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Kew Historical Society Inc
Book, Women's Section - Liberal Party of Australia (Victorian Division), Women of Influence: Women in the Liberal Party, 1996
Australia : Women's Section, Liberal Party of Australia, Victorian Division, c1996 viii, 172 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm. non-fictionliberal party of australia. victorial division. women's section -- history., women -- political activity -- victoria -- history. -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Royal Australian Air Force Certificate of Service and Discharge, 27th February, 1946
A Royal Australian Air Force Discharge Certificate issued to Linley Walter Rogers on the 26th February1946. These Certificates were issued to all service personal on completion of their Enlistment.Rectangular shaped Parchment Discharge Certificate.Royal Australian Air Force Certificate of Service and Discharge with a brief summary of his time in service.raaf, australian defence forces, world war 2, certificate of discharge, air force, lara r.s.l. -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, City of Boroondara Library Service et al, Telling lives: locating and mapping the cultural heritage of Boroondara, 2002
Includes: cultural setting and context (part one)|Biographical notes (part two)|Index by art form Charts cultural heritage of Boroondara since Australia's Federation in 1901. Reviews and record the past cultural achievements of Boroondara's local people from 1880s to 1920s.Charts cultural heritage of Boroondara since Australia's Federation in 1901. Reviews and record the past cultural achievements of Boroondara's local people from 1880s to 1920s.boroondara history, artists - boroondara, cultural events and activities, events and activities, entertainers - boroondara, authors- boroondara, people associated with culture, palace theatre, zelman family, (mr) garnet walch, (mr) robert sparrow smythe, (ms) dorothy roxburgh, (mr) walter murdoch, (mr) percival (percy) lindsay, j. w lindt, (mr) john longstaff, (mr) george marshall-hall, montgomery family, (mr) max meldrum, (mr) frederick mccubbin -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - Historical, The Australasian Pictorial Annual 1934, Vol. 3, October 1. 1934
This book was printed in 1934, giving an insight into journalism, advertising, fashion, opinions, issues, photography of the time. It also shows areas and buildings within Australia in 1934 allowing a comparison before and after this date. Historic: Comparison of areas etc. in Australia to areas etc. within the Kiewa Valley.Large book with stiff paper coloured cover showing a mob of sheep. Tattered discoloured pages with coloured and black and white photos and print of different areas within Australia.Inserted inside the book - a copy of 'The Sydney Cove Chronicle' dated 30th June, 1790 and printed December 1969. newspaper. pictorial annual 1934. -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Animal specimen - Pacific Black Duck, Trustees of the Australian Museum, 1860-1880
The Pacific Black Duck is also known as the Grey Duck in New Zealand. Despite these names, the plumage of the bird is brown in colour with the occasional cream and small amount of black. This species of Duck is located in all of Australia with the exception of the most arid zones. They can also be found throughout the Pacific region. The Pacific Black Duck resides in a range of different habitats that have some sort of water. These birds feed on aquatic plants, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic insects. To catch their food, these birds plunge their heads and necks under the water with their rear raising above the top of the water. This technique is termed "dabbing". This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research. This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.Despite its name, the Black Duck is largely brown in colouring. It has a mixture of light brown and cream plumage on the neck, face and stomach. The wings and rear of the duck are a darker brown. Each brown feather is bordered with a cream colour which separates the feathers from each other. The top of the head is also dark brown and there is a darker stripe of black colour horizontally on either side of the eye. The specimen has two brown and black glass eyes and a black bill. The legs and webbed feet are a dark brown and black colour. Tied around the left leg is a paper identification tag. The number 134 is inscribed on the left side of the wooden platform on which the bird is standing. This specimen is stocky.3a. / Australian Wild Duck / See Catalogue, Page 38. /taxidermy mount, taxidermy, animalia, burke museum, beechworth, australian museum, skin, reynell eveleigh johns, bird, australian birds, duck, pacific black duck, grey duck, australian duck -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Domestic object - Silver sugar bowl, Stokes & Son, c1910
