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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The House of Madame Tellier
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The House of Madame Tellier Author: Guy De Maupassant Translated by Marjorie Laurie Publisher: T Werner Laurie Ltd Date: 1950 The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 843 MAU Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the house of madame tellier, guy de maupassant -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book, Sidney Howard, Our Merchant Navy, 1942
non-fictionkeith oliver, donation -
Robin Boyd Foundation
Booklet, Helen Langdon, Art Gallery Guide, 1981
walsh st library -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Bosiljevac TL, Seals: UDT/SEAL Operations In Vietnam (Copy 2)
When technology and machinery can;t doe the job, it's tine to call in a small group of men.When technology and machinery can;t doe the job, it's tine to call in a small group of men.united states. navy. seals, vietnam -
Melbourne Legacy
Audio - Recording, tape, Legacy in Vic conf 17/6/67 (2), 1967
From the note on the box it is a tape of the Victorian State Conference in 1967. This recording has not been played.A record that the Legatees felt their Conferences were worth recording for future reference.An audio recording in a red cardboard cover with white circles descending in circumference, mainly black print, some red and white print. BASF logo in white on red background. Box, colour white, black type, 3 sides of box are right angles, top side angled across and down at approximately 10 degrees.Cover front and rear, Magnetophoneband, BASF Typ LGS 52, 360m, 1200 feet printed in black type. Standard band, standard tape printed in red, BASF printed in white. Side of cover Made in Germany, 360m Standarband, 18cm Spule, white print. Spool, handwritten on white paper,blue biro, Tape 2 State Conference 1967. Stamped Made in Australia, length of tape calibrated in imperial measurement Magnetic Tape, brown green "leader". conference, legatee -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Book - Return to Cassino, Harolg.L.Bond
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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Scutts, Jerry, Wolfpack: Hunting MiGs over Vietnam, 1988
In World War 2 the unofficial title 'Wolfpack; belonged to the 56th Fighter Group assigned to the 8th Air Force in England.In World War 2 the unofficial title 'Wolfpack; belonged to the 56th Fighter Group assigned to the 8th Air Force in England. 1961-1975 -- regimental histories, vietnamese conflict, 1961-1975 - aerial operations - american -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Booklet (Item) - US Aircraft Identification Booklet, Aircraft Recognition for the Ground Observer
Designed to assist the US and Canadian Ground Observer Corps as well as enthusiasts. -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Robin Gerster, On the war-path, 2004
This anthology reveals the many ways in which going to war has formed a cultural bridge between Australia and the world. From the Sudan in 1885 to Afghanistan in 2001, the connection of war to travel is illustrated in the observations of many writers.notes, 350.p.non-fictionThis anthology reveals the many ways in which going to war has formed a cultural bridge between Australia and the world. From the Sudan in 1885 to Afghanistan in 2001, the connection of war to travel is illustrated in the observations of many writers.war and literature - australia, travel writing - military - australia -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Booklet, Community Directory 1982 - City of Port Melbourne, 1982
City of Port Melbourne Community Directory 1982, covering all aspects of Council services to the community. Printed in English with some information given also in Greek and Turkish.local government - city of port melbourne -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK WW1, CAROL CAMPBELL - Author, My Dearest Chatty, 2014
Andrew Campbell No 2053 enlisted in the 3rd reinforcements 38th Batt on 24.3.1916 age 25 years 3 months. Embark for England 25.9.1916, embark for 20.12.1916. WIA 4.3.1917 GSW’s Back and left forearm, return to Australia records stating SW’s left Thorax, left arm, hand and Buttock, discharged from the AIF 21.3.1918.Cardboard cover in light green with 2 inset photographs, Andrew Campbell & Charlotte Egan. The book is re the letters Andrew wrote to his sweetheart Charlotte (Chatty). The book is accompanied by photograph's document, etc.books - correspondence, military history - army -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book, Richard Hawkins, Creeks and Harbours of Western Port, 1983
non-fictionsea voyage, allan villiers (1903-1982), keith oliver, donation -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Book - Oral History Handbook, 1997
Comprehensive guide to oral history methods and proceduresComprehensive guide to oral history methods and proceduresComprehensive guide to oral history methods and proceduresoral history, history, local history -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Booklet, United States Army, Vietnamese Phrase Book (Copy 2), 1962
