Historically this ledger not only details the legible hand writing of this era but also the day to day commercial activity in this region. The neatness and the diligence of those who were required to pen the information was a requirement by all who were in commercial trade. Emphasis on neatness was ingrained in students at a young age. This era was well before general typewriters and computers. Generally all students of commerce required an accuracy in writing and arithmetic. Neatness and order were a selection requirement This item clearly identifies the Kiewa Valley as having a substantial financial hub to accommodate the various commercial enterprises within a rural environment Circa 1880's. Although Kiewa Valley had mining, agriculture, cattle and sheep it was also composed of a mixed society, encompassing all levels of society at that period. It identifies some family farming history in the specific year of 1897Leather reinforced corner covers and spine. Remaining book front and back covers are protected by blue weaved cloth. The covers are very thick cardboard, in layers. Missing front index pages C,E - 0,Q,T,U,V,XSpine of book marked in faded golden print "Ledger". First page in hand writing "Ledger No. 5" and underneath handwritten "Commenced Jan 1st !897" After the index pages each page (double sided) has a page number stamped in black and is 6mm highledger, early bookkeeping, local history, commerce circa 1890

Book was awarded to Stephen John Holgate in 1891 for first prize in bookkeeping. Stephen (D.O.B. 09/07/1877) entered the college on 27/01/1890. The original registry notes parent as Stephen Holgate from Miners Rest and Stephen's previously school is noted as 'Home Tuition'. Other family members noted as attending the college are Harold, George, Edward, Robert and Thomas. Archives also hold war memorabilia for Edward and George Holgate.Presbyterian educators placed great value on a classical education matched with diligence in study. Book prizes were highly regarded and academic success admired. In the school’s early years prizes were ordered direct from London and had the school crest embossed in gold on the front or back cover. Many of the prizes given in early years were returned to the school to equip the Weatherly Library when it opened in 1936. Connection to college war memorabilia and war heroes.Bound in soft red calf with gilt lettering and college crest embossed on front cover and gilt lettering on spine. Floral end papers, foxing on pages, black and white illustrations throughout. 595 p.Book plate inside front cover: College crest/ Bookkeeping/ V Form./ First Prize. Awarded to/ S. Holgate/ Christmas, 1891.stephen-john-holgate, 1891, book-prize, miners-rest, harold-holgate, george-holgate, edward-holgate, robert-holgate, thomas-holgate.

Francis (Frank) Wilbur Le Page was mayor of Moorabbin between 1980 - 1981, and again in 1984 - 1985. He was a lifelong resident of the region and also a third generation market gardener.In approximately 1854, Nicholas Le Page moved his family from Prahran to Cheltenham. Two years earlier, they had arrived in Melbourne from Guernsey Island. Nicholas Le Page was a tailor and his wife was a dressmaker. They decided to move into market gardening instead. Their son, Everest, married Lynda and Francis Wilbur Le Page was born in 1919. He attended Cheltenham State School where he completed his Merit Certificate in grade eight before studying bookkeeping, shorthand and typing at Bradshaw and Everett Business College in South Melbourne. Both Frank’s grandfather and father were active in local government. Francis Thomas Le Page was a councillor for 25 years and served a term as shire president in 1902. Everest, his son, was a councillor for the City of Moorabbin for 28 years and was mayor on two occasions. Frank also served two terms as mayor, first in 1980 and again in 1984. Frank died on 14 July 2008.Black and white photograph of Frank Le Page stepping down from a tractor, with a bunch of parsnips in his right hand.Pink coloured paper adhered to reverse with black printed text and handwritten text in blue ink: STANDARD NEWS / Paper MOOR / Catchline Garden / Percentage 88% / Date 17-10-84 / Page 23le page, market gardens, tractor, moorabbin