This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. Mr. Turner was born on 6 June 1885. He completed all of his schooling at Scotts Boarding School in Albury, New South Wales. On leaving school, he was employed at Dalgety’s, Albury as an auctioneer. In 1924 John was promoted to Manager of the Wodonga Branch of Dalgety’s. On 15/03/1900 he married Beatrice Neal (born 7/12/1887 and died 7/2/1953) from Collingwood, Victoria. They had 4 daughters – Francis (Nancy), Heather, Jessie and Mary. In 1920, the family moved From Albury to Wodonga, purchasing their family home “Locherbie” at 169 High Street, Wodonga. "Locherbie" still stands in Wodonga in 2022. The collection contains items used by the Turner family during their life in Wodonga. Thomas Stokes a diesinker and electroplater was born in Birmingham in 1831, and arrived in Victoria in the 1850s. By the 80s he was well-established in Melbourne, employing 30 tradesmen and apprentices. The business became a proprietary concern in 1911, re-named Stokes & Son Pty Ltd. This assists in establishing the provenance of the item to before 1911.This item comes from a collection used by a prominent citizen of Wodonga. It is also an example of silverware of the early 20th century.A silver plate sugar bowl. It is circular in shape but has a scalloped rim and has a handle attached to the top. The hallmark of Stokes and Son, Australia is embossed underneath the bowl. This indicates that the item is made from Electro Plate Nickel Silver. A1 indicates that it was manufactured with the highest quality EPNS produced by Stokes and Son.On underside of bowl: "W S in the middle of a star and above a boomerang EPNS S&S A1 MADE IN AUSTRALIA 462 MATES LTD ALBURY"silverware, silver plate, domestic items -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, Natural Heritage Places Handbook, c1998
This handbook should be used with the Australian Natural Heritage Charter to help in conserving places of natural significance. It expands the principles in the Charter and explains the processes for conserving natural heritage places.56pg. This handbook should be used with the Australian Natural Heritage Charter to help in conserving places of natural significance. It expands the principles in the Charter and explains the processes for conserving natural heritage places.biodiversity conservation, nature conversation, conservation of natural resources, australian natural heritage charter -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Medal, Peace Medallion 1919, !919
This medal was awarded to children of Australia up to age of i4. The medal was designed by Charles Douglas Richardson, a sculptor. . One million, six hundred and seventy medals were produced and they were distributed in 1919 to mark the end of World War One. On the original medal the inscriptions included the words: "AUSTRALIA," "VICTORY", THE TRIUMPH OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE " and " THE PEACE OF 1919"This medal is significant as a memento of the declaration of peace at the end of World War One. Circular white metal medallion .The obverse features a figure of peace with decorative surrounds and on the top two doves and text. The reverse has a crown with rising sun rays. Below is a laurel wreath, a sailor and a soldier and text. It has a small ring attached to the top,Obverse VICTORY, the rest is indecipherable on our item. Reverse AUSTRALIA, the rest is indecipherable on our item -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - DRIVING LICENSE, 16/9/1942
Robert Osborne Temple No VX134542 enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 10.12.1942 aged 21 years. At discharge on 25.3.1946 he held the rank of Sgt in the 16th Australian Infantry Battalion. As above his enlistment date from the nominal roll is 10.12.1942 and the date on the licence is 16.9.1942. He was most likely in a CMF unit at that time and transferred to 16 Battalion which was given AIF status. Not to be confused with 2nd /16th Batt AIF. Driver's license, No 237375, cardboard with vinyl coating, dark brown colour, folds in three. Issued by Australian Army to R.O Temple.“VX134542 Sgt R.O Temple”documents-licenses, military history-army, drivers -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Framed 'Appreciation Of Service' Certificate
Appreciation of Service received from Montmorency-Eltham Returned Services LeagueCertificate given to Montmorency-Eltham Returned Services League for commitment and support given to the Australian Army's Victoria Wing, Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.Cream paper with gold and black writing with Australian army emblem at the top and Chief of Army stamped in red in bottom left hand corner. It is signed by GA Van der Walt Major Officer Commanding Victoria Wing Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Dated 24 November 2014ga van der walt -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Document - Leaflet, Leaflet - How a Ten Pound Bond Pays
