Showing 2163 items matching "general history"
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Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH WW2, Post 2000 reproduction
STANLEY BAYLISS (VX138816) enlisted on 7.5.1943 & discharged on 26.3.1946. On discharge he was listed as being posted as a Private to 2/108 General Transport.Photo of a soldier with a Japanese landmine, Tarakan“Japanese Landmine, Tarakan”photography-photographs, military history - army, mine -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - DOCUMENTS, SOLDIER SETTLEMENT, Soldier Settlement Commission, 24.7.1946
Part of WILLIAM HOLMES COLLECTION. Refer Cat No 2548.2P his service history. The applications relate to the following; Percy Douglas James HEARD No V170819 enlisted on 15.1.1942 age 26 years old. At discharge from the Army on 15.11.19145 he was a Pte in 135th Australian General Transport. Ronald Alveston Johnstone No VX15541 enlisted on 17.5.1949 age 22 year’s old. At discharge from the Army he was a Gunner in 2/2nd Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt..1) & .2) Acknowledgement of an application for a Soldier Settlement Grant post WWIIdocuments - applications, military history, settlement -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS, RAAF, c.1939-45
Items belonged to Maxwell Lennox Matheson No 418447 RAAF. Refer Cat No 1959 for his service records.Envelope containing 5 photos: .1) 1P Auro Anson T.1 - Fuselage number W2083 .2) 2P Laverton RAAF Base B&W c.1938 Bunch of Airmen marching past Hawker demons .3) 3P North American b&w RAAF P51 Mustang Number A68-585 .4) 4P Airspeed 'Oxford' b&w Fuselage Number V3354 .5) 5P Blue print 'Wirraway' Fighter/Bomber.1) 3 Lines description on rear. RAF Aircraft issued to RAF .2) Laverton RAAF Base C1938 & 2 lines about Hawker Demons & Auro Ansons .3) 5 lines about history of P51 & No 84 Sqn 1945 .4) Rear inscription 4 historical lines about AIirspeed Oxfords .5) Front inscription on blue print: Wirraway' as a General Purpose Trainer Aircraft No A70-98 Wirraway' as a Dive Bomber Aircraft No A20-754photography -photographs, raaf -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - BADGES, WWI & Post War
Fanny Isabella Nicol, Staff nurse A.A.M.S WWI. Badge collection during and post WWI in aid of returned servicemen and War effort. Refer 1795P for service history, 2317.6, 2591. 5 fundraising badges ( 3 metal, 2 paper) not individually marked. .1) Graphic of war memorial Melbourne (black & white) .2) Oval badge, floral pattern red/white, blue ribbon re Repatriation. .3) Black & white circular badge, metal (General kitchener) .4) Round, blue, metal, map outline of Australia , red print, help win the war. .5) Round metal badge, Australian Flag & soldierfundraising, numismatics- badges -
Bendigo Military Museum
Currency - CURRENCY MPC, Pre 10.10.69
Military payment certificates (currency) used to pay U.S troops in Vietnam, also allied troops, for use in military installations, not for use in the general public. This was to prevent the use of U.S Dollars getting into the black market and use by the enemy. Every so often a change would happen and all money handed in and new notes would be issued. Commonly called “MPC” Items souvenired by Anthony Robert Cornelius No 3176333, served Vietnam 19.11.68 to 10.10.69 with HQ 5 Coy RAASC and 25 Supply PL RAASC with the rank of Cpl. He then served in Malaya from 1970 - 72. He served some 12 years in the Regular Army..1) US Military Currency, 2x $1, 2x 50c .2) US Military Currency, 2x 25c, 2x $10, 2x 5c.numismatics-notes, military history, mpc -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - AWARD DOCUMENT, Post February 1917
Gilbert Turner. Refer Cat No 1038 for his service details. Original document (colour) of Major General W. Holmes, 4th Div. Congratulations to 1410, Pte. G. Turner, 45th Battalion, AIF. “For coolness and initiative under fire during an attack on the 22nd Feb 1917 No 1410 Pte G Turner 45 Bn AIF”photography-photographs, military history, g turner collection -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, The War to End War and General Monash, 1977
Soft cover book. Illustrated with black and white photos Front cover is white background with dark writing. There is a full length portrait of Gen Monash in full ceremonial gear.Inside cover has MAX O'HALLORAN. There are several arrows and notations throughout book pointing out facts and author in a group photo.books, military history, biography -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, General Peter Cosgrove, My Story, 2006
Soft cover khaki colour. Photograph of head and shoulders of General Peter Cosgrove on front cover. Pages 468 Author- PETER COSGROVE"Donated by S & L BUCHE" written on the title pagebooks, military history, biography -
