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 The reserve was revoked in November 1909.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 The reserve was revoked in February 1912 as it was deemed more appropriate to be added to the Abattoir site.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. A number of cottages in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village of Gillies Street, Ballarat.charles anderson grove, old colonists' club, ballarat, old colonists' association, old colonists' homes, retirement village

Photographs of the Marble Boards showing the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Past Presidents Board ballarat old colonists' association, honour board, john william graham, john paul murray, william robertson, robert uriah nicholls, thomas tuke hollway, william henry stokeld, john ambrose blight, arthur hereward nevett, walter herbert tweedie, alfred ernest campbell kerr, sidney wallace john clark, john glasson, john kildahl richards, walter j. irwin, charles n. tulloch, charles h.g. anderson, edmond c. doepel, t.p.w. wilson, e.a.h. guymer, r.h. ramsay, h.b. irwin, david a.e. fawell, j.h.c. coventry, l.j. drury, m.j. charles, d.l. pratt, james s. sleep, andrew r. robson, margaret rich, m.j. blenkiron, steve j. carter

Brick cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove.Brick cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove.Brick cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

Brick cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove.Brick cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove.Brick cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

These homes were built in 1969. One of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a those 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) The Joe White Cottage in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, joe white, charles anderson grove, joe white cottage

Permewen Cottage at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village, Charles Anderson Grove.charles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, permewen cottage

These units were built in 1991. 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) Colour photograph of the former Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc homes in Ascot Street, Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' association, homes, ascot street units

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

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove.Thirteen black and white cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village in Charles Anderson Grove, off Gillies Street. Lake Wendouree and the Ballarat Gardens are in the background. old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove.Thirteen black and white cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village in Charles Anderson Grove, off Gillies Street. The retirement village is next to a caravan park, and Garden Court. old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village, garden court, caravan park, wendouree

The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove.Thirteen black and white cottages at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village in Charles Anderson Grove, off Gillies Street. The Caravan Park and Garden Court is also evident in the photograph.old colonists' association ballarat, charles anderson grove, retirement village

This cottage was built in 1932. 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) Colour photograph of Crombie Cottage at The Old Colonists' Assiation of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat. "The committee of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association expects to call tenders for the pro- posed Crombie Cottage before the end of the month." (Argus, Wednesday 17 February 1932, page 9)old colonists' association, ballarat, charles anderson grove, crombie, crombie cottage, retirement village

This cottage was built in 1932. 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) Black and white photograph of Crombie Cottage at The Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat. "The committee of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association expects to call tenders for the pro- posed Crombie Cottage before the end of the month." (Argus, Wednesday 17 February 1932, page 9) old colonists' association, ballarat, charles anderson grove, crombie, crombie cottage, retirement village

The marbles in the foyer of the Old Colonists' Hall feature many names associated with the membes of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Marble Benefactors Board. DONATIONS J.P. Murray James Bishop John Shaw David Ham Thomas Bath T.T, Hollway Richard Mitchell S.W.J. Clark Dr J.K. Richards H.C. Handford T.H. Shattock Dr W.A. Spring Donald McKay J.T. Smith BEQUESTS J.G. Taylor Thomas Blackett Philp Windmiller Joseph Roff Peter Hume James Francis Hannah Rennard Sarah Smythe David McNaight W.P. Martin Jane Wilson Edwin Brewer W.E. Ballhausen John Church J.P. Murray Charles Tinworth Henry Josephs M.A. Winsby Chris Heinz Andrew Munro John Wright Thomas Paterson J.H. Ward George Crombie Mary A. Nicol R.D. McINtosh Richard Mitchell J.S. Miller S.W.J. Clark Endowment W.J. Irwin Francis L. Jones A. Farrer Louisa Strange J. Permewan Feederick Reid Joe White Bequest L.J. Wilson Perpetual Trust G. Sutherland Hilton White Bequest I.E. Reid Ian Rollo Currie Foundation I. Dodds Lancelot W. Wilson Trust old colonists association, benefactors, honour board, j.p. murray, james bishop, john shaw, david ham, thomas bath, t.t, hollway, richard mitchell, s.w.j. clark, dr j.k. richards, h.c. handford, t.h. shattock, dr w.a. spring, donald mckay, j.t. smith, j.g. taylor, thomas blackett, philp windmiller, joseph roff, peter hume, james francis, hannah rennard, sarah smythe, david mcnaight, w.p. martin, jane wilson, edwin brewer, w.e. ballhausen, john church, j.p. murray, charles tinworth, henry josephs, m.a. winsby, chris heinz, andrew munro, john wright, thomas paterson, j.h. ward, george crombie, mary a. nicol, r.d. mcintosh, richard mitchell, j.s. miller, s.w.j. clark endowment, w.j. irwin, francis l. jones, a. farrer, louisa strange, j. permewan, feederick reid, joe white bequest, l.j. wilson perpetual trust, g. sutherland, hilton white bequest, i.e. reid, ian rollo currie foundation, i. dodds, lancelot w. wilson trust, ian g. bishop

