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Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Aurum Press Ltd, The secret listeners : The men and women posted across the world to intercept the secret german codes for Bletchley Park, 2012
Before Bletchley Park could break the German war machine's code, its daily military communications had to be monitored and recorded by 'the Listening Service', the wartime department whose bases moved with every theatre of war (Cairo, Malta, Gibraltar, Iraq, Cyprus) as well as having listening stations along the eastern coast of Britain to intercept radio traffic in the European theatre. This is the story of the - usually very young - men and women sent out to farflung outposts to listen in for Bletchley Park, an oral history of exotic locations and ordinary lives turned upside down by a sudden remote posting - the heady nightlife in Cairo, filing cabinets full of snakes in North Africa, and flights out to Delhi by luxurious flying boat.Index, ill, map, p.354.non-fictionBefore Bletchley Park could break the German war machine's code, its daily military communications had to be monitored and recorded by 'the Listening Service', the wartime department whose bases moved with every theatre of war (Cairo, Malta, Gibraltar, Iraq, Cyprus) as well as having listening stations along the eastern coast of Britain to intercept radio traffic in the European theatre. This is the story of the - usually very young - men and women sent out to farflung outposts to listen in for Bletchley Park, an oral history of exotic locations and ordinary lives turned upside down by a sudden remote posting - the heady nightlife in Cairo, filing cabinets full of snakes in North Africa, and flights out to Delhi by luxurious flying boat.world war 1939-1945 - great britain - intelligence, world war 1939-1945 - cryptography -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Report, Analysis of the Value of Heritage to the City of Ballarat, 2007, 31/01/2007
102 page report outlining the ecomomic benefit of heritage to Ballarat. It is still in it's draft form as it was never formally accepted by City of Ballarat Council.heritage, economics, ballarat, skm report, planning -
RMIT GSBL Justice Smith Collection
Book, Strahan, J. A, A concise introduction to conveyancing : with a chapter on Irish conveyancing, 1921
Second edition Name inside front cover: "Thomas W. Smith Trinity College Parkville"conveyancing -- great britain, land titles -- great britain -- registration and transfer, torrens system -
Brimbank City Council Art Collection
Sculpture, Ian Sinclair, Blue Trio, 1998
Painted Steel Trees, 350 cm height -
Gippsland Art Gallery
Painting, Sinclair, Andrea, Bonfire at Yarragon South, 2017
Purchased, 2018Oil on boardgippsland, artwork, permanent collection -
Darebin Art Collection
Sculpture - Alistair Knox, Jacqui Staude, Ian Sinclair, David Davies, Alistair Knox, Jacqui Staude, Ian Sinclair, David Davies, Fairfield Industrial Dog Object (Fido), 2000
Through the use of sensors and digital controls, FIDO talks to passers-by, wags its tail, wiggles its ears and lights up at night. The materials used, the form and the interactive nature of this monumental work were chosen specifically to respond to the friendliness and vitality of Fairfield Village and enhance the sense of community for this dog-loving precinct. -
Darebin Art Collection
Painting - Lesley Sinclair, Lesley Sinclair, Still Life Chrysanthenemums, N/A
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Victorian Railway History Library
Book, Sinclair, Roy, The TranzAlpine Express New Zealand, 2004
A pictorial record of the route of the TranzAlpine Express from Christchurch to Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand.ill, maps, p.32.non-fictionA pictorial record of the route of the TranzAlpine Express from Christchurch to Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand.railroads - new zealand - pictorial, railroads - new zealand - tranz-alpine -
Victorian Railway History Library
Book, Sinclair, Roy et al, The Spirit of Steam, 1975
Pictorial history of railways in Australia and New Zealand.ill, p128.non-fictionPictorial history of railways in Australia and New Zealand.railroad pictorial - australia and new zealand - history, railroad operations - australia and new zealand -
Clunes Museum
Document, 1935
Document written by G. G. Sinclair, Secretary6 x Foolscap size sheets of paper listing the Duties of the Country Fire Brigade Board Brigade Secretary. Dated August 1935sinclair, country fire brigades board, secretarial duties -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Programme, Lyndoch Review, Mid 20th century
