This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Shakespeare and Other Lectures Author: George Dawson Edited by George St Clair Publisher: Kegan Paul Trench & Co Date: 1888Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 824 DAW Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by 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, shakespeare and other lectures, george dawson, george st clair

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 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860s the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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. Poetry of America Author: W.J.Linton Publisher: George Bell & Sons, York St Covent Garden, London Date: 1878 The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 811.08 LIN Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service.book, poetry of america, w.j.linton, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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

A recording of 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg in November 1982.2 audio cassettes in clear plastic casesHandwritten on cassette 1: "Messiah 1 + 2 1982"; on cassette 2: "Messiah 3 + 4 1982"diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg

A recording of 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg and St Paul's East Kew, June 1985.1 audio cassette in clear plastic caseHandwritten on case: "DVCS - St Johns (Handel), St Paul's East Kew, 15.6.85"diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg, st paul's east kew

A recording of excerpts from 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg,1986.1 audio cassette in clear plastic caseHandwritten on case: "Winter concert, Messiah excerpts at St John's 1986"diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg

A recording of 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg on 18/11/1999 and conducted by Val Lennie. Other performers include Eltham Singers, and Preston Orchestra.1 audio cassette in clear plastic caseHandwritten on insert: "Messiah - cond V. Lennie. DVCS, H'berg C.C., Eltham Singers, St. John's, Preston Orchestra..."diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg, preston orchestra, val lennie, eltham singers

A recording of 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society and combined choirs was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg 18/11/1979 to celebrate 150 years of ministry at St John's. 2 audio cassettes in clear plastic case and 3 copies of a printed programHandwritten on case: "79 Messiah - St Johns, Commercial tape"diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg

A recording of 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society and combined choirs was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg 13/11/1983 and at St David's East Doncaster 20/11/1983.3 audio cassettes in clear plastic case, 4 copies of a printed program and an invitation to join the singers.Handwritten on case: "Messiah rehearsals '83" and "St John's 1983".diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg

A recording of 'Messiah', an English language oratorio by George Frederic Handel, composed in 1741. The text was compiled from the King James Bible; it contains 3 parts and part 2 ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. This performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society and combined choirs was recorded at St John's Church of England, Heidelberg 14/04/1985 (date on program).1 audio cassette in clear plastic case, planning notes and printed programHandwritten on case: "DVCS 1983-1993 for CD"diamond valley choral society, messiah (oratorio), st john's church of england heidelberg

This explosion at the George River was the start of work on the Great Ocean Road. The charge was detonated by the Premier of Victoria, HSW Lawson on Friday, 17 September, 1919exlosion, st george river, h.s.w. lawsom, premier, great ocean road

1971. This was some of the machinery used in stabilsing the Great Ocean Road between the St George's River and the Sheok River. Holes were drilled in the rock and large cables inserted and concrete forced in around themGreat Ocean Road. This was some of the machinery used in stabilizing the G.O.R. at Windy Point, between the St George River and the Sheoak River. Holes were drilled in the rock and large cables inserted and concrete fixed around them. This took place in late 1971great ocean road. g.o.r. landslip. windy point. 1971

Photo of the C.R.B. Construction Camp at St George Riverg.o.r.: c.r.b. camp site: st george river.

Six workmen and cook? near tents at St George River Returned Soldiers' Camp. Note timber tramway on left-hand side of photographreturned-soldiers-camp; st.-george-river. timber-tramway-track

Photograph showing crowd at the opening of the bridge over the George River in 1926 g.o.r; george river bridge 1926;

The Victorian Railways promoted tourist destinations around Victoria. A folded paper tourist brochure about Lorne The front cover is a coloured painting of Lorne from above the Erskine River towards the main beach. , on the back is a black and white sketch tourist map of the roads, tracks and beauty spots. Inside the first fold are 6 black and white photographs, Cumberland River, Mt St George, Phantom Falls, Cumberland Cliffs, Teddy’s Lookout, leafy walk towards the pier. Inside contains written descriptions of the highlights of Lorne and six black and white photographs, four general views of Lorne, Lover’s Walk, Erskine Falls . souvenirs, victorian railways, publicity

