Ivy Wilson was the daughter of an orthopedic bootmaker 17 Mair Street, Ballarat. Ivy studied Art at the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School in 1920 - 1922. She later became an expert dressmaker. Her primary education was undertaken at Humffray Street State School. See http://victoriancollections.net.au/items/50651fd52162ef01087e8f50.1) A black and white photograph of the head and shoulders of a young woman - Ivy Wilson .2) Beasley Family Home associated with Ivy Wilson whose mother, Charlotte Beasley, is in the photograph. Left to right: John Lane, Frederick Beasley, Frederick Beasley Jnr (B. 1861)), Alexander Williamson, Annie Eaves, Jack Beasley (b. 1861), Frances, ?, Charlotte Beasley (B. 1873), Enoch Beasley (B. 1869), Harry Beasley (b. 1866), Thomas Eaves.]]ballarat school of mines, wilson, ballarat technical art school, dressmaking, art, ivy wilson

The Ballarat Benevolent Asylum is an early Ballarat institution. The Building depicted was demolished and is now the site of the Queen Elizabeth centre. Black and white photograph of an early Ballarat building. It is the double storey building known as the Ballarat Benevolent Asylum (Later the Queen Elizabeth Centre) ballarat, benevolent asylum, asylum, ballarat benevolent asylum, queen elizabeth benevolent asylum, welfare, queen elizabeth home

This music was used by Frank Wright who had been tutored by Percy Code. Frank Wright won the Australian Open Cornet Championship using this music, and won the gold medal for the highest mark in the British Colonies. Percy Code was born in Melbourne on 03 July 1888. He started learning the violin and piano at the age of eight. Three years later his father, Edward, started tutoring him on the cornet. His first competition was in October 1902 in Ballarat's South Street Competitions. Percy Code was Musical Director of Ballarat City Brass Band from 1913 until 1921. He was Frank Wright's teacher. Code apparently lived in a large house just west of where St Peter's church (Ballarat) now stands. Percy Code toured the world as principal cornet with the 'Besses o' th' Barn Band.' He returned to Australia in 1912. Frank Wright at one stage rode his pushbike from Smeaton to Ballarat for lessons. Leaving Australia for America in March 1921 Percy Code obtained an appointment as trumpet soloist for the 70 piece San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. He returned home two years later and became bandmaster to the Prahran City Band in 1925. From 1938, as part of Australia's Sesqui Centenary celebrations, Percy Code conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for the ABC orchestral concerts in Sydney Town Hall. His career with the ABC came to an end in late 1951 due to poor health. Percy Code died on 17 October 1953. From 'Legend in Brass' with additions from Bob Pattie of the Ballarat Brass Band.11071.1 Four cream pages containing handwritten title page in front, two sheet music pages inside and blank back cover. 11071.2 Eight cream pages containing front page typed title with handwritten text at top, Six pages of sheet music cream pages, with parts for piano and cornet, with black printed notes. A photograph of the composer Mr Percy Code is glued into the first page at the top left hand corner. The back cover page has advertisements for four music albums from Allan & Co. Prop. Ltd..1) Front page handwritten in blue pen and pencil. Hand written notations in pencil for cornet throughout sheet music pages. Frank Wright Smeaton 15 July 1919 in top right hand corner; Champion Bb cornet solo South Street 1919 in top left hand corner. Under title on front page: Handwritten notes in pencil giving results of competition and judge's comments. 2) Frank H. Wright Smeaton 15/7/1919 handwritten in top left hand corner. "With Compliments Percy Code 15/7/1919 written diagonally in blue pen in at right hand top.cornet, frank wright, allan & co., allans music, ballarat, south street, percy code, code, wright, sheet music, "wendouree", (romance), wendouree, romance, wendouree

The artwork undertaking at the Ballarat School of Mines was found in a folio on top of wardrobe at the nursing home where Edith Watson lived. It is assumed that the artworks were quite precious to the maker.A number of certificates awarded to Edith Alice (Alice) Watson. .9) Blue print on cream card, black ink hand writing with purple director's stamp. Certificate No. 166936 Awarded to Edith A. Watson"ADVANCED" stamped in purple ink. "Ballarat School of Mines No. 10" stamped in red. Edith A. Watson Pass in Drawing Ornament from a cast in Light and Shade, 1931. art, technical school certificate, edith a watson, m p h ansen director of education, edith watson, drawing from the antique, m. p. h. ansen, certificate, alice watson, alumni

Frank Wright was born at Smeaton, lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner, and his large family was musical, winning many awards in the singing and instrumental areas. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and by the age of 18 was the Australian Open Cornet Champion. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and as conductor Frank won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. He became well known and respected as a conductor and adjudicator of band competitions at very high levels in Australia and New Zealand. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, as well as at Ballarat’s South Street and in Australia and New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. A printed card programme that has been folded in half to make four pages. The programme includes the toast list and performers and was held at Smeaton Hallfrank wright, smeaton, b s righetti, f w redman, a e pickering, r lemke, j c rowe, daryl lindsay, a w cosgrave, mizzeni, brass bands

Ballarat College of Advanced Education is a predecessor organisation of the University of Ballarat. Founders Hall is located on the University's Mt Helen Campus, and is now within the Caro Conference Centre. The Ballarat Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to the performance of fine music at the highest level possible, and was formed in order to provide both a performance opportunity for musicians in Ballarat and District and also to enrich the cultural life of the community. The home of the ensemble was at the Ballarat College of Advanced Education, and it was intended that the orchestra serve the needs of both education and the community.White, soft coloured programme. Conductors were David Forrest, Adrian Thomas and Graeme Vendy. The soloist was Kevin McFerrandavid forrest, adrian thomas, graeme vendy, kevin mcferran, ballarat college of edvanced education, founders hall, ballarat symphony orchestra

