Son of Abraham Rooks, (17/8/1824-1/9/1889) who emigrated from England, 1857 on board the 'Grand Trianon' with wife Sarah, and three children (John, Edward and Edmund). Charles, son of Abraham was elected to Council, 1940. Representing West Central Ward when he died, 1959. Mayor, City of Nunawading 1946-47 and 1955-56.Sepia photograph taken in mayoral robes with hand resting on ornamental chair. Birth registration as Charles Frederick Rooks afterwards known as Charles Francis Rooks.rooks, charles francis

Coloured photograph of a brick building with a blue canopy, cars parked in front and a council sign. The building is located at 15 Central Road Blackburn.blackburn childrens services centre, childrens services

Four Glasses in Two boxesRotary Club of Brimbank Central

The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for elderly people. It manages a 27 Home retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove Ballarat. Accommodation is offered at significantly below market rates. It has been providing low cost accommodation to the elderly since the 1920s. The Association Council overseas the running of this facility on a voluntary basis. OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION OF BALLARAT. (FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) BALLARAT, WEDNESDAY. This association, which was founded in August, 1883, and at first known as the Old Identities' Association, now has a roll of 450 members. The objects of the association are "to aid and assist indigent or suffering old colonists ; to raise a fund, by the voluntary subscriptions of the members and the aid of outside donations, for the purpose of relieving members in sickness and old age; for assisting those in extreme distress, to provide the shelter of a home for old and indigent pioneers of the gold fields, their widows, or anyone connected with the association, and in the event of the death of any member to have his remains decently buried, the association defraying the expenses of the funeral (providing that no funds or property are left by the deceased), and to attend the funeral if so desired by the relatives." The qualifications for member ship are good character and repute, and residence in the colonies for a quarter of a century. For some time the association had no property except the regular subscriptions, but about a year ago they obtained from the Minister of Lands the grant of a very valuable block of land in Lydiard-street, the Crown grant of which they received last week. This block has a frontage of 66ft to Lydiard street, worth at least £100 a foot. The ground was given to the association as a site for them to build a hall upon, and with so valuable an asset they had no difficulty in borrowing at 7 per cent, enough money to construct a hall. For revenue purposes the ground floor of the building has been made into four shops, and the rental from these, judging from the rentals of shops in the vicinity, will not only pay all the interest on the borrowed money, but over £200 a year towards clearing off the principal. The officers of the association are Messrs J. P. Murray, President; J. W. Graham and T. Stoddart, vice presidents; D. Fern, treasurer; and J. Fraser, secretary. The Old Colonists' Hall is an elegant looking building in Lydiard-street, lying between the newly-opened mining exchange and the Commercial Club house, and a few doors north of the Post Office. The style of the facade is classic. The lower portion of the front is constructed of Waurn Ponds stone, forming piers, and the upper portion of brick and cement, the background being tuckpointed. The centre bay is carried by two three quarter columns with Ionic cups, which support a pediment on which is set a cast of the Ballarat coat of arms. The four other bays are supported by pilasters with Corinthian caps mid partly fluted. The entrance is through a spacious circular headed doorway, the keystone of the arch of which bears a sculptured head, in marble, representing that of the president of the Old Colonists' Association here, Mr. John P. Murray. An ample vestibule leads to a wide stone staircase which ends at a spacious landing. The landing has a dome over the centre, with cornice and enrichments, and is lighted from above. The walls round the landing are panelled with marble slabs, which are to be appropriately inscribed in the future. On the first door are the rooms appropriated to the association. The principal of these is a hall 44ft x 33ft and 17ft high. This room is well ventilated and lighted from the back of the building with large windows, and the walls are finished with Keene's cement. The other rooms are committee room, 14ft x 16ft; secretary's, 14ft x 17ft, 6in; kitchen, bedrooms, bathroom, &c. The front portion of the first floor is arranged so that it may be let for offices, or utilised for club purposes. Suitable provision has been made throughout for lighting, ventilation, and means of egress. The architect for the edifice is Mr A. G. Legge, of this city, and the contractors are Messrs. Whitelaw and Atkinson, Irving and Glover, Reynolds, and J. Donaldson. The total cost of the building when completed, which will be in a few weeks, will be about £4,000. (The Argus, 10 May 1888)ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, old colonists' association

