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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 has 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 1850’s to the late 1950’s 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 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Dictionary of Australian Biography Vol 2 Author: Percival Serle Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1949Label on spine cover with typed text 920 SER Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, dictionary of australian biography vol 2, percival serle

Dictionary of Australian Biography Vol 1 Author: Percival Serle Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1949Label on spine cover with typed text 929 SER Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Libraryflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, dictionary of australian biography vol 1, book, dictionary, biography, warrnambool public library

Denis Cordner was born at Diamond Creek in 1924. He described himself as 'an industrial chemist and spare-time footballer'. The Cordner family were Greensborough locals, several being local doctors.Copy of article made 04/04/2017, 1 page.Originally published in Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 17, Melbourne University Press, 2007denis cordner

Biographical information about John Cecil Jessop, Councillor and Mayor of Heidelberg and Chairman of the MMBW. The photograph (copy) is of his time as Mayor.A Greensborough local who worked on many community projects.2 photocopied pages, text and photograph.On page 1:"Australian Dictionary of Biography 1940-1980", on page 2: "Diamond Valley Story by Diane Edwards"john cecil jessop, jessop, mmbw

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 Society.Photograph, taken by/or for the historian Dorothy Rogers, of the King family grave at Boroondara General Cemetery. Rogers was to write an entry on the King brothers that was published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography."Memorial to Arthur Septimus King & Family. Kew Cemetery. Plaque in Church"arthur septimus king, boroondara general cemetery, dorothy rogers

Copy of article by Tony Dingle and Carolyn Rasmussen published in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 17, 2007 (2 pages), and copy of Certificate of Title Vol 4197 Fol 839286, 1919 (3 pages).Ringwood connection - Property Title transfer history 1969 and 1973, part of Crown Section 20, Parish of Warrandyte, County of Evelyn, Bemboka Road, Warranwood.

Samuel John Tongway A. Printout from Australian Dictionary of Biography. www.adb.anu.edu.au/biography/tong-way-samuel-john-14875 B. Photograph printed from Golden Dragon Museum website. C.Photograph printed from the Virtual War Museum Australia website.document, names of bendigo pioneers, samuel john tongway

Biography of politician Pauline Toner. Published in Australian Dictionary of Biography Vol. 18 2012 and online. Accessed 30/06/20222 p black and white typescript, double sidedpauline toner, politicians, shire of diamond valley, councillors

Brass name plaque "Sir John Quick' Name partly embelished with black paint, now faded. Glass covering. Originally hung at his legal office in Pall Mall, Bendigo. Sir John was a lawyer and one of the founding fathers of the Australian Federation. See Australian Dictionary of Biography: adb.anu.edu.au › biography › quick-sir-john-8140bendigo, business, sir john quick

Kathleen Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, nee Pitt (1905-1990) was an historian, born Omeo Victoria. A Catholic, she studied in Melbourne and Oxford, and was Professor of History at Sydney University. (See Australian Dictionary of Biography for full details.)B & W photograph of Professor Kathleen Fitzpatrick seated at a desk.kathleen fitzpatrick, historian, melbourne university, oxford university, sydney university

Four A4 pages. Extract from Australian Dictionary of Biography on ALEC H CHISHOLM (Alexander Hugh) by Tess Kloot. (pages a and b). Handwritten extract of Obituary Notice from Sydney Morning Herald, July 15, 1977. Reference to his daughter Miss Dierdre Chisholm of Bendigo. (page c). Summary of record details from NSW archives relating to Alec Chisholm. (page d)document, memo, alec h chisholm collection, dierdre chisholm, biography, obituary

B: 1808 10 May in Cornwall England; D: 21 October 1865 Portland Vic. See "Cross at the Campfire" by Heather Le Griffon for the full history of Francis Tuckfield and his attempts to establish a mission near Birregurra, Vic. Also "Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol. 2, 1967.Two photographs cut from a newspaper in one card frame of Rev. Francis Tuckfield - the first from 1837; the second from 1865, the year he died.The 1837 photo has "Preacher … Geelong, July 28th 1838"tuckfield, francis, buntingdale aboriginal mission, wesleyan methodist