This is a programme of a concert given by the pupils of the Frances Sinclair Dancing Academy in Warrnambool. The programme included orchestra and other musical items, dances, short skits or plays and solo singing. Most of the pupils of the dancing academy were young girls. The title of the concert, ‘Lyndoch Revue’, may indicate that the proceeds of the concert were given to the Lyndoch Aged Care Centre in Warrnambool. This programme is of interest because it is a good example of the type of concert given by pupils of a Warrnambool dancing academy in the mid 20th century. The donor of this item, Lynette Wright, nee Bristol, was a performer in the concert, one of the ‘petite ballerinas’. This is a buff-coloured sheet of paper folded in two to make four pages. The edges of the first and third pages have red decorative scroll work and the front cover has an image of a 19th century lady doing needlework. The lettering is in brown type. The edges of the first and third pages are torn. ‘Lyndoch Revue, Produced and Directed by Frances Sinclair’ frances sinclair, history of warrnambool -
Victoria Police Museum
Prison record (Robert Sinclair), 23 December 1918
Robert Sinclair, a travelling entertainer, committed a variety of offences including housebreaking, having a skeleton/picklock key in his possession, being an habitual criminal. He had several aliases. Prison record for Robert Sinclair, prisoner registered number 29536, giving details of the prisoner, his crimes and the dates and places of his trials.robert sinclair, english speaking prisoner, larceny, housebreaking, stealing -
Yarra Ranges Regional Museum
Photograph, Lilydale State School, 1886
Early black and white photograph of Lilydale State School with spire, 1886. The teacher in the photograph is Mr. Sinclair McNab. Students and teacher standing at the front of the school. Early black and white photograph of Lilydale State School with spire, 1886. The teacher in the photograph is Mr. Sinclair McNab. Students and teacher standing at the front of the school. -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Caulfield Centenary celebrations Oct-Nov 1957
4 photographs of the centenary thanksgivings at St Mary’s church, including Mayor AJG Sinclair and Sir Edmund Herringcaulfield, centenary, st mary’s church, churches, sinclair, a. j. g (mayor), mayors, herring, sir edmund -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Receipts, Various Receipts - Victorian Dairies, N.H. Sinclairs, Jersey Glen Dairy etc. 1951-1970, 1951-1970
Receipts for mild and groceries from local businesses e.g. Victorian Dairies Ltd, Jersey Glen Dairy and N.H. Sinclairs grocer and general merchant store. All made out to Mr McCall9 receipts for Victorian Dairies Ltd to C.H. McCall; 6 receipts for N.H. Sinclairs to Mr McCall; Account to H. Belot - Jersey Glen Dairy to Mr McCall +Additional Keywords: McCall -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Boys on bike Graham Street, Port Melbourne, c.1950
Ahe boy at the top of three on the bike pyramid is Jim SINCLAIR. Under him is Li CLEARIHAN, and seated on the bike itself, Ted McMILLAN (?). The photo taken in front of a brick cottage in Graham Street, Port Melbourne. Part of a sign for McAlpine flour can be seen on a building in the background.Sepia photograph of' three boys apparently on one bike in front of a cottage in Graham Street,Port Melbourne.On reverse: Jim Sinclair, Li Clearihan, Ted McMillan Graham St Port Melbgraham street, jim sinclair, ted mcmillan, mcalpine flour, li clearihan -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c. 1970
Depicted is Michael Sinclair dressed in a collared shirt and woollen bed robe seated in a wheel chair that is being pushed by a nurse dressed in a white nursing uniform. A man wearing a clown costume consisting of a wig, clown suit and face paint, stands next to Michael and the nurse. The trio are located under a tree that stands in front of a brick building.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paperReverse: 5645 (in black pen)/ Michael Sinclair/ Clown ?/ Nurse ?/ ENS AND MURRAY ADVERTISER (stamped in blue ink)/entertainment album, beechworth, burke museum, clown, nurse -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Jonathan Cape, Elmer Gantry, 1930
This book “Elmer Gantry” is a novel written by Sinclair Lewis. It was first published in America in 1927. It was published in various languages including French. About SINCLAIR LEWIS (1885-1951) The author was born as Harry Sinclair Lewis in 1885 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He was renowned as an American novelist, playwright and short story writer. His first writings were romantic poems and short stories. Six of his novels were published by the time Lewis was 36. Lewis won the 1926 Pulitzer Prize for his book “Arrowsmith” but declined because he had been helped in the writing of it by science writer Paul de Kruif, who received 25% of royalties on the sales. However, Lewis is listed as the sole author. Lewis received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930 for his “vigorous and graphic art of description and his ability to create, with wit and humour, new types of characters." He was the first author from the United States to receive this award. Lewis graduated from university in 1907. He worked as a reporter and editor for several publications. He was a prolific writer, publishing dozens of works and numerous articles, and became popular for his satire. Lewis married and divorced twice and died alone from a heart attack due to advanced alcoholism) near Rome on 10th January 1951, aged 66. 