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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - JENNY FOLEY COLLECTION: SUNDAY BEST
Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2003. Sunday best: the Children of the Allies join a pageant after World War 1. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were -
Ruyton Girls' School
Magazine, Ruyton Girls' School, The Ruytonian, 1943
In July 1909, a modest 12-page booklet was put together by members of the fledgling Old Ruytonians Association (ORA) and distributed to the Ruyton Girls' School community. It was one of their first projects, and their aim was to nurture continuing interest in the School among former and current students. They named it "The Ruytonian." At first, The Ruytonian was produced twice yearly, and always bore a plain cover with a simple name banner. Initially, it was the work of volunteer editors from the ORA, but in 1913 they handed the publication over to the first student editors, Esther Gibson and Lucy Tickell. Since that time, the style and content of The Ruytonian has continuously evolved. The biggest shifts occurred in 1942 when it transitioned to a yearly publication, and in 1969 when it moved to a larger A4 format with a cover image specifically selected for that year.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to the fourth oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Due to the age of the record dating back to 1943, we can infer it is one of the few remaining complete, intact and original examples of The Ruytonian from this period. Therefore, it can be considered an outstanding representation of its type, and is a reference example for research in early Victorian school history. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on papyrus coloured paper. 31 pages.Front Cover: DMacGruer / THE / RUYTON / IAN / RECTE ET FIDELITER. / DECEMBER, 1943 /ruyton girls' school, the ruytonian, kew, old ruytonians association, yearbook, school, publication, girls school, junior school, senior school, journal, students, teacher -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Booklet - Booklet - St Stephen's Church, May-56
Two copies of a 16 pate booklet commemorating the centenary of St. Stephen's Church, Portland, 11 May 1956. Textured card covers, dark gold print. Pages white semi-gloss paper, black print, black and white photos. Images are only uploaded for 8104b only and booklet is identical to 8104b except for inscription.Inside first page has the inscription B.Vivian written in Blue ink pen -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Book, Norm Cross, "Around the Tracks", 2004
Book - perfect bound - card covers - 186 pages printed on off white paper + 32 pages gloss paper printed with a mixture of black and white and colour photographs. An autobiography of a Rail Worker (Preston Workshops) and Enthusiast Norman (Norm) Cross. Tells the story of Norm, his work at Preston Workshops, characters, work mates, his travels within Australia and overseas and family. Has photographs of his work, travels and family. Published by Norm Cross 2004.trams, tramways, preston workshops, mmtb, mta, railways, tramways, heritage -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Horowitz, David, From Yalta to Vietnam: American foreign policy in the Cold War
Is America largely to blame for the Cold War? That is the question posed by this dispassionate and closely documented analysis of American foreign policy since the death of Roosevelt.Is America largely to blame for the Cold War? That is the question posed by this dispassionate and closely documented analysis of American foreign policy since the death of Roosevelt.united states - foreign relations, vietnam -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - DISCOVER VICTORIA, 1979
Discover Victoria, soft cover 104 pages with maps, black and white & colour illustrations, published by Decalon Pty Ltd Melbourne. This book, with the compliments of The Department of State Development, Decentralization and Tourism is designed to introduce you to the many tourist attractions in the twelve regions of Victoria, the garden state.Bob Moorsvictoria, history, people and places in victoria. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - LYDIA CHANCELLOR COLLECTION: BENDIGO ORIGINALITY CLUB
A newspaper cutting with a photo of Mrs. J. Kemelfield, President of the Originality Branch of the Red Cross and A.C.F. The article tells us their Christmas shop is open with lots of saleable articles. -
Ruyton Girls' School
Magazine, Ruyton Reporter, 1996
The Ruyton Reporter (formerly known as Ruyton Reports) captures the essential Ruyton Girls' School experience for the broader school community. It has been produced since 1986.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to one of the oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Thus, the record can be used as a reference example for research into Victorian school history. It also gives insight into the types of activities and events undertaken at Ruyton Girls' School during the period of its production. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on paper with staple binding. 16 pages.Front Page: the reporter / Ruyton / spring 1996 / PRINT POST / PP 341999 00026 / APPROVED / 12 Selbourne Road Kew / Telephone: 9819 2422 / Facsimile: 9818 4790 / R / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / Self-Expression / Contents / Access to Success: Year 9 / Royce Hall Update / Grandparents' Day / POR Tennis Day / Visitors to School / The Grand Gala Dinner / News of Old Girls / STOP PRESS: Patrick McMahon Concert, 1st February, 1997 - Our celebration of the fabulous Neil Diamond. / Edited by: Deborah Forster /ruyton girls' school, ruyton, school, students, newsletter, ruyton reports, ruyton news, kew, victoria, melbourne, girls school -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - THE GOLD DIGGINGS OF AUSTRALIA, c1963