Bendigo Military Museum
Card - CHRISTMAS CARD & INSERTS, C.1918
Items are in the collection re Edwin James Jones No 3511 AIF. .3) envelope to Tom Jones will be Edwin’s brother Thomas Robert Jones No 1982 AIF who was WIA on Gallipoli. Date on the envelope appears to be June/July 1917 after he was discharged from the AIF. “AG” means Australian General Hospital. Refer 1367.5 and 1377 for their service history..1) - Card, folds in half re Xmas Day 1918, No, Command depot Sutlon Veny re Xmas menu etc. LT COL W.O Mansbridge DSO Commandant. .2) - Small letter "YMCA." heading writing in pencil dated 2/2/1918 To Bell from E Jones. .3) - Letter card folds in half "on Active service." writing in pencil to Tom Jones ward 10 A.G Hospital Caulfeild.documents - cards, letters, military history, jones -
Bendigo Military Museum
Document - DOCUMENTS WW2, Australian Army, 1939 - 1943
Items relate to Benjamin Thomas Roy Chadd No's 10594, VX20311, 1st and 2nd AIF. Refer Cat No 2039 for service history also 2034P.3 manilla folders each containing assorted miscellaneous documents from WWII. Most are from the 'Syrian Campaign' in 1941. They range from general through confidential to most secret and was in the effects of Lt. Col B.R. CHADD. .1) “Secret 1940” .2) “1941” .3) “1942-1943” Operational orders. Embark and dis-embark orders. Signal notes. Ciphers - Sit Reps Palestine/Syriadocuments-military, signals -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Elyne Mitchell, Light Horse: The Story of Australia's Mounted Troops, 1978
The author, Elyne Mitchell is the daughter of General Sir Harry Chauvel, Commander of the Desert Mounted Corps in World War I. Book documents the role of Australian mounted regiments from the South African (Boer) War to the fall of Damascus in 1918.Book, black buckram hard cover with title in grey letters on spine. Black dust cover with illustration on front. Title in black letters. Illustrated end papers, 112 pages with cut edges. Colour & black & white illustrations. Author's signature on title page: Elyne Mitchellbooks, light horse, military, history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Stalemate in Korea
Hard cover book of 100 pages. No dust jacket. Front cover has a photo of a gun emplacement. Back cover has a photo of Major-General Alan Stretton and a critique of book and details of the author. Black and white photos throughout book. books-military-history, korea -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Document (Item) - Research Document, Brien L. O'Brien, Buxton General Store, 12-05-2008
... A document outlining the history of the Buxton General...A document outlining the history of the Buxton General... the history of the Buxton General Store in Victoria. A document ...A document outlining the history of the Buxton General Store in Victoria.A document outlining the history of the Buxton General Store in Victoria. The Buxton General Store was originally built in the early 1930s by Jack Preece. It also served as the local Post Office, cafe and petrol station. The store had a succession of owners until its closure in around 2018.buxton, victoria, buxton general store, jack preece, jim merton, dave harkness, fred kubale, w h jones, j jones, stan finke, inga stumpe, nick doolan, val mclusky, julie woods, val morton, k & l bellingham -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Specifications, Army Insignia, Badges and Buttons, 1951 - 1980
Set of manufacturing specifications for Australian Army insignia, badges and buttons - on foolscap in two lever arch files Specifications include: VOLUME 1 Badges, head dress & collar, AMF Insignia, shoulder, title, AUSTRALIA Insignia, metal, AUSTRALIAN ARMY Button, insignia, AMF Badge, metal, qualification, skill-at-arms Medallion & lapel badge, ANZAC commemorative Badge, lapel, metal, Army Reserve Lapel badge, Returned from Active Service Insignia, metal, Royal Cipher, Queen Elizabeth II Badge, metal, retired officers Button, insignia, general officer Link, button Insignia, metal, rank, womens, Warrant Officer & NCO tropical Insignia, metal, rank, officer, sword & baton crossed (1975) Insignia, metal, rank, officer, sword & baton crossed (1969) Insignia, metal, rank, officers, crown Insignia, metal, rank, NCO, crown Insignia, metal, rank, Warrant Officer, crown Palm leaf device for Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal, service, Vietnamese campaign Button, insignia, Corps of Staff Cadets Insignia, metal, RAAC, beret/collar Insignia, metal, 1 AR, beret/collar Insignia, metal, 1/15 RNSWL, beret/collar Insignia, metal, 2 Cav, beret/collar