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.Lewis’s book is significant for its association with the writer, who was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature (1930). This book is significant for its connection with the Pattison Collection which, 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. Title: Elmer Gantry: a novel Author: Sinclair Lewis Publisher: Jonathan Cape, London Date: 1930 Hardback board book covered with red linen. The author’s name is embossed in gold on the front cover. The spine has an embossed gold pattern and text, with the author’s name, book’s title and publisher’s details on it. Also on the spine is a white adhesive label with a typed library call number. Inside the front cover is a printed label covering another label. The book, a novel, is part of the Pattison Collection originally belonging to the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute and the Warrnambool Public Library. Embossed on front cover in script ‘Sinclair Lewis’ Embossed on the sping “SINCLAIR / LEWIS”, “ELMER / GANTRY” and “JONATHAN / CAPE” Adhesive label - “PAT / FIC / LEW” Printed label on front endpaper of the Corangamite Regional Library Service Printed label on front endpaper of the Warrnambool Public Library Stamp on front loose endpaper two stamps: “CORANGAMITE REGIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE” and “WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE”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 public library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool books and records, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool children’s library, american novel, jonathan cape, sinclair lewis, harry sinclair lewis, 1930 nobel prize for literature, elmer gantry by sinclair lewis -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photographs, 1920's
325-07 Inscription on back of photograph. "Violet Clarke, sister of Jimmy and Jack Clarke all born at San Remo 1880's - 90's. Violet married a Mr Sinclair and was the mother of Laurie. Jimmy & Jack Clarke's nephew, Laurie, like his uncles, never married." 325-08 Inscription on back of photograph. "Violet was the sister of twins Jimmy & Jack Clarke" 325-07 & 08. Hand coloured sepia portraits of Violet Clarke. 325-09. Sepia photograph of Violet Clarke's wedding.325-09. "25 years ago". Violet Clarke's marriage to ? Sinclair. Best man is probably Jack Clarke, brother Jimmy was most likely at sea.violet clarke, jack clarke, arthur woodley -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Certificate - Warrnambool Legacy Club to Shire of Warrnambool
Warrnambool Legacy Club was founded in 1947; prior to that it was part of Geelong Legacy Club. It covers an area in South West Victoria bounded by Port Fairy in the west, Mortlake, Derrinallum and Lismore to the north, and Camperdown, Timboon and Port Campbell in the south and east. The Warrnambool Legacy Club has contributed to the welfare of widows and children of past soldiers. In turn it has relied upon the generosity of local organisations and people to maintain their work. The Shire of Warrnambool would have been one of many of these groups who contributed in a generous way.Cream card with gold border. Dark blue printing with Warrnambool Legacy club at the top. Legacy logo printed in gold underneath.Signed by W.G. Sinclair. warrnambool, shire of warrnambool, warrnambool legacy club, legacy club endowment plan, w g sinclair -
St Patrick's Old Collegians Association (SPOCA)
Photograph - SPOCA, Annual Dinners
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Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Education Dept. (Victoria), Victorian readers : sixth book, 1940
Inscribed 'Ian Sinclair, 62 Haydens Rd., Phone Num., Beaumaris', 'Keith Sinclair is a real'. -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Painting - Painting, Public convenience, Sinclair Parade, Port Melbourne, Ray Johnstone, Ray Johnstone, 1998
One of several Port Melbourne watercolours painted by Ray Johnstone just before his departure to France. Framed watercolour of public convenience in Sinclair Parade by Ray Johnstone, 1998Port Melbourne Prints and Framing sticker on backarts and entertainment - visual arts, built environment - civic, ray johnstone -
Canterbury History Group
