Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele used this Booklet as part of her research: "Belles of St. Mary's 1876–1983" is a commemorative history of St Mary's College, Bendigo, published in 1983 to celebrate more than a century of Catholic education. The book brings together historical information, photographs, school records and personal memories from former students and staff, preserving the story of the college and the community that shaped it. The history begins with the founding of St Mary's College in 1876 by the Sisters of Mercy. It describes the establishment of the school, the arrival of its first students and the steady growth of enrolments. As the school expanded, new classrooms, boarding facilities, chapels and specialist learning spaces were built to meet the needs of the growing student population. The support of the Bendigo community through fundraising and donations played an important role in this development. As the college grew throughout the early twentieth century, it continued to modernise its facilities while maintaining its Catholic identity. The history records the addition of science laboratories, libraries, dormitories and other buildings, as well as significant anniversaries and celebrations. It concludes by noting the amalgamation of St Mary's College with Marist Brothers College to form a new Catholic secondary college, marking the end of an important chapter in the school's history. A major focus of the publication is the personal memories of former students. These recollections describe school life during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, highlighting the close relationships between teachers and students, the strong religious atmosphere and the lasting friendships formed during their years at school. Former students recall small class sizes, daily prayers and Mass, music, concerts, sporting activities and the strong sense of community that characterised the college. Many memories come from former boarders, who describe daily routines in the dormitories, meal times, uniforms, study periods, recreation, choir practice and the discipline expected by the Sisters of Mercy. While the routines were often strict, the recollections also reflect warmth, humour and gratitude for the education and guidance they received. Throughout the publication, historical photographs and archival material complement the written accounts. Images of the original college buildings, early enrolment registers, principals, Sisters of Mercy, student groups and school events help illustrate the development of the college over more than one hundred years. A family history diagram also recognises generations of the Taylor family who were associated with the school. Overall, "Belles of St. Mary's 1876–1983" serves as both a historical record and a collection of personal memories. It celebrates the legacy of St Mary's College by documenting its growth, traditions and values while honouring the contributions of the Sisters of Mercy, staff, students and the wider Bendigo community. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - The Bells of St Mary's, compiled by Evelyn M. Sandie and David Hughes. This item includes the following document: 8672.30a Photocopy of a booklet 19 A4 Pages "The Bells of St Mary's" St Mary's College Bendigo. St Mary's amalgamated with Marist Brothers in 1984bendigo, michele matthews collection, st mary's college, evelyn sandie, david hughs