Sylvia Jean Veronica McCullagh Barr (1914–1998) was a student at the Presbyterian Sabbath School in Dennington, near Warrnambool. In December 1930, she received a book as an award from F. Jones, the Sabbath School Superintendent, recognising her involvement and achievements at the school. Sylvia was the granddaughter of James McCullagh (1831–1911) and Elizabeth Eccles (1831–1909), a pioneering couple in the region. Married in 1856, James and Elizabeth settled at Oak Grove, Yangery, Illowa from 1859, where they lived until their deaths. One of James and Elizabeth’s sons, William McCullagh (1873–1940), married Margaret Jane Russell (1879–1981). William and Margaret also made their home at Oak Grove and raised eleven children there, including Sylvia.The book, “That Boarding School Girl” by Dorita Fairlie Bruce, represents an example of literature accessible to older girls during the early 20th century. It was specifically selected as an end-of-year award, recognising consistent attendance at Sabbath School. Such choices highlight the role of books in supporting the educational and moral development of young women during this period. The book is important as a connection to the early township of Dennington, a community distinguished by its established school and church. This association reflects the values the community placed on education and religious instruction. The book’s significance is further enhanced by its relationship with colonial pioneer families in Australia, particularly those from Victoria and the Warrnambool district in southwest Victoria. It is a tangible link to the history and legacy of these early settlers, who were instrumental in shaping the regional development. That Boarding School Girl Author: Dorita Fairlie Bruce Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1926 The front cover and the page opposite the fly page have drawn and coloured illustrations. The cloth-covered, hardcover book includes black and white illustrations and coloured illustrations on the front cover and frontispiece. The front cover illustration shows a teenage irl in a school tunic, standing beside a piano with one hand on the backrest of a tilted chair. Inscriptions are printed on the front loose endpaper and handwritten on the fly page. The book belonged to Sylvia McCullagh. It was awarded to her as a prize in 1930.Handwritten on the top of the fly page: "Sylvia McCullagh Den" [ Den - abbreviation for Dennington] " Presbyterian Sabbath School, Dennington. Prize Awarded to: Sylvia McCullagh. December 1930." "F. Jones, Superintendent"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, that boarding school girl, dorita fairlie bruce, sylvia mccullagh, sylvia jean veronica mccullagh, sylvia barr, james mccullagh, elizabeth eccles mccullagh, william mccullagh, margaret jane russell mccullagh, oak grove, yangery, illowa, dennington, presbyterian sabbath school, presbyterian sunday school, dennington presbyterian church, book award, book prize, book presentation, f. jones, sabbath school superintendent, 1930

Alma McCullagh was a student at the Presbyterian Sabbath School located in Dennington, near Warrnambool. In January, around 1928, she received a book as an award from R. Conn, her Sabbath School teacher, in recognition of her involvement and achievements at the school. The exact year of this award is based on available records: in January 1928, Alma was presented with a prize by R. Conn, whereas by 1930, the role of awarding prizes had passed to F. Jones. Alma was probably the granddaughter of James McCullagh (1831–1911) and Elizabeth Eccles (1831–1909), who were pioneering settlers in the region. James and Elizabeth married in 1856 and established their home at Oak Grove, Yangery, Illowa from 1859, residing there until their deaths. One of their sons, William McCullagh (1873–1940), married Margaret Jane Russell (1879–1981). William and Margaret continued the family tradition, making their home at Oak Grove as well. They raised eleven children, with Alma likely being among the youngest of their children.The book, “The Rose Book for Girls”, edited by Mrs Herbert Strang, represents an example of literature accessible to older girls during the early 20th century. It was specifically selected as an end-of-year award, recognising consistent attendance at Sabbath School. Such choices highlight the role of books in supporting the educational and moral development of young women during this period. The book is important as a connection to the early township of Dennington, a community distinguished by its established school and church. This association reflects the values the community placed on education and religious instruction. The book’s significance is further enhanced by its relationship with colonial pioneer families in Australia, particularly those from Victoria and the Warrnambool district in southwest Victoria. It is a tangible link to the history and legacy of these early settlers, who were instrumental in shaping the regional development. In addition, the book is notable for its connection to the McCullagh family, a prominent farming family whose contributions supported the social and economic growth of the local district. This historical association enriches its value, situating the book within the broader narrative of community progress and pioneer achievement in the area, and highlighting its place within a tradition of religious life and community building.The Rose Book for Girls A collection of short stories by various authors Edited by Mrs Herbert Strang Publisher: Henry Frowde, Hodder & Stoughton, London Printer: Morrison & Gibb Ltd., Tanfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK Date: 1916 Hardcover book. Deep pink front and back covers, decorated with garlands of pink and white flowers, cupids and blue ribbons. The front has a cameo with a seated girl in white, with a book in her lap. Details on the spine: title, author, publisher and a sketched female in 19th-century dress holding a fan. The fly page shows details of the book and has a black and red sketch of two seated girls, one reading, the other stitching. Twenty-five books are listed on the Contents page, as well as the printer's details. Within the book are several colourful sketches. Inscriptions include the name of the book's previous owner, Alma McCullagh.Front loose-end paper: "Presbyterian Sabbath School, Dennington. Prize Awarded to: Alma McCullagh. January. (year is unreadable, circa 1928) R. Conn, Teacher"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, book, the rose book for girls, mrs herbert strang, short stories, henry frowde, hodder & stoughton, london, morrison & gibb ltd, 1916, alma mccullagh, james mccullagh, elizabeth eccles mccullagh, ca. 1928, dennington, southwest victoria, warrnambool district, presbyterian sabbath school, presbyterian sunday school, dennington presbyterian church, book award, book prize, book presentation, r. conn, sabbath school superintendent