Photograph - Street view of shop No. 2 Bryson Street, Jan Pigot, 27/03/1993 12:00:00 AM
Coloured photograph of Sinclair's Real Estate shop at No. 2 Bryson Streetcanterbury, maling road, shops, bryson street, real estate offices -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Report, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), "Traffic Operations Investigations - Route Study Methodology", Nov. 1975
Report - Foolscap, card covers, red comb binding, 15 pages, titled "Traffic Operations Investigations - Route Study Methodology". Looks at the methodology for studying the operating characteristics of transport route and the programme for doing it. Dated Nov. 1975. Signed R B Sinclairtrams, tramways, routes, passengers, planning, development -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Three Brontes
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. The Three Brontes Author: May Sinclair Publisher: Hutchinson & Co Date: 1911 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 929.2 SIN Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public 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 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, the three brontes, may sinclair -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Realia, 1967
Circular designed by Ralph Sinclair 1967 for Local Crop Duster Barry Cossonstawell -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, William Heinemann Ltd, World So Wide, 1951
This book “World So Wide” is a novel written by Sinclair Lewis. It is part of Flagstaff Hill’s historic book collection, known as the Pattison Collection. About SINCLAIR LEWIS (1885-1951) The author was born as Harry Sinclair Lewis in 1885 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He was renowned as an American novelist, playwright and short story writer. His first writings were romantic poems and short stories. Six of his novels were published by the time Lewis was 36. Lewis won the 1926 Pulitzer Prize for his book “Arrowsmith” but declined because he had been helped in the writing of it by science writer Paul de Kruif, who received 25% of royalties on the sales. However, Lewis is listed as the sole author. Lewis received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930 for his “vigorous and graphic art of description and his ability to create, with wit and humour, new types of characters." He was the first author from the United States to receive this award. Lewis graduated from university in 1907. He worked as a reporter and editor for several publications. He was a prolific writer, publishing dozens of works and numerous articles, and became popular for his satire. Lewis married and divorced twice and died alone from a heart attack due to advanced alcoholism) near Rome on 10th January 1951, aged 66. 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.Lewis’s book is significant for its association with the writer, who was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature (1930). This book is significant for its connection with the Pattison Collection which, 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. Title: World So Wide Author: Sinclair Lewis Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: 1951 Hardback board book covered with dark linen, and a coloured picture pasted onto front cover. The book title and author’s name is on the coloured picture on the front cover along with a picture of buildings and a dark sky. The spine also has the title and author’s name, handwritten in white. On the spine is a white adhesive label with a typed library call number. Inside the front cover is a printed label. The front pasted down endpaper has one label covering another label. The front loose endpaper as a purple stamp impression. The book, a novel, is part of the Pattison Collection originally belonging to the Warrnambool Public Library.Adhesive label - “PAT / FIC / LEW” Handwritten on spine “WORLD SO WIDE” and “SINCLAIR LEWIS” Printed labels on front endpaper of both the Corangamite Regional Library Service and the Warrnambool Public Library. Stamp in purple ink on inside front loose endpaper of the Corangamite Regional Library Serviceflagstaff 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 public library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool books and records, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool children’s library, american novel, jonathan cape, sinclair lewis, harry sinclair lewis, 1930 nobel prize for literature, world so wide, william heinemann ltd -
Canterbury History Group
Photograph - Street view of shop at No. 2 Bryson Street, Jan Pigot, 1994
Coloured photograph of the street view of Sinclair's Estate Agents shop at No. 2 Bryson Streetcanterbury, bryson street, shops, signs -
St Patrick's Old Collegians Association (SPOCA)
Photograph - SPOCA, Class Reunions, 55 Years since Closure, Glenferrie Hotel, Feb2023