The tent model mentioned in the letters was displayed in the Ballarat School of Mines Museum. During the 1960s it was transferred to the Ballarat Historical Society. Two handwritten letters on paper with black mourning edge written by Walter M. Hitchcock to the Ballarat School of Mines, and another written by Walter's brother George M. Hitchcock.Letter transcription follow: Letter from Walter M. Hitchcock regarding the death of James Oddie and early gold mining at Ballarat, 1910 and 1911 48 The Memorial Hall Farringdon St London Dec1/10 The Secretary Ballarat Museum Dear Sir, I am just now sending you this line, i anticipation of further correspondence later on, simply to forward you a Post Card of the 1st mining tent erected 1851 on the site of he then newly proclaimed Township of Ballarat, which, as the sole survivor of the party who built the original, I have had the pleasure in making, and have decided to present it to your museum, Sir Jno Lasenor out Agent General for Victoria came to a Bazaar recently held in London. where I had it on view in the museum from 3 days, - and desired I would allow its [ ? ] exhibited in the first large window of the beautiful new building of the Victoria Agency situate in the Strand. It is there for the past few days and he may wish it to remain a week or two longer, I know of no other exhibition of it to delay it being packed and shipped to my relatives in Geelong (Mr [?] Bright of Hitchock's Firm) who may wish to show it in one of their windows before forwarding it to your museum - I have had an itemised pane glass case made for it with drop down end and [?} it stands on a plateau of moss, to represent grass 32 x 13 x 13 high and chimney 14 1/2 - the case is made 34 x 26 x 20 high inside - I shall have it very carefully packed - tent emptied tools, beds, &c &c in separate packing and insured for 50 pounds - I will send you full details later on. I hope and believe your President will accept it in due time Meantime believe me to be very truly Cat Walter Hitchcock G.F.B. 48 The Memorial Hall Farringdon St London March 15th 1911 The Secretary Ballarat School of Mines Dear Sir, Thanks for your letter received last week – I have unaccountably mislaid it, so cannot address you personally, shall no doubt find it among office papers. The model is being fetched today from Victorian Agent General’s (Sir John [Lavernor?] office window in the Strand where many thousands, he tells me, have stopped in passing to see it (their first peep of Ballaarat). It will be on view at Blackheath (Kent) for a week, then packed and shipped without further delay. I shall enclose in the glass case (which is 26 x 34 x 16 in high) some spare minced moss and gas (smoke) in case in transit the plateau suffers by shaking (though it is well glued down). All the tools, mining appliances, cradle, windlass, &c will be separately packed enclosed – which you can easily place in respective positions. HRH Prince of Wales has graciously accepted a photo of it – and in my letter to him when sending it for his acceptance I said – as he would probably ere long visit Australia as did his grandfather and father, which ought to (and certainly will) include at least a day or two in seeing your beautiful City, and also something of your mines &c instead of the hurried visit of his father (2 hours) when he, as Duke of York, unveiled a statue to the memory of those slain in the sad Boer War, which now is admitted by almost everybody to have been a big political mistake, - though in the future with England’s present wise policy towards that country it will prove for Africa’s welfare. It may interest you to know that when I ascertained that Geelong was not to be visited by the Royal Pair – I went up to St James’s Palace by appointed time the Duke’s private Secy Sir Arthur Bigge – taking with me a specially illustrated paper issued in Melb. showing many pictures of the beauties and industries of Geelong – Sir Arthur was impressed but said all the arrangements for the Royal stay in Victoria (10 days) were made locally, by Lord Hopetoun and collegues and committee, and were practically closed – which meant that only a brief trip to Ballarat to uncover the memorial was intended outside Melbourne. Perhaps if we were Melbourne residents we should have succumbed to the prevailing spirit of selfishness – forgetting (or trying to forget) that there are many beauty spots in Victoria and centres of great interest - Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo, &c that ought to have been visited instead of Melbourne only. Finding Sir Arthur favorably impressed about Geelong I thanked him and returned to City work again. I at once called to Geelong whose mayor and friends had been twice unsuccessful in trying for the Melbourne functions programme being altered to include a visit to Geelong and lovely spots in the Western District, reporting my interview with Sir A B and his favourable reception of my representations, but that any alteration to the programme of engagements during the Royal visit must be made locally and by the local authorities. This had the desired success for on receipt of my message the Geelong mayor and colleagues again reopened the question and went to Melbourne, resulting in a concession (but what an altogether inadequate one) and they graciously ? consented to the train, on its way with the Duke and Duchess to your city, to stop at the Geelong stn (15 minutes) and so it came about that by a hasty local effort, 3,000 school children, and not a few of the leading people including the Mayor &c were gathered to welcome them in Geelong. The National anthem being sung, an Address read and presented and kindly replied to. Now Ballarat should doubtless has influence. See to it when our P. Of Wales visits Victoria – an unselfish ¬ programme is fixed up – and HRH afforded ample opportunity of visiting leisurely your city, Geelong, Bendigo and other centres of beauty and importance. The Prince himself will be the gainer by such an equitable and enlightened programme, - and come back with all the more favourable views of the marvellous development ever since our family first settled in Geelong in 1850. A far preferable result of such a visit than night after night having Melbourne Banquets and the visiting of its undoubted attractions - whilst all the rest of the State remained unvisited. Such an official mistake must not be made again. I will write you again, stating name of steamer of which the model is shipped and date of departure – it is firmly built on a backing of 3/8 in oak tall uprights so through the 7/8 in plateau and am entrusting the packing be very careful. I expressed firm – so that except possibly any breakage in glass case – it should reach you in due time all right. The top of case will be screwed so that it can be readily removed temporarily to enable my [ ? ] firm to show it in one of their windows. Believe me Yours very truly Captn Walter M. Hitchcock My brother will deliver it on my a/c – all carriage paid. Mt very kind regards to my friend since 1850 Jas Oddie. University of Ballarat Historical Collection Cat. No. 8133.3 & .4 Letter from Walter M. Hitchcock regarding the death of James Oddie and early gold mining at Ballarat, 1911 48 The Memorial Hall Farringdon St London April 20th 1911 My Dear Sir, It is with no ordinary feeling of regret that I received the tidings of the death of my good friend, your fellow citizen for many years, Mr James Oddie. Living at Geelong from March 1850 I came to know him there as carrying on a foundry business in Ashby. With the discovery of gold at Ballarat started off almost of the working people, as well as of all other classes of the male population. Mr Oddie arrived in Ballarat I believe on or about September 1st 1851. My three comrades and I arrived October 1st 1851 – among the many thousands soon gathered within a mile or so of Golden Point – my friend Oddie and I often met. I returning to Geelong after a year mining – my friend on the other hand remaining at Ballarat ever since – a marvellous record, and I am sure his life has been one of unique value to your City in many ways, - his age (87) naturally prepared me for his call home – and only two mails before the news came I received from him on of his kindly chatty letters in which amongst other things – he referred with pleasure to having received from me two 10 x 12 photos – one being of my model and that he was arranging to have it placed in a shop window in your city. I am interested in the fact of your having known each of my three comrades of 1851/52. It was J.M. Garrett and I who got permission to conduct public Sunday morning service in their large Marquee – used all the week for issue of Licenses in the absence of any church buildings, and it being on wet Sundays impossible to have services as usual under the trees – Ballarat then was more like a Gentleman’s Park – than bush country – but the axe soon did its work – and all were felled for our cooking, and hencewith to make our kindling etc. Shafting of holes not being at first done because too shallow – our deepest (at Eureka) was only 115 ft. Bendigo I hear had now mines of 4,000 ft in depth (deeper than our tin or coal mines here). I fortunately have, in excellent state of preservation, my last of 12 licenses dated October 1 1852 and have recently purchased here a Miner’s Right dated 1864, to that when explaining on matters re Gold Licensing I can show sample of each. With kind regards Believe me Yours sincerely Walter M. Hitchcock Geelong June 20/11 Dear Sir, By rail to day through Messrs Bannister I send the model of miner’s tent packed in a case 50 donated by my brother Captain Walter M. Hitchcock of London. This model was made by my brother and represents the tent he worked in on the Ballarat Gold Fields in the year 1851 or 2. In a separate parcel a few extras omitted from the case. Please send me receipts in duplicate, one for my brother, the other for the Customs, Geelong, as being donated to your institution, after some little correspondence it was admitted [??] any payment for duty. You probably have my brother’s address and would like to acknowledge its arrival, direct. I hope it is in good order. I did not open it for show in Geelong, as there would be less risk of breakage on repacking. With kind remembrances. I am Yours Faithfully Geo. M. Hitchcock. A Mr G. F. B. Sharick who is living near my home called in to see my model – he said he knew FM [Fred Martell] and was lately at Ballaratballarat school of mines, frederick martell, fred martell, james oddie, walter m hitchcock, walter hitchcock, f m garratt, george hitchcock, hitchcock, golden point, gold discovery, j m garrett, gold license, j.m. garrett, t.m. hall, george m. hitchcock, f.m. garratt, walter m. hitchcock