In the aftermath of World War 1, the Australian government aimed to raise 25 million pounds through the Second Peace Loan. Money raised was to be used for the repatriation and resettlement of former servicemen. Targets were set for money to be raised in each of the Australian states. This notice encouraged Victorians to help WWI returned servicemen through the purchase of peace bonds. It details the amount of interest a purchaser of a bond in the Second Peace Loan would receive after ten years. This notice was displayed in various public buildings, and the wording of the notice was also used in newspaper advertisements, for example this advertisement appeared in The Argus on 6 September 1920.Small cream coloured notice advertising the financial rewards to be gained through investment in peace bonds issued by the Australian government as part of the Second Peace Loan 1920.peace bonds, world war i, first world war -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Kane Dale, Lyn, Lady Soldiers: Picture Yourself In the WRAAC - Womens Royal Australian Army Corps
This book contains the stories of 51 women, from all over Australia, who joined the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) or the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) between 1953 and 1976.This book contains the stories of 51 women, from all over Australia, who joined the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) or the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) between 1953 and 1976.This book contains the stories of 51 women, from all over Australia, who joined the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps (WRAAC) or the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC) between 1953 and 1976.australia army - women - biography, vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 - veterans - australia -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Letter, 19th May 1988
A typed two page letter address to Mr. Kerr from The Australian dated May 19, 1988. The Australian is asking to Mr. kerr's assistance in the compilation of an important supplement planned for The Australian newspaer in early July.letter, james kelly kerr -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Letter, Carter 1.Letter 2.Envelope Mrs Craig Jan 3 1918, 1917
This letter has been written from France in 1917 by Private Edwin Johnson Carter to his friend Mrs Maggie Craig. It gives details of events in his life at the time – in the trenches in World War One. Private Edwin Johnson was a farmer from Nullawarre who enlisted in 1916 and served in France. He was drowned when the mail boat R.M.S. Leinster was torpedoed by a German submarine in the Irish Sea in October 1918. Private Johnson was returning from a visit to Ireland while on leave. This is an original letter from World War One It was written by a soldier from Nullawarre and has a particular poignancy as he writes: “My work brings me in contact with all that hurts in war. I am somewhat calm to it now but if I am spared to return I fear it shall be my nightmare.” He did not return but we have this letter to remind us of the horrors men such as Private Carter endured. This is an envelope containing a letter of two pages sent by a soldier on active service in France in World War One. Both the envelope and the letter are buff-coloured. The envelope has an image of an Australian Military Forces Y.M.C.A. logo, a Post Office stamp and a Censor stamp. The address is handwritten in pencil. The letter has an image of a Y.M.C.A. logo in red and black and the handwritten material is in pencil. Envelope: ‘On Active Service’ ‘Mrs Craig, Craiglea Trafalgar Victoria Australia’ Letter: ‘In the Field, France Dec 27 1917’world war one, private edwin carter, warrnambool history -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Magazine - Falls Creek '97
Part of an annual marketing campaign, this booklet was designed to provide information for planning a holiday at Falls Creek for the winter of 1997. It includes extensive details about activities, facilities and accommodation in the Village as well as contact information to make necessary bookings. The slogan for 1997 was "Snow to BUrn!".This item is important as it documents seasonal activities at Falls Creek Alpine ResortMagazine titled Falls Creek '97 containing information and images for 1997 winter holidays. Front cover has image of a person in yellow and black ski gear doing a small ski jump with blue sky in the back ground. Magazine title above, 'winter holidays' and 'snow to burn' over image and Falls Creek Victoria Australia logo at bottom right corner. Falls Creek '97 / FALLS SKI GUARANTEE CREEK / winter holidays / snow to burn / Falls Creek / Victoria Australiaaccommodation falls creek, falls creek marketing, falls creek events and activities -
Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Headwear - Slouch hat, Hat, khaki, fur felt, 1940, 1940
