Historical information

The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Samuel Richardson was a sawmiller and farmer in Orbost. He built The Curlip, a wooden paddle-steamer of 9 tons gross and dimensions of 43 feet long, 10 feet wide and a depth of 3 feet, on the slipway at their Tabarra sawmill in 1890.
The Ballarat Horticultural Society was established in 1859 by a group of thirteen men with the aim of establishing an association for all lovers of horticulture. There were many such societies throughout the colonies making a contribution to their communities.
In May 1852 Richard Wicking and his younger brother Frederick followed their father’s footsteps, leaving England to pursue a new life in the distant colony of Port Phillip. Sailing on the maiden voyage of the 'Roxburgh Castle' a new purpose built ship for the long voyages from London to Australia. Arriving on August 28th 1852, having paid their own fares they were "Unassisted Passengers". The brothers spent two years in Melbourne. He spent some tome in Ballarat and became a prominent community member involved in many areas.

Significance

The Richardson family was one of the very early settler families to establish themselves in the Orbost district. Samuel Richardson was builder of the Paddle Steamer Curlip.
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Physical description

An ornately designed card with an oval frame of flowers and cherubs. It is a Ballarat Agricultural Society membership ticket made out to Mr S. Richardson (hand written) and endorsed by R. Wicking , the secretary.

Inscriptions & markings

on back - hand-written - "J E Richardson"