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born on 2 August 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.A small photograph of a group of young boys with an array of band instrumentsfrank wright, st joseph's sebastopol, orphanage, sebastopol

Both images are associated with Ellie Campbell. James and Bridget Martin were early settlers at Spring Hill. All their children attended the Ballarat School of Mines..1) A black and white image of Spring Hill near Creswick, glued into a thick card with a gold gilt edge. .2) Martin family house at Subiaco Hill, Western Australia. Brick house built by Corby Statford Cambell, Elly Campbell's father. .1) Written in blue pen on front of photograph 'Spring Hill near Creswick - Victoria' Taped onto back 'Farmland allotted to James George Martin in c1849. He took his bride, Bridget Hyde (19 years old) by bullock dray from St James Church, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne to this new allotment - 10 children born there - William, Robert, Samuel, Elizabeth, Ellen, Emily, Mary (died 2 months old mother also died). J.G.M. moved to Ballarat - attended Dawson Street Baptist Church. Here he married a widow with 2 sons, Mrs ____. Her 2 sons were born, George and Charles (was in USA) . Children all attended School of Mines, Ballarat .2) On yellow sticky label with photo - "Family home Subiace Rd Subiac WA. Builtby Statford Campbell, Elly's fayher. Now Coppin St.ballarat school of mines, william martin, james martin, bridget martin, bridget hyde, samuel martin, elizabeth martin, ellen martin, mary martin, george martin, charles martin

John Thomas Huyton Clelland was born in Glasgow, Scotland on 11 June 1936. He arrived in Australia with his family as a 10 year old. He maticulated from Ballarat College in 1953, enrolling at the Ballarat School of Mines in 1954. At the Ballarat School of Mines Clelland excelled in his studies, obtaining over 75% credit passes. Clelland was also a great extra-curricular contributer at the Ballarat School of Mines. He was President of the Students' representative Council, Captain of the Football Team and a member of the cricket team. In 1956 Clelland was awarded the Honour Blazer for sport and general qualities in leadership. In 1957 he won the Ballarat School of Mines Mica Smith Traveling Scholarship. Clelland worked for 6 months in Kalgoorli and 6 months in Mount Isa and Broken Hill. As part of his scholarship he travelled to Canada where he worked with Falconbridge Nickel processing nickel deposits. After 16 months in the Richvale Laboratory (Toronto) he was transferred to a pilot plant in Dominican Republic. The process was patented in the 1970s. He became President and General Manager of Falconbridge Dominicana. While President he established a foundation to aid in the culture, education and living standards for the Dominican People. John Clelland died peacefully at his home on 15 January 2012 at Savannah Georgia, USA . Upon his death John Clelland's wife, Loretta, informed his 'alma mater' that he was 'so proud of the opportunity which was afforded him at the School of Mines in Ballarat.' The University of Ballarat is proud to include John Clelland on our alumni roll.Four pages handwritten in blue ballpoint pen. The writer, John Clelland, was the recipient of the Ballarat School of Mines Mica Smith traveling Scholarship. The letter is addressed to Harry Arblaster, the Principal of the Ballarat School of Mines, and is an overview of Clelland's time in Canada. ballarat school of mines, john clelland, falconbridge nickel, canada, harry arblaster, dominican republic, scholarship, mica smith travelling scholarship, mining alumni

Nathan Spielvogel was a local historian. The Spielvogel Papers consist of the articles he prepared for a series of weekly talks on Radio 3BA in 1936 and 1937. According to Alex Barnett there is a reference in the Spielvogel Papers to the moving of the bodies of diggers killed at the Eureka Stockade to the old cemetery on 26 November 1857.3 soft covered books with text relating to the history of Ballarat. .1) yellow cover .2) blue cover .3) green cover .1) includes topics such as Gold discovery, Eureka, Main Road, Ballarat Fire Brigade, Ballarat Benevolent Home, Buninyong, Burke and Wills Monument, Chinese in Ballarat, Dana Street School, Ballarat Hospital, Lost Trades of Ballarat, Ballarat Military, Mount Pleasant, Old Colonists' Club, Phoenix Foundry, Ballarat Post Office, Railways, Ballarat School of Mines, South Street Society, Martin Hosking, Charles Curnow Phillips, James Sainsbury, and William Cross Yuille. .2) includes topics such as Ballarat streets, bowls, cricket, football, hotels, Little Bendigo, Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Quartz Mines, Sebastopol, Ballarat Turf Club, Ballarat Zoo, water supply. .3) includes topics such as the Kohinoor Nugget, Eureka, Black Hill, Sebastopol, oddietown, Joe the bellman, Trades Hall, Lal Lal Iron, Ballarat Library, Yuille Creek, Martin Hosking, Stonewall Jackson, steeplechase, Lemonade Paddock, Ivey's Flour Mill, Salvation Army, Stick Jaw Davey, Unicorn Hotel, doctors, Alfred Bells, Ballarat School of Mines Museum (War Museum), Joseph Orange, Ballarat East Post Office.ballarat, speilvogel, nathan spielvogel

Blue soft covered book with an image of the Ballarat Teachers' College class of 1949.The book is 235 pages and includes a biography of each member of the class of 1949, the schools graduates taught at, home towns, families, statisticsnon-fictionballarat teachers' college, margaret bennett, david collins, don evans, peter fryar, wilma gardy, jack gervasoni, isobel mcmahon, mavis miller, margaret reynolds, catherine o'shannessy, wal wall, john hogan gervasoni, family history, genealogy, education, alumni

Sarah Wright was married to a gold miner named William. They lived at Laura Villa, Smeaton. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank Wright their son was born and attended Smeaton State School and was a renown resident of Smeaton. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia. Laura Ritchie was his sister and lived in Ballarat with her family. A black and white photo of two women sitting on a wicker couch on the verandah of a brick house. The older woman is wearing a dressing gown and slippers and the younger woman is wearing a light coloured suit. The women are Sarah Wright and her daughter Laura Ritchie. The house is Laura's home at 214 Armstrong Street Nth, BallaratWritten in pencil 214 Armstrong St Nth, Laura and Sarah Wrightsarah wright, laura ritchie, frank wright, cornet, ballarat

