We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the place now called Victoria, and all First Peoples living and working on this land. We celebrate the history and contemporary creativity of the world’s oldest living culture and pay respect to Elders — past, present and future.
Please be aware that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain culturally sensitive material — images, voices and information provided by now deceased persons. Content also may include images and film of places that may cause sorrow.
Some material may contain terms that reflect authors’ views, or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. These views are not necessarily the views of Victorian Collections.
Users of this site should be aware that in many areas of Australia, reproduction of the names and photographs of deceased people is restricted during a period of mourning. The length of this time varies and is determined by the community.
Reuse of any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material on this site may require cultural clearances. Users are advised to contact the source organisation to discuss appropriate reuse.
Item given to the school in memory of former staff member Isabel Hamilton, Bursar to Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies' College 1944 - 1953; Isabel's biography is also held by the school.
Framed under glass
In loving memory of / ISABEL HAMILTON / Bursar to Clarendon College 1944 – 1953 / died 16-3-87 aged 87 / Gift of her niece – Photography by Ann Lanagan
Item found amongst belongings of Old Collegian, Frederick Carthew (1917) and donated by his grandson Richard Carthew. The Minerva Head is a feature of the school crest. This rendering appears amateur.
Head of Minerva in brass with minimal engraving. Head attached to a simple brass wire pin.
uniform, ballarat college, minerva, jewellery
Front view of the new school building to be erected on the corner of Sturt and Lyons Streets within the grounds of St Andrew’s Kirk to replace the earlier wooden structure on the same site. The building was designed by the noted Ballarat architect, Henry Caselli, and this drawing is taken from his original plans which were made available to the College in 1992 by L H Vernon and Associates Pty. Ltd.
Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College moved from a property on the corner of Clarendon and Armstrong Streets, Soldiers Hill to new purpose built premises in Mair Street, Ballarat in 1926.
Framed under glass
clarendon presbyterian ladies college
Ballarat College Sports Under 16 Championship trophy awarded to A C Urquhart 23.9.1935. Angus Campbell Urquhart (1937) entered Ballarat College in 1934. He passed away in 1982 and his son Jim (1971) has offered Angus' 1935 blazer and Under 16 Champion trophy to school
uniform, trophy, sports, 1930s, ballarat college, blazer
Clarendon PLC Old Collegians were able to purchase school-crested items of jewellery from Allans Jewellers, Ballarat, following graduation.
Enamel school crested medallions fixed to silver-plated cuff links
clarendon presbyterian ladies college, clarendon plc old collegians, cuff links, school uniform
Some of these chairs remained n general use within the school even after MacFarland Hall was renovated in the early 2000s.
Chairs from the original MacFarland Dining Hall, opened in 1936. Chairs purchased from money donated by four old boys (see The Minervan June 1936 p.19)
chairs, macfarland hall
Wife of the Rev T D Cairns, Minister of St Andrews Kirk, Mrs Mary Cairns served on the Council of Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College 1919 - 1949. Her generous guarantee of loans from the Ballarat Banking Company, together with other donations, enabled the Presbytery of Ballarat to purchase Clarendon Ladies College from Mr Kennedy in 1919 for 1500 pounds. Mrs Cairns was an inaugural member of the new Clarendon Presbyterian Ladies College Council, established 1919 and remained on the Council for 30 years. This chair was a personal gift to Mrs Cairns by the PWMU to honour of her long and devoted service to that organisation. Mrs Cairns donated the chair back to St Andrews Kirk where it remained in use until the sale of the property in 2019. Congregation member, Max Harris, kindly arranged the donation of the chair to the school because of Mrs Cairn's long association with Clarendon PLC.
