Historical information

The trowel was presented to Revd. William Henderson, founder and first Headmaster of Ballarat College, by H R Caselli, Architect, on the occasion of his laying the Foundation Stone of Ballarat College, 12 September 1874. The building was erected beside St. Andrew's Kirk in Sturt Street, Ballarat. The trowel was donated by Revd. Henderson's son, Charles James Henderson, on 1 May 1920 along with a small silver plaque.
In 1924, the trowel was used by Brigadier-General H E 'Pompey' Elliott, CB, CMG, DSO, DCM to lay the Foundation Stone of Memorial Hall, Ballarat College on 9 June 1924 (Memorial Hall opened 8 June 1925). A small silver plaque commemorates this event.

Physical description

Ornate, sterling silver, elongated-heart-shaped trowel with turned wooden handle. The top of the trowel plate is engraved with a detailed scroll and leaf design around edges and an inscription in the middle. The back of trowel plate is plain except for a small manufacturer's stamp. The trowel is accompanied by two small sterling silver inscribed plaques.

Inscriptions & markings

Engraved inscription: 'Presented to / The Revd Wm Henderson / BALLARAT/ By / H. R. Caselli / Architect / on the occasion of his laying the / FOUNDATION STONE / OF THE / BALLARAT COLLEGE / 12th Sept. 1874.'
Manufacturer's stamp on back of trowel plate: 'J. T. Sleep'
Accompanying plaque inscribed: 'PRESENTED TO THE / BALLARAT COLLEGE / ON 1ST MAY 1920 BY / C.J.HENDERSON / (THIRD PUPIL IN 1864) / AND SON OF / REV.WILLIAM HENDERSON / FOUNDER OF THE COLLEGE'.
Accompanying plaque inscribed: 'With this Historic Trowel / on 9th June 1924 / THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE MEMORIAL HALL / was laid by / BRIG. GEN. H. E. ELLIOTT. C.B., C.M.C., H.S.O, D.C.M.'