the early 1880's he set up as a bookseller and published at least two books but this is all we have been able to find out. If you have any additional information on Alfred Punshon, we would be pleased to hear it in the comments below! leporello, punshon family, lithograph, ballarat, publishing, publisher, album

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.Notes from a lecturette given to the AHRS by James Oddie, and recorded by Mr Coulthard, the Recording Secretary. James Oddie was born in England and arrived in Geelong with his wife and daughter in 1849. The gold lured him to Ballarat, where he witnessed the Eureka uprising. He was the first chairman of the Ballarat Municipal Council, and because of his many philanthropic activities and community involvement, is thought of as "the father of Ballarat."larpent (ship), eureka stockade, goldrush, ballarat, immigrant experience, immigrants

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.In this very long letter, Gavan Reilly seeks membership of the Society, and urges the Society in preserving the 'absorbingly exciting stories of a vanishing past.' He was postmaster at Creswick at the time, an amateur poet, and an enthusiast for local history.

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.Excerpt of George Russell's Manuscript Diary copied by William Lewis. George Russell, from Scotland joined his brother Philip in 1831 in Tasmania, and farmed there for five years under his supervision. He then followed John Batman's exploratory lead to Port Phillip in March 1836. George Russell later established Golf Hill Station at Shelford. These memoirs describe first visits by Europeans to Lal Lal falls (which weren't running) and Mt Buninyong. These records must have been sought out by the AHRS as Russell had died before the Society was established.

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. James McCain Meek boasted of building the first house in Ballarat, on the corner of Dana and Lydiard Streets, which was also a lemonade store and some say a sly grog shop. Meek arrived in Australia in 1847. He was in Ballarat 1851-1853, and in later life he returned to Ballarat to live at the Benevolent Asylum. When he became very ill in 1898 his daughter Marianne Dallimore took him to live with her, and he died at her property near Warrnambool in 1899. He wrote these reminiscences for the AHRS, of which he was a member. He was an excellent penman and illustrator and he produced several extraordinary complicated works. Meek was the subject of a PhD project undertaken at Federation University Australia by Joan Luxembourg, resulting in the 2015 publication The Inimitable Mr Meek. ballarat, illustration, goldrush, lithography

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.

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.