Solid wood chancel chair with discreet carving; plaque on front side of back support
Plaque: This chair was presented by the / Members of the St Andrews P W M U / on the occasion of the retirement of / Mrs T R Cairns / from the Presidency of the Branch / after holding that office for more than fifty years / as an acknowledgement of her devoted service / as President / & of their deep personal regard.
mrs mary cairns, 1919, st andrews kirk, clarendon presbyterian ladies college
These chairs originate from St Andrews Kirk, Ballarat, c1870s. The Rev William Henderson, Presbyterian Minister of Ballarat (1857 - 1886), founded Ballarat College in 1864. The chairs were is use in St Andrews Kirk during his tenure. At this time Ballarat College was situated in the grounds of St Andrews Kirk and remained there until 1912. In 1995 a plaque to this effect was erected in the grounds of St Andrews Kirk, and unveiled by Old Collegian and school Council member, Kenneth D Baird.
Matching set of three ornately carved, English Oak, chancel and clergy chairs; minister's chair with arms; elder chairs without arms.
Plaques at front of chair seats: Original St Andrews Kirk / Minister's Chairs c1870s / Gift Clark and Margaret Chester
rev william henderson, st andrews kirk
Athletic medals awarded to Kenneth Baird. Kenneth attended Ballarat College 1925 - 1930. As an Old Collegian Ken also served on the Ballarat College Council 1950-73 and the Ballarat Clarendon College Council 1974-84 (Chairman 1976-84). The K D Baird Boatshed is named in his honour, as were the rowing boats the Ken Baird 1963 and the Ken Baird II in 2003.
Small metal shield medals, with chain attachments at top and inscribed on verso
Verso: Ballarat / College / Gymn '23 Verso: Under 14 / BC / 1926 Verso: B C / Under 14 Gym / 1927
kenneth d baird, athletic medals, 1920s
The Carnival of 1953 was staged at College as part of the celebrations for the opening of the Tower, dormitories and Hall extension of the main Ballarat College buildings, 1425 Sturt Street, Ballarat. Opened by His Excellency, the Governor, General Sir Dallas Brooks and dedicated by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victora, Right Reverend W A Alston the formalities were followed by a two day Carnival and culminated in a dance on Saturday evening. The very successful Carnival raised 1334 pounds and was voted an outstandng success. For more information see the school magazine, The Minervan, August 1953, pp 6-8.
Small round lapel badge with white printing on red; Ballarat College crest surrounded by motto and encircled with the words: Ballarat College Carnival 27-28 Feb. 1953
Ballarat College crest surrounded by motto and encircled with the words: Ballarat College Carnival 27-28 Feb. 1953
ballarat-college, fund-raising, 1953, building opening, sir dallas brooks
Ballarat College student names extracted from Prize Lists published in the Ballarat Star or Courier for the years 1864 0 1871; compiled by Principal R E Thwaites in November 1935
Three sheets of quarto paper with school crest and handwritten record, pinned together at top left corner; Ballarat College Prize Winners listed in Ballarat Star or Courier 1864 - 1871
prize lists, handwriting
Compilation of earliest Annual Reports and Honours Lists for Ballarat College 1865 - 1866; the College opened mid-year 1864.
Unique copies - highly significant and valuable
Paper documents bound together with cardboard covers and spine; hand-written page numbers and index; 1875 newspaper clipping re College matriculation results inside front cover.
Inside front cover: Presented to Ballarat College / Council by Newton Wanliss Esq / August 1937
Bread knife used in Kawarau, former kindergarten, boarding house, master's home and current Administration building.
Stainless steel blade, metal fixture and wooden handle
Inscribed on face of blade: Bread Knife / Leppington (Cutlers) Ltd / Sheffield, Eng., /Firth Brearley / Stainless Sheffield Eng. Stainless
knife, kawarau, leppington (cutlers)
Prize awarded to Kate (Letitia) Whittle (DoB 6/12/1863; entered Ballarat College Girls' School 1881), for excellence in french; daughter of James Whittle, Chemist, 131 Sturt St, sister of Annie Louise, Louis Clarendon, Henry John, Samuel Unsworth, Arthur Walter; sisters Elsie Eleanor and Lilian May possibly attended Clarendon Ladies College. Letitia and Annie attended Ballarat College Girls School (names are embroidered on tablecloth) ; The school holds extensive family history records.
