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. 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 Treatise on Surveyin Compiled by Reginald Middleton,Osbert Chadwick, & J. Du T. Bogle Publisher: E & F N Spon Ltd Date: 1911 Label on spine with typed text PAT 562.9 MID Pastedown end page has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service over a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, a treatise on surveying, reginald middleton, osbert chadwick, j. du t. bogle

The Shire of Diamond Valley was a Local Government Area located about 20 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. The shire covered an area of 74.38 square kilometres and existed from 1964 until 1994. This example of a Boundary Sign was one of many located on the edge of the Shire e.g. at Wattle Glen Station; at Yan Yean Road north of Bannons Lane; 2 on Plenty Road near Larundel and Bundoora Primary School; one on the Para Road bridge; on Wattletree Road Eltham and on Kurrak Road Yarrambat. According to a former Shire employee, the signs were often stolen as quickly as they were replaced. This sign was removed when the Shire of Diamond Valley was dissolved in 1994 and is signed by a Shire employee, giving it strong provenance.Painted metal sign, cream background with green text and Shire of Diamond Valley crest.Inscribed in felt tip pen on back of sign: SDV: from Nov 1964 to 1994. 30 years. Ron Middleton, By-laws Officer and Ranger, from 9/84 to Nov 94 [signed] R. Middletonshire of diamond valley, boundary signs

Cohn Brothers Vic Brewery share transfer from Sicia Mot of Melbourne to Julius Mathews Middleton House Albert St E Melbourne dated 28th February 1895.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery, sicia mot? julius mathews.

Prize giving certificate of merit awarded to Allan Bernaldo in recognition of the Gold Medal presented by the President of the Ballarat School of Mines, W.H. Middleton, to the most meritorious st student - Architectural Diploma Course. ballarat school of mines, technical school no 10, ballarat technical art school, ballarat technical art school no 10, allan bernaldo, certificate, award

Account dated May ? 1871 from John C. Edwards to Court King of the Forest. Account is for 8/6. Signed by Thomas Exeter C.R. and Mich ? Middleton. Account has printed letterhead and emblem.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, bendigo independent general printing office, court king of the forest, john c edwards, thomas exeter, mich ? middleton

Colour photographThis Stone was laid by The Hon. H.S. Lawson, Premier of Victoria in the Jubilee Year of the Institution 15t April 1920 W.H. Middleton, Presidentbuildings, ballarat school of mines, smb campus, premier of victoria, w.h. middleton, plaque, memorial stone, foundation stone, anniversary, h.s.w. lawson

Details of the Middleton family of Briar Hill from their arrival in Australia from England in 1923/24. Lists the children of Jesse Middleton and Florence Clark.2 typed pages.middleton family jesse middleton, briar hill

The Ballarat Junior Technical School was a division of the Ballarat School of Mines. Part of this building was later used for Hospitality and Prospects Traning restaurant.Three colour photographs of a double storey building in the grounds of the Ballarat School of Mines, and its associated foundation stone. Foundation Stone "This stone was laid by The Hon. H.S. Lawson Premier of Victoria in the Jubilee Year of the isntitute 15th April 1920 W.H. Middleton, President"ballarat school of mines, ballarat junior technical school, foundation stone, h.s.w. lawson, w.h. middleton, buildings, premier, jubilee, anniversary

Max MIDDLETON (1922-2013) Born Melbourne In a career spanning 60 years, Max Middleton is known as a 'plein air' landscape painter the artist loved to paint sunrises, aiming to capture what he saw on the spot in paint. Capturing the light was crucial to his artworks. Max Middleton studied Drawing at the National Gallery School under William Rowell in 1938, and painting under Harold Septimus Power in 1940. The first of Middleton's 68 professional exhibitions took place in 1946. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 1000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Framed oil painting of a landscape near Tallangatta.art, artwork, max middleton, landscape, tallangatta, available, middleton, oil on canvas

Stawell Athletic Club President Garrick Middleton 1982stawell sport gift

The certificate was presented to Ralph Ingram Moore after completing and passing the course of Mine Engineering. He attended The School of Mines from 1907 to 1910 and achieved this First Class Certificate. Ralph died on Paschendale Ridge in 1917. See Number 134 for a report of his death. Parchment certificate with red seal. Text in blackCertificate numbered 'No. 71' Sessions 1907-1910 Signed: R Maddern (President of Council) and W Middleton (Registrar and Vice President) Dated: 30 June 1911ralph moore, mine engineering, ballarat school of mines, paschendale ridge

A History of the "Old Pleasant Creek" Illawarra State School No. 1681 compiled by John G. MiddletonRed Card cover with black plastic binding. Title is in script print with line drawing of old building and children, further print below.Inkwells at Illawarra. Old Pleasant Creek Illawarra State School No.1681 1875-1932.stawell education

Details the life of Jesse Middleton b1888 in Lancashire England, d1947. Buried Nillumbik Cemetery Diamond Creek.3 typed pagesjesse middleton, briar hill

Inscribed in black ink on reverse: 'Back - L-R Geoff Moir, Julian Gardner, John Fenton, Bert Middleton. Front L-R Randall Bell, John McLaren, Ian Spottiswood.'

Article in Herald Sun about Ann Creber who was an inaugural member involved with setting up the garden at Schwerkolt Cottage. The article was talking about her new venture, Innisfree Herbs & Follies at Kalorama which was once the home of a painter, Max Middleton. Ann and her husband run craft courses, cooking classes and workshops on rose growing.gardens, creber, ann, schwerkolt cottage

Heatherlie Quarry. Historical Society members listening to Janet WithamColour Photograph of Stawell Historical Society Members visit to Hetherlie Quarry 1997. Ian Jackson, Gary Middleton, Pat Cook, Betty Jackson, Don Rickard, Janet Witham, Marie Cox, Marie Val Leeuwen, Carmel Loats, Thea Tucker, Clive Cawthorn, Wal Perry, Lorna Harris, Eddie Haris & John Van Leeuwen ( Blue Coat)stawell grampians industry

Mr. Stanley Dutton Green (1878 - 1940) was elected to Brighton Council's North Ward in 1911, becoming Mayor in 1914. He was a member of the firm Green, Dobson and Middleton Solicitors.councillor, local government, municipality, mayor, portrait, mayoral robes, mayor of brighton, cr. s. dutton green, stanley dutton green, north ward

Reg Chapman - SAC Life Member Stawell Athletic Club twice president. Garry Middleton presenting certificate of appreciation to Reg on is 90th Birthday 1983. Hank Neil on Right.stawell