Insignia, metal, 2/14 QMI Insignia, metal, 3 Cav, beret/collar Insignia, metal, 3/9 SAMR Insignia, metal, 4 Cav, beret/collar 4/19 PWLH Regt badge, head dress or collar Insignia, metal, 4/19 PWLH 8/13 VMR badges, head dress or collar Insignia, 10 LH, collar, silver plated 12/16 HRL, badges, head dress or collar Insignia, metal, RAA, officers, cap/hat, collar Insignia, metal, RAA, other ranks Button, insignia, RAA Button, insignia, RAE Insignia, metal, RAE cap/hat collar Button, Insignia, Royal Aust Survey Corps Insignia, metal, Royal Aust Survey Corps Insignia, metal, Royal Aust Corps of Signals, cap/collar Button, insignia, Royal Aust Corps of Signals Button, insignia, R Aust Inf Insignia, metal, R Aust Inf, cap/hat, collar Insignia, metal, Commando Insignia, metal, RSAR, cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, RAR, cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, RNSWR Insignia, metal, RVR, cap/hat Insignia, metal, RQR ,cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, RWAR, cap/hat collar Badge, qualification, Infantry Combat Button, insignia, Chaplains, Christian Insignia, metal, Chaplains, Christian, cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, RACT Button, insignia RACT Button, insignia, RAAMC Insignia, metal, RAAMC, cap/hat collarl, Insignia, metal, RAADC, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, RAAOC Insignia, metal, RAAOC' VOLUME 2 Button, insignia, RAEME RAEME, badges, collar Insignia, metal, R Aust Army Educational Corps, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, AACC Insignia, metal, AACC, cap/hat collar Button insignia, R Aust Army Pay Corps Insignia, metal, R Aust Army Pay Corps, cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, Aust Army Legal Corps, cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, R Aust Army Provost Corps, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, R Aust Corps of MP Button, insignia, Aust Army Psych Corps Insignia, metal, Aust Army Psych Corps Button, insignia, Aust Army Nursing Corps Insignia, metal, R Aust Army Nursing Corps Button, insignia, WRAAC Insignia, metal, rank, mess undress, brooch type, RAAMC Insignia, metal, WRAAC Insignia, shoulder, Apprentice Insignia, metal, Army Apprentices School Button, insignia, OCS Button, insignia, OCS ,blazer Insignia, metal, OCS, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, RMC, blazer Insignia, metal, RMC Medallion, RMC Insignia, metal, AUR, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, MonUR Insignia, metal, MUR, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, MonUR Insignia, metal, MonUR, cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, UNSWR , cap/hat collar Insignia, metal, SUR, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, SUR Insignia, metal, QUR, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, QUR Insignia, metal, WAUR, cap/hat collar Button, insignia, WAUR Badge, metal, qualification, flying, Army pilot, Aust Army Aviation Corps Insignia, metal, Aust Army Aviation Corps Button, insignia, Aust Army Aviation Corps Badge, metal, qualification , bandsman Badge, metal, qualification, Drum Major Button, insignia, Aust Army Band Corps Insignia, metal, Aust Army Band Corps, cap/hat collar Rubber stamp of Engineering Design Establishment giving conditions of issue to contractorsspecifications -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Stable Belt, abt 1970's
The Australian Army adopted the stable belt in the late 1970s; however, they were removed from service in 1995 and are no longer worn."Stable belts" in unit colours were previously worn with polyesters general duty uniformStable belt of 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment in the four colours of the 4 Light Horse Regiment - light blue, red, white, dark blue. Cotton webbing with leather fittings.stable belt -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Miniature Guidon, 2017
See inscriptionSee inscriptionFramed miniature guidon of the 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment. Wood frame with glass front.Certificate on back of frame - "On the 10 October 2006, Lieutenant General P.F. Leahy, AO, then Chief of the Army, authorised the commencement of work for the procurement of a new Guidon for the 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment. This new Guidon is historically significant being be (sic) the first single Guidon for a linked unit of the Australian Army. The Guidon proudly shows the unit Colour Patches, Battle and Theatre Honours of: 4th Light Horse Regiment 8th Light Horse Regiment 13th Light Horse Regiment 17th Light Horse Regiment 19th Light Horse Regiment 20th Light Horse Regiment 2nd/8th Armoured Regiment 2nd/4th Armoured Regiment The Guidon was formally presented to the Regiment by His Excellency, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove. AK, MC, (Retd) during a parade held at Puckapunyal on the 26 November 2016. Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Molnar Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 Russell Earl The makers of the Guidon, Spear of Fame Pty. Ltd., developed this limited edition miniature in conjunction with the 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment for all members past and present to commemorate this occaison Certified by (signature) 62/250 Spear of Fame Pty Ltd 6 King Street, Blackburn. Ph 03 98771111 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Framed Photograph, Gen Grant & LTCOL Bourchier, c 1916
Photo of Brig General Grant with LtCol Murray Bourchier on the battle field of GazaBrig General Grant with LtCol Murray Bourchier on the battle field of Gaza -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Poem, The Horses Stay Behind, 1919
During WW1 Australia sent 39,348 Walers overseas to the AIF. Many Light Horsemen enlisted with their horses with a government promise that they would be able to bring their horses home with them. On the outbreak of peace, costs became important and it was deemed too costly to have horses repatriated to Australia - except for one horse, "Sandy", owned by General W T Bridges who died at Gallipoli in 1915 Quarantine was offered as a reason for not permitting the walers to return to Australia. However, the horses would have had a long sea voyage, giving time for problems to emerge. Many of the fit horses were sold to the Indian ArmyFramed print of poem "The Horses Stay behind". In days to come we'll wander west and cross the range again; We'll hear the bush birds singing in the green trees after rain; We'll canter through the Mitchell grass and breast the bracing wind: But we'll have other horses. Our chargers stay behind. Around the fire at night we'll yarn about old Sinai; We'll fight our battles o'er again; and as the days go by There'll be old mates to greet us. The bush girls will be kind. Still our thoughts will often wander to the horses left. I don't think I could stand the thought of my old fancy hack Just crawling round old Cairo with a Gyppo on his back. Perhaps some English tourist out in Palestine may find My broken-hearted waler with a wooden plough behind. No; I'd better shoot him and tell a little lie: "He floundered in a wombat hole and then lay down to die" May be I'll be court-martialled; but I'm damned if I'm inclined To go back to Australia and leave my horse behind. Trooper Bluegum -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Framed Photograph, Lt General Sir Harry Chauvel 1938, 1938
Framed photograph of an oil painting of Lt General Sir Harry ChauvelW B McInnes Oil on canvas 129.1 x 104.5 cm photograph of a painting in the Australian War memorial (13521) -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Uniform, about 1960
The 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards was formed in 1922 as a British Army cavalry regiment. In 1992 it was amalgamated with the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards to form the Royal Dragoon GuardsThe 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards is a British Army unit associated with the 4/19 Prince of Wales's Light Horse RegimentBritish Army Uniform No 2 Dress 1980 Pattern, 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards. With Regimental badges and buttons, white lanyard and General Service Medal ribbon. No badges of rankOn maker's label - "Baldwin"uniform, 4/7 rdg -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Magazine Publication, Indigo Arch Publishing Pty Ltd, Remembrance, November 2017
This edition was published to coincide with the centenary of the Light Horse charge at BeershebaOfficial magazine of the Shrine of Remembrance , Melbourne November 2017 Volume 7 No 2. This edition features the Australian Light Horse. Articles include: "The Light Horse in The Middle East" by Dr David Holloway OAM, "From Battlefield to Board Room General Sir Harry Chauvel" by Major Garth Callendar. ISSN 1838-9945 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Display Binder, 2/4 Armoured Regiment Group, abt 2014
