Library welcomes addition to archives collection

5 October, 2016Posted in: Other
 

Archives Collection at Bowral Library

Wingecarribee Public Library has welcomed a collection of Bundanoon School Records to its Local Studies Collection.

Delivered by Fiona Sullivan and Wendy Gallagher from State Records NSW the records dating from 1872 to 1961 include:

  • The School’s Register of Admissions, Progress and Withdrawal
  • The Visitors Book
  • Observation Book
  • Class Roll Books
  • Punishment Book

Council’s Information Services Librarian Roxanne Seaward explained the significance of the records.

“We are provided a glimpse into life in Bundanoon between the 1800 and 1900s—who attended the school, for how long, why they left and in some cases the occupations of their parents.”

At a time when education and corporal punishment were synonymous, the Punishment Book details the name and age of each pupil punished as well as the nature of the offence and subsequent punishment.

“It seems arriving at school with dirty hands in the 1800s earned you two cuts of the cane,” said Ms Seaward. “Careless work could earn you four cuts and simply ‘romping about’ could earn you a punishment of one cut.”

Wingecarribee Public Library’s Local Studies Collection is a designated Regional Repository for State Records NSW. The archive collection includes Council archives and other state archives of regional significance.

“These records are a great addition to our existing Council Pre-Amalgamation Archives Collection” added Ms Seaward.  “We look forward to receiving new additions as they become available.”

Bowral Library’s Local Studies Room is open between 2pm and 4pm each Tuesday and Thursday.

Bowral Central library is located at 18 Bendooley Street, Bowral.

For more information phone Wingecarribee Public Libraries on 1300 266 235.