In 1885, at the instigation of James Oddie, the Government reserved three acres (about 1.2 hectares) for an observatory in Cobden Street, Mount Pleasant, originally known as the Ballarat School of Mines Observatory. In March 1886 a committee was appointed for the care, protection and management of the reserve. Captain Baker, a retired sea captain, was invited to become the first Superintendent of the Ballarat Observatory. Six colour photographs of the stained glass windows in the Ballarat Observatory. The first stained glass window was installed from around 1915-16, and were probably associated with John Brittain. By 1929 sixteen stained glass windows had been installed. most the work of Ballarat craftsman William James Robson stained glass windows, sebastopol cambrian society, welsh, ballarat city council, ballarat teachers' college, ballarat local preachers methodist centenary, independent order of ordfellows ballarat, ballarat freemasons, freemasons, masonic, architecture, mount pleasant, john brittain, william james robson

Sepia Photograph. Man with white whiskers, in Masonic regalia of the Janitor in the Chapter degree, holding a Sword upright in his right hand, gloves in his left hand standing beside an ornate chair (part).Photograph is labelled by an embossed photgraphers name across the bottom. " Richards & Co 19 STURT STREET BALLARAT." Plus an ensignia (coat of alms) placed between the 'Co and the 19" janitor, freemasons, ballarat, circa 1900

The Sebastopol, or Guiding Star Lodge was consecrated on 22 May 1999 following the amalgamation of ‘Hope No. 274’, ‘Orion No. 53’ and ‘Sebastopol No. 63’, three of Ballarat’s oldest Freemasons Lodges with a combined total of over 345 years of masonic history, and is chartered under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria. In 2011 the Sebastopol and other Central Ballarat Lodges were sold, with the lodges now meeting at 616 Barkly Street, Golden Point. Colour photograph of the former Sebastopol Masonic Lodge.sebastopol, sebastopol masonic lodge, guiding star lodge no 222

Four Lever Arch folders relating to the Anglo-Irish lawyer Henry Cuthbert. .1) Henry Cuthbert politics and Victorian Legislative Council (includes information on 'representative Government in Victoria 1851-1993 by Ian McLaren; Charles Gavan Duffy in Australia by J.E. Parnaby; image of Henry Cuthbert from the Australasian Sketcher -Also John Gavan Duffy John Madden, Duncan Gillies, J.G. Francis, R.S. Anderson, James Service, Robert Clark, Thomas Bent, Robert Ramsay. George B. Kerford) .2) Henry Cuthbert Memberships and Affiliations, Freemasons, UFS Dispensary, Yarrowee Lodge NO 10, Ballarat Base Hospital, Ballarat Central Bowling Club, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, Ballarat Mecahnics' Institute, Ballarat School of Mines, Ballarat Observatory, Ballarat Benevolent Asylum, Ballarat Gas Company, Ballarat Orphanage .3) Henry Cuthbert - Ireland .4) Henry Cuthbert family information and biographies and photographslawyers, legal, dianne campbell goldfields lawyers collection, ireland, irish, anglo-irish, henry cuthbert, solicitor-general, william collard smith, duncan gillies, victorian legislative council, federal convention, melbourne club, the rest is history, the rest is history by dorothy wickham, ballarat orphanage, ballarat orphan asylum, ballarat gas company, annie cuthbert, john headon cuthbert, john bryan cuthbert, emma cuthbert, anna cuthbert, john cuthbert, tom cuthbert, robert cuthbert, family history, genealogy

Keith Charles Hofmaier (1927 - 1994) was one of Ballarat College's most distinguished sons. He attended the school from 1941 - 1945 serving as librarian, school prefect (1945) and member of the Rowing Firsts (1945). After school he became a successful farmer, well-known historian, organist, Freemason, philanthropist and community worker. He continued to give generously to the school and the Weatherly Library throughout his life. He endowed poetry and music prizes in memory of his daughter Ann who died in an accident. The Students' Representative Council gave a clock tot he school library in memory of his contribution to the school in 1994. Wooden surround, glass front roman numerals on pale yellow face, battery operated; clock accompanied by frame description. Plaque on clock glass: Keith Hofmaier 1927 - 1994keith charles hofmaier, weatherly library, ballarat college

The Yarrowee Lodge is in Ballarat, VictoriaBlack and white certificate with a brown rectangle at the lower left. The certificate had been printed and handwritten. It relates to tjhe Supreme Grand and Royal Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Victoria and was made out to Frank Joseph Henry Wright on 13 August 1933. 7894 Signed "Frank Wright" Signed "Chas. K. Cahn"frank wright, freemason, mason, lodge, royal arch chapter, charles k. cahn

White certificate with printed and had written information. including three columns and a crest depicting the kangaroo and emu. The certificate is made out to Frank Joseph Henry Wright who was reguklalry received into the yarrowee Lodge no 10 Ballarat on 21 November 1922, and was admitted into the third degree on 24 July 1923 in the Skipton Lodge no 229.frank wright, freemason, mason, lodge, united grand lodge, certificate, yarrowee lodge no 10, william stewart

