The South and Port Melbourne Thistle Club (later The South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society) held their first annual meeting at the Temperance Hall, Napier Street, South Melbourne on Monday 22 Aug 1899. They held regular concerts and balls and generally celebrated all things Scottish. They had a male Pipe Band and during the First World War when many men were serving in the military they formed a Ladies Pipe Band."South and Port Melbourne ladies original pipe band" badge. "Established 01.02.18" (This was the first ladies pipe band in the world). McKenzie and Stuart tartan surrounding a photo (sepia) of the band of approx 18 womenarts and entertainment - music, war - world war i, societies clubs unions and other organisations., south and port melbourne ladies pipe band, south and port melbourne thistle society

Fortuna Villa was owned from 1855 to 1871 by Christopher and Theodore Ballerstedt, Australia’s first mining magnates. In 1871 it was purchased by George Lansell (The Quartz King) being one of Australia’s most successful and adventurous nineteenth century gold mine owners and speculators. Lansell made numerous alterations and extensions to the building and it remained in the Lansell family until 1935.Plan for four level staircase tower to the Garden Elevation of Fortuna Villa, Sandhurst for George Lansell Esq. Plan details: * Plan shows ground, First, second and third floor plans for the staircase construction * First and second floor house plans and location of staircase addition * Front and Garden elevations with staircase addition Plan coloured and damaged on LHS, also with water damagebendigo fortuna villa, george lansell, building plans, c & t ballerstedt

Northern District School of NursingTypewritten memories of Juanita Aitken (nee Howe) of NDSN School 53 and residence at 99 Wattle Street, Bendigo. Also mention of hostels at Eurella in View Street and Mayfort. Mentions of Matron Baker, Miss Stock, Miss Long, Mr Hutley and Miss Turner. There is one extra copy.Some paragraphs on first and second page ticked with pen. Name in pen on first page. nursing, nurse education

This photo of the first train from Ararat to the Portland Freezing Works in 1895 is a visual record of transport and industry in the early industrialisation of the region.Black and white photograph mounted on cardboard, featuring a steam engine with nine carriages and five men. The train has stopped in a siding surrounded by forest. The photo has text written along the right side of the image and repeated across the face of the photograph. Further information is written on the rear.Front: "First Train / Portland Freezing Works / from Ararat." "FIRST / TRAIN / OF / FROZEN / MEAT / RUN BY / ARARAT / LOCO / MEN / SIDING / AT / PORTLAND / FACTORY / 1895" Rear: "1st train ["loading" is struck out] / 1st train of frozen meat / run by Ararat Loco men / Siding at Portland Factory / 1895".locomotive, train, portland, ararat, portland-freezing-works, railway-siding, 1895

Mrs. Potts invented the Potts Removable Handle Iron. Her invention of the Cold Handle Sad Iron changed the clothing iron industry. The detachable insulated handle was designed to be always cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies.This item is an example of an invention that was universally adopted because it meant that users could keep several irons on the stove at one time and the handle swapped when needed. The original Mrs Potts irons had handles made of wood (walnut) and this enabled the user to us the iron without sustaining burns.A Mrs Potts Sad Iron.It is a double point design with detachable handle. The detachable insulated handle was designed to be always cool for ironing. The handle was detachable, so that several irons could be on the stove at one time and the handle swapped between several bodies. There is no handle with this iron. MRS POTTS. Rest is indecipherable.domestic-appliance mrs-potts sad-iron flat-iron laundry

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. A small black cloth bound first-aid book with title and St John Ambulance logo printed in white. first aid, book, first aid training, reading, community, charity, wodonga, hamilton-smith, hamilton-smith collection

Pattison Collection 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 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have 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 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Ingoldsby Legends Author: Thomas Ingoldsby Publisher: Richard Bentleigh Date: 1881 First Printed in 1837 The label on spine with typed text PAT 828 ING Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the ingoldsby legends, thomas ingoldsby