Owned by William Albert HARRISON (Service Number VX41478; above Link ["WW2 Record"] indicates that Rank on Discharge was Cpl, but other AIF documents, from National Archives Australia [including Proceedings on Discharge - see pdf Media File above], indicate that he was Sergeant). Soldier's name known. Items donated (date unknown) by brother-in-law who was living in Montmorency and was a committee member of MERSL when item donated.Slouch hat with Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badge; cotton puggaree with 2/5 Battalion unit colour patch (Rectangle, black over red). Inside: hand-written name (W. A. HARRISON) Size 6 7/8, 1940 Maker's name stamped on leather lining (CORONET FELTS Pty [Ltd]) -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Manual
The American designed 'Jeep' was issued to Australian Army in WW11 and the Post-War CMF. Technical manuals and User Handbooks were essential equipment for Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) tradesmen permanently attached to Armoured Corps regiments as Light Aid Detachments (LAD) or AFV Workshops and were responsible for repairs and maintenance of a nature beyond the expertise of AFV crewmen and just short of major rebuilds undertaken by Base Workshop detachments.Part of a collection of workshop manuals and user handbooks relating to equipment on issue to 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles during the latter half of the twentieth century.Buff coloured covered booklet, saddle- stitched and stapled: 40 pages being Instruction Book Driving & Maintenance for trucks .25 Ton ( USA ). Published by Australian Military Forces 1944.Ink stamp on front cover " C Sqn 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles " -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge, Prouds Ltd
Badge of unknown origin made by "Prouds Ltd" showing support for the French and Australian relationship.Small Badge of unknown origin. Wreath on top of a banner. Australian Flag crossed with a French flag. Pin clip on the back. Date of 14th July on front and Viva Le French on banner with a light blue background.Inscribe at bottom "Vive Le France" and in middle "14 Juillet".badges, france -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
News Paper, The Argus, Souvenir Supplement, The Argus & Australian Limited, 22 February 1940
The 17th Brigade (Australia) was an Infantry Brigade first formed in 1917 during WW1, but did not see action. The Brigade was reformed during WW2 and served in Libya, Greece and New Guinea. The Brigade was disbanded in 1946.This supplement is an original as printed and issued with The Argus News Paper on 22 February 1940.Oblong, buff colour news paper, souvenir supplement of The Argus,16 pages, 22 February 1940. The supplement is dedvoted to the 17th Australian Infantry Brigade 2nd A.I.F.The front cov er of the supplement has a photograph of Brigadier S.G. Savige, DSO, MC, ED, Commander. The following pages are photographs of Companies within the Brigade.ww1, ww2, 17th brigade, aif, -
National Wool Museum
Score Card
Score card for the Australian Corriedale Association, International Fleece Competition 1965 for a fleece No 224,entered by R W Pettitt in the Victorian Corriedale Ewe Fleece (Adult) Class 6. This card was for the winnning fleece.Score card for Mr R.W. Pettitt's corriedale ewe fleece entered into the 1965 International Fleece Competition, Australian Corriedale Association. The fleece was champion and first prize winner.1965/ VIC.6./224/1/R W PETTITT/"BLINKBRAE SUTH"/ TORQUAY, VIC/ EWE FLECE (ADULT)corriedale sheep sheep breeding agricultural shows, australian corriedale association, pettitt, mr r. w., corriedale sheep, sheep breeding, agricultural shows -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - CERTIFICATE WW1, J Jenkin, Buxton & Co / Rialto, c.1915
For King and Country certificate - Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Enlisted / sailed / served the Empire in the Australian Imperial Forces / Company / Battalion / Brigade. God Save The King. Verse by CHC Montrose.Cardboard rectangle with map of Australia in gold print, 2 red, blue, white flags. Oval cutouts with block & white photographs of 2 individual soldiers in uniform inserted, black print verse. Rising Sun badge depicted in gold print.“1st Nov 1916 / 16th Dec 1916 / W A Reid / 14th / 4th”, handwritten in red ink. “5th June 1915 / 8th Nov 1915 / W Robinson / 21st & 59th”, handwritten in blue ink.documents - certificates, military history -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
2017 D V A calendar, Animals in War 2017
The calendar features 12 pages of black & white graphics, one full colour representative poster The calendar lists national public holidays, DVA pension days and official days of commemoration proclaimed by the then Governor General of Australia.The 2017 D V A calen dar features images of some of the many animals witht wthe presenhich Australians have come into contact on mi[itary operations from the First World War to the preaent day. -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Certificate of Appreciation, 16-110-1939