White paper certificate with printing and handwriting. It is a certificate of the Grand Lodge of Markmaster Masons of England and Wales made out to Frank Joseph Henry Wright on 14 July 1933 at the Ballarat Lodge No 470.Signed 'Frank Wright"frank wright, freemason, mason, lodge, grand lodge, mark masons, seal, certificate, ballarat lodge no 470

The foundation stone of the New Classrooms was laid on 14 April 1899. In 2014 the building is part of the Federation University Australia SMB Campus and is known as the Administration Building Sepia photograph showing the laying of the Foundation Stone for the Ballarat School of Mines New Classrooms in Lydiard Street, Ballarat.ballarat school of mines, lydiard street, new classrooms, federation, masonic, freemasons, foundation stone, administration building, gas lamp, gauge tower

The Ballarat Base Hospital opened in 1956. Since that time it became a 'vast, complex, modern establishment. 24 page booklet with brown and white cover illustrating the Cogne drawing of the Hospital. Text and pictures is in brown ink.Inside front cover: 'Sue Turale BCAE'hospital, freemason, henry cuthbert, ballarat college of advanced education, nursing, nurse, ambulance, bcae, thomas hillas, william whitcombe, walter lindsay richardson, william eyres, daniel brophy, ann neilson, sarah bishop, robert pinnock, saa zichy woinarski, george morrison, chinese morrison, thomas treloar, x-ray, jj fitzgerald, james coglan, william acheson, jessie vale, fj martell, rosa quarterman, influenza epidemic, mrs eagleton, john ross, victor stone, margaret mcgrath, george oakes, bill sorrell, jm little, charles molloy, jm langham

Personal letter written by Albert Steane to a fellow Freemason. Talks about his travels in 1908 and return to Ballarat and the introduction of the new phase in education - establishment of Technical Schools. He became the Head Master of the Ballarat Junior Technical School and remained in that position until his retirement in 1942. Other topics mentioned are connected with the various activities within the Lodge.Two typed sheets of yellow paper in the form of a letter. Paragraphed - double spacing between.Address of senderalbert steane, ballarat junior technical school, masonic lodge, retirement, head master, 1908, south street, south street competitions, freemasons, royal south street competitions

William Wallace Anderson lived at 35 Armstrong Street Sunshine and worked at ICI Deer Park. William was a keen amateur film maker and these two films were donated to the society by his on Rex Barker.. William's son Lawrie Barker also worked at ICI Deer Park and both were Freemasons and member of The Loyal order of Water Buffalos".william wallace ashton

Rev. Farquhar Chisholm (1878 - 1953), Presbyterian minister, was born in Inverness, Scotland and ordained in 1908 in Kerang. He was a minister in country Victoria and Ballarat and was chaplain of Scotch College from 1919 - 1926. Farquhar Chisholm organised the building funds for Morongo Presbyterian Ladies' College Geelong and the Freemasons' Hospital and was a past grand chaplain of the Masonic Grand Lodge.Matte, black and white studio head and shoulders portrait of Rev. Farquhar Chisholm who is looking to his right and wearing his clerical collar. There is pencil and ink hand writing on the back of the photograph.rev farquhar chisholm, south melbourne presbyterian church, masonic lodge, morongo presbyterian ladies' college geelong, scotch college melbourne

An image from the Herbert Richmond collection, gifted in 1982 to the Ballarat Library. The collection contains approximately 200 photographs of Ballarat and district in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, as well as photo albums, glass negatives and other memorabilia. Herb Richmond was a keen photographer, a foundation member and a life member of the Ballarat Camera Club, and a photographer with the Ballarat Courier during the 1940s. The Ballarat Camera Club named an annual award after him. Mr Richmond died in 1981 aged 79. These images were digitally re-photographed by members of the Ballarat Camera Club in September 2006. Erected 1872-74, this building now houses The Lost Ones Gallery.freemasons, camp st, ballarat, greek revival

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

The Creswick Lodge boasts fine examples of interior decorative painting. The interior of Creswick Freemason's Lodgefreemasons, foundation stone

The Creswick Lodge boasts fine examples of interior decorative painting. The banner is thought to have been painted by Angus Henderson. The interior of Creswick Freemason's Lodgefreemasons, lodge, creswick masonic lodge, banner, gold cradle

dorothy wickham, freemasons, aprons

A number of freemason's lay a foundation stone, possibly for the Creswick Masonic Hall. freemasons, foundation stone

Colour photograph of a brick freemason's lall at Colac. colac, hall, freemasons, masonic, colac freemason's lodge

Timber board showing Worshipful Masters of St George Lodge, Daylesford.mt franklin and st george lodge, daylesford, freemasons, f.w. verey, dr harper, j. harper, a.f. ogden

Colour photograph of Dr Dorothy Wickham researching at Freemason's Library London during a research trip. dorothy wickham, freemasons