Pattison Collection 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 areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The 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 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Faith of Men Author: Jack London Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: First published in 1904 The label on the spine with typed text PAT FIC LON Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the faith of men, jack london, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Pattison Collections 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 areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and it's Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have 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 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. When God Laughs. Author: Jack London Publisher: Endeavour Press Date: First published in 1911 The label on the spine with typed text PAT FIC LON Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, when god laughs, jack london, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Acorn and caps are from a 15 metre high Valonia oak tree (Quercus ithaburensis macrolepis) which was uprooted during a storm on Tuesday, 1st December 1987. The tree was planted in the Geelong Botanic Gardens by the first curator, Daniel Bunce, from an acorn shipped to Charles Ibbotson from Southern Europe in 1861. Ibbotson was the Chairman of the Management Committee of the Gardens and a woolbroker and merchant who founded the company Dalgety, Ibbotson and Co. with F.G. Dalgety in 1852. The acorns arrived in poor condition, but later established well. Very few Valonia Oaks were successfully propagated in Australia. Valonia oak caps were an important species which were used in the European tanning industry and Australian tanners were eager to grow the oak here.Five immature acorn caps from a Valonia oak, first planted in the Geelong Botanic Gardens in 1861 from acorns forwarded by Charles Ibbotson. Acorn and cap from a Valonia oak, first planted in the Geelong Botanic Gardens in 1861 from acorns provided by Charles Ibbotson. geelong botanic gardens dennys, lascelles limited city of greater geelong, tanning, valonia oak, ibbotson, mr a. charles, the heights, newtown, geelong.

Includes the first VFL Park tie, first Sydney Swans tie and the Clive Fairbairn Rapier Bats tie. Donated by the Ferguson family.

A surveyor was employed to measure the land designated as Yangery, County of Villiers, in the Borough of Warrnambool. The area on the map is similar to the earlier Farnham Survey undertaken by William Rutledge in the 1850's. Warrnambool was a Borough between 1863-1883. Coutours, waterways, sea and other significant points are shown. The distances are accurately measured. This survey map was used for planning future land sales, recreation areas and roads. WILLIAM RUTLEDGE (1806-1876) William Rutledge surveyed the land known as Farnham in southwest Victoria in 1843. His tenants made him a profitable business from working the land there. In 1863 Rutledge moved from nearby Port Fairy to Farnham and became very successful in breeding sheep, which he imported from J.R. Kirkham of Lincolnshire, England. He also bred horses on his land. The survey map of Yangery is important for its connection with renowned surveyor William Rutledge. The map shows the growth of landholders in the district when compared to the original Rutledge survey of the 1850's.Survey map of Yangery, titled "Yangery - County of Villiers". Printed on white paper, mounted on brown paper. c. 1863-1876. Comments printed on the Map include; Special Survey by William Rutledge, Photo-lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne by W.J. Burson, Price 1/- [one shilling]. Scale is in Chains. Map has boundaries of Koroit Borough, Meerai, Purnim, Wangoom, Borough of Warrnambool, Mentions the Proposal of Tower HIll for Public Recreation. The map names the owners of the land at that time. Hand written pencil marks and figures and "Sauls fence" drawn on map. Hand written pencil markes and figures and "Sauls fence" drawn onto map. "For Department Use only". "Scale: 8 chains to 1 inch" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, county of villiers map, yangery district, w.j. burson, borough of warrnambool, koroit, purnim, meerai, wangoom, proposal of tower hill for public recreation, special survey by william rutledge, william rutledge, farnham, lincolnshire sheep, clydesdale

The Northern District School of Nursing opened in 1950 in to address the issues around nurse recruitment, training and education that had previously been hospital based. The residential school was to provide theoretical and in-house education and practical training over three years. The students would also receive practical hands-on training in the wards of associated hospitals. The Northern District School of Nursing operated from Lister House, Rowan Street, Bendigo. It was the first independent school of nursing in Victoria and continued until it closed in 1989. The book "The First of its Kind" was published in 2015. Printed in Bendigo, by Bendigo Modern Press. Three pages of emailed correspondence from Fay Bourke.Three A4 pages of personal stories and one page of correspondence from Erica Lightbody. All for information from Fay Bourke for the NDSNGA Inc. publication - "The First of its Kind".all documents were regarding the compilation of the ndsnga inc. book "the first of its kind"., four a4 pages of personal anecdotes, one page of correspondence and a photocopy of a photo

