Historical information

This unique document was produced in honour of Dr William (Bill) Alexander Sloss, Patron of Sloss House, Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies' College, on his birthday 5 August 1962. It features a handwritten dedication in coloured ink, black and white photograph of Dr Sloss, Dr Sloss' own 10 page history of the school and 3 pages of signatures from the 1962 members of council, members of staff and school prefects. The book has been bound by local printing company Waller & Chester but all pages have been produced by hand. It is a significant record of the esteem and appreciation in which Dr Sloss was held by the school community. Dr Sloss served on the school council 1919-1966. His daughter-in-law, wife of Bill Sloss (Old Collegian 1921-1934) Janie also served 1956-1964 and again 1969-1973 and on the Ballarat Clarendon College council in 1974. Dr Sloss was instrumental in the purchase of Clarendon Ladies College by the local Presbyterian community in 1919 and the opening, by Governor General Stonehaven, and ongoing establishment of the Mair Street site in 1925. He was instrumental in the appointment of seven Principals - Carson, Short, Shaw, McDonald, Mathieson, Kerr and McPherson. His contribution to education in Ballarat for nearly 50 years is inestimable. The book is accompanied by a black and white photograph labelled 'Clarendon College Sports', undated.

Significance

This unique book is a significant record of social significance.

Physical description

Black leather bound book of 18 pages, including 2 illustrations pasted in place, 10 typewritten pages and 3 pages of signatures. The book is accompanied by a 4x6 landscape black and white photograph.

Inscriptions & markings

Front cover: embossed crest / Clarendon / Presbyterian / Ladies' College / 1962
Handwritten on flyleaf: $95 / very scarce / unique copy