Provides an excellent account of the service of Australian 2/4 Armoured Regiment Group in New Guinea and Bougainville in World War 2. By 1945 the United States publicity machine under General McArthur focussed on US campaigns to the North treating this action as a back water The unit's battle honours comprise South West Pacific 1945, Liberation of Australian New Guinea, Hawain River, Wewak, Wirui Mission, Slater's Knoll, Hongorai River, Egan's Ridge-Hongorai Ford, Hari River and Mivo River2/4 Armoured Regiment is an antecedent unit of our modern Regiment ., Museum quality 3 ring, A3 size binder with clear inserts for documents and photos, in slip case. Presents history of Australian 2/4 Armoured Group in South West Pacific in World War 2 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Pamphlet, Harrison & Sons, Extracts from General Routine Orders issued to the British Army in the Field by Field-Marshall Haig, 1 Jan 1917
Soft covered booklet Price tag $15.00 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Smoke
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. 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. 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 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. Smoke Author: Ivan Turgenev Translated from the Russian by Constance Garnett Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: 1951Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 891.73 TUR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, 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, smoke, ivan turgenev, constance garnett -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Plane Compass, 1941-1943
This compass is the type used by an artillery unit of the Australian Military Forces during World War 2 and made by J W Handley. Although having owned the factory site since 1935 at 657 Victoria St J W Handley began to produce various items for the Australian Military forces after purchasing and expanding the factory to 655 Victoria St. It appears that he, or some one else may already have been occupying the site for industrial purposes, such as (Manufacturing, Foundry and Electroplating) since at least 1929. J W Handley Pty Ltd was actively producing items for the Military during the war years, a newspaper article from 1939 shows the factory in production and employing 420 people during 1939. J W Handley after the war moved into producing other non military items including a range of fishing reels. The company ceased trading in 1987 and was deregistered as J W Handley Pty Ltd in 1990.The item demonstrates the industrial capability of Australia at the start of World War 2. This item is actively sort by collectors of Australian Military memorabilia and represents a time in Australian history when the country was at war and the general population was concerned about an invasion from Japanese forces. It also therefor is of social significance as many Australians served in the Military forces at that time and the item is complete and in very good condition.A plane table compass, sometimes referred to as a trough compass, used by surveyors and artillery crew to accurately establish magnetic north. The compass is precision machined of brass material with a long needle to ensure accuracy. The compass scale is marked with a centre zero (for magnetic north) and graduations indicating plus and minus five degrees. The compass is housed in a protective wooden case with a sliding lid. The lid has a brass slide which locks the compass needle during periods when the compass is not in use.J.W.H./V Mark 11 D↑D. Made by J W Handley Richmond Melbourne, Victoria. Serial No 353flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, trough compass, navigation instrument, surveyor's instrument, j w handley, artillery, australian army, trough, plane compass, world war 2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Plane Compass, 1941-1943
This compass is the type used by an artillery unit of the Australian Military Forces during World War 2 and made by J W Handley. Although having owned the factory site since 1935 at 657 Victoria St J W Handley began to produce various items for the Australian Military forces after purchasing and expanding the factory to 655 Victoria St. It appears that he, or some one else may already have been occupying the site for industrial purposes, such as (Manufacturing, Foundry and Electroplating) since at least 1929. J W Handley Pty Ltd was actively producing items for the Military during the war years, a newspaper article from 1939 shows the factory in production and employing 420 people during 1939. J W Handley after the war moved into producing other non military items including a range of fishing reels. The company ceased trading in 1987 and was deregistered as J W Handley Pty Ltd in 1990.The item demonstrates the industrial capability of Australia at the start of World War 2. This item is actively sort by collectors of Australian Military memorabilia and represents a time in Australian history when the country was at war and