Showing 529 items
matching verses
-
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Booklet, Echoes of Anzac, 1931
... verses ...A 1931 reprint of Anzac poemsVerses and poems from soldiers on Gallipoli and Western FrontBook of Poems - Echoes of ANZACOn Cover is written Echoes of Anzac by Gnr F.E. Westbrook War Verses and other Poems New and Revised Edition echoes of anzac, f.e. westbrook, war verses and other poems, 1931, t.j. higham pty ltd, anzac, poems, verses, army, australian army, royal australian army, london daily telegraph, gallipoli, france, western front, egypt, sir james whitesides mccay -
Orbost & District Historical Society
two books, The Bronze Swagman Book Of Bush Verse, 1979 ; 1980
The Winton Tourist Promotion Association (W.T.P.A.) was formed in October 1967, and because of the connection to Banjo Paterson and Waltzing Matilda, it wanted to encourage the writing of traditional Australian verse that was made so popular by A.B. "Banjo" Paterson, Henry Lawson etc. which is so much a part of our Australian heritage. The Bronze Swagman award was the result. (ref Bronze Swagman web-site). For 40 years the group has been publishing the verse of winning entries.Two paperback books of verse. 1832.1 has a green cover. As well as the book title it has 1979 Award Winning Poem The New Farm. 1832.2 has a yellow cover. It has 1980 Award Winning Poem Condamine Bell. Both have black print titles with a silhouette of the swagman trophy awarded to the annual winner of The Swagman Award for bush poetry.bronze-swagman literature australian-bush-poetry winton -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Souvenir, Mates
9 verse poem relating to mates -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARDS & ENVELOPES WW1, 1) SW Series, c.1914-1918
Letters to Albert (her brother Linton Cyprus Rogan Service No. 6947A) from Violet Rogan of Maryborough. Envelopes stamped returned & deceased (DOD 11.6.1918). All stamped with one penny red stamp.Postcards from Lilac Rogan to her brother Albert (L C Rogan Service No. 6947A).Handwriting in ink on rear of postcards. Patriotic verse on front.passchendaele barracks trust, postcards, envelopes -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - R.S.L. BENDIGO COLLECTION: HOW GREAT THOU ART & THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
Hand written words of two songs, How Great Thou Art (4 verses and chorus) and The Old Rugged Cross (2 verses and chorus).religions, christian, hymns, r.s.l. bendigo collection - how great thou art, the old rugged cross -
Seaworks Maritime Museum
Plaque
Small wooden plaque with a plaster crest with crown motif"MV ACT 6" Verse: "21" written in red pen -
Anglesea and District Historical Society
Book, Frederick Warne & Co, Kate Greenaway's Birthday Book for Children
Book with Birthday Dates and verses by Mrs Sale Barker.birthday book -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Haeusler Collection - 'Promise Box' of Paper Scrolls with Christian Bible Verses
Paper scrolls with Christian bible verses printed on them.religion, scripture, religious readings -
Chiltern Athenaeum Trust
Booklet - Booklet of Selected Verse by A.W. Eustace published 1992, Selected Verse/ A.W. Eustace of Chiltern/1820-1907
Alfred William Eustace was a well-known self-taught Australian artist who spent his spare time painting the local landscapes in the Chiltern area. When not doing his work or painting, Eustace regularly contributed letters and verse to the Chiltern newspaper "The Federal Standard". A collection of A. W Eustace's verse and other writings, written between 1845 and 1899, was presented to The Chiltern Athenaeum Trust by Cam Boadle, a grandson of A.W. Eustace, and his wife Connie. The Chiltern Athenaeum Trust created a booklet of some of his poetry which was published in 1992. Copyright for the booklet is held by Chiltern Athenaeum Museum 1992. In the 1870’s he became interested in spiritualism often being involved in lively debate at lectures and séances. A.W.Eustace was born in Berkshire, England, where he was an assistant gamekeeper to the Earl of Craven at Ashdown Park. He migrated to Australia with his wife and children in 1851 and worked on the Ullina and Eldorado Runs on the Black Dog Creek at Chiltern, which was in excess of 50,000 acres of grazing land. A.W. Eustace was employed as a shepherd by Jason Withers and while tending his flocks in the solitude of the bush, Eustace turned his attention to painting and music to while away the long and weary hours. He endeavoured to capture the spirit of the bush painting on board, canvas or tin plate, but as these materials were not always readily available he then started painting on large round eucalyptus leaves from the White and Red Box trees that grew around about him. About 1856 he painted a small picture of the famous Woolshed goldrush and during the next few years became well known in North-East Victoria. John Sadlier, a police officer stationed at Beechworth said that Eustace painted 'some really exquisite scenes. He was of an easy-going dreamy temperament, a student of nature only, despising the works of men. Unfortunately his drawings were on eucalyptus leaves, the largest and roundest he could find and not on canvas, and no doubt have all perished long ago.' In 1876 the Melbourne Age newspaper reported, 'Eustace’s celebrated paintings on gum leaves are again attracting attention,…Mr Eustace is an elegant artist…he seems without effort to catch the colour and spirit of Australian scenery…' In 1864 A.W. Eustace held an Art Union in Albury, and again in 1884 in Ballarat. He exhibited at the