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white sepia photograph of four-storey building at street intersection. Street sign on left "St. Kilda Rd".Front: (no inscriptions) Back: Chevron corner St. Kilda and Commercial Roads Nov: 1934 V. Hursthouse (?)esther winifred hall, henty, 1934

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing stone building (church) in shade of tree with stone fence and iron gate in foreground. Crosses attached to roof of building.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: St. Stephens Church Portland. New fence erected for Centenary 1934.esther winifred hall, portland centenary, 1934, henty

Tourist guide to historic and other features in the Eltham Warrandyte area and environs, A2, black & white, folded 3 times to A5, printed on one sidewarrandyte, eltham, st helena, montmorency

Photograph of Church of Saint George, Lud.Digital copy of black and white photograph. "St George's mosque at Lud"charles marshall, world war 1

A car fire in St Helena, 28th February 1957. Sadly a man died [George Lawrey] in this car fire.Digital copy of photographst helena, fire

The Grave of James Black (died 20/07/1904), Elizabeth Black (died 27/07/1904), Mary Yeaman (died 23/04/1903) and George Yeaman (died 07/08/1924) , St Helena CemeterySt Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photographst helena cemetery, james black, elizabeth black, mary yeaman, george yeaman

The Grave of Minnie Freeman (died 17/09/1951) and George Freeman (died 12/05/1959), St Helena Cemetery.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photograph (grave)st helena cemetery, freeman family

St Mary's Catholic Church, cnr Main Road and Henry Street, Eltham was opened/blessed October 13, 1912. The wooden church was built to replace an earlier brick church also known as St Mary's (1865-1912), which had been situated on the main road near present day Wingrove Park. The church and land cost £1,400 (Evelyn Observer). The wooden church was destroyed by fire in 1961. A new modern architecture (1960s) style church was erected - Our Lady of Help Christians Church. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book,"Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as the 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital image 4 x 5 inch B&W Neg Print B&Wsepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, eltham, roman catholic church, church, catholic church, henry street, main road, st marys catholic church

Sidney and Ivy-Jane Browne purchased the Lower Plenty ‘Golf Club’ Hotel in 1940. They owned it until 1943. Their daughter, Irene Stella, was born in Eltham in July 1923 and would have been between 17 and 20 years of age at the time this photograph was taken. Ivy-Jane (nee Williams) was born in Eltham in December 1899 and was the sister of George Alfred Williams who is commemorated on the WWI plaque at the back of St. Margaret’s church, Eltham, and whose name is also listed on the Cenotaph in front of the Eltham War Memorial in Main Road, Eltham. Irene Browne married Leslie Allan Walker in 1945 and following his death in 1958 she married Charles William Smith. She died in 2008 and is buried in Omeo Cemetery along with her husband, Charles Smith. Her granddaughter, Veronica Gunn, advises a few years earlier, Irene’s son took her to the hotel and spoke with the then owner who showed Irene the photo, which she confirmed was of herself. Digital filelower plenty, lower plenty hotel, hotels, irene stella browne, irene stella smith, golf club hotel, 1940s

Building of Pensioners Cottages at St Andrews; for those burnt out in the 1962 bushfires. A voluntary scheme of Mavis Gill through the Kangaroo Ground Relief CommitteeBlack and white photo mounted on card'Windy' Gale's burnt out home, Wild Dog Creek Road Photo Geo. W. Bell, Jan. 1962victorian bushfires - 1962, bushfires, dick (windy) gale, fire damage - buildings, george w bell, houses, st andrews, wild dog creek road, mavis gill, pensioners cottages

Building of Pensioners Cottages at St Andrews; for those burnt out in the 1962 bushfires. A voluntary scheme of Mavis Gill through the Kangaroo Ground Relief CommitteeBlack and white photo mounted on cardMavis Gill making a turn near 'Windy' Gale's place Wild Dog Creek area Photo Geo. W. Bell, Jan. 1962victorian bushfires - 1962, bushfires, dick (windy) gale, fire damage - buildings, george w bell, houses, st andrews, wild dog creek road, mavis gill, pensioners cottages