Information relating to Charles Anderson and Charles Anderson Grove, Lake Gardens, Ballarat. The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for elderly people. It manages a 27 Home retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat. Accommodation is offered at significantly below market rates. It has been providing low cost accommodation to the elderly since the 1920s. The Association Council overseas the running of this facility on a voluntary basis. HISTORY OF THE BALLARAT OLD COLONISTS' ASSOCIATION HOMES AT CHARLES ANDERSON GROVE, LAKE GARDENS One of the original objectives of the Association was “to provide the shelter of a house for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years.” While the first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925 the Association had previously provided relief for needy pioneers from the time it was formed in 1883. Relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas boxes of groceries to deserving pensioners and in some cases payment of burial costs. Records indicate that in September 1922 three of the pensioners being assisted by the Association were accepted as residents in the newly erected Hassell Homes in Gillies Street (now demolished-opposite the High School). The first site for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Old Colonists' Association was temporarily reserved from sale in October 1891. The site was approximately 28 acres in area in Mt Clear nearly opposite Midvale Shopping Centre in Main Road. The site was heavily timbered and when cleared over 260 tons of wood was sold to the Woah Hawp Gold Mining Company. A set of gates were erected but no homes built, although a plan for this reserve was drawn which showed twenty buildings ranging from one to four unit per building. The reserve was revoked in November 1909. The second site temporarily reserved in November 1909 as an Asylum was in Alfredton and consisted of some 7 acres and was adjacent to land reserved for an Abattoirs for the Ballarat Council. The reserve was revoked in February 1912 as it was deemed more appropriate to be added to the Abattoir site. Council suggested four (4) other sites in exchange for this land and they were inspected by the President, Vice President and Secretary on 22 December 1912. The first site inspected was land on the west side of Creswick Road opposite the brick kilns (now occupied by the showgrounds and oval). The land was described as being good quality, well fenced, no trees, good drainage and ample acreage but some distance from trams. The second site was Perry Park which was described as being good land, well fenced, having frontage to Gillies Street, good drainage and about 26 acres (but subsequently reduced to 10 acres). It was closely planted with Pinus Insignias and Wattle and had easy access from the Botanic Gardens tram. The third site was the North West portion of Victoria Park (corner of Sturt and Gillies Street) and was described as good land, well fenced and drained and well located. The fourth site was the South West corner of Victoria Park and known as Pound Paddock (corner of Winter Street and Gillies Street). It was considered to be low lying and too close to the Abattoir, and was also a considerable distance from trams. While the third site was recommended as the most suitable for the erection of homes it was considered unwise from the point of view as citizens to reduce the acreage of the park and therefore it was recommended that the Perry Park site be asked for as the most acceptable to the Association for the building of homes. The site was eventually temporarily reserved for an Asylum for Indigent Members of the Association in April 1914 with the gates from Mt Clear having been removed to the site a year earlier and eventually erected in 1917 for £12.10.0. In the same year the first 290 pine trees were advertised for removal in July and sold for £16. A sign indicating that the site was reserved for the erection of cottages was erected in September 1917. Stripping of the wattle bark (for tanning) and the cutting of the wood occurred in November 1918 with the land then being leased until it was required for the construction of the first homes in 1924. While the site was the third to be reserved it was the only one which was used for its intended purpose. It was named as Charles Anderson Grove in honour of Charles Anderson who joined the Association in 1918 and was President of the Association from 1942 to 1944. CHARLES HENRY GRATTAN ANDERSON C.H.G. Anderson (Electoral Returning Officer) was elected to membership of the Old Colonists' Association, Ballarat, in October 1918. He was elected to the Association Committee in 1926, and appointed Treasurer of the Association on the resignation of F. Ellis until the end of the financial year in 1933. In 1936 Charles Anderson indicated he would not be available for the President's Chair and that he would retire from the Committee owing to pressure of work. C.H.G. Anderson was welcomed as a new member of the Association in 1938, and served as President of the Old Colonists' Association from 1942-1944. Midway through 1949 Charles Anderson was appointed Members Secretary and Manager of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Club at £5.0.0 per week and 10/- for entertainment, to commence work prior to 01 August 1949. He was to do 30 hours per week and be present on Friday and generally on Saturday nights. In 1957 a minute of sympathy was extended to Club Manager Charles Anderson on the loss of his son. In 1958 a bonus of £20.0.0 was paid to Charles Anderson in recognition of his service in assisting the Secretary/Manager taking over under difficult conditions. In March 1964 the Shire of Ballarat would not permit a private road to be named Anderson Grove as Anderson Street already existed in Ballarat but Charles Anderson Grove was deemed acceptable. A recommendation of the Committee was put to the AGM in 1967 that Charles Anderson be made a Life Member. In 1969 an Association meeting observed a minutes silence in memory of Chas Anderson. Charles Anderson was also a Committee member of Ballarat Mechanics' Institute from February 1940 to February 1970. He was President in 1948. Black and white photographic portrait of Charles Anderson.charles anderson, charles anderson grove, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat mechanics' institute, hassell homes, woah hawp gold mining company, firewood, retirement village

This miner's right is held by the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. The original was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Blue Miner's Right issued at Ballarat in the Colony of Victoria.colony of victoria, miner's right, goldrush, ballarat, 1856

This miner's right was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Digital copy of an original store and business licence. Rainer's store was at Eureka and the 3 month license cost 15 pounds in September 1854.rainer, johnston, j.s. rainer, eureka, old colonists' association, store license

