Showing 8157 items
matching a thomas
-
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Container - Record case cylinder - Edison Amberol Record: "McGregor's Toast" by Harry Lauder, 1927
... Thomas A. Edison (TM) ...Displayed at History HouseCardboard case (empty)Front: 12387 -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Container - Record case cylinder - Edison Gold Moulded Record: "Jean from Aberdeen" by Billy Williams, 1909
... Thomas A. Edison (TM) ...Displayed at History HouseGold moulded edison cylinder in incorrect cardboard case (see Inmagic 3860)Front: 13631 -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Container - Record case cylinder - Edison Record, n.d
... Thomas A. Edison (TM) ...Displayed at History HouseCardboard case containing broken cylinder. -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Container - Record Case, Thomas A. Edison (TM), Just before the battle, Mother, 1912
... Thomas A. Edison (TM) ...Displayed at History HouseCardboard case (empty) Edison Blue Amberol Record Case: "Just before the battle, Mother" by Will Oakland and ChorusFront: 1516music, music recording, container -
Clunes Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH ST THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, 9/06/1974
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, CLUNES WAS OPENED IN 1974SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, CLUNES.ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH CLUNES. CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF OPENING OF CHURCH AND FORMING OF PARISH. SUNDAY, 9 JUNE 1974.local history, photography, photographs, churches, roman catholic -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Negative - Photograph, Councillors of the Shire of Eltham in 1913. Presented to Mr A. G. Thomas C.E., Shire Secretary (centre), 1913
... A. G. Thomas C.E., Shire Secretary (centre). ...Sepia photograph of a portrait panel of ten councillors of the Shire of Eltham, 1913 Woodgrained Portrait panel with photos of ten Shire of Eltham Councillors 1913 presented to Mr A.G. Thomas C.E. whose photo is prominant on the panel "by the above as an expression of appreciation of many services rendered as Secretary to the Shire and best wishes for a successful career in his new sphere, November 3rd 1913.". Photographs include: Cr. W. Morris J.P. Ex Pres., Cr P.J. Downer, Cr J. Smedley, Ex-Pres., Crs R. D. Taylor, Cr. W. G. Gray J.P.. Cr. J. Fitch, J.P. Ex. Pres., Hon. E. H. Cameron, M.L.A. J.P. Ex Pres., Cr. C. H. Bath, J.P. Ex Pres and Cr. J. Darley Mealy J.P. President.This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 120 format B&W negative Printsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, councilors, shire of eltham, a.g thomas, councillors, downer, e.h. cameron, eltham shire council, ewan hugh cameron, g.h smith, greg taylor, j smedley, w morris, w.d taylor, w.g gray -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Engraving from photograph, Revd Thomas Williams, Undated c.1873
Rev Thomas Williams (1815 - 1891) went to Lakeba, Fiji as a missionary in 1839. In 1843 he went to Somosomo, and in 1848 to Bua. When his health failed, he was sent back to the colonies, and did circuit work in Adelaide 1854 - 1856. In 1857 he was transferred to Victoria, where he was stationed in Melbourne, Brighton, Creswick, Colac, Ballarat East, Castlemaine and Melbourne South. He became a Supernumerary in 1878. He was elected president of the 18th and last Australasian Conference held in Sydney in 1873.B & W head and shoulders image of the Rev. Thomas Williams.Revd Thomas Williams President of the Australasian Conference 1873.rev thomas williams, fiji, missionary, lakeba, somosomo, bua, adelaide, president of the australasian conference -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Thomas Verrier & family, 1962
Thomas Verrier (ordained 1961): Sprent (Tas.) (HM) 1956–60; Katherine (NT) 1962–65; Nightcliff (Darwin) 1966–67; Bendigo North 1968–71; Burnie (Tas.) 1971–76; Bayswater & Wantirna 1977–?.Thomas Verrier and family standing alongside the Land Rover ready to depart for Uranium Fields Patrol Katherine.Rev. Thomas Verrier and family before departure for Katherine.verrier, thomas -
Bendigo Military Museum
Painting - EAGLEHAWK RSL
This building was the HQ of the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch. It is the 2nd in a series of 3 water colours by Stan Thomas. For all items relating to Eaglehawk RSL type in the letters ehrsl in search. Refer Cat No 8231 for the 3 in the series.Painting, water colour, gold timber frame, painting is set in two white insets, shows a long building with a round roof with a brick front by artist Stan Thomas.Hand painted on, "Stan Thomas"brsl, smirsl, ehrsl, painting, eaglehawk -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDAL SET, Post WW11