Isabella Park Taylor, nee Dawson (1842-1929), friend of Western Victorian First Nations people, and student of their languages and customs. Isabella grew up at "Kangatong" (1844-1866) in the company of First Nations people and became fluent in their languages. With her father, James Dawson, she wrote the book "Australian Aborigines" (1881). Black and white photograph taken at "Kangatong", near Hawkesdale showing group of First Nations people in conversation with Isabella Dawson, seated on right with notebook in hand. Standing at left is Kaawirn Kuunawarn (also know as Hissing Swan and King David).James Dawson's daughter, Isabella, learning from the Aborigines on her father's station at "Kangatong" (From the original belonging to Miss M. Turner Shaw of S. Yarra. Copied by A.E. Jackson of Timboon.)cdhs, miss mary turner shaw, kaawirn kuunawarn, hissing swan, cdhsfirstnations

The article tells of Bert West's discovery of the Little (Fairy) Penguin in his youth and with his two friends, Herbert Denham and Albert Watchorn, decided to introduce the penguins to the public. Visitors would be taken by hire car to Summerland Beach to view the penguins coming in at dusk. At that time people would sit on the sand amongst the penguins as they waddled up the beach. Of course nowadays a large Centre caters for 3 to 4000 visitors during the summertime and also during the rest of the year. A new building is to be erected in 2017/18 in order to move further back from the nesting sites. (Names are incorrect in the article - should be Bernard Denham and Herbert Watchorn.)A newspaper item on Bert West, published in the Frankston Standard on the 19th February 1991. The article is about Bert West's time as Wildlife Officer at the Penguin Parade which he started many years ago.bert west, wildlife - penguins, frankston standard newspaper, helen swaine

c1910 Lookout tower on the hill behind tthe school at Olinda.This shows the first one built. It was followed by a covered lookout. This position lost its value when the trees grew high. The descriptive text on the reverse of this photograph was hand written by John Lundy-Clarke.The lookout on the top of Mt Olinda 1910. This one was the first one it was followed by a covered one but the position lost its value with the growth of trees in the area. It is looking towards what is now Kalorama and the Jeeves clearing in the gap can be seen at the extreme left. lookout, tower, mt olinda, mount olinda

Ernest migrated from Hungary in January 1951 and helped bring commercial development to Australia's fledgling snowfields. He was keen to find Alpine employment, eventually importing ski and sports gear. This book covers his time in Hungary and his visits to the Alpine Ski Resorts - an insight into the early years of skiing in Australia.Ernest visited Falls Creek on the Bogong High Plains in 1951 and describes the area on pages 66 to76 from the point of view of an Hungarian migrant. He visited Falls Creek because his brother had got work on Kiewa Hydro Electric Ssheme.Hard dark brown cover book with dust cover coloured in red, white and green with title in black and a photo of Ernest Forras below. It consists of 190 pages. After page 54 and between Part one and Two, there are 18 pages of photos on photographic paper.Written in shaky writing on inside first page "To Debbie / From Hungary With Love / Ernest Forras 2002 / Mt Beautyernest forras, australian ski resorts from 1951, hungary pre 1951

These two sheets show the 1897 plans drawn up by the Victorian Railways for the erection of the Warrnambool Railway Station building. It is a two-storey building still existing today. The railway came to Warrnambool in 1890 and they must have used temporary buildings for seven years before this railway building was erected. It had offices, booking counter and public facilities on the ground floor and housing for the Station Master on the first floor. The building erected was a typical design for country town railway stations and many of similar design were erected in the 1880s and 90s. These plans are important because they show clearly the design of the Warrnambool Railway Station buildings when they were first erected in the 1890s.They will be very useful for researchers. The coming of the railway was a significant event in Warrnambool’s history and did much to make the port and shipping a less viable proposition.These are two architect’s plans and drawings of the Warrnambool Railway Station building (1897). The drawings are black and white and the first plan shows the ground floor plan and the first floor plan and the outbuildings. The second plan shows drawings of the building with its elevation to the platform and its elevation to Merri Street. There are two stamps of the Railways Department, Melbourne. These are copies, not originals. ‘Victorian Railways, Warrnambool, Station Buildings, Scale 8 feet to one inch, Contract No. 6379B (Nos. 1 and 2)’warrnambool, railway station buildings

