Historical information

Nellie May Matthews received this book prize in 1896 for first prize in bible. Nellie enrolled in Clarendon Ladies' College in April of 1896 (D.O.B. 3/6/1978). In the original registry it states that father's name is George Browning, occupation Ironmonger and the residence as 98 Neil Street Ballarat. Nellie had a sister, Sarah Bertha Matthews (D.O.B 31/12/1883) who enrolled in the school on 8/2/1898.

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 black soft calf with gilt inscription on front and spine. Black end papers, red/gilt edges, black and white illustrations throughout, very slight foxing on pages, slight open tear on top of spine. 708 p.

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: Clarendon Ladies' College/ BALLARAT./ First Prize./ Bible-Class III/ Awarded to/ Nellie May Matthews./ MRS. KENNEDY, / PRINCIPAL. /DECEMBER 1896