Historical information

This book Gulliver's Travels was awarded to Margaret Jane McGowan as second prize for spelling. Margaret was one of the first enrolments to Clarendon Ladies' College at the age of 12. Margaret's father, Samuel, and mother, were personal friends of the Reverend Robert and Mrs. Kennedy. Margaret attended school in the same class as the Kennedy's eldest son Tom who was 11 at the time. Margaret's sister Edith was the 2nd enrolment to the college. Margaret resided at 15 Royal Terrace Webster Street, Ballarat. Her parents were employed as Carrier and forwarding agents. Margaret's married name became Steele. Archives also hold a second book prize awarded to Margaret (000127).

Significance

Socially significant due to connection with first prize-giving ceremony for Clarendon Ladies' College.

Physical description

Red fabric cover with ornate black and gold embossed markings and borders; gold lettering on front cover and spine; embossed border on back cover; two coloured plates; 361p.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: CLARENDON LADIES' COLLEGE/BALLARAT/Second PRIZE/ Spelling/AWARDED TO/J McGowan/R KENNEDY PRINCIPAL/18TH December, 1879
Hand-written inscription on flyleaf: This book was a Prize/at the first Prize-giving/of the College/The College having been/ established/in 1878.