Historical information
This book was awarded to William Kerr Paterson for English Subjects as first prize in the fifth form in 1894. William enrolled in Ballarat College in 1891 (D.O.B. 5/11/1876). 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, [subsequently known as Dana Street P.S]. William's brother David McMurtrie enrolled in the college in 1886 at the age of 14.
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 college crest embossed on front cover. Six raised bands on spine with gilt lettering on all but second compartment. Second compartment contains green calf with gilt lettering. Marble end papers, red/gilt edges, slight foxing on pages, slight detached spine, 758 p.
Inscriptions & markings
Book plate inside front cover: College crest/ English Subjects/ Fifth Form./ First Prize./ Awarded to/ William Paterson/ Christmas, 1894