Full calf binding in mid-brown with raised bands and Ballarat College crest and borders embossed in gold on cover and spine; marbel endpages; page edges have gold leaf; bookplate fixed inside front cover
Bookplate: Ballarat College crest / Geography / First Prize / Third Form / Awarded to / Kate Whittle / Christmas [date obliterated]
Prize awarded to Kate (Letitia) Whittle (DoB 6/12/1863; entered Ballarat College Girls' School 1881), for excellence in English; daughter of James Whittle, Chemist, 131 Sturt St, sister of Annie Louise, Louis Clarendon, Henry John, Samuel Unsworth, Arthur Walter; sisters Elsie Eleanor and Lilian May possibly attended Clarendon Ladies College. Letitia and Annie attended Ballarat College Girls School (names are embroidered on tablecloth) ; The school holds extensive family history records.
Full calf binding in mid-brown with raised bands and Ballarat College crest and borders embossed in gold on cover and spine; marbel endpages; page edges have gold leaf; bookplate fixed inside front cover; decorative bookmark included
Bookplate: Ballarat College crest / English/ First Prize / Fourth Form / Awarded to / Kate Whittle / Christmas [date obliterated]
Prize awarded to Kate (Letitia) Whittle (DoB 6/12/1863; entered Ballarat College Girls' School 1881), for excellence in french; daughter of James Whittle, Chemist, 131 Sturt St, sister of Annie Louise, Louis Clarendon, Henry John, Samuel Unsworth, Arthur Walter; sisters Elsie Eleanor and Lilian May possibly attended Clarendon Ladies College. Letitia and Annie attended Ballarat College Girls School (names are embroidered on tablecloth) ; The school holds extensive family history records.
Full calf binding in light brown with raised bands and Ballarat College crest and borders embossed in gold on cover and spine; marbel endpages; page edges have gold leaf; bookplate fixed inside front cover
Bookplate: Ballarat College crest / French / First Prize / Upper Third Form / Awarded to / Kate Whittle / Christmas [date obliterated]
Prize awarded to Linda Whittle (DoB 26/5/1972; entered Ballarat College Girls' School 1887), for excellence in arithmetic; daughter of James Whittle, Chemist, 131 Sturt St, sister of Letitia(Kate), Louis Clarendon, Henry John, Samuel Unsworth, Arthur Walter; sisters Elsie Eleanor and Lilian May possibly attended Clarendon Ladies College. Letitia and Annie attended Ballarat College Girls School (names are embroidered on tablecloth) ; Linda died of tuberculosis, aged 23 and is buried in Geelong Cemetery. The school holds extensive family history records.
Full calf binding with raised bands and Ballarat College crest and borders embossed in gold on cover and spine; marbel endpages; page edges have gold leaf; bookplate fixed inside front cover
Bookplate: Ballarat College crest / Arithmetic / Sixth Form / First Prize / Awarded to / Linda Whittle / Christmas [date obliterated]
Prize awarded to Linda Whittle (DoB 26/5/1972; entered Ballarat College Girls' School 1887), for excellence in arithmetic; daughter of James Whittle, Chemist, 131 Sturt St, sister of Letitia(Kate), Louis Clarendon, Henry John, Samuel Unsworth, Arthur Walter; sisters Elsie Eleanor and Lilian May possibly attended Clarendon Ladies College. Letitia and Annie attended Ballarat College Girls School (names are embroidered on tablecloth) ; Linda died of tuberculosis, aged 23 and is buried in Geelong Cemetery. The school holds extensive family history records.
Full calf binding with raised bands and Ballarat College crest and borders embossed in gold on cover and spine; marbel endpages; page edges have gold leaf; bookplate fixed inside front cover
Bookplate: Ballarat College crest / Arithmetic / Sixth Form / First Prize / Awarded to / Linda Whittle / Christmas [date obliterated]
The original Weatherly Library was situated in the space immediately on the left of the archway. The fittings and furnishing of the library was a generous gift in 1936 of Mrs H P Mackenzie of Trawalla in honour of her pioneer parents, Mr and Mrs William Weatherly. The library was panelled with blackwood and fitted with shelves intended to eventually house 3000 books. Specially made solid blackwood chairs, upholstered in genuine hide, two long reading tables, an upholstered bench seat under the north window and an ornate carved mantelpiece topped by a classical broken pediment framing a carved head of Minerva were also donated. In 1971 this library was no longer large enought o serve the growing number of boys at the college; it was replaced by a bigger, separate building, also known as the Weatherly Library. This building is currently in use, and recently renovated, as the senior staff room. In 1993 a third library building was opened and named Erindale in recognition of property associated with Clarendon PLC. In 2012 the school opened the Fraser Library on the senior campus in honour of old collegian and school council chair, Darrell J Fraser.