Private James Andrew Sutherland - VX59088 ,POW - Thailand (Burma Railway) and Changi.Paper certificate with "City of Prahran" as heading with Australian Coat of Arms. Blue and red border.To Private James A Sutherland. We have the honour on behalf of the Mayor, Councilors and Citizens of the City of Prahran to convey to you their highest appreciation and thanks for the action you have taken by voluntarily enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force for active service overseas in the war between Great Britain and her Allies against Germany. The honour and good name of the Commonwealth is in your hands, and we have every confidence that you will preserve the noble traditions already laid down by the men who constituted the Army of the first A.I.F. who served our country and distinguished themselves so worthily in the last Great War. We wish you God speed and a safe return to your Native land. Signed Wm M McIlwrick Mayor, J M Ellis Councilor and J Romaiu Town Clerk. -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Returned Sailor's & Soldier's Imperial League (RSSILA) membership badge
The League evolved out of concern for the welfare of returned servicemen from the First World War. In 1916, a conference recommended the formation of The Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, which included representation from Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. New South Wales was admitted to the League the following year, Western Australia in 1918. In 1927, the Australian Capital Territory formed a branch and was admitted. The Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA) the forerunner of today’s Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) was formed in June 1916.Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia Badge. The centre of the badge shows a sailor and a soldier in raised detail. A blue enamel circle surrounds the central detail and has 'RETURNED SAILORS & SOLDIERS / IMPERIAL LEAGUE' in gilt lettering. The outer edges of the badge are white enamel with a floral spray to the top left and right of the blue circle. At the bottom of the badge is a red enamelled scroll with 'AUSTRALIA' written in gilt lettering. On the reverse of the badge are soldered two brass lugs with a split pin attached for securing the badge to clothing. Stamped at the top of the badge is 'COPYRIGHT' and at the bottom of the badge is impressed V40289 and the maker's details 'STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE'.Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League Australia.Stamped on the reverse of the badge is 'COPYRIGHT' and at the bottom of the badge is impressedV40289and the maker's details 'STOKES & SONS MELBOURNE'.badges, world war one lapel badge,lara r.s.l.returned sailor's & soldier's imperial league (rssila) membership badge -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Card - Christmas card
Christmas card supplied by 8 RAR for soldiers to send to family and friends.Christmas card with RAR V111 in gold embossed with Australian emblem on grey textured paper mounted on cream colored card. Inside there is a picture of the RAR emblem on white brick structure in front of a building. Hand written message to family in blue ink. Black ink message for Christmas.Blue ink "To mum, Dad, Robyn and Rex / Bill Black type " Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year from" / 8th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment.rar issue, maschette, 8rar, private, 5716538, christmas card, 8 rar, correspondence -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Medal - Australian Service Medal
Medal belonged to A E Miller 128418Silver nickel medal with Australian Coat of Arms on back and a crowned effigy of King George VI on the front. Ribbon features wide central khaki stripe flanked by two thin red stripes flanked by two outer stripes, one of light blue and one of dark blue.Back: "THE AUSTRALIA SERVICE MEDAL / 1939-1945" Front: "IMP GEORGIUS VI G BR OMN REX ET INDIAE" Side: "128418 A E Miller" -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Magazine - Periodical, Library News
Issue of periodical giving details of mural at Blackburn Branch LibraryIssue of periodical giving details of mural at Blackburn Branch Library, detailed description of Vermont South Branch Library, Australian Library Week, New writers at library and resources available at local libraries.Issue of periodical giving details of mural at Blackburn Branch Librarylibraries, whitehorse manningham regional library corporation, blackburn branch library, murals, vermont south branch library, australian library week -
Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans Sub-Branch
Plaque - Medical Services, 3/8/2018