Victorian Academy of Arts in 1877 and also held an exhibition of gum leaf paintings at Stevens Gallery, Melbourne in 1893. By 1896 he was receiving orders from heads of states in Europe, with his works acknowledged by Queen Victoria, Emperor Frederich of Germany and the Czar of Russia, as well as the Governors of New South Wales and Victoria. His paintings reflected his ability to paint the sky in his realistic style which is still noted by art critics of the day. A.W. Eustace was also a skilful taxidermist. The collection of birds and animals that can be seen at the Beechworth Museum are examples of his taxidermy skill. Alfred William Eustace died in 1907 and is buried in the Chiltern New Cemetery with his wife Sarah and one of his daughters, Elizabeth. Alfred William Eustace made a valuable contribution to the culture of 19th century Chiltern and his booklet of Selected Verse gives us an insight into life during that time.22 page booklet of Selected Verse/ A.W. Eustace of Chiltern/ 1820-1907. Printed on thick cream paper with a copy of an oval photograph of the author.a. w. eustace, selected verse, chiltern -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Faber Book of Twentieth Century Verse
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 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 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 Faber Book of Twentieth Century Verse An Anthology of Verse in Britian 1900-1950 Edited by John Stubbs-Heath and David Wright Publisher: Faber & Faber Date: 1953 Edition:The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 821.91 HEA Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from 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 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, the faber book of twentieth century verse, john stubbs-heath and david wright, john stubbs-heath, david wright -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARD POEM, WWI
From E V KNIGHT of Wallingham to F H PARKER of Worksop, England. Possibly connected to R H SPENCER WWI.A soldiers printed verse letter on white card with black printing. Handwritten address and message.postcards, poetry, military -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - 1975 REPORT: BENDIGO SPECIAL SCHOOL
1975 Report - Bendigo Special School, with verse, drawings and photos.bendigo, education, bendigo special school -
Box Hill Historical Society
Book, Chisholm, Alec H, The making of A Sentimental Bloke : a sketch of the remarkable career of C.J. Dennis, 1946
A biography of C.J. Dennis137pp. Includes photographs and some C. J. Dennis verse.non-fictionA biography of C.J. Dennisbiographies, poetry, c. j. dennis -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Book, The Bible - New Testament, c. 1915
New Testament, red hard cover. Has marked verses. 'the 200 verses marked in this Testament will, under the Holy spirit's teaching, help to make plain God's way of Salvation through Christreligious text, religion -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HAMILTON COLLECTION: PAGE OF VERSE, Early 1900s
Document. Double sided sheet of verse ''The Royal Reciter'' ''The Groom's Story''.performing arts, elocution, page of verse -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HAMILTON COLLECTION: HANDWRITTEN VERSE, Early 1900s
Document. Handwritten sheet with 28 lines of rhyming verse written in pencil.performing arts, elocution, handwritten verse -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Book - Book - Wordsworth and Coleridge, c. 1947
Anthology of verse by Wordsworth and Coleridge. Orange limp cloth cover, black print -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Bookmark
Silk Bookmark - marked A Birthday Greeting. Red and Blue Flowers and Birthday Versebooks, bookmark -
Bendigo Military Museum
Literary work - POEM 38TH BN, J.H. McColl, 17 May 1916
Published in the Bendigonian 18th May 1916. J.H. McCOLL believed to be James Hiers McCOLL father of Lieut. Hugh McCOLL, C Coy 38th Battalion AIF. Pre war Hugh McColl spent 11 years in the junior and senior cadets and then 1 year as a Commissioned Officer in the local 67th Batt. He enlisted in the AIF with the rank of 2nd Lieut on 1.3.1916 aged 27 years 4 months. Embarked for England on 20.6.1916 and then France in November 1916. WIA on 12.10.1917 with concussion, hospital 7.4.1918 with sprained ankle, KIA by machine gun fire on 12.8.1918 during an advance near Proyart. There was a possibility he was awarded the Military Cross but this needs investigating.The Bendigo 38th Battalion Poem. A printed written copy. Seven verses. Two pages.documents - poetry, military history - army, 38th -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Folder, German Poem, 1991
Poems written by internee at Camp 3, Palestine group.Clear plastic black back folder containing 20 verse poems, written in Germancamp 3, palestine group, internee poems, annie lorenz -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Decorative object - Sampler, 1836
Originally framed by William Hayward, carver - gilder and picture frame manufacturer 54 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, EnglandFramed needlework sampler - five lines of alphabet and numbers worked in red cross stitch on a light brown material, followed by a verse, then a house, birds, boat, windmill, animals worked below. Cross stitch sampler. (See 'Other Information' for verse).Signed in cross stitch by the embroiderer, Sarah Moats, aged 10, 1836.handcrafts, embroidery -
St Kilda Historical Society
Card - Seasonal card, A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to You, 20th century