Wooden frames with mounts and glass; both include printed descriptions; one includes a black and white photograph
h p mackenzie, weatherly library
Keith Charles Hofmaier (1927 - 1994) was one of Ballarat College's most distinguished sons. He attended the school from 1941 - 1945 serving as librarian, school prefect (1945) and member of the Rowing Firsts (1945). After school he became a successful farmer, well-known historian, organist, Freemason, philanthropist and community worker. He continued to give generously to the school and the Weatherly Library throughout his life. He endowed poetry and music prizes in memory of his daughter Ann who died in an accident. The Students' Representative Council gave a clock tot he school library in memory of his contribution to the school in 1994.
Wooden surround, glass front roman numerals on pale yellow face, battery operated; clock accompanied by frame description.
Plaque on clock glass: Keith Hofmaier 1927 - 1994
keith charles hofmaier, weatherly library, ballarat college
As an incentive to improve school work and develop student leadership, from 1927 former Clarendon PLC student Nellie Sutherland (Coulter) donated a silver cup each year. The cup soon became a prestigious award. It was awarded to the girl holding the leading place in 'work, sport and above all moral character'. The cups were awarded annually until to 1951. Mrs Sutherland made these gifts partly to remember her school days under Mrs Kennedy and because the school in Mair Street was built on the site of her former home. But the main reason was in memory of her two brothers Jason and Les killed during World War 1. In 2001 the Junior School Parent Group funded the ongoing award for a Year 6 student. The award criteria in 2001 were 'general excellence in academic achievement, respect for and from others, a positive role model, involvement and initiative'. This Coulter Cup was awarded in 1946 to Barbara Walter.
Small silver double-handed cup with ornate edge to cup lip and engraving on face
Engraved on face of cup: CPLC crest / THE COULTER CUP / 1946
barbara walter, coulter cup
Five photographs of Ballarat College sport teams in the 1930s featuring Basil Heriot and Keith Heriot, donated to the school by Wendy Moyle in 2019.
Black and white photographs mounted on heavy card
football, athetics, rowing
Jumper belonging to old collegian John Birt (1954); John played in the 1954 Football Premiership team
Framed wool football jumper in mount under glass
Plaque on mount: Ballarat College / Premiership Jumper / 1954
john-birt, 1954, football
Mein's history of Ballarat College, published 1964, records the school's first enrolments this way. "The Ballarat College will be opened on Wednesday morning, 6th July, 1864, at 9 o'clock, in the Rev. Wm. Henderson's Church. Intending students will assemble at that hour" Advertisement in the Ballarat Star. 'Two seven year old boys 'assembled'. They were cousins, and their names were: Samuel Baird and James Brown. On the following Monday....came three more pupils: Charles J Henderson, James W Nicol and William Govan Finlayson. framed item collated after their deaths, possibly for centenary celebrations.
Framed item featuring photographs of first four students enrolled at Ballarat College in 1864
Ballarat College / First Four Enrolments / 1864 / The Late Mr Sam Baird / The Late Mr J C Brown / The Late Mr W G Finlayson / The Late Mr C J Henderson
charles j henderson, william govan finlayson, james w nicol, samuel baird, james brown, ballarat college, 1864
Awarded to Donald Neil Symons for excellence in Scripture during 1926 at Ballarat College. Neil was educated at Ballarat College (Dux 1933) and Ormond College, Melbourne University. He became a Clothing industry leader and was Fletcher Jones' distinguished successor as chief executive of the FJ organisation, and a prominent advocate for the Australian textile and clothing industries, decentralised industry and government support of employee share ownership schemes.