The plaque is a clear indication of the respect and gratitude of members of Australian Armed Forces of the RAAMC who served with devotion during the Vietnam war.The RAAMC teams saved many lives and mended many soldiers often working under difficult circumstances and with limited available timeframe to perform their duties.Polished timber plaque with smaller shoulder flashes and badges of Royal Australian Army Medical Corp across the top of the plaque and then with larger shoulder epaulettes and uniform sew-on badge across the middle of the plaque.In Regognition Of All The Doctors And Nurses That Served In Vietnam. They Fought To Save And cared For The Wounded.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, medical, mackay vietnam veterans qld -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Air War Against Germany and Italy
This book 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. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Air War Against Germany and Italy This volume describes the part played by increasing numbers of Australians in the first four years of the air war in Europe and the Middle East. Author: John Herington Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1954Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker 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, australia in the war of 1939-1945 air war against germany and italy, australia in the war of 1939-1945, australian war memorial, john herington -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Post Office Receiving Pillar, 1885
This Post Office Receiving Pillar was restored in 1980 and is now a fully operational Australia Post mailbox. In early August 1980 Prime Minister Mr. Fraser posted Warrnambool’s first commemorative envelope into this restored Post Office Receiving Pillar at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The special limited edition envelopes are numbered 1 – 7000. When posted, the envelopes would have the Flagstaff Hill Logo and Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s own postmark of a ship’s steering wheel surrounding a lighthouse and a sailing ship, and were dated August 3 on the First Day Cover. Amongst Flagstaff Hill’s collection is that very first letter posted by Prime Minister Fraser. HISTORY OF POST OFFICE RECEIVING PILLARS In 1851 ‘pillar boxes’ were installed at roadside locations in the island of Jersey, England; they had already been successful in several European countries. The use of new prepaid, adhesive postage stamps as well as the roadside pillar boxes meant there was no need for the public to take a trip to the Post Office just to post a letter. By 1855 London had installed its first six Pillar Boxes. In 1856 the pillar boxes were first introduced in Sydney. These were circular with a crown on the dome, supported by leaves. Early Victoria Mail was originally collected by ‘letter carriers’, first appointed in Melbourne in 1841, equipped with leather bag and hand bell. He wore a red coat with brass buttons and a black top hat! In 1844 two wooden receiving boxes were erected in Melbourne. The first cast iron boxes were installed in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and were still in service until 1967. They were a fluted circular design and made in England. In the early 1860’s the ‘low door round’ design posting box was introduced, being circular and surrounded by a crown, with two broad embossed bands around its circumference. The clearance door was in front of the box and low down. These were made in Australia. In the early 1870’s square boxes with a tapering top were being used. These too were made in Australia by different manufacturers with slight variations on style such as the orientation and number of slots. Next came the circular boxes again, similar to the ‘low door round’ but with the clearance door extending to just below the posting slot, often referred to as ‘high door round’. These boxes did not have embossed bands. In 1887 small cast iron boxes were introduced, attached to posts and poles and called ‘lamp post receivers’. Around 1930 a ‘London’ model was used in Victoria. It was copied from the flat-domed type in London but made in Tasmania. [References: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village records, The Warrnambool Standard, August 1st, 1980, “Stamps.Au” http://www.stampsau.com, 4th April 2011 (Extracted from “Australian Street Posting Boxes” by Ken Sparks – out of print)] Post Office Receiving Pillar, or letterbox.1885 “High Door Round” design. Tall cast iron cylinder with decorative dome cap with crown on top. Side has a slot and a hinged door with handle shaped as a fist. Painted red with gold trim. “POST OFFICE / RECEIVING PILLAR” lettering cast into cylinder. Restored in 1980 and once again operating as an Australia Post mailbox. Commemorative plague on pillar.“POST OFFICE / RECEIVING PILLAR” lettering cast into cylinder. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum – Port of Warrnambool. This letter receiver was officially commissioned on 3rd August 1980 by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser M.P. on completion of 25 years’ service as the Federal Minister for Wannon.”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, post office receiving pillar, letterbox, mailbox, australia post