Contains several documents regarding the house at 25 Ontario Street, North Caulfield. Includes handwritten notes, undated, written by Shirley Sheaham tracing the family history of Edward and Elsie Gilder who owned the house between 1936 and 1969, and the memories of the author as a child living in the house. Also includes a black and white photograph and two financial documents, account information and receipt, regarding the house.ontario street, caulfield north, gilder edward, gilder elsie elizabeth, sheaham shirley, barlow elsie elizabeth, barlow george frederick stanley, elizabeth ada, historic buildings, barlow george, gordon street, glenhuntly road, elsternwick, world war 1914-1918, adams and barlow, elizabeth street, glen eira road, james mrs., ripponlea, fourth victoria permanent building society, real estate agents, d. turner and co., moses david, lancaster ada, gilder shirley

Brown leather case with blue velvet lining containing a screw top glass bottle, twelve communion glasses, two corks with silver crosses on the top and a slot for two pocket size books, and a large linen communion cloth. The case has two keys and a metal lock and handle on its front together with gold lettering. There is also a brown leather label with gold lettering inside the lid. There are two copies of "Order of administration of the Lord's supper and other services". Both books bear the stamp: ""Ontario Street Methodist Church West Caulfield"On front: "CHAPLAIN A.W.R. MILLIGAN" Inside: "THE GIFT OF THE METHODIST PADRE AUXILLARY OF VICTORIA"chaplain a.w.r. milligan, methodist padre auxiliary of victoria, ontario street methodist church west caulfield

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass. From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 128 of Photograph Album with four photographs (two portrait and two landscape) of Labassa.Handwritten: "Labassa" 4 Manor Grove [top right] / Neg 232 8 Oct 1966 [under bottom right photo] / 128 [bottom right]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, victorian, cast iron work, john koch, richard billing, architects, electrification, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 129 of Photograph Album with three landscape photographs of Labassa. One of the photographs is of Labassa's drive and gates.Handwritten: 4 JUNE 1910 / SALE JUNE 28 1910 "LA BASSA' / "AUSTRALASIAN" FORMERLY "ONTARIO"/ RES OF JOHN B WATSON / 15 ACRES 3 ROADS [under bottom left photo] / 4 JUNE 1910 [under bottom right photo] / 129 [bottom left]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, intricate lacework, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, gates, cast iron work, richard billing, architects, john koch, electrification, victorian style, drives, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture

Allen & Hanburys was founded in 1715 in Old Plough Court, Lombard Street, London, by Silvanus Bevan, a Welshman, apothecary, and a Quaker. Bevan and his brother, Timothy, who became his partner and later succeeded him, were known for their just dealings and the integrity and quality of their drugs. The company grew into a respected pharmaceutical center and had established a strong reputation with American doctors by the late 18th century. William Allen, FRS, also a Quaker, and well-known scientist, joined the firm in 1792 and rose quickly to become the dominant personality. His second wife was a member of the Hanbury family who had produced several learned scientists. On Allen's death, the Hanbury family assumed control of the company. The growth of the company was continuous, but it was in the second part of the 19th century that developments on a large scale took place. Factories were built at Ware, Hertfordshire, and Bethnal Green in East London. The factory at Ware specialised in infants' foods, dietetic products, medicated pastilles, malt preparations as well as galenical preparations, beginning production in 1892. The brands included Allenburys Nº1 and Nº2 foods (essentially milk foods for babies up to six months), and Allenburys Nº 3 (malted farinaceous food, six months and older). Allenburys Rusks was a suitable first solid food for infants. Allenburys claimed to be pioneers in Great Britain in the production of pastilles, and thus the Ware factory also produced Allenburys Glycerine and Black Currant Pastilles, amongst another 80 different kinds of medicated and crystallised pastilles. Allen and Hanburys were one of the first manufacturers of cod liver oil in Great Britain, and owned factories in the Lofoten Islands (Norway) as well as at Hull and Aberdeen taking cod directly from the North Sea. The Bethnal Green factory carried much of the administrative and scientific side of the business, which included research, analytical control, chemistry, pharmacy, and pharmacology. In this plant, galenical preparations, pills, tablets, capsules, and other classes of pharmaceutical and medical goods were prepared. The company had overseas branches in Lindsay, Ontario, Durban, India, Shanghai, Australia, and Buenos Aires, and agencies in many other countries. The company address was for many years at 37 Lombard Street, London EC. Allen and Hanburys Ltd were absorbed by Glaxo Laboratories in 1958 under the name Glaxo Smith Kline, the company, used the Allen and Hanburys name for the specialist respiratory division until it was phased out in 2013.An early baby feeding bottle was made by the Allen & Hanburys company between 1891 to around 1920. The item is significant as it was used to feed babies the new manufactured baby milk formula's made by Allen & Hanburys that were gaining in popularity towards the end of the Victorian era.Baby feeding bottle clear glass curved with flat bottom and measuring scale, teat opening at one end and filling hole without stopper at the other end.Allenburys Feeder AD 1715warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, baby feeding bottle, bottle, domestic object

