Historical information

This book belonged to Mary Gilbert and was probably used by her whilst at Melbourne University as a student. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.

Significance

Mary Gilbert was the first curator of the Orbost Museum, and a local teacher. She was a highly respected Orbost citizen.

Physical description

A black paged botany book with a leatherette cover. Inside are hand -drawn botanical specimens. On the front, in gold, is the Melbourne University insignia with its motto -"Postera crescam laude" ( "May I grow in the esteem of future generations").

Inscriptions & markings

MARY I. GILBERT BOTANY 1 1926 No. 437