the general population was concerned about an invasion from Japanese forces. It also therefor is of social significance as many Australians served in the Military forces at that time and the item is complete and in very good condition.A plane table compass, sometimes referred to as a trough compass, used by surveyors and artillery crew to accurately establish magnetic north. The compass is precision machined of brass material with a long needle to ensure accuracy. The compass scale is marked with a centre zero (for magnetic north) and graduations indicating plus and minus five degrees. The compass is housed in a protective wooden case with a sliding lid. The lid has a brass slide which locks the compass needle during periods when the compass is not in use.J.W.H./V Mark 11 D↑D. Made by J W Handley Richmond Melbourne, Victoria. Serial number 92 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, trough compass, navigation instrument, surveyor's instrument, j w handley, artillery, australian army, trough, plane compass, world war 2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Plane Compass, 1941-1943
This compass is the type used by an artillery unit of the Australian Military Forces during World War 2 and made by J W Handley. Although having owned the factory site since 1935 at 657 Victoria St J W Handley began to produce various items for the Australian Military forces after purchasing and expanding the factory to 655 Victoria St. It appears that he, or some one else may already have been occupying the site for industrial purposes, such as (Manufacturing, Foundry and Electroplating) since at least 1929. J W Handley Pty Ltd was actively producing items for the Military during the war years, a newspaper article from 1939 shows the factory in production and employing 420 people during 1939. J W Handley after the war moved into producing other non military items including a range of fishing reels. The company ceased trading in 1987 and was deregistered as J W Handley Pty Ltd in 1990.The item demonstrates the industrial capability of Australia at the start of World War 2. This item is actively sort by collectors of Australian Military memorabilia and represents a time in Australian history when the country was at war and the general population was concerned about an invasion from Japanese forces. It also therefor is of social significance as many Australians served in the Military forces at that time and the item is complete and in very good condition.A plane table compass, sometimes referred to as a trough compass, used by surveyors and artillery crew to accurately establish magnetic north. The compass is precision machined of brass material with a long needle to ensure accuracy. The compass scale is marked with a centre zero (for magnetic north) and graduations indicating plus and minus five degrees. The compass is housed in a protective wooden case with a sliding lid. The lid has a brass slide which locks the compass needle during periods when the compass is not in use.J.W.H./V Mark 11 D↑D. Made by J W Handley Richmond Melbourne, Victoria. Serial number 1279flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, trough compass, navigation instrument, surveyor's instrument, j w handley, artillery, australian army, trough, plane compass, world war 2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Australian Outline
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. Australian Outline A Brief History of Australia Author: Marjorie Barnard Publisher: Ure Smith Date: 1949 Label on spine cover with typed text R.A. 994 BAR Front pastedown end page has sticker from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, australian outline, marjorie barnard -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Wooden Hookers
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 Wooden Hookers Epics of the Sea History of Australia Author: C. Bede Maxwell Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1940 Label on spine cover with typed text R.A. 994 MAX Front pastedown end page has sticker from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool public library, wooden hookers, c. bede maxwell -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Naval War of 1812
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL 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 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. The Naval War of 1812 Author: C S Forester Publisher: Michael Joseph Ltd Date: 1957 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 973.525 FOS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, 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, the naval war of 1812, c s forester