George Llewellyn Thomas enlisted in the AIF on 2.7.41. He was taken a POW and imprisoned in Changi. He was attached to 13th Australian General Hospital. He was discharged from the AIF on 5.12.45. Refer 1073.2, 1074P.Medal set, court mounted, set of (4) re G. L. Thomas. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. Pacific star. 3. War medal 1939-45 4. Australian Service Medal"VX58918. G.L Thomas"medals, military, history -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Photograph, Hugen & Bennett, 1885-1920 (Approximate)
Thomas Drenen was proprietor of Rutherglen Sun & Chiltern Valley Advertiser 1885-1920 (circa)Photographic portrait of Thomas Drenen - Oval cardboard"Hugen & Bennet, Photographers, / Rutherglen & Chiltern" On back of photo: "An earlier photo of Thomas Drenen 'Sun' Rutherglen" | "Donated by Drenen, Dora Sandringham 1964"thomas drenen, rutherglen sun -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Photo - Henderson C.T, Henderson,Charles Thomas.1920-21,1929-30
Councilor Charles Thomas Henderson was elected to council in1914 serving until 1941.He served two terms as Shire President,1920-21 and 1929-30.Original Historic Photo.Oval photo of Councilor Charles Thomas Henderson,set in narrow moulded wooden frame,on brown mount,with gold surounding photo. Councilor Charles Thomas Henderson,1920-21,1929-20.ballarat shire council, henderson charles thomas, 1914 41 -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Photograph - Image, c1880
Thomas Drenen was editor of the Rutherglen Sun newspaper for many years.Black & white photograph of Thomas Drenen, believed taken about 1872.On the back: "Thomas Drenen. Taken about the time the New State School was opened. Donated by Dora Drenen, Sandringham, 1964"thomas drenen -
Parks Victoria - State Coal Mine - Wonthaggi
Lamp, Thomas A Edison
... Thomas A Edison ...Used in S.C.M by an unknown minerStainless steel battery case, black lead to lamp fitting. See (SCM 0938) for printed manual.On front of lamp fitting " EDISON SAFETY LAMP MFD. BY THOMAS A. EDISON. INC. WEST ORANGE. N.J. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" On top of battery case "EDISON" The side of the top of the battery case has "365" stamped on it showing that it was not the original top. The battery case has "M78". Side of battery has the "Thomas A Edison" seal. Below that reads "MODEL J CAP LAMP Approved Under Lighting Schedule Approval issued to THOMAS A EDISON CAUTION The battery and headpiece housings shall not be unlocked or opened by the lamp user." -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - LONG GULLY HISTORY GROUP COLLECTION: ROSE OF AUSTRALIA HOTEL
... A;f Thomas ...Black and white copy of a photo of the Rose of Australia Hotel. The hotel is made of brick and has a bull nose veranda with iron lace between the top of the veranda poles. Above the veranda on the wall is painted the name A Thomas. Above this are three higher decorative pieces, the first one has Rose of, The second has Australia and the third has Hotel. Written under the photo is - Rose of Australia Hotel. Photo taken about 1906. Hotel rebuilt after original wooden structure was destroyed by fire. The Long Gully State School is in the Right Hand. the Thomas family in the photo are Left to Right:- 1. Syd Thomas (Killed in World War 1), 4. Alf Thomas (owner), 5. Claude Thomas, 6. Les Thomas, 7. Wal Thomas and 9. Will Thomas. By Courtesy of Alf Thomas.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - rose of australia hotel, long gully state school, syd thomas, ww1, a;f thomas, claude thomas, les thomas, wal thomas, will thomas -
Mont De Lancey
Certificate
Honourable Discharge Certificate presented to Thomas W Gaudion on 18.5.18.White cardboard with red scrolling, Honourable Discharge certificate for Thomas W. Gaudion on 18/5/1918"Thomas W. Gaudion Australian Imperial Forces served with honour and was disabled in the Great War. Honourably discharged on 18.5.18"certificates of appreciation -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Engraving from photograph, Undated
John Thomas was born at Worcester, England in 1796 and he became a blacksmith at Hagley, Worcestershire before becoming a Methodist and he soon started to preach. He married Sarah Hartshorn who predeceased him in 1867. He was accepted by the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society (WMMS) in 1824 and he became a pioneering missionary to Tonga (the Friendly Isles) in the South Pacific. He sailed first to Australia, and eventually arrived in Tonga in 1826, together with his wife and fellow missionary John Hutchinson.Initially he preached in Hihifo, Tongatapu from 1826 to 1828 and then moved to the island of Ha’apai in 1829. He baptised the chief Taufa’ahua Tupou in 1831 and enthroned him with English rites as the first King of all Tonga in 1845. Although the WMMS withdrew from Samoa in 1839, Thomas advocated its re-entry and he