Facsimile Editions No.30. 2 v. : illus., fold. charts, tables. non-fictionThis two-volume work by Captain Phillip Parker King (1791–1856) was published in 1827, and describes the Royal Navy's 1817–22 surveying expedition to chart the coastal regions of Australia. King carried out the surveys in two successive ships, the Mermaid, which was declared unseaworthy in 1820, and the newly commissioned Bathurst. He worked on the charts, which were published by the Hydrographic Office, for two years after his return to England. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, and later undertook a similar surveying voyage, in which he was accompanied by Captain Fitzroy on the Beagle, around the coast of South America. The book is derived from the author's journal, and describes not only the voyages but also the towns and settlements of the region. Volume 2 continues the survey along the north and west coasts of Australia, and contains an appendix describing winds, currents, ports and islands.australia -- description and travel -- to 1850., hydrography -- australia., natural history -- australia.

Copy of black and white photo. Image shows three men posed talking. Man on left wearing a peaked fabric cap, pipe in mouth, three piece suit, fob chain visible. R. Murray in centre of photo, wearing three piece suit and hat Man on RH side, coat, fabric cap and holding pipe. On bottom of surround 'W. Vincent Kelly, Mitchell St. Bendigo' written in white script. Australian dictionary of biography entry re Murray enclosed with the photo.Vincent Kelly, Mitchell Street, Bendigo

The ruler was used in a farm in Natimuk. The decorated side served as advertising for the McKay harvesting machines used in large farms in La Pampa, a fertile agricultural land in Argentina. In Australian Dictionary of Biography: "'Sunshine' harvesters were dispatched to South Africa, and in 1901 Sam and three Ballarat experts went to the Argentine where they demonstrated 'La Australiana' on a variety of crops so effectively that they soon threatened the trade in North American reaper-binders and headers."Foldable foot ruler: on one side (light yellow) is the ruler and the other side (light blue) are some inscriptions about H.V. Mckay and a farm (estancia) in Argentina, opposite is a reproduction of a photograph of harvesters taken in the fields of this estancia.On one fold: H. V. McKay's "Sunshine" harvesters harvest the grain on the largest wheat farms in the world. The estancia of the Company Rural Bremen (Sociedad Anonima), Cochico, Guamini, Argentina, South America. Opposite fold: Total area: 108.000 acres Fifty Sunshine harvesters, 6 ft. comb. were purchased (the photograph was taken at the termination of the work).hugh victor mckay, sunshine harvesters, agriculture, farming, argentina, la pampa, la australiana, natimuk

Thought to included Arthur Harris, Charlie Quon, Roy Ready & George Chandler. The one on the left in the front row might be Herr Carl Pinschoff, but it is unknown if he visited Rutherglen. See: Raoul F. Middelmann, 'Pinschof, Carl Ludwig (1855–1926)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/pinschof-carl-ludwig-8052/text14049, published first in hardcopy 1988, accessed online 31 August 2017.Post Card sized photo of local men, 5 seated, 7 standingWritten on back: "Ian Stones" | "Back Row - Arthur Harris - 2nd from left Richard Knight" | [illegible - looks like: "Carmen Pinschoff (Madam Passover?)" | "Charlie Quon, Roy Ready, George Chandler"arthur harris, charlie quon, george chandler, roy ready

Sir Albert Ernest Coates (1895-1977), surgeon, was born on 28 January 1895 at Ballarat, Victoria, eldest of seven children of Arthur Coates, letter carrier, and his wife Clara Annie, née Eustice, both Victorian born. Although their worldly possessions were few, Arthur and Clara raised their family in an affectionate atmosphere and instilled in them the virtues of honesty, industry and education. They were strong supporters of the Methodist Church. (Australian Dictionary of Biography extract). Arthur apparently was a Home Missionary at one stage of his life.Coates in formal dress.coates, arthur

Program is for "A Grand Concert by the Successful Competitors" held in the Town Hall on Friday, September 9th. No year is shown on the program, nor is their any indication of the cause of the concert. However, the prizes were to be distributed by the Hon. J. Bowser, M.L.A. John Bowser was a Member of Parliament from 1894-1920 and 1920-1929. (Source: Australian Dictionary of Biography). The Chairman was R.J. Burrowes, Esq., J.P., Shire President. Robert James Burrows was on Rutherglen Shire Council from 1895-1899, and was Mayor in 1898. (Source: Rutherglen: A History of Town and District by Brian Lloyd)Concert program printed in black on paper.concerts, competitions, john bowser, robert james burrows