The Ballarat Courier did an annual December magazine. The 1921 edition had the theme 'Industrial Ballarat'. Printed magazine with many Ballarat images and advertisements. Images include: Barnet Glass Road Race (Ballarat to Melbourne, c1921); Berry Anderson and Co.; View from Springmount; Ballarat North Gold Club; Lake-Burrumbeet; Ballarat Motor Cycle Club Reliability Trial; Ballarat Observatory; Ballarat Old Colonists' Homes, F.W. Williams, S.W.J. Clarkballarat, newspaper, wf coltman, ridings dentist, ballarat botanical gardens, lake wendouree, fishing, james smith pty ltd, ludbrook undertaker, jubilee lake daylesford, hager underthaker, springmount, barlow motors, ballarat mining exchnage, south street competitions, we longhurst, ru nicholls, lal lal falls, old colonists association of ballarat, clark cottage, swj clark, williams cottage, f.j. williams, ritchies grocery stores, american sailors, victorian methodist local preachers association, ballarat police force, macrobertson staff, ballarat sewerage authority, commons bros monumental masons, fdp miller, herbalist, lake tyers, pine plantation, tonner memorial, george tonner, ballarat observatory, ballarat north gold club, tw glasgow, suttons music store, barnet glass road race, lake burrumbeet, berry anderson, val purdue, rowlands, ballarat motor cycle club, stained glass windows

The Ballarat Junior Technical School was established in 1913, and was a division of the Ballarat School of Mines. According to 'The Australasian' of 31 July 1915 sixty students of the Ballarat Junior Technical School made all the items depicted in the photograph.Black and white photograph mounted onto a brown card showing the interior of the Ballarat School of Mines Carpentry Building. It shows the war efforts of Sloyd students at the Ballarat Junior Technical School. Numerous foot stools, foot warmers, tables and seats were made by student to send to the front during World War One. Teacher Albert Steane stands on the left (2nd to the left of the Red Cross sign). From the second timber support beam V. Maddison stands 4th to the right and F.N. Ling 6th to the right of the beam. ballarat school of mines, ballarat junior technical school, world war one, world war 1, world war, red cross, albert steane, v. maddison, fn king, war effort, home front, trade, steane, sloyd

Former Ballarat School of Mines mining student Alfred Johnston was the son of Charles Johnston of Cork, Ireland, and Elizabeth Jameson, the family owning a large furniture store in Fitzroy. Alfred joined the Fifth Victorian (Mounted Riffles) contingent at the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn. The October 1901 Ballarat School of Mines (SMB) Students Magazine reported 'Alf. Johnston's gone. The news came as a shock to all of us at the school. He who was with us a few short months ago, in all strength of sturdy manhood, has met a soldier's death in South Africa, and we sincerely mourn his loss…. His heart was in the school, and he did his best to further its interests … His last act on leaving Australian shores was to send a telegram from Albany to Prof. Mica Smith, to whom he was warmly attached, wishing the School and all connected with it "Good-bye". In his short, all to short, life of 29 years, he had more adventure than falls the lot of most men, and possibly the spirit of adventure, and also, of duty, prompted him to throw in his lot with the "colors," and leave for the front. The news of his death comes to us with added weight of sadness when we remember that he was one of the organisers of the School entertainment last year to help swell the fund for the erection of a statue to fallen Victorian soldiers.' The SMB Annual Report of 1901 recognised the loss of one of their students: 'Mr Johnston was, until the date of his leaving for active military service in South Africa, one of our students. While here besides being regarded as a general favourite for his urbanity and manliness, he was noted as a faithful, diligent, and most successful student. The news of Lieutenant Johnston's death cast quite a gloom over the school and it was early decided that in addition to a letter of condolence sent to his parents a bronze tablet, suitably inscribed, be erected to his memory in some prominent part of the school. On the 4th November last the ceremony of unveiling the memorial tablet was performed by Professor A. Mica Smith in the presence of several members of the late Lieutenant A.G. Johnston's family, the President and Members of Council, the Staff and Students of the School, and a number of prominent citizens. Lieut. Alfred Johnston was killed on 7 May 1901 at Rhenosterkop, Middleburg district, Transvaal. When the news reached Ballarat the students wrote 'Alfred Gresham Johnston has passed away, and his passing has left many a sorrowing heart amongst his troop of friends everywhere. Outside of his home circle, none will miss him more than his old friends - Professors and students alike - of the Ballarat School of Mines. Farewell, Alf., a long farewell.' Alfred Johnston is buried in an unlocated grave. His SMB friends decided to erect a tablet at the school to the late Lieutenant Johnston. An appeals for donations was made, the SMB students magazine reporting that it had 'met with a handsome response from past and present students.' The SMB Council augmented the fund, and the memorial was dedicated with great reverence. (See http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/is/library/collections/art_history/honour-roll/honourroll_Johnston,%20Alfred.shtml) Black and white image of a Boer War Memorial to Alfred G Johnston. The memorial includes a marble and brass plaque, flag and flower. boer war, alfred johnston, ballarat school of mines and industries, rhenoster kop, transvaal

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51448 He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C.https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51219 According to his Soldier's Pay Books (Cat. No. 20112) Holmes Registration number was 7983. He was Catholic and enlisted in the Third Military District on 17 September 1915, and embarked on 8 November 1915. Holmes was in the 18th AASC Unit with the rank of Driver at that time. On 15 November 1918 Holmes was promoted to Lance Corporal. He received leave on: * 3 August 1917 - London (10 days) * 19 February 1918 - Paris (10 days) * 27 August 1918 - London (14 days) In 1922 Harry married Edith Pickford of 'Yeovil', Clunes, and they lived at 'Sauchieburn' with Henry's brother Willie. In 1933 Harry and Edith built a new timber home 'Launchley' (Ascot) on the rise east of 'Sauchieburn' on the Ballarat - Maryborough Road. The home was built by Con Zilles to the designs of Clegg and Morrow. In 1938 Harry and Edith purchased a property at Derrinallum, Victoria and called it 'Launchley Park' on their first son's return from World War 2. In 1953 Harry purchased William and Charlotte's portion of 'Sauchieburn' for his son, Bill, and daughter-in-law Margaret. [Source: Unpublished notes by Jane Dyer ( nee Chatham)]Sepia photographic postcard of a World War 1 Australian soldier in uniform, Henry Smerdon Holmes from Ascot Victoria.Verso in pen "The boys say this isn't to (sic) bad so it will show you any changes. Heaps of love to all. Harrychatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, smerdon, world war, world war 1, world war i, uniform

