Historical information

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934.

Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies.
The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars.

This Christian bible belonged to Grace Hamilton-Smith (nee Ellwood). The inscriptions indicate it was owned and used while she was at boarding school in Melbourne in the 1930s.

It was published by the London printer Eyre and Spottiswood, established in 1739.

Significance

This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history.

Physical description

A black cloth bound Christian bible containing old and new testaments.

Inscriptions & markings

On inner front page proper left upper corner in pencil: "Grace W Ellwood/"Braeside"/Bethonga./Victoria/Grace Ellwood/Morris Hall/Sth Yarra".
On inner front paper proper left lower corner in pencil: "Grace Ellwood/Morris Hall/M.L.L. GLS/1925-6-7".