Article "Pre-Confederation Houses in Norfolk County", Ontario, Vol 58, pp 224-235.In right hand corner, handwritten note "Compliments of CFJ Whebell (signature) to Dr Robin Boyd 21/10/67."walsh st library

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘67 in Montreal. The garden outside the pavilion featured a sculptural pool, a coral display, animal pool, a pit for kangaroos and Eucalypts and other native plants. The indoor exhibits covered aspects of Australian art and culture, architecture, industrial design and scientific innovation, such as the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, the Parkes radio telescope, the design of Canberra, and the Australian way of life.Colour slide in a mount. Ontario Pavilion, Montreal Expo '67, Canada. (Architects: Fairfield and Dubois.)Made in Australia / 31 / MAY 67M6expo 67, montreal, robin boyd, slide

Robin Boyd was appointed Exhibits Architect for the Australian Pavilion at Expo ‘67 in Montreal. The garden outside the pavilion featured a sculptural pool, a coral display, animal pool, a pit for kangaroos and Eucalypts and other native plants. The indoor exhibits covered aspects of Australian art and culture, architecture, industrial design and scientific innovation, such as the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, the Parkes radio telescope, the design of Canberra, and the Australian way of life.Colour slide in a mount. Ontario Pavilion, Montreal Expo '67, Canada. (Architects: Fairfield and Dubois.)Made in Australia / 32 / MAY 67M6expo 67, montreal, robin boyd, slide

Possibly had the badge added in recent times.Brass Bugle- with badge of the Canadian Ontario Regiment attached, QE2 Crown with multi coloured lanyard. No markings visible.

This stencil was used as a location stamp for the transportation of wool bales. Simcoe is an unincorporated community and former town in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Wool bales marked SIMCOE would have been transported to Simcoe by sea.Wool bale stencil - SIMCOESIMCOEwool sales, wool transportation, wool export

"Told to the Children Series", edited by Louey Chisholm. Mary MacGregor (1872 - 1961), b. Ontario Canada. Author of several novels and biographies. Books of Monica Smith (nee Turner) donated by her daughter, Joan Smith. Descendants of early Kilmore pioneering business families. the Morrissey and Hartnell families.Brown paper on board cover with colour plate pasted on front. Missing dust jacket. Slightly worn edges. Evidence of earlier hinge repair front & back. Slightly ragged appearance to page edges. Binding tight. Eight colour plates all present in good condition. Probable First Edition, undated, 1906.116 pp. Good condition.On front flyleaf, 'Monica Turner/1909'.children's literature

"Told to the Children Series", edited by Louey Chisholm. Mary MacGregor (1872 - 1961), b. Ontario, Canada. Author of several novels and biographies. Books of Monica Smith (nee Turner) donated by her daughter, Joan Smith. Descendents of early Kilmore pioneering business families, the Morrisseys and Hartnells.Greenish paper on board cover with colour plate pasted to front. Missing dust jacket.Wear to extremities, particularly spine. Small pink marks to lower front cover, ink stain right sied front cover.Evidence of previous hinge repair front and back. Slightly ragged appearance to page edges. Foxing to end papers. Binding tight. Seven colour plates all present and in good condition. Probable First Edition, 1908, undated. 115 pp. Good condition.Inside front cover, 'Monica Turner/7th August 1908children's literature, turner collection

A volume in the "Told to the Children Series", edited by Louey Chisholm. A retelling of Charles Kingsley's "The Heroes". Mary MacGregor (1872 - 1961), b. Ontario, Canada. Author of several novels and biographies. Books of Monica Smith (nee Turner) donated by her daughter, Joan Smith. Descendants of pioneering Kilmore families - the Morrisseys and Hartnells.Blue paper covered board cover with colour plate pasted to the front. Moderated wear to extremeties, pronounced fading around edges of back and front covers. Evidence of earlier hinge repair back and front. Slightly ragged appearance to page edges. Half title page very discoloured with torn piece at top right. Four colour plates all present and in good condition. Probable First Edition, 1908, undated.115 pp. Fair-good conditionFront flyleaf, '1908 Monica Turner/"Hendra"/Geelong', handwritten cursive. '1/3' top right corner, pencil.children's literature, turner collection

The 1920's brought many changes to social life in Australia after the austerity of the war years. This was reflected in many cultural activities including music and dance. In the latter years of the decade ,this was evident in the new dance craze of the "Yale Blues" and the "Heebie Jeebie". Young people were eager to learn the latest music and dance steps. Everything needed to support these new trends could be purchased from "Blake's Busy Bazaar and Music Shop in Dean Street, Albury. Peter Wesley Blake, born in Ontario, Canada in 1860, immigrated to Australia in 1881. He moved to Albury in 1896 after purchasing the news agency and stationery business of Messrs. TF Hughes & Co. Described as ‘enterprising’, his store named Blake’s Busy Book Bazaar, stocked “everything required in books, newspapers, stationery, leather and fancy goods, music, musical instruments etc”. Blake sold the store in 1912 to Arthur Hewish who retained the name of the store. It operated with a variety of different owners until 1941.This item is unique and has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our knowledge of social activities of the post-war period, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.A small paper booklet printed featuring a picture of a crowded ball room, and a list of song titles.1920's dance, blake's busy bazaar and music store, social life 1920's