This miner's right is a copy from an original held by the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. The original was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Digital image of an original gold license made out to William Fittall Junior.14 Victoria Gold License No 144 1 June 1852 The Bearer William Fittall Jr having paid to me the sum of One Pound, Ten Shillings, on account of the territorial revenue, I hereby License him to dig, search for, and removed Gold on and from any such Crown lands within the Upper Loddon District as I shall assign to him for that purpose during the Month of June 1852 not within half-a-mile of any Head Station. This License is not transferrable, and to be produce whenever demanded by me or any other person acting under the authority of the government, and to be returned when another License is issued. [Undecipherable signature] Commissionerwilliam fittall, upper loddon, mining, old colonists' association, fittall, eureka

This miner's right was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat Inc. had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Victorian Gold License made out to John Chisholm.Ballarat Victoria Gold License No. 139 March 1853 The Bearer J. Chisholm having paid to me the Sum of One Pound Ten Shillings, on account of the territorial revenue, I hereby License him to dig, search for, and remove Gold on and from any such Crown lands within the Dist of Ballarat as I shall assign to him for that purpose during the month of march 1853 not within half-a-mile of any Head Station, This License is not transferable, and to be produced whenever demanded by me or any other person acting under the authority of the Government, and to be returned when another License is issued. Chas Wale Sherard Commissioner. Regulations to be observed by the persons digging for Gold or otherwise employed at the Gold fields. 1. Every licensed person must always have his License with him ready to be produced whenever demanded by a Commissioner, or Person acting under instructions, otherwise he is liable to be proceeded against as an unlicensed person. 2. Every person digging to Gold, or occupying Land, without a License is liable by law to be fined, for a first offence, not exceeding five pounds; for a second offence not exceeding 15 pounds; and for subsequent offence, not exceeding 30 pounds. 3. Digging for Gold is not allowed within ten feet of the edge of any Public Road, nor are the roads to be undermined. 4. Tents or Buildings are not to be erected within twenty feet of each other, or within 20 feet of any Creek 5. It is enjoined that all persons on the Gold Fields maintain a due and proper observance of Sundays. Handwritten in top left corner 'Presented by D.M.D. Main. 12 Dundas St. Dunedin N.Z. 30.8.21chisholm, sherard, charles sherard, john chisholm, mining, main, d.m.d. main

This miner's right was glued onto a page in a large album of photographic images of early Ballarat. Recognising their significance the Council of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat Inc had them removed and restored. The originals are now framed and on display in the Old Colonists’ Hall.Gold License made out to William Fittall Junior.gold license, william fittall junior, sherard, charles sherard, charles wale sherard, mining, fittall, eureka

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

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

Richard Bell was born in Dumfermline, Scotland in 1850, arriving in Victoria with his family as a child. He worked at the grocery store of W.L. Wilson, Skipton Street, Sebastopol for six years before opening his own grocery business on the corner of Drummond and South Streets, Ballarat. The business was successful and he retired 15 years later. He was elected to the Ballarat City Council in 1891, and in 1892 he started an auctioneering and sharebroking business in partnership with Mr Lambert. Organisations such as the Ballarat Woollen Company and the Ballarat Tramway Board benefited from Richard Bell's association with them, and he was the Director of many mining companies. He was a member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat, the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute and the Commercial Club. Richard Bell was interest in erecting statues in Sturt Street to the memory of the poets Burns and Moore, and served on the relevant committee to that end. He was a long term truster of the Miners' Association, and took a very active part in the South Street Debating Society. In April 1874 Richard Bell married Jessie Scott, and the couple had two sons and seven daughters. Portrait of Alexander Bell, member of the Old Colonists Association of Ballarat. old colonists' association of ballarat, old colonists' club, jessie scott, richard bell

This photograph was taken on the occasion of choosing a builder for the new units at Charles Anderson Grove, BallaratColour photographs of Council Members of the Old Colonists' Association Inc., after agreeing on the builder for the new Charles Anderson Grove Units. charles anderson grove, contract, ballarat old colonists' association

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

Colour photorgraph of the entrance Doors to the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall"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

Photograph of a marble memorial to Lieutenant Colonel William Collard Smith M.L.A..In Memoriam Lt.Col. Willia Collard Smith M.L.A. Ballaarat West Member of the Municipal Council of Ballaarat from 1856 until 1892 Chairman 1860-1. Mayor 1874 and 1887 Obiit 20th October 1894william collard smith, ballarat, council, mayor, volunteer regiment

Thomas Dickinson had a slaughter yard in Sebstopol. He served on the Sebastopol Council from its inception until the time of his death in 1906.Four photographs of Bob Bennett, Great Grandson of Old Colonists' Association member Thomas Dinkinson. In the photograph Bob Bennett points to his grandfather's name on the marble donors board.ballarat old colonists' club, thomas dickinson, bob bennett

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

Vince Braybrook was a member of the Old Colonists' Association Council and was actively involved with the building of 15 new cottages at Charles Anderson Grove. Colour phootgraphs of the ribbon cutting to name a new cottage at the Charles Anderson Grove retirement Village the Braybrook Cottage. Left to Right: Vince Braybrook, Glynis Braybrook, Jamie Sleep (OCA President), Jo Barber (OCA Vice President).charles anderson grove, retirement village, vince braybrook, jamie sleep, jo barber, old colonists' association of ballarat inc

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

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

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