Historical information

According to the Ballarat College Report, Prize list and Prospectus published 1875 Miss E Rees was Dux of the school 'Ladies Department' and winner of the Mr R F Glover's Prize Essay. This book was awarded to Miss E Rees the following year by the Ballarat Ladies College associated with the ballarat Grammar School, Principal F J Thomas. Thomas had been appointed principal of Ballarat College in 1874 following the untimely death of the school's first principal Robert Oliver McCoy. However Thomas's credentials were questionable and he left the school under a cloud during 1875. Thomas established a rival college. This action had a devastating impact on Ballarat College because many students enrolled at the new college. This book is evidence of just one such transition.

Physical description

Ornately decorated book with calf spine and cover detail, marbled covers and end-pages, gold lettering and patterns on spine;

Inscriptions & markings

Book plate inside front cover: Ballarat Ladies College / in association with the Ballarat Grammar School / CHRISTMAS 1878 / University Class / SPECIAL PRIZE / the gift of / the pupils of the Ballarat Gr. Sch. / for / 'the favorite girl' 2 vol. / awarded to / Miss E Rees / F J THOMAS, PRINCIPAL