The 1958 edition of 'Quadrangle' was the first published as the new magazine of the Ballarat Junior Technical School. Formerly the Ballarat Junior Technical School occupied a few pages at the back of the Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine. In this year the Ballarat Junior Technical School's 'brother' school, Ballarat North Technical School, was publishing its own magazine called 'Green Acres'. Articles includeGrey/Blue soft covered magazine of 54 pages. Contents include: Past staff/students (Mr Whitla, Mr Hewitt, Mr Cowan, Mr Reeve, Mr Wilcock, Bullarto Camp Report, Bright Camp, Windmill Ruin (B. McLennan), Phelan Homes Competition, Baseball, Basketball, softball, Athletics, Cricket, Open Age Football, Cross Country, Your Badge, Mr Steane Recalls. An explanation of the Ballarat School of Mines Coat of Arms is given, and the first Ballara Junior Technical School Principal, Albert W. Steane recalls the early days of the school. Images include: Prefects, Dick Richards, Tank Stand Bullarto (linocut), cadets, Under 14 Football Team; Girls forms 1,2, and 4, Softball, Basketball, netball, hockey; Craig's Royal Hotel.2) cover "Mr A.W. Steane. Eyre St Ballarat"ballarat school of mines, ballarat junior technical school, ballarat north technical school, dick richards, steane, ron kirner, history, badge, crest, heraldry, garner, bullarto camp

Field Marshal Viscount Kitchener of Great Britain was invited by Prime Minister Deakin in 1909 to visit Australia and advise on the best way to provide Australia with a land defence. Kitchener’s report echoed the bill, introduced to Parliament in 1909 and supported by the Opposition Labor Party at its 1908 conference, to introduce compulsory military training in peace time (referred to as universal training). On 1 January 1911, the Commonwealth Defence Act 1911 (Cth) was passed as law and all males aged 12 to 26 were required to receive military training. Men were divided according to age, with junior cadets comprising boys 12-14 years of age, senior cadets comprising boys 14-18, and young men aged 18-26 assigned to the home militia defence. The support of schools was vital to the success of the scheme, since the system of cadet training began in the primary schools, with physical training prescribed by military authorities. Junior cadet training was entirely in the hands of school teachers, who had first been trained by military officers. This early training was less military in nature than focused on physical drill and sport. It also acted to inculcate boys with the notions of loyalty to country and empire. At this age, uniforms were not worn, although there were schools with pre-existing uniformed cadet units, who continued to do so. Senior Cadets were organised by Training Areas, administered by Area Officers. If a school had at least 60 senior cadets, they could form their own units. Unlike their junior counterparts, Senior Cadets were issued uniforms, a rifle, and learned the foundations necessary for service in any arm of the defence forces. Boys and men could be exempted from compulsory training if they lived more than five miles from the nearest training site, or were passed medically unfit. Those who failed to register for training were punished with fines or jail sentences, and the severity of this punishment generated some of the strongest opposition to the scheme. While institutions such as the political parties and most churches generally supported universal training, some in the broader labour movement were less enthusiastic, as evidenced in the Daily Herald newspaper’s editorials and letters. Universal military training persisted after the conclusion of World War 1, with the Junior Cadet scheme the first to go, in 1922. Senior cadets and service with the militia was suspended in November 1929. (http://guides.slsa.sa.gov.au/content.php?pid=575383&sid=4788359, accessed 29/10/2015) According to Neil Leckie, Manager of the Ballarat Ranger Military Museum: * Originally 12 – 14 year olds went to Junior Cadets attached to their school. * From age 14 – 17 they were Senior Cadets attached to the local militia unit. * After 1 July of the year a Cadet turned 18, the Cadet left the Senior Cadets and became a member of the Citizen Military Force. * In October 1918 the AIF, Militia and Cadets were renamed to give some connection to the AIF battalion raised in the area. Ballarat saw: 8th Australian Infantry Regiment comprising: * 8th Battalion AIF renamed 1st Battalion 8th Australian Infantry Regiment * 70th Infantry Militia renamed 2nd Battalion 8th Australian Infantry Regiment * 70th Infantry Cadets renamed 3rd B, 8th Australian Infantry. 39th Australian Infantry Regiment comprising: * 39th Battalion AIF renamed 1st Battalion 39th Australian Regiment * 71st Infantry Militia renamed 2nd Bn, 39th Australian Infantry Regiment * 71st Infantry Cadets renamed 3rd Bn, 39th Australian Infantry Regiment Prior to the reorganisation in 1918 the 18th Brigade was the 70th, 71st and 73rd Infantry. It is thought that the 18th Brigade Cadet units in 1920 were those that came from the old: * 69th Infantry (Geelong/Queenscliff) * 70th Infantry (Ballarat/Colac) * 71st Infantry (Ballarat West) * 72nd Infantry Warrnambool) * 73rd Infantry (NW Vic) The next name change came in 1921!Mounted sepia photograph of 21 young males. They are the Ballarat School of Mines Cadets on a training camp at Lake Learmonth. Back row left to right: Harold Wakeling; ? ; T. Wasley; H. Witter; H.V. Maddison (staff); Lieutenant S.J. Proctor, Joe ? ; ? ; B.C. Burrows. Centre left to right: Howard Beanland; ? ; F.N. Gibbs; H. Siemering; P. Riley; ? : E. Adamthwaite. Front row left to right: Albert E. Williams; Francis Davis (RAAF Dec.); A. Miller; W. Shattock; T. Rees From the Ballarat School of Mines Magazine, 1916 "Our Competition Team, 1916 At a parade, held on the 25th August competition teams were called from from the three colleges - Ballarat College, St Patrick's College, and the School of Mines. In each case, a large muster was obtained, twenty-nine volunteering fro the School of Mines. On account of the number in a team being limited to 21, some had to be weeded out. The team decided to have a camp at Learmonth in the vacation for the benefit of training for the coming competitions. The tents, within our baggage, were brought to the Junior Technical School at 10 a.m. on Monday, 11 September. Everything was carted to the station on a lorry, which was very kindly lent by Mr C. Burrow. ... Arriving at our camp, which was in the Park, we first raised the tents. This was done in record time. Three large tents, A.B.C., were pitched one behind the other. We also pitched a smaller one to act as a provisions tent. The provisions supplied by each cadet were placed in this tent. Dinner was ready by 3.30, and was prepared by the three senior non-coms., who also acted as orderlies. Things went alright Monday night, the two senior non-coms. acting as sentries for the first two hours. On Tuesday morning Reville sounded at 7. There was no need for it, however, as nearly all the cadets were up before daylight, owing to their beds being too hard. After physical exercises were gone through we had breakfast. We then had rifle exercises until Messrs A.W. Steane and F.N. King arrived. The former put the team through the table of physical exercises set down for competition work, many valuable points being obtained. The visitors remained for dinner, afterwards returning to Ballarat. Wednesday was uneventful, until the soldiers arrived at about 11 a.m., stopping at the park for lunch. As we handed over the coppers, etc., to them, our lunch was delayed. Two more visitors arrived after lunch, and after taking a few photos returned home. That night we had a "Sing-a-long" in C Tent until "Lights out" sounded at 9.30. After physical exercises ad breakfast on Thursday, we went for a six mile route march round the lake, doing skirmishing on the way. In the afternoon we practised rifle exercises and the march past. A concert was arranged for that night, the chief singers being cadets H. Siemering and W. Shattock. Supper was served at the end of the entertainment. On Friday, Reveille sounded at 6.30 instead of 7, and, as usual, we had physical exercises before breakfast, after which the team went through skirmishing at the reserve. In the afternoon, section drill and the march past were practised. Friday night, being our last night in camp, leave was granted until 10 p.m., "lights out" sounding at 11. Reveille sounded on Saturday at 4.30, the reason being that all kits, tents, etc., had to be packed away ready to catch the 8.15 train to Balalrat. At 7.30 we were all ready to leave for the station. We had a very enjoyable time in the train, each cadet having a chip in at the patriotic songs. On arriving at Ballarat, we found the lorry awaiting us. The luggage was carted to the Junior Technical School, the team following. The team were here dismissed, everyone feeling that he had had a very good time. F.G. Davis"Written in ink on front 'cadet camp at Lake Learmonth about 1916. Training for South Street Competitions. ballarat school of mines, cadets, ballarat school of mines cadets, lake learmonth, world war one, boomerang, camp, cadet camp, h.g. wakeling, harold wakeling, f.g. davis, albert w. steane, f.n. king, h. siermering, w. shattock, francis davis, harold wakeling, t. wasley, h. witter, h.v. maddison, s.j. proctor, b.c. burrows, howard beanland, f.n. gibbs, h. siemering, p. riley, e. adamthwaite, albert e. williams; francis davis, a. miller, w. shattock, t. rees, photography, foto, boxing gloves

