The Old Identities' Association was a forerunner of the Old Colonists' Association Ballarat. John Brooksbank was a very early arrival to Ballarat in September 1851, which was not long after the discovery of gold at Ballarat. J. Brooksbank lost a dog in 1857 "LOST from the Half Way House, Smythe's Creek Road, a black bloodhound and kangaroo dog. Anyone detaining him after this date will be prosecuted. J. BROOKSBANK" (Ballarat Star, 30 December 1857) Another very early identity in Ballarat, James Oddie, advertised the sale of J. Brooksbank's hotel in 1860: "JAMES ODDIE & CO. have received instructions from the Mortgagees, to sell I by auction at their rooms, Dana street, on Thursday, 20th September, at twelve o'clock, All that desirable properly known as the , Halfway House Hotel, Together with all that piece or parcel of ' land situate in the parish of Cardigan and county of Grenville, containing 34 acres 1 rood 26 ½ perches, part of allotment 1, section 6, of said parish, situated on the Ballarat and Smythesdale road, and recently occupied by Mr J. Brooksbank. The property consists of a spacious stone building one story high, strong and substantially built, the internal fittings and arrangements are neat and complete. The house possesses all requisite accommodation for a respectable country hotel. In addition are stockyards, stables &c, all well and securely fenced. Terms at Sale. (Ballarat Star, 20 September 1860) Four years later Brookbank was selling his hotel in Lyons Street Ballarat: "RARE OPPORTUNITY.-FOR SALE the BLACK BULL HOTEL, Lyons street. The proprietor of the above hotel being about entering into another line of business, begs to call the attention of parties looking for a safe and profitable investment, the above having undergone thorough repairs, and is now in good working order and doing a fair share of business. The conditions will, be half cash, balance six, nine, and twelve months. Apply, J. Brooksbank, proprietor, on the premises. (Ballarat Star, 22 October 1864)Photographic portrait of John Brooksbank from a photographic montage held by the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association.john brooksbank, ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association

Framed photograph of the Old Colonists' Association Council. Ed Drury (President) Dr D. Morton Back row left to right: L.McBain, A.J. Symons, J.E. Crocker. R. Buchanan, J. Peebles Front row left to right: C.H. Clamp. Dr S.A. Wilson, E.J. Drury, J.C. Curwen-Walker, W. Titheridged. morton, l.mcbain, a.j. symons, j.e. crocker, r. buchanan, j. peebles, c.h. clamp, dr s.a. wilson, e.j. drury, j.c. curwen-walker, w. titheridge

Charles Anderson Grove is the retirement village of the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat.Photographs of a memorial seat to Harold Beresford Irwin in the grounds of Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat. Harold Beresford Irwin was born in Ballarat in 1882, and died here in 1862l He loved the flora of this country, and he concerned himself for many years with these gardens, and with the welfare of the Old Colonists. The park about these cottages is names to commemorate him.charles anderson grove, old colonists' association, ballarat, harold beresford irwin, memorial seat

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

This portrait was presented by the members on 22 September 1904.Portrait of John Murray, President of the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat, wearing the Old Colonists's Association Collar.john murray, old colonists' association ballarat, stanton bowman, t. stanton bowman, john paul murray

Colour photograph of Mary Batten."Mary Batten President Old Colonists' Club 2002-2003 Presented by the Council to the Old Colonists' Club at the Association's Annual General Meeting 20th November 2003 as a token of respect & in recognition of Mary's contribution as the first lady President of the Old Colonists' Club"old colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, mary batten, club president

Photographic portrait of Andrew Michelson, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat.andrew michelson, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

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

Framed certificate awarding the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Award for Outstanding Community Contribution to Heritage. The award recognised development of a conservation management plan for the Old Colonists' Hall in Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.ballarat heritage award, old colonists' association of ballarat inc, award, national trust of victoria ballarat branch, old colonists' hall

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

This book was written and illustrated in Gallipolli by the Men of Anzac for teh benefit of Patriotic Funds connected with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp.Leather covered book that was part of the reading room collection of the Old Colonists' Club, Ballarat.anzac, army, old colonists' club reading room, old colonists' club, w.r. birdwood, a.r. perry, a.l. pemberton, james sprent, hecor dinning, am park, n. ash, v.n. hopkins, e. cadogan, a. carruthers, f.c. dunstan, e.m. smith, george h. smith, kinismonth, w.r. wishart, w. otho hewett, david barker, c. leyshon-white, ted colles, r.t. goulding, f.j. leigh, charles bean, galipolli