supported the King’s policy of sending Tongan Wesleyan missionaries to Fiji and Samoa. John Thomas also persuaded the Australasian Wesleyan Conference ( which took over the Pacific region from the British in 1855) to reverse the London Missionary Society’s decision regarding Samoa. John Thomas had 2 periods in Tonga from 1826 to 1850 and 1855 to 1859. Following a visit to England his influence with King Tupou waned in the 1850's and he retired to England and became a supernumerary minister at Stourbridge, Worcestershire, where he died in 1881. His wife Sarah had been a partner in his missionary work until she died 14 years earlier than he did. John Thomas’ name is honoured by having one of the 12 dormitory houses of Toupou College in the capitol of Tonga named after him. John Thomas House is House #1, and it is customary for the Head Prefect to reside in this dormitory. B & W engraving from a photograph of the Rev. John Thomas, formerly missionary in the Friendly IslandsRevd. John Thomas, Formerly Missionary in the Friendly Islands, Engraved by J. Cochran from a Photograph.rev. john thomas, methodist, tonga, friendly islands, wesleyan, missionary, wesleyan methodist missionary society -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Three Soldiers -- Mr Stuart Kingsley Mitchell with Mr William A Syme & Mr Thomas 'Clem' Phillips in WW 1 uniforms
... William A Syme & Mr Thomas 'Clem' Phillips in WW 1 uniforms ...Three Soldiers. Stuart Kingsley Mitchell. William A Syme and Thomas 'Clem' Phillips in uniform standing in doorway. WW1.stawell world war 1 -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Photograph [copy], Thomas Wills about 1856, 56 years, 1856
Wills Street in the Kew ward of Studley Park was named after Thomas Wills. This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical SocietyA copy of a portrait of Thomas Wills, aged 56 years. Wills was an early landowner in Kew.Thomas Wills - Born Sydney 1799. Built Willsmere Farm ca. 1850thomas wills, kew, dorothy rogers, wills street, wills family -
Greensborough Historical Society
Audio - Gramophone Cylinder, Thomas A. Edison Inc, Are you going to dance, 1920s
... Thomas A. Edison Inc ...Musical number recorded on plastic "Edison" cylinder. 'Blue Amberol Records' was the trademark name for cylinder records manufactured by Thomas A. Edison, Inc. in the US from 1912 to 1929.Plastic gramophone cylinder in blue and gold cardboard caseElizabeth Spencer and Irving Gillette. Edison Blue Amberol Record 1552gramophone cylinder, thomas edison, blue amberol records -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document - J E Brennan & Thomas Goodall Assignment of Interest 1912, 1912
Tait collection: item 62 of 62 This 1912 document is an agreement made between John Brennan, a farmer from Laang and Thomas Goodall, a law clerk from Warrnambool. The document shows that Thomas Goodall has given John Brennan £5 and Brennan has agreed to pass over to Goodall a 218 acre property in Laang. Brennan also agreed to pay a debt of £10-19-4 to Thomas Goodall by monthly instalments. Thomas Goodall was the law clerk for several lawyers in Warrnambool at the beginning of the 20th century and he was also the manager of the Warrnambool office of the lawyer, Ernest Chambers who had legal offices in Koroit and Port Fairy at the same time (end of 19th century and beginning of the 20th century). This document was in the possession of Ernest Chambers and it has been passed down to successive lawyers occupying the legal premises in Kepler Street where it was located in 2014 (former premises of the law firm of Mackay Taylor). This document is of some interest as it gives details of a business transaction between Thomas Goodall and John Brennan, both residing in the Warrnambool area early in the 20th century. This is a piece of buff-coloured paper folded in two to make four pages. There is typed and handwritten material on two sides of the paper. This is a 1912 document called an Assignment of Interest Under Contract with John Brennan agreeing to pay his financial debts to Thomas Goodall. The document contains the signatures of John Brennan and Thomas Goodall. Part of one page of the writing is in pencil. There is also a separate receipt sheet which is a receipt for £5 paid by Thomas Goodall to John Brennan. A yellow duty stamp is attached to this receipt. Dated 16 Jany 1912 Mr J E Brennan with Mr Thomas Goodall Assignment of Interest under Contractjohn brennan, thomas goodall, ernest chambers, warrnambool -
Bendigo Military Museum
Painting - SODIERS MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
