Historical information
This book was awarded to David McMurtrie Paterson for English as first prize in the fourth form in 1886. David enrolled in Ballarat College in 1886 at the age of 14. In the original register it lists parent/guardian as John Paterson, contractor, residing at 12 Errard Street South. It also states that previous school was SS.33, upper VI th form [subsequently known as Dana Street P.S].
Significance
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.
Physical description
Bound in brown cloth with black and gilt illustrated front cover and spine. College crest embossed on back cover. Gilt edges, black and white illustrations throughout, detached spine and pages, slight foxing on pages, 308 p.
Inscriptions & markings
Book plate inside front cover: college crest/ English/ Fourth Form,/ First Prize./ Awarded to/ D. Paterson/ Christmas. 1886.