Image of Thomas Stoddart, member of the Old Colonists' Associtation.old colonists' association ballarat, thomas stoddart

Image of John Cowley, member of the Old Colonists' Associtation.old colonists' association ballarat, john e. cowley, phoenix foundry

Black and white photograph of the George Hotel in Lydiard Street, taken from the balcony of the Old Colonists' Hall.george hotel, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' hall, balcony

Mr. J. T. Farr died in September 1092,Portrait of J.T Farr, foundation member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. old colonists' association, ballarat, j.t. farr, medal

Photographic portrait of Thomas Tuke Hollway, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. He was also president of the Wendouree Rowing Club.thomas tuke hollway, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Harold HERBERT (1891–1945) A well known watercolour painter who was principal of the Ballarat Technical Art School.A framed etching showing a farmer with a plough which is being pulled by a team of horses.Lower right corner - Harold Herbert for the Old Colonists' Club 1931harold herbert, old colonists' club ballarat, agriculture, farming, horses, animals, plough

Harold HERBERT (1891–1945) A well known watercolour painter who was principal of the Ballarat Technical Art School. It is also known as Lime Kiln Cottage. A framed etching showing cottage in Cornwall. A proof was exhibited in London at the Fine Art Society in 1923.Lower right corner - Harold Herbert for the Old Colonists' Club 1931harold herbert, old colonists' club ballarat, agriculture, farming, horses, animals, plough, lime kiln cottage

Harold HERBERT (1891–1945) A well known watercolour painter who was principal of the Ballarat Technical Art School. It is also known as Lime Kiln Cottage. A framed watercolour by Harold B. Herbert.Lower right corner - Harold Herbert for the Old Colonists' Club 1931harold herbert, old colonists' club ballarat, agriculture, farm

Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Home cottages at Charles Anderson Grove.charles anderson grove, old colonists' association, gillies street, cottages, retirement village

Photographic portrait of Dr Zichy Woinarski, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. In 1882 he married Miss Dundas-Robertson of Mortlake.zichy woinarski, old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club

Framed photograph of Mrs M.K. Kelly wearing the rosette of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association.old colonists' association ballarat, m.k. kelly, rosette

Collins Booksellers Ballarat in the lower section of the Old Colonists' Hall in Lydiard Street North,collins booksellers, old colonists' hall, lydiard street north

Six photographic portraits presented in a framed mount. The portraits are J.T. Farr; H. Hannington; W.H. Butler; James William Graham; F.W. Osbourne; A. Croft; J. Brooksbank.'Presented by foundation members and first President to the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat as a souvenir of the origin of our noble institution. Founded August 1883.'ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, old colonists' club, ballarat, richards and co., j.t. farr, w.h. butler, j.w. graham, f.w. osbourne, a. croft, james w. graham, founders, h. hannington, j. brooksbank

The Eureka Sunday Luncheon was presented by the Eureka Stockade Memorial Association. White invitation to the Raffaello Carboni dinner at the Old Colonists' Club. The guest speaker was Anthony Pagliaro.eureka stockade memorial association, ballarat old colonists' association, tony pagliaro, eureka stockade memorial trust, anne beggs sunter, paul williams

Colour photograph of the original window makers plaque on an Old Colonist shopfront in Lydiard Street Ballarat.old colonists' hall, shopfront, window, j.h. brown & sons

Members of the Old Colonists' Association Council attend an online meeting during the Covid-19 pandemicold colonists' association council, covid 19, corona virus, pandemic, zoom meeting, andrew robson, gerald jenzen, travis hurst, vincent braybrook, gillian canavan, clare gervasoni, jo barber, travis hirst, geoff beechey, steve carter

Rory Brooker removes the protective cover from an Alcock Billiard Table at the Old Colonists' Hall.billiards, old colonists' hall, alcock billiard table, rory brooker

Colour photograph of the Ballarat Mining Exchange and the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall in Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.ballarat mining exchange, ballarat old colonists' hall, ballarat street north