Historical information

The three volumes were awarded to Fanny Cadden in 1882 for a Wanliss Prize in History in the sixth form. Fanny entered Ballarat College in 1879 at the age of 13. Her brother, Charles, entered in 1881 at the age of 14. In the original register parent/guardian is listed as Simon Cadden, and the address as Alfredton.

Significance

During 1877 - 1891 Ballarat College accepted enrolments from female students. The school holds the original register of this period and notes that Fanny Cadden entered the school in 1879 at the age of 13. 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

Each volume is bound in brown half calf and marble cloth, college crest embossed on front cover with six raised bands on spine with gilt decoration and gold lettering on the second and third bands. End papers and edges marbled, volume I has a black and white frontise piece. Slight foxing on pages. Book plate only on Volume I. Volume I (000147.1): 768 p., volume II (000147.2): 803 p., volume III (000147.3): 828 p.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside Volume I front cover: college crest/ History/ Wanliss Prize,/ Sixth Form./ Awarded to/ F Cadden/ CHRISTMAS, 1882.