Ballarat Old Colonists' Association rosette worn at funerals of members, and some social functions. ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, rosette

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

A group of people congregate under the donor boards to the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association during a tour by Gerald Jenzen, ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' association, gerald jenzen, old colonists' hall, lydiard street north

The silver trowel was used for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. It was donated to the Old Colonists' Associaiton in 1906. The Old Colonists' Association minutes noted 'Mrs Murray handed to the Secretary the silver trowel presented to the late President on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Hall.' The silver trowel was used for the laying of the foundation stone of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall. It was donated to the Old Colonists' Associaiton in 1906. The Old Colonists' Association minutes noted 'Mrs Murray handed to the Secretary the silver trowel presented to the late President on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Hall.' "THE OLD COLONISTS' HALL. The foundation-stone of the building to be erected by the Old Identities’ Association, in Lydiard street, was next laid with the usual ceremonies. This was immediately adjoining the foundation-stone of the Mining Exchange building. Mr J. Graham presented Mr Murray with a silver trowel, bearing the following inscription:—“ Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. Presented to J. P. Murray, Esq., president of the Old Colonists’ Association, on the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of their new hall, Ballarat, 21st June, 1887.” Mr Graham said he thought the pioneers of such a city were quite right in erecting a building that would be a home for them while they lived, and a memorial of them when they were no more. Mr J. Fraser, secretary, read the followin'- report:— “Mr Chairman, ladies, and gentlemen,—The bottle about to be deposited under this foundation contains documents in which are written particulars of the founding of the Old Colonists' Association at Ballarat; its financial and numerical position at the present time, the names of its officers and committee of management for the current term: a complete list of the names of its members, a copy of the rules and regulations of the association: copies of The Star, Evening Star, Courier, and Ballarat Advertiser newspapers, programme of to-day's proceedings as far as they relate to the laying of the foundation-stone, together with a brief summary of the aims and objects of this philanthropic institution. That the nature of these objects are considered worthy of encouragement and support is amply proved when we see on the Association's roll of membership the names of so many of our most prominent citizens and public men, "and from the fact that the Government of the colony have recognised the just claim of the old colonists'of Ballarat to be placed in possession of this valuable and central site, upon which to erect a building that will, be a credit to them and an ornament to the city, and which will enable them to still further extend the sphere of their benevolence and usefulness iu this district. The following is a copy of the signed and sealed memorial document:—*The foundation-stone of the hall of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat; was laid on Her Majesty Queen Victoria's Jubilee Day,- Tuesday, 21st June, 1887, by John Paul Murray, Esq., J.P., president of the association. Under the foundation stone is deposited a copy of the constitution and rules of the association, the names of the officers, and a complete list of the names of ail the members to date; also a copy each of The Star, Courier, Evening Post, and the Advertiser, local newspapers. At this date the association numbers 319 members—accumulated funds, £203 10s 3d. The land upon which the hall is to he erected was granted by the Government to the association for that, purpose. (Signed) John P. Murray, President; W. B. Perry, Samuel Delpratt, Vice-presidents; Daniel Fern, Treasurer; John Fraser, Secretary. Committee—J. W. Graham, J. W. Lee, James M'Merkin, Andrew Lister, James Ward. Trustees—J. W. Graham, Wm. Irwin, John M'Cafferty ” Mr Murray said he was proud to lay the foundation stone of this building. The association was started in I883, and he might say they were a purely philanthropic institution. They formed an association whose creed was to assist one another in every shape and form. They had now 319 members, and were daily increasing in number.-. They were very fairly off as regarded their financial position. With respect to the objects of the association, they were to form a bond of brotherhood among those whose past experience in commercial or in mining pursuits so intimately associated them with the early history of the goldfields; men, to whose indomitable energy and perseverance Ballarat and other mining centres in the colony were so largely indebted for their development and commercial prosperity. Some of whose names were also closely identified with the memorable and sanguinary struggle 'for freedom and constitutional liberty in 1883. Their object was, further, to gather together within one fold those who survive those stirring times, to meet occasionally in friendly and social intercourse; to relieve their brethren who were overtaken by sickness or affliction; to provide the shelter of a home for those Pioneers of the goldfields whom the reverses of fortune had deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years; to assist the widow and succor the orphan; to mutually cheer and support each other in their temporary troubles and vicissitudes as they journeyed onward to the grave; and lastly, to tender a tribute of respect to the memory of a departed brother, by following his remains to their final resting place. Such were some of the principal objects of the “ Old Colonists' Association.” It was an institution for the good of their fellow man, and he hoped it would be successful, he hoped that the young people who came after them would appreciate what the Old Colonists had left them. He hoped they would all assist in making the institution one that would he worthy of the place. He would hand a small donation to the secretary, and hoped others would do the same. (Cheers.) The secretary, amid cheering, announced that the cheque handed over by Mr Murray was for £2O. Archdeacon Julius, who was asked to speak, said nothing could have been more fitting than the laying of the foundation-stone of the Old Identities’ Association on the Queen's Jubilee. They were a link between the past of 50 years gone by and today. Many of them remembered well enough perhaps the time when it took a man five and twenty minutes to light his pipe with tinder and steel, and when the small boys went, up the chimneys to sweep them. (Laughter.) They were building something now that people would look upon in years to come, and speak of in connection with the Old Colonists, if the young men were' half as good as their fathers they would be uncommon good fellows, and he did not think they would be. (Laughter, and interjection.) ''An old fellow said it was very true, and he knew it. (Laughter.) The Old Identities would agree with him to a man. (Laughter.) If the young men walked in their steps Ballarat in another 50 years would be 50 percent, better than it was now. There was not a man there that wished that more strongly, than 'he’ did. The Old Identities were laying this stone on the jubilee day of Her Majesty, and there never sat on the throne a worthier or nobler Queen than she who held her jubilee that day. There was not a man present, whatever his views of government may be, who did not say “God bless our Queen.” (Cheers.) The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem and cheers for the Queen. (Ballarat Star, 23 June 1887)Silver trowel used during the laying of a foundation Stone for the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association building in Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' association, ballarat old colonists' club, trowel, silver trowel, foundation stone, mrs j. murray, william bennett, j. fraser, john murray, w. lee, william irwin, john m'cafferty, john mccafferty

