Historical information

Arthur Allsop went into the business office at Bendigo (Vic.) of the late Mr. Alfred Joseph. He later operated as an independent bookmaker. Arthur Allsop was a partner in the firm of Kelly and Allsop and was involved in mining and speculation in Bendigo. He was elected as a member of the Bendigo Stock Exchange in 1906.
He started his athletic career at picnic sports and was a fine athlete winning many foot races.
For 15 years he acted as secretary of the Sandhurst City Fire Brigade, he was captain of the Bendigo lacrosse team. He was a fair cricketer, and played against the English and Australian Elevens. He played football, and acted as secretary to the Bendigo Football Club. In later years he played bowls and captained pennant teams. He was a Past District- Grandmaster in the M.U.I.O.O.F.
Allsop eventually moved to Melbourne and then Sydney working as a bookmaker. He died in Sydney in 1921. His wife Belle died in Bendigo in 1914 and is buried in the Bendigo Cemetery.

Physical description

Ten betting record books of various sizes and one card holder that belonged to Bookmaker Arthur Allsop. All books have black leather covers.
Seven have gold lettering on the front covers with variations - Arthur Allsop Sandhurst: A Allsop Sandhurst: A Allsop Victorian Club: Arthur Allsop Victorian Club: Sandhurst (Name section removed): Member Victorian Club and Bowes' Tattersalls Reg. VRC and VATC.
Five books have gold clasps.
The record books contain hand written details of betting records for horse races in Victoria and New South Wales. The records include dates, Race names, Horse names, punters; names and wagers. Records are dated from 1886 to 1891.
Manufacturers include Weaklin & Flint's; Henry Penny.