A Lady's Visit To The Gold Diggings Of Australia In 1852-53. Written on the spot by Mrs. Charles Clacy Introduced by Patricia Thompson. Publisher Lansdowne Press, Tattersall's Lane, Melbourne. Edition: Second. 160 pages. One illustration.. Inscriptions/Markings: underlining in red and black on many pages, some notes. Harold Curnow 19/8/64 written in the front. Bendigo Historical Society stamp in front and back covers.Mrs. Charles Clancybook, gold diggings of australia, gold diggings -
Unions Ballarat
Book - Above the starry frame, 2007
Biography of William Irwin who migrated to Australia in 1850. He was a digger and a publican during the gold rush in Ballarat. He was publican at the Star Hotel, John O'groats Hotel and the Provincial Hotel. The Star Hotel was closely connected with the story of the Eureka Stockade. The book in part draws from family correspondence. The book's author, Helen Townsend, is Irwin's great-granddaughter. Relevance to the history of Ballarat, gold mining and the Eureka Stockade. Biographical interest - William Irwin.Paperback book. Front cover: image of houses surrounded by fields; image of Irwin's Provincial Hotel with people and horses and carts; white and black lettering.Front cover: title and author. Back cover: book synopsis; praise for the book by Tom Keneally.btlc, ballarat trades hall, ballarat trades and labour council, gold mining - ballarat, mining licences - ballarat, eureka stockade, irish potato famine, gold miners, history, biography, publicans - ballarat, immigrants, pioneers, william irwin, star hotel, john o'groats hotel, provincial hotel -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Book (Item) - Military/Aerospace Relays Struthers-Dunn
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - JENNY FOLEY COLLECTION: PREMIERS
Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Monday, September 16, 2002. Premiers: White Hills (14.15) beat Kennington (8.6) in the 1950 Bendigo Football Association grand final. Back row: J. Wright (trainer), C. Harrington, B. Frankel, A. Taig, C. Gooding, M. Hogan, G. Cowling, W. Atkinson, A. Moralli and N. Jenkins (trainer). Middle row: R. Westaway, N. Westaway, W. Muir (captain), H. Tobin (vice-captain), R. Hands and G. Body. Front row: G. Brown (trainer), J. Jones, R. Wee Hee, D. Spooner, P. Kane (mascot),E. Fisher, D. McKenzie and J. Sanderson. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were -
Heidelberg Golf Club
Booklet - Program, Heidelberg Golf Club, Heidelberg Golf Club: Programme of events 1981-1982, 1981
Contains Club information, members' contact details and a calendar of events. Include a section for Associates.56 p., stapled, cream cover with brown writing and sketch of clubhouse. 2 copies.heidelberg golf club, members handbooks, program of events -
Greensborough Historical Society
Magazine, Banyule City Council, Banyule Banner July/August 2014, 2014_07
The Banyule Banner is published quarterly by Banyule City Council to advertise upcoming events in the City of Banyule and to report on past events. A record of events within the City of Banyule.20 pages (approx.), colour illustrations. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Notre Dame of Paris Vol 1
Pattison Collection This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was 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 lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. 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 Ralph 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. RALPH ERIC PATTISON 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 Pattison accepted a 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 1942 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. 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. 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. Notre Dame of Paris Vol 1 Author: Victor Hugo Publisher: J M Dent & co Date: 1899 The label on the spine with typed text by PAT 843 HUG Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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, notre dame of paris vol 1, victor hugo -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Ballarat School of Mines Students' Magazine, 1916, 1916
School Council, Members of Staff, Editorial, Fumes from the Lab, Ancient Craft Classes and the Apprenticeship Question, Magazine Editorial Staff, The Trip to Bradshaw's Creek, Arts & Crafts Gossip, In Memoriam - E. J. Cannon, Echoes of the Past, The Haunted Tram Car, Old Boys', Sport, Shun!! Military Notes, The Junior TechsBlue soft covered magazine of 62 pages.ballarat school of mines, magazine, f. maxwell, n. turnbull, g. procter, e. seimering, l. tonkin, w. carrol, h. smith, r. cox, j. a. greenshields, jnr, r. o. buchanan, l. vernon, a. bowman, w. h. steane, n. henry, r. dale, e. j. cannon, ted cannon, lance-corporal e. j. cannon, charles w. whyte, patrick s. anderson, william t. sayer, william f. m. johnson, robert m. sergeant, harold t. w. dixon, harrie wilson, ernest s. morsehead, carl jensen, corpl. r. sergeant, sergt. h. dixon, q.m.s. t. wilkins, captain james fairbairn fairley, sergt. e. morshead, sergt. hy. wilson, lieut. l. c. blick, f. g. procter, f. g. davies, glad procter -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Allen Lane, The secrets of Rue St Roch : intelligence operations behind enemy lines in the First World War, 2004