A brown coloured booklet with black writing. At the top left hand side reads: Department of the Army Pamphlet. Top right side reads No. 20-611. In the middle of the bookleet reads Vietnamese Phrase Book. At the bottom of the booklet reads Headquarters, Department of the Armjy - July 1962vietnamese language -- conversation and phrase books, english language -- conversation and phrase books -- vietnamese -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Book, Brighton Cemetorians Inc, Our Gallipoli Boys : The centenary of Gallipoli
Boyd who fought at Gallipoli and buried in the Brighton Cemeterynon-fictionBoyd who fought at Gallipoli and buried in the Brighton Cemeterybrighton general cemetery, brighton, cemetery, artists -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Audio - Oral History, Growing up on Fishermen's Bend, Keith Turnbull, 10 Jul 2008
Keith Turnbull discussing growing up on Fishermen's Bend. Interviewed by Margaret and Grahan Bride.Duration 00:23:28built environment, families, natural environment, fishermans bend, keith turnbull -
Mont De Lancey
Booklet, Foster McClellan Co, Doan's Dream Book and De Witt's 200 Year Calendar and Book of Horoscopes, Doan's early 1900's. De Witt's circa 1950's
A booklet on dream interpretation dispersed with advertisements and testimonials for Doan's medicines. Originally published in 1904, this likely is an early 1920's printing. Many booklets like this were produced as PR material to increase product sales between c. 1900 - 1915. They were given to the more affluent customers or clients by the local shopkeepers of the period and are interesting Australiana historical publications. They were anywhere between 8 to 32 pages. The De Witt's booklet is similar with advertisements and information on various medicinal products produced and sold by the company for ailments. p.32.An extremely damaged, old and worn black covered booklet about ailments that people suffer with the title Doan's Dream Book. The front cover has an illustration of an ancient Egyptian woman sitting on a large stone chair with a child at her feet playing a type of harp. 'I wonder if Dreams Come True' is written at the bottom with the publisher details. It has many examples throughout of how these illnesses may be improved with advertising for products too. The back cover has lists of medication made by Doan's. p. 32. De Witt's 200 Year Calendar and Book of Horoscopes has a red, black, pink and cream front cover showing an oval with horoscopes drawn around the edges and a mountain with a yacht sailing on a river with 'The Quest for Health' written below. The title is written at the bottom of the cover. This booklet has the 200 year calendar at the front with dates from 1776 - 1976. Throughout the booklet are advertisements and information on various medications produced and sold by the company circa 1950's. p32.non-fictionA booklet on dream interpretation dispersed with advertisements and testimonials for Doan's medicines. Originally published in 1904, this likely is an early 1920's printing. Many booklets like this were produced as PR material to increase product sales between c. 1900 - 1915. They were given to the more affluent customers or clients by the local shopkeepers of the period and are interesting Australiana historical publications. They were anywhere between 8 to 32 pages. The De Witt's booklet is similar with advertisements and information on various medicinal products produced and sold by the company for ailments. p.32.dreams, medicines, ilnesses, horoscopes, calendars -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book - Minutes, Port Melbourne Council, Williamstown Short Road Committee, 1896
Red bound book of minutes for the Williamstown Short Road Committee 1896local government - town of port melbourne -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Patersons Printing Pres, Age shall not weary them : the story of H.M.A.S. Perth, 1949?
A personal reminisces of a crewman sailing on HMAS PerthIll, p.148.non-fictionA personal reminisces of a crewman sailing on HMAS Perthworld war 1939 – 1945 – naval operations - australia, hmas perth -
Box Hill Historical Society
Book, City of Whitehorse, 'Guidelines for Alterations and Additions to Dwelling in...', c.2002/3
Four folders containing information for owners of properties in Heritage Overlay areas - (i) Guidelines for Alterations & Additions to Dwellings in the Combarton Street Precinct (ii) Ditto in the Mont Albert Residential Precinct (iii) Ditto in the Churchill Street Precinct (iv) Ditto in the Heritage Overlay4 booksnon-fictionFour folders containing information for owners of properties in Heritage Overlay areas - (i) Guidelines for Alterations & Additions to Dwellings in the Combarton Street Precinct (ii) Ditto in the Mont Albert Residential Precinct (iii) Ditto in the Churchill Street Precinct (iv) Ditto in the Heritage Overlayheritage studies, churchill street precinct, mont albert precinct, combarton street precinct, houses -
Nhill & District Historical Society Inc.
