Historical information

These documents contain information about the Warrnambool Racing Club in the 1960s. Race meetings were held in Warrnambool as early as 1848, a few months after the first white settlers arrived. The Warrnambool Racing Club was formed in 1854 and the present day racecourse was first used in 1858. In 1872 the well-known Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase was first held. These documents came from the office of Rolf Crawley, a surveyor, architect and engineer in private practice in Warrnambool and also the engineer for the Shire of Warrnambool from 1935 to 1968. His grandfather, father and uncle were also engineers, working in that capacity or as the Shire Secretary for the Shire of Warrnambool, with the Crawley family recording a total of 132 years of service to the Shire. The Shire of Warrnambool existed from 1863 to 1994. These documents came into the possession of Michael Hand who took over the private surveying practice in Warrnambool of Rolf Crawley. The Warrnambool and District Historical Society acquired these documents, along with several ledgers and other Crawley memorabilia, from the estate of Michael Hand.

Significance

These documents are of interest as they contain much information on the Warrnambool Racing Club and will be of assistance to researchers.

Physical description

This is a collection of documents relating to the Warrnambool Racing Club. They are typewritten letters and Minutes summaries. Some are copies and there are two cards giving notice of meetings.