A scrapbook with clippings relating the the Ballarat School of Mines, including Alumni who fought during World War One. ballarat school of mines, scrapbook, world war one, alumni, c.c. brittain, h. brittain, c.a. brittain, antarctica, fred. g. middleton, cape evans, aurora, dick richards, r.w. richards, forward ballarat, home-coming week, ballarat technical art schoo, technical training, c. garrard, d.l.thomas, john h. smyth, w. e. moon, robert malachi serjeant (jnr)

Beaufort house was the home of Henry CuthbertA number of photographs showing Beaufort House, Cardigan (Ballarat).henry cuthbert, beaufort house, student residence, cardigan, buildings, student residences

.6) Australian Catholic University Ballarat Campus (Aquinas) is set in the historic gardens of Carn Brea, formerly the property of Cornish miner Cyrus Retallack. The property includes a two-storey mansion, which he built as his family home in 1881. Carn Brea, a castle in Cornwall, was built in the 1500s. After the Queen's Church of England Girls' Grammar School acquired the property in 1919, the mansion was renamed Manifold House. Manifold House now accommodates administrative facilities of the campus and staff offices. (http://www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/campuses/ballarat/history_of_ballarat_campus, accesses 21 August 2014)Nine black and white images by Geoff Biddington. .1) Burke and Wills Monument, corner Sturt Street and Lydiard Street, with the MLS Building and Allan Brothers in the background. .2) Former Ballarat Post Office (later Federation University Post Office Gallery) .3) Tram in Sturt Street .4) Geelong ? shopping centre .5) Geelong Waterworks and Sewerage Trust .6) Carn Brae / Retallacks / Queen's / Australian Catholic University, 1200 Mair Street .7) Former Ballarat Post OFfice, Lydiard Street .8) Perseus Statue, Camp Street (removed for conservation in 2008) .9 McDonald Printer, 48 Lydiard Stgeoff biddington, ballarat, ballarat post office, geelong waterworks, perseus, mcdonald, acu, carn brae, australian catholic university ballarat, burk and wills monument, mlc building ballarat, allan brothers ballarat, lydiard street, sturt street

Charcoal green soft covered book of 64 pages. Contents include Ballarat, berry Consols, Canadian Lead, Castlemaine-Daylesford System, Chiltern, Duke of Cornwall Mine, Dyke's Freehold, Frenchman's Lead, Garibaldi Shaft, Glenfine, Guidlford, Hepburn Estate Co., Hepburn Home Paddock, Italian Gully, Henderson's Lead, Langi Logan, Leigh Consols, Sebastopol Plateau; Talbot, Woady Yalloak, A definition of a deep lead, formation of deep leads, water in deep leads, methods of deep lead mining (Tunnelling, Deep sinking, Chiltern method of working, Ballarat method of working), sampling washdirt and gravels, Balmoral, Mt William, Stawell, Moyston, Great Western, Ararat, Raglan, Wimmera Valley, Landsborough, Cardigan, Haddon, Beaufort, Waterloo, Avoca, Lamplough, Caralulup, Ballarat West, Ballarat, Smythesdale, Glenfine, Illabarook, Durham Lead, Morrison's Lead, Bullengarook, Berry-Moolort-Loddon System, Clunes, Creswick, Spring Hill, Bullarook, Castlemaine - Daylesford, Majorca, Carisbrook, Timor, Burnt Creek Tributary, Tarnagulla, Marong, Rheola, Inglewood, Huntly, Coliban, Campaspe, Goulburn Lead System, Ovens Valley System, Mitta Mitts, Kiewa Valley, Tarago, Tanjil, Moondarra, Bogong, Dargo High Plains, glossarymining, deep leads, mines department, squire, leigh consols, chiltern, duke of cornwall mine, dyke's freehold, frenchman's lead, garibaldi shaft, glenfine, guidlford, hepburn estate co., hepburn home paddock, italian gully, henderson's lead, langi logan, sebastopol plateau, talbot, woady yalloak, tunnelling, deep sinking, chiltern method of working, ballarat method of working, sampling washdirt. gravels, balmoral, mt william, stawell, moyston, great western, ararat, raglan, wimmera valley, landsborough, cardigan, haddon, beaufort, waterloo, avoca, lamplough, caralulup, ballarat west, ballarat, smythesdale, illabarook, durham lead, morrison's lead, bullengarook, berry-moolort-loddon system, clunes, creswick, spring hill, bullarook, castlemaine - daylesford, majorca, carisbrook, timor, burnt creek tributary, tarnagulla, marong, rheola, inglewood, huntly, coliban, campaspe, goulburn lead system, ovens valley system, mitta mitta, kiewa valley, tarago, tanjil, moondarra, bogong, dargo high plains