Book - Book - A Centenary History, Australian Natives History
A Centenary History - Aust. Natives History HN 42 -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Book (Item) - RAAF , Schedule Of Accessories ,Sabre Aircraft (A.B.O.E2/5) Aircraft Serial No. A94-941
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Melbourne Legacy
Audio - Newsletter, The Answer October/November 2022 Audio Version, 2022
The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the VVFS regional launch, a VLO update, Youth Camps, a paddleboat fundraiser being organised, and photos of Legacy Week 2022. Also a reflection on the battle of Pozieres where the Centenary Torch Relay will start in April 2023. Also photos of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from June/July 2022.activities, answer, widows -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book, Hugh McGrae, Georgiana’s Journal as edited by Hugh Mc Crae, 1934
This Journal written by Georgina Mc Crae Melbourne 1841 - 1865. The Painting on the cover is a self Portrait. A very Interesting account of Victoria's early History.A white coverd paperback - Top in white print in black background Imprint Classics. Georgina's Journal in Pink Print. In Central cover In an oval inset a Colored Portrait of Georgina Mc Crae. Below Portrait Melbourne 1841 - 1865. Edited By Hugh Mc Crae.Inscription on Fly Leaf: Hand written. To The Stawell Historical Society - To Honor the memory of John McClure. REfer Pages 87 - 154. 178. 192. 198.234. Note John Mc Clure is Intered Deep Lead Cemetery 1859.stawell education -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - LYDIA CHANCELLOR COLLECTION : BOOK DOLLY DIMPLE'S STORIES
A book titled,'Dolly Dimple's Stories.' Hard bound cream covered book with blue lettering / publisher London - Printer & Publisher - Ernest Nister / painting of girl on front/ circa 1890's ? / The collection of short stories includes a poem -spring time by F.E. Weatherby / Clifton Bingham poems, The Hoop, The Shepherd Boy , Preparing for Christmas.books, children's, story book, lydia chancellor collection, collection, - book-dolly dimpl's stories / london - ernest nister / poem -spring time by f.e. weatherby/ clifton bingham poem the hoop, stories, poetry, illustrations, literature -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Book, Fisher, Stanley W, English Pottery and Porcelain Marks : Including Scottish and Irish marks, 1970
This small yet comprehensive book reproduces the commoner marks to be found on British pottery and procelain between 1750 and 1900. It also provides basic information about the pottery and porcelain ware manufactured during this period.96 pagesnon-fictionThis small yet comprehensive book reproduces the commoner marks to be found on British pottery and procelain between 1750 and 1900. It also provides basic information about the pottery and porcelain ware manufactured during this period.pottery, porcelain, commoner marks, english -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, Big River Days-A history of the Big River valley and the golden times of the long gone townships of Enoch's Point and Darlingford, 1996
A history of the Big River valley and the townships of Enoch's Point and Darlingford, VictoriaPaperback. Cover has a photograph of a group of men sitting and crouching for a group photograph. There are trees in the background.for Doug - / With best wishes,/ John Pilkington / January 2000 To the memory of my parents,/ Ralph and Florence Pilkington Stamp of the Marysville & District Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779enoch point, darlingford, big river, victoria, australia, history, john keith pilkington -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Book, Sansom, William et al, Victorian life in photographs, 1974
32 p., [80] leaves of plates : chiefly ill - 181 illustration (photographs)non-fictionphotography, english social life, 19th century, england -
Robin Boyd Foundation
Book, David Attenborough, The First Eden: The Mediterranean World and Man, 1987
Hardcover w/ Dust Jacketnatural history, mediterranean, anthropology, civilization, walsh st library -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, London a Pilgrimage
WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. London a Pilgrimage Author: Gustav Dore Publisher: Grant & Co Date: 1872 Further Information: The label on the spine cover with typed text 914.2 Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museum with a date stamp pf 28/8/99 (1899) Also handwritten " Received from Mrs H Lindsay Miller Aug 28 1899"flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library