The homes were presented by the donors for the use of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat. The homes fulfil the original 1888 aim of 'aid and assist indigent or suffering old colonists' and 'to provide the shelter of a home for old and indigent pioneers of the gold fields, their widows, or anyone connected with the association'. 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 promptly and gratefully accepted." The Old Colonists' Association Ballarat Inc. is a not for profit charitable organisation providing accommodation for elderly people. It manages over 40 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. 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 boxed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. == Purposes == ::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.Two black and white images of Old Colonists' Association homes from a Special Christmas edition of the Courier in 1925. The top image shows 'Clark Cottage', erected by S.W.J. Clark, and the lower image shows the 'Williams Cottage' erected by Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams. The cottages are locate in Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat. old colonists' association ballarat, old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, clark cottage, williams cottage, perry park, s.w.j. clark, f.j. williams, old colonists' assocoation

This home was completed in 1938. It was the gift of Mr and Mrs Barker. 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) Colour photograph of Barker Cottage at The Old Colonists' Assiation of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat.old colonists' association, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, barker, barker cottage, j. barker

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

These homes were built in 1981. 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) Colour photograph of the Ian Rollo Currie Foundation Cottage at The Old Colonists' Assiation of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat.old colonists' association, ballarat, ian rollo currie foundation, charles anderson grove, ian rollo currie homes, old colonists' association retirement village

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Panaromic photograph of the interior of the Charles Anderson Grove Community Centre.charles anderson grove, old colonists' association ballarat, community centre, retirement village