Historical information

Samuel Henry McGowan 1844 - 1921 emigrated to Australia from Ireland in 1870. He was deeply involved with mining in Sandhurst / Bendigo including as manager South St. Mungo Gold Mining Company in July 1882, and the Old Chum Mining Company. He founded The South Energetic Company in August 1884. He founded Leech's Creek Gold Mining Company in July 1886, the Great Cornish Mining Company 1887[2] the Lord Hopetoun Gold Mining Company in February 1891, the North Moon Company June 1892, the Bendigo Golden Star Company August 1893, Corinella Consols Company September 1893, New North Prince of Wales Company, September 1893, North Albion Reef Gold Mining Company June 1898, and the Ashley Gold Mining Company August 1898. He was a councillor, Barkly Ward, City of Bendigo 1883–1901 and served as Mayor from 1886 - 1887 and 1899 - 1900
S.H. McGowan married Kate Goyne 1852 – 1930.

Physical description

Fold out invitation for the Mayoral Ball held at the Town Hall, Sandhurst June 29th 1886. Fold out on left hand side lists the dances for the evening and then opens out with space to add dance partners. A list of the music repertoire for the evening is printed on the right hand side fold. When closed the invitation is printed in the shape of an envelope. Text, border design and the mayor's initials (as they appear on the Mayoral Chain as intertwined letters) all printed in gold. Left fold has detached from rest of invitation.