A card encouraging customers to give a gift at Christmas to the boy who delivers or sells them their daily newspapers. Undated but perhaps early 20th century.Pink coloured card with greeting, verse and image of Santa Claus printed in blue. Stamped on the back.Printed on front: 'A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to You. Once a Year this Christmas comes - But I come round each day; I bring you all the news there is, in a most respectful way. A Christmas Gift just once a Year Would make me mighty glad; Although I'm only young you know - But an Honest Paper Lad. Stamped on rear: 'Cards, Books and Stationery. You will get satisfaction from McArthur's Agency St Kilda. Latest books & periodicals by every mail.'st kilda businesses, 20th century, st kilda - history, mcarthur's agency -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Do you recall when, n.d
Copy of turn of the century verses by the late W. H. Elsum, Box Hill author, poet and printer.Copy of turn of the century verses by the late W.H. Elsum, Box Hill author, poet and printer.Copy of turn of the century verses by the late W. H. Elsum, Box Hill author, poet and printer.elsum, w.h. -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, c1950
This card came with a collection of photographs from the Presentation Sisters, Mount Carmel Convent.Small printed card, black print on beige, showing sketch of a country scene, with a bible verse.On front of card: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psa.23.1" Written on back of card: "To Dear Mavis, With love." Printed: "S.G.M. 6954 | Printed in England"mt carmel convent, presentation sisters, psalms -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Print - Emu Creek Bush Band Collection: The Emu Creek Band Song by John Williams (Lagerphonist)
Three pages of verse in rhyming couplets entitled 'The Emu Creek Band' by John Williams ( Lagerphonist)emu creek bush band, john williams -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HAMILTON COLLECTION: TYPEWRITTEN VERSE, Early 1900s
Document. Two copies of ''An Ode'' typed on flimsy paper. Each copy has three pages. The Ode has eleven six line verses of three rhyming couplets. First verse begins; ''Farewell Sweet Lolanthe till once again we meet. Farewell old growling walker, farewell dear corner seat''. At the end is ''An Afterthought'' of four verses. Possibly written by Alex J Hamilton as a performance script.performing arts, elocution, typewritten verse. -
Islamic Museum of Australia
Embroidered patch covering the Holy Kaaba, Kiswa Qandeel, 1427 AH/2006 CE
Lamp shaped medallion embroidery known as “Qandeel”. Kiswa is the name of the cloth used to drape the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is draped annually on the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hiijah, the day the pilgrims leave for the plains of Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage. Embroidered inscription of the Quranic verse, “YA HAYU YA QAYYUM", or, "the ever living, the ever watchful".kaaba, hajj, gold thread, silk, sacred items, textiles -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Autograph Album, 1920s
This item comes from the estates of the Misses Ardlie of Warrnambool. It belonged to Agnes Ardlie (1915-1993) who was aged 11 when she received the album. Her sisters were Olive (1905-1912) and Dorothy (1910-1993). They were the daughters of Arthur and Ethel Ardlie of Warrnambool, the granddaughters of the prominent Warrnmbool lawyer, William Ardlie and his wife Mary and the great granddaughters of John and Mary Ardlie, early settlers in Warrnambool. The Misses Ardlie lived in their early years at Aroona in Princess Street in Warrnambool. The autograph album has handwritten contributions (verse and signatures) from family members and friends and twelve signatures of cricketers from the Australian Test series of 1928-1929. These are mostly English cricketers and include the signatures of Wally Hammond, Jack Hobbs, Harold Larwood and George Duckworth.This autograph book is of considerable interest, firstly as a memento of Agnes Ardlie, a member of a prominent family in Warrnambool in the 20th century and secondly, as an item of some significance in the cricket world with its signatures of some English cricketers on tour in Australia in 1928/29.This is an autograph album with a dark red leather cover and gold writing on the front cover. Inside the cover are pages in a green mottled pattern. The other pages are mostly white or cream with some coloured pages. Some pages have handwritten verse and signatures in black and blue ink. A blue shopkeeper’s label is on the inside back page. Album Agnes M. Ardlie ‘Aroona’ Warrnambool 3.11.26 ardlie family, history of warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, A Book of Australian Verse
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and it's Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items 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 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. A Book of Australian Verse Selected and Introduction by Judith Wright Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1956 The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 819.91 WRI Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from 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 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, a book of australian verse, judith wright -
Numurkah & District Historical Society
Letter - Religious passages in letter
4 sheets, which includes religious verses & passages. Envelope has 1/2p postage stamp