Bound volume of the Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine for 1907-1909. Articles include the location and pegging of a tramway Route, the transmission of Power by Rope Driving by A.E.C. Kerr, A visit to the Briseis Mine, and New Brothers' Home, Mining Engineers in Tasmania, Obituaries for David Ham and Matthew Lyndsay, Pioneer Mining at Leichhardt, Automatic Ore Feeders and Chacedony Park by J.H. Adams. Images include the Ballarat School of Mines Football Team and the Ballarat School of Mines Sports Committee. 1907 * Hubert Krause 1908 * The location and Pegging of a Tramway Route by Yamba * The Unity of things by John Brittain * The transmission of power by Rope Driving, by A.E.C. Kerr * A visit to the Briseis Mine, and New Brothers' Home (includes photographs) * Mining Engineers in Tasmania * Limericks Sluiced at Snake Valley * David Ham Obituary * Matthew Lyndsay Obituary * Some Bunsen Memories by Professor Alfred Mica Smith * Geological Camp to Daylesford * Practical Mathematics by Hubert F. Hall * Pioneer Mining - Leickhardt * Automatic Ore Feeders * A Unique Ore Deposit (Lucknow Goldfield, NSW) * A country Ramble * The Alkaline Titration for Zinc * Chalcedony Park, Arizona, United States of America by J.H. Adams * Notetaking at Lectures * Smelter Cost-Keeping by Oliver E. Jaeger * Benefits of Physical Culture * Mineral Tasmania and its Wonderful Resources by F.F. Bradford * A holiday Trip to Queensland * The Compression of Air as Applied to Mining * Machine V Hand Drilling * The mining in the Malay States * William Thomas Grownow Obituary (includes image) * Timbering Stopes (Includes images) * Trip to Melbourne * Two Problems of Alluvial Mining by Richard Hain * The Berry Leads (includes plan of mines) * Black Pudding Supper * Observations for Meridian * NOtes on Coking Plants (includes plan) * How Old is the Earth * Conglomerations * A Pat Formula * The making of a Suitable Muffle for General Assay Work * Reduction of Gold Chloride by Charcoal * Chemical Definitions * Old Boys (R.J. Allen, W.B. Blyth, F. Brinsden, Lindsay D. Cameron, George W. Cornwell, John M. Currie, C.M. Harris, T. Wighton-Hood, W. Lakeland, W.S. Macartney, Fred A. Marriott, Karl B. Moore, G.E. Sander, Sherb. H. Sheppard, Norman S. Stuckby, John Sutherland, Lewis A. Westcott, Walter White, O.C. Witherden, Gerald Young) 1909 * The Graduates Problem * An Interesting Nevada Cyanide Plant (Bamberger De Lamar Gold Mines) * Easter Geological Camp to Ingliston * New Methods for the Volumetric Estimation of Lead * William Charles Kernott Obituary * Mount Morgan Mine by G.W. Williams * Tin Dredging at Tingha, New South Wales * Notes on the Iodide estimation of Copper * Photograph of the Ballarat School of Mines Students' Association Committee * The Importance of Mine Ventilation to the Students by F. Howells * Life in Mining Camp * Wise Words to Mining School Students * Military Search Lights * Gleaning s on resistance * Ministerial Visit to the Ballarat School of Mines by the Hon. A.A. Billson, Minister of Education , accompanied by Frank Tate, Director of Education. * Picture Making in Photography Composition * Mountains of Fire * A Walking Engine - New Military Machine - Guns into Action - Caterpillar No. 1. (Tank) * Fireless Locomotives * Elmore Concentrating Process (includes plan of Elmore Concentrator) * Mount Pani Limited * Surveying for Irrigation * Weights and Measures * Carbon Monoxide * Joseph Francis Usher obituary * The Problem of the Metalliferous Veins * Ballarat School of Mines Ambulance Class * Treatment of Gold in a battery Without the Use of Copper Plates by E.C. Hurdsfield * Meteorites * Werribee Gorge * Dredging in the Ovens Valley * Electrical Chatter - Electrocution by an Imaginary Eye-Witness * The Electric Furnace in Iron Metallurgy ballarat school of mines, ballarat school of mines football team, football, sports, tramway, mining engineers, david ham, matthew lyndsay, jack adams, berry lead, hepburn consuls, madame berry, west ristori, ristori no 1, allendale, dyke's co, charleson's mill, australian extended, mining, r.j. allen,, w.b. blyth, f. brinsden, lindsay d. cameron, george w. cornwell, john m. currie, c.m. harris, t. wighton-hood, w. lakeland, w.s. macartney, fred a. marriott, karl b. moore, g.e. sander, sherb. h. sheppard, norman s. stuckby, john sutherland, lewis a. westcott, walter white, o.c. witherden, gerald young, ballarat school of mines students' association, hubert krause, krause, vfl, afl

Born in 1911, Cecil Alan Sonsee lived at Springmount near Creswick, and taught natural history at the Ballarat Teachers' College for 30 years. His teaching career stretched over a 48 year period. He spent six years as a student teacher before reaching the position of first class teacher. He had the distinction of never attending a teachers' college, but spending half his teaching career training students to become teachers. At the time of his retirement Mr Sonsee said during his years at the college, "the training had changed from a one year course to a two year course, followed by a three year course, and now a four year course was offered." He recalled "in the early days all country schools had eight grades and a child finished with a merit certificate. Today [1976], children went to high schools from sixth grade and most of the country schools had disappeared.' Alan Sonsee spent 10 years on a television program on BTV6 answering questions sent by viewers regarding aspects of plant and animal live. Mr Sonsee was a life member of both Creswick and Ballarat Field naturalists Clubs. Alan Sonsee died in 1985.1) Foolscap Department of Victoria Ballarat newsletter titled Education 'Regional Views'. The newsletter depicts an image of Alan Sonsee and outlines his career at the time of his retirement on 20 July 1976. The author of the newsletter is unknown. .2) newspaper article on the retirement of Alan Sonsee dated 25 August 1976 (probably from the Ballarat Courier).1) Mr "Nature Man" Retires After a quiet celebration, Mr C.A. Sonsee, a well-known staff member at Ballarat State College, retired from the Victorian Education Department on 20th July, 1976. Alan was the longest serving primary teacher seconded to the State College (Formerly the Ballarat teachers' College), probably the best known and certainly one of the most highly respected educationalists in this region. Leaving Ballarat high School in 1927, he spent the following years teaching at Smeaton, Willowvale, Lawrence (originally called Jerusalem) and Kooroocheang primary schools. However, during the last twenty-nine years, his fame and his influence spread further and further afield. From 1947 to 1976, under a number of principals, Alan endeared himself to thousands of students undergoing their tertiary preparation for teaching. And thousands is the word! Hundreds and hundreds of practising teachers of all ages came to this great teacher again and again for assistance in understanding natural phenomena, a broad field in which he is an acknowledged expert. What undoubtedly made him so accessible to the young and the no-so-young alike was his ready willingness to share with them is rich experience. The warmth of his nature, his kindliness, his dry humour enriched and enlivened the gifts he lavished liberally on all who needed help. Nor did he spare himself in the process. During his ling period of service to teachers, students and some two generations or so of school children, Field Naturalists also, within and well beyond Ballarat, profited from his participation and guidance. A car trip from Ballarat to Lancefield was made unforgettable by Alan's running and lively commentary; the time spent with him viewing and fossicking in an aboriginal flint area is still vivid, thouhg many moons have waxed and waned since then. And who can ever forget his palcid, home;y handling of "Mr nature Man" programmes on BTV 6 for over ten years? his name became a hose-hold word over an existence viewing area in Western Victoria - as his mail bag showed. Mr T. Turner was closely associated with C.A.S. for some twenty-three years as colleague and college principal. Recently tome said, "Alan was highly esteemed by staff and students, When I saw him lecturing I would be struck by the depth and breadth of his knowledge, and by the smooth, almost deceptively simple way he shared what he knew with others. I remember, too, his consideration for the views and the feelings of others; for the tolerance and range of his understanding of human nature. But, above all else, I remember him as a friend." All who know him in any way at all will want to say, "Thanks you, Alan, for everything you did for us. Thank you, Alan for what you are."alan sonsee, ballarat teachers' college, ballarat state college, education, teaching, ballarat field naturalists, creswick field naturalists, aborigines, lancefield flint, smeaton primary school, willowvale primary school, lawrence primary school, jerusalum primary school, kooroocheang primary school, nature studies, mr nature man