Small, maroon, leather-bound book with gold lettering and detail on spine and gold crest on front cover; book plate inside front cover
Book plate inside front cover: School crest / Ballarat College / Third Prize / (Lower division) / Awarded to / N Symons / A Richardson BA / December 1927 Principal
donald-neil-symons, fletcher jones, 1920s, book prize
Awarded to Donald Neil Symons for excellence in Scripture during 1926 at Ballarat College. Neil was educated at Ballarat College (Dux 1933) and Ormond College, Melbourne University. He became a Clothing industry leader and was Fletcher Jones' distinguished successor as chief executive of the FJ organisation, and a prominent advocate for the Australian textile and clothing industries, decentralised industry and government support of employee share ownership schemes.
Medium-sized, maroon, leather-bound book with gold-lettering and decoration on spine and gold school crest on front cover; bookplate inside front cover
Bookplate inside front cover: School crest / Ballarat College / Sixth-Lower Form / Dux Prize / Awarded to / D N Symons / A Richardson BA / December 1930 Principal
donald-neil-symons, dux, 1930s, fletcher jones
Awarded to Donald Neil Symons for excellence in Scripture during 1926 at Ballarat College. Neil was educated at Ballarat College (Dux 1933) and Ormond College, Melbourne University. He became a Clothing industry leader and was Fletcher Jones' distinguished successor as chief executive of the FJ organisation, and a prominent advocate for the Australian textile and clothing industries, decentralised industry and government support of employee share ownership schemes.
Thick, maroon leather-bound book with gold lettering on spine, black wording and detail and gold school crest on front cover; bookplate inside front cover
Bookplate inside front cover:School crest / Ballarat College / IVA Form / Scripture Prize / (The gift of Mrs Cairns) / Awarded to / Neil Symons / A Richardson BA / December 1926 Principal
donald-neil-symons, cairns, scripture, book prize
Awarded to Donald Neil Symons for excellence in Scripture during his final year at Ballarat College. Neil was educated at Ballarat College (Dux 1933) and Ormond College, Melbourne University. He became a Clothing industry leader and was Fletcher Jones' distinguished successor as chief executive of the FJ organisation, and a prominent advocate for the Australian textile and clothing industries, decentralised industry and government support of employee share ownership schemes.
Small, maroon leather-bound book with gold title and detailing on spine and gold school crest on front cover; plain endpapers; bookplate inside front cover.
Book plate inside front covers: school crest / Ballarat College / Sixth Form / Scripture Prize / (Gift of Mrs T R Cairns) / Awarded to / D N Symons / A Richardson, BA / December 1930 Principal
donald-neil-symons, fletcher-jones, cairns
Arthur Ernest Albert Dawson entered Ballarat College 4 August 1886. The 1887 Ballarat College Sports program lists Arthur's name against Hurdles, Flat Race, and High Jump. Unfortunately the medal is undated. The intriguing inscription 'Twice Second' may refer to Arthur's competition for the College Cup, a highly valued Athletics Prize. The school does not hold sufficient records from this era to confirm any further details. The medal was donated to the school by Arthur's great-nephew, Ken Dawson, in 2019.
The medal has social significance. It reveals the very high value placed on sports involvement at the school from its earliest beginnings.
Ornate silver medal
Inscribed around school crest on front: Ballarat College Inscribed on medal verso: A Dawson / Twice Second
arthur ernest albert dawson, college cup, athletics, medal, 1880s, dawson
Framed set of documents, including letter from Ballarat College Principal, John Garbutt to George Howard, Esq. teaching master, Grammar School, Echuca 25 June 1878; memorandum confirming ongoing employment and raise of salary from Principal Garbutt to G Howard 17 December 1879; male and female student lists and results by subject covering Geography Form V, Arithmetic Form VI, Latin Form V, Mathematics Form III, English Form V, Mathematics Form VI, Mathematics Upper VI.
Collection of papers, framed under glass; thin black frame with fine gold line on molding; cardboard backing and paper sealing tape; hanging wire across back.
principal-john-garbutt, g-howard, 1879, 1878
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