Intelligence operations in France in the First World warIndex, ill, maps, p.407.non-fictionIntelligence operations in France in the First World warworld war 1914-1918 - secret service, world war 1914-1918 - espionage -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Book, Pam Marriott, Time gentlemen please! : an history of Western District inns, 1840-1915, 2001
Time Gentlemen Please! : A History of Western District Inns 1840-1915 An historical record of the public houses, which flourished in Belfast and Western District during the timeframe, complete with licensees.xix, 327 p. : ill., map, ports. ; 24 cm. Includes indexnon-fictionTime Gentlemen Please! : A History of Western District Inns 1840-1915 An historical record of the public houses, which flourished in Belfast and Western District during the timeframe, complete with licensees.bars (drinking establishments) -- victoria -- western district, victoria -- social life and customs -- 1901-1945, victoria -- social life and customs -- 1834-1900, book -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Newspaper - Newspaper cutting, 8, 1933-1947
The Plough Girl - An Autumn Study.mabs younger, female students -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - BENDIGO ADVERTISER SEPTEMBER 26, 1971 VISIT BENDIGO'S HISTORIC POTTERY ESTABLISHED 1857 IN EPSOM, 1971
Black & White Bendigo Advertiser Newspaper Article September 26, 1971 Visit Bendigo's Historic Pottery. A Major Tourist Attraction. Tour Times For 1971 Week Days: Morning 9 am & 10 am; Afternoon, 1 pm & 2:30 pm Weekends: A guide Will Meet Tourists At The Main Gate For A Tour Commencing At 2:30 pm. Charges: Adults 50c each; Also Family Concessions.bendigo, buildings, bendigo pottery epsom tourism -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Life Assurance I.O.O.F, Holy Bible
Bible belonged to International Order of OddfellowsBlackLoyal Wimmera Lodge No. 91 I.O.O.F -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - JENNY FOLEY COLLECTION: OLD SMITHY
Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from 2003. Old Smithy at Bridgewater-on-Loddon. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Elston, Allan V, The Marked Men by Allan V. Elston, 1957
One side called it a righteous crusade, the other side a murdering invasion.Hardcover book, 158 pages. Front cover of book has a colour image of a man holding a revolver in each hand, face covered. Man on horseback in background.fictionOne side called it a righteous crusade, the other side a murdering invasion.allan v. elston, westerns, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Parker, Gilbert, The Battle of The Strong, A Romance of Two Kingdoms by Gilbert Parker, 1908
Naval history.Hardcover book with dark green cover. 429 pages.fictionNaval history.gilbert parker, naval history, fiction -
Moorabbin Air Museum
Book - FLIGHT PLAN PNG, EILEEN STEENSON, 1974
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Federation University Historical Collection
Book, a naem ov mie oen, c 1960
Mary Egan who died on April 4th, 1981, spent 23 years as a greatly-respected lecturer in English curriculum at the Ballarat Teachers College, State College of Victoria and Ballarat College of Advanced Education. Red covered book with goat on the cover written in Pitman's initial teaching alphabetBook Plate, University of Ballarat Library sticker inside front cover and barcode on front cover, shelving sticker on back cover. University of Ballarat Stamp on inside cover. A-75 written on first page stamped inside back cover with State School 719 Yendonmary egan, ballarat teachers college, state college of victoria, ballarat college of advanced education, education department victoria, ruth ainsworth, ronald ridout -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Bassett, Jan, Guns and Brooches: Australian Army Nursing from the Boer War to the Gulf War (Copy 2)
On 11th August 1915, Grace Wilson, an Australian matron on Lemmons, wrote of some of her Galipoli patrons.On 11th August 1915, Grace Wilson, an Australian matron on Lemmons, wrote of some of her Galipoli patrons.australia. army. australian army nursing service - history, history of nursing, australian army nursing service -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Newspaper, The Courier Ballarat, "Oh, what fun it is to ride on a tram", 17/12/2018 12:00:00 AM
Newspaper clipping from the Courier, 15/12/2018 titled "Oh, what fun it is to ride on a tram", reporting on the Santa Tram, a three year old Ivy with Roger Salen dressed as Santa in front of 40 at Depot Junction. Quotes Peter Waugh Photo by Kate Healy, story by Melanie Whelan.btm, volunteers, personnel, santa tram, christmas -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Taming the Wilderness, 1985
Irrigation - History of John Herbert Davies and familySoft cover. Dark blue. Pale blue printing, brown toned picture of excavation. One family's contribution to irrigation in AustraliaWith Best Wishes, AE Lawrencetaming the wilderness, irrigation, davies family history, books, history, local -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, He Lived in My Shoes
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. He Lived in My Shoes Author: Leslie Greener Publisher: The Australasian Publishing Co Date: 1948 The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 819.93 GRE Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library 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, he lived in my shoes, leslie greener