The building is the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo. The period of the painting is between the years 2008 and 2016 after the remodeling of the Forecourt and the major renovations to the building 2016 - 18. This is the first of 3 water colours by Stan Thomas. The building was the HQ of the Bendigo RSL now known as the Bendigo Military Museum. Refer Cat No's 8000.2, 8222, 8224 for the building history.Painting, water colour, timber gold frame, painting is set in two white insets, painting shows a large building greyish colour with a dome on top by artist Stan Thomas.Hand painted on, "RSL Hall Bendigo", "Stan Thomas"brsl, smirsl, painting, rsl hall -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Certificate - Certificate of Gratitude, Thomas Flanagan Esq. JP
Certificate given to Thomas Flanagan for his 23 years of service and residency in Tatura. Signed by A3 size certificate, cream coloured paper with a brown border 2 cm in from the edge. Inside the border are flowers surrounding an of white space which has a letter of thanks printed in black ink. Across the top of the white space is a curved ribbon which has "Thomas Flanagan Esq. JP" printed in fancy writing. The certificate has a brown mount around it and then framed in a brown wooden frame with glass. There is a gold rim of 2 cm between the frame and the brown mount.Thomas Flanagan Esq. JPthomas flanagan, tatura -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Portrait panel of Shire of Eltham Councillors 1913 presented to Mr A. G. Thomas CE, 1913
... presented to Mr A. G. Thomas CE ...Sepia photograph of a portrait panel of ten councillors of the Shire of Eltham, 1913eltham shire counci, councillors, a.g thomas, e.h. cameron, w.g gray, g.h smith, w.d taylor, j smedley, downer, w morris -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Memoir of A Brother
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 area 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 during 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 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. Memoir of A Brother Author: Thomas Hughes Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1873Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 HUG Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, 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, great ocean road, memoir of a brother, thomas hughes -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, Portrait, c. 1914
Portrait of Thomas Richard Cook, 7465, who departed overseas 9/1/1915 and returned to Australia on 22/9/1919Studio portrait of World War 1 soldier, Thomas Richard Cook, seated on stool, with cane.Notation on obverse, "Thomas Richard Cook/TPI Pensioner Deceased 23/3/74/Presented to RSL/from Mrs V Cook/Phone 783 1193"ww1, portrait, soldier, thomas richard cook -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Record of Service Book WW1 : Thomas Kneebone/Kneeborn, circa 1914-1918
WW1 Personnel Record Thomas Kneebone number 658. Thomas Kneebone Scholar, Black Dog Creek via Chiltern. WW1 Circa 1914-1918 Thomas Kneebone Scholar Blackdog Creek, Chiltern. Buff light tan coloured Record of Service book WW1 Thomas Kneebone Service number 658 Hard front and back cover, booklet consists o 52 pages light ivory coloured paper. A.M. Form M. 7 Record of Service Book issued to Kneeborn (Kneebone) Thomas Training Area 56C Albury. ww1 the great war 1914-1918, thomas kneebone, black dog creek, via chiltern, thomas kneebone scholar/teacher -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - ARTISTS OF THE BENDIGO GOLDFIELDS 1852 - 1864, 1989
Artists Of The Bendigo Goldfields 1852 - 1864. Short notes on the paintings and their artists. This Collections was exhibited at the Bendigo Art Gallery, 9 March - 9 April,1989. The Artists were: Ludwig Becker, Edward Thomas Barnard, Nicholas Chevalier, William Dexter, Alexander Fox, S. T. Gill, Thomas Ham, Theodore King, George Lacy, Frederick Nixon, J. A. Panton, C. Rudston Read, George Rowe, G. J. W. Russell, Edwin Stocqueler, A. J. Stopps, W. E. D. Sturat, Thomas Wright. With Index. 32 pages.David Thomasbook, bendigo, paintings, books, catalogues, and newspapers. -
Mont De Lancey
Certificate, 1916
Certificate acknowledging Mr Thomas W. Gaudion's Voluntary Active Service during World War 1.White coloured Certificate from Shire of Lilydale to Thomas W. Gaudion acknowledging Voluntary Active Service during 1st World War, with a red Wax Seal."Shire of Lilydale, Lilydale 1st March 1916 to Mr Thomas Gaudion......" Red Wax Seal in lower left of Certificatecertificates of appreciation -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, A Laodicean
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 area 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 during 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. A Laodicean Author: Thomas Hardy Publisher: Sampson Low Marston Searle and Rivington Date: 1882 The label on the spine with the typed text PAT FIC HAR 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 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, great ocean road, a laodicean, thomas hardy