The Ballarat Gaol operated between 1862 and 1965. The complex was based on a central hall from which radiated wings of cells. This meant one guard could stand in the centre of the hall and see all the cells. Most of the gaol was demolished to allow the School of MInes Ballarat to expand. The remaining structures at the site include the main gate, the Warden's Residence, shown in the photo, and the Governor's Residence. These buildings are now used by Federation University. The Warden's Residence is home to the Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sports and its Prevention.Colour photograph of the main gate of the former Ballarat Gaol and the Warden's Quarters. The gate features a beautifully executed arch keystone of basalt and appears to be cut from one single block of stone. The two storey Warden's Quarters are to the right of the gates.ballarat gaol, lydiard street south, ballarat school of mines, cells, guard, warden's residence, governor's residence, federation university

Alexander Wright was born on 25 August, 1898 in Smeaton He was the brother of musician Frank Wright. Alex Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson) "AUSTRALIAN CARUSO Smeaton Boy's Fame Andre Navarre, who left Australia about three years ago to study opera in Europe, bids fair to take a place among the world's great tenors. A few months ago Navarre sang for Melba for the first time, and she immediately acclaimed him to be a finished artist, describing his voice as the nearest approach to the immortal Caruso she had ever heard, writes the Ballarat "Courier." Andre Navarre is, however, only a stage name adopted by Alexander Wright, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William. Wright, of Armstrong street North, Ballarat, and brother of Mr. Frank Wright and Mrs. William Ritchie, of that city. Born at smeaton 31 years ago, in what may be termed a musical atmosphere; Alex. Wright showed a definite desire to sing at a very early age, and in his boyhood figured as soloist at school concerts, etc. His youth was spent around Smeaton, working at home and at various farms in the district until he was about 19 years of age, when he secured a position at the Dunlop rubber works, Melbourne. Up to this period Wright had no vocal training whatever, but being the possessor of a good resonant baritone voice, was persuaded by some of his friends to "have a go at the stage.'' Securing a position in the chorus of "Maid of the Mountains," which was at that time showing at the Theatre Royal, he soon made his voice heard to advantage, and also commenced to take lessons from Signor Robottaro. It was about this time that Wright was invited by a fellow musician to a musical evening at which a member of Rigo's grand opera company, then performing at " The Playhouse," was also present. Hearing Wright sing, the musician immediately said : ' You're a fool to waste your time in a chorus with that voice. Rigo is looking for a singer like you for the role of 'Figaro' in 'Barber of Seville'." Alex, however, did not take the remark seriously, and it was only after the numerous persuasions of friends who obviously knew the real value of his voice that the modest young man was eventually induced to meet Rigo. The Italian maestro was so delighted with the voice that without hesitation he was given the principle role of "The Barber" to study. Many singers having previously been tried and rejected for the part, Wright was astonished at his success in being chosen, and awakened suddenly to the fact by the maestro that a world voice, if properly trained, would surely develop in the young artist, Alex at once settled down to study, and all day long in his boarding house at St. Kilda could be heard rehearsing his new role. In less than a month he had completely mastered the part, and on the opening night, in the exacting role of "The Barber," he was an outstanding success. Later, he toured Australia with many leading artists, including Elsa Stralia and Harry Lauder, and spent his last two years in Sydney, where he was engaged as soloist in the biggest picture house. Realising that a training in Italy and on the Continent was essential for a successful operatic singer, the young artist decided to go overseas to continue his studies. He did not leave Australia, however, before he gratuitously gave a concert in his little home town to the obvious delight of all his old friends, who flocked from all parts of the district to hear him. The hall was packed to overflowing , and so pleased was Alex with the tumultuous reception he received that he sang fewer than 20 songs. Once in Italy, he lost no time in placing himself under the tuition of Cottone, and it was at the studio of this maestro that he met Toti dal Monte, a former protege of the same master. Two years were spent in Italy, when "Navarre" learned to speak the Italian language fluently, and acquired a wide knowledge of the operas. He sang in Milan about a year ago, and was paid some glowing tributes by the Italian Press critics, who likened his voice to that of Caruso. From Italy he went to Paris, where he met John Brownlee and many other famous singers. The critics on the Continent are unanimous that Andre Navarre-the unassuming Smeaton boy, whom his schoolmates still affectionately call "Hock"--is destined to become one of the luminaries in music history. It is interesting to recall some facts concerning the remarkable family from which this artist springs. Four other members have won championship honors in the musical world. Mr. Frank Wright has the Australasian cornet championship to his credit ; Mr. Norman Wright, of Sydney, has won a tenor championship of New Zealand, and has recorded for the Columbia Gramophone Company ; Mrs. Wm. Ritchie ( formerly Miss Laura Wright) won the A.N.A. contralto championship in Melbourne; whilst the oldest member, Lydia (Mrs. C. Cane, now in N.Z.) won the violin championship at South Street when 17 years of age. Last year Mrs. and Mr. Wright celebrated their golden wedding. Both of the old folk are intensely musical, and it has been said that the voice of the mother, although entirely untrained, showed in her earlier days glimpses of the beautiful quality which made Melba famous. Andre Navarre does not propose leaving the Continent for some time. Recently he was offered a 12 months' contract to sing in London for £2500 but on the advice of Melba and his coach, it was refused on the grounds that yet another 12 months' French study was necessary to ensure absolute perfection. That "Alex " has lost none of his school-boy wit is evinced by his own jocular remark that he has "a top C sharp that will crack every window in the Sydney Town Hall!" (Horsham Times, 20 February 1931) "AUSTRALIAN KILLED An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940) Black and white image of Smeaton born Alexander Wright whose professional name was Navarre "Prince of Mimics". alexander wright, alec wright, navarre