Historical information

This book was awarded to Mary Lawrence in 1899 for first prize in Geography. Mary Lawrence enrolled at Clarendon Ladies' College at the age of 14. Siblings enrolled: Janie Elizabeth Lawrence (1893), Jessie McBain Lawrence (1895), Christina Lawrence (1896) and Margaret Adair Lawrence (1900). Mary's father in the original register is listed as Alexander and their residence as Canally Balranald, "Colibau Estate" Redesdale in NSW. Father's occupation is noted as Squatter.

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 calf with color and gilt illustrations on front cover and spine. Pages with gilt edges, floral end pages, foxing on pages, black and white illustrations throughout. 216 p.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: Clarendon Ladies' College,/ BALLARAT./First Prize./ Geography-Class I/ Awarded to/ Mary Lawrence/ MRS. KENNEDY,/ Principal./ December, 1899.