This image shows the house occupied by Thomas Mason and his family in 1883. The man in the centre of the image holding the reins of the horse is possibly Thomas Mason. One of the two women seated in the buggy is possibly his wife Catherine Mason (nee Whelan). This house was built by grazier George Palmer Hall around 1846-1848 north of what is now Lerderderg Street, Bacchus Marsh, at a point close to the Lerderderg RIver. The house and the accompanying farm of over 5,000 hectares was leased by George Ball to George Hobler in the late 1840s and early 1850s. During this time George Hobler's daughter Emily married Henry Bacchus the son of Captain William Bacchus. By 1865 Thomas Mason had purchased the property. Mason named the property Riverton. After his death in the 1890s the property was owned by a number of different people. The house was still in use until 1999 but since this time has been unoccupied and its condition has significantly deteriorated.This image is significant because it depicts one of the earliest houses built in the town of Bacchus Marsh. It is probably the earliest surviving image of this Bacchus Marsh pre-gold rush structure.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. The image shows a brick house, with an iron roof and with a white picket fence around the front garden. There is a buggy to the left of the image with two women seated in it. A man stands in front of the buggy holding the reins of a white horse which is harnessed to the buggy. Further to the right of the image is an older man with his hands in his pockets. On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, houses bacchus marsh, george hobler 1800-1882, henry bacchus 1820-1887, emily bacchus, mason family bacchus marsh

This little book is very old, presumably 19th century, but the wording on the front cover is indecipherable, no date is evident and the first and last pages are missing. The book was owned by Mary Jane Freckleton with the main inscription written in an adult hand – ‘Mary Jane Frickelton, Mailers Flat’. The spelling of Mailers Flat with an ‘e’ was not a mistake but this was the common spelling in the 19th century and the early 20th century. According to the Freckleton family history ‘Freckleton’ was sometimes spelled ‘Frickelton’ or ‘Frickleton’. Mailors Flat is nine kilometres from Warrnambool and the Mailors Flat School, number 1210, was opened in 1872 in Caramut Road and closed in 1994. The first Head Teacher was Julian Castles. There were Freckelton families in the 19th century in Port Fairy, Caramut, Woolsthorpe, Woodford and Mailors Flat. The Freckletons at Mailors Flat were engaged in farming. Mary Jane Freckleton was for a time a pupil teacher at Mailors Flat School. She was born at the Injemira property and married Henry Giles. This is an interesting book because of its age and because it belonged to Mary Jane Freckleton, a member of the Freckleton families, early settlers in the areas north of Warrnambool. She may have used the book when she was a pupil teacher at the Mailors Flat School. This is a hard cover book of 284 pages (some pages missing). The cloth cover is brown and much torn and stained. There are 86 chapters of prose and verse and a sprig of dried flowers is enclosed in the pages. There is the red stamp of the Warrnambool & District Historical Society on the first page and several snippets of writing in black ink on the front and back pages.‘Mary Jane Frickelton Mailers Flat’mary jane freckleton, mailors flat school

Proclamation card presented to I. C. McLean and signed by all other crew members on board the RMS Remuera. The crew left Australia to join HMAS Perth and formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service in WWII. The document is dated 15th October 1939.This document is significant as a tangible link to a former crew aboard the RMS Remuera. The card also notes that this crew formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service for WWII. A number of servicemen who signed this card did not return from service. It represents the vital role of these men had in defending Australia. It also represents a tradition of Crossing the Line in RAN culture and has social value.Proclamation card presented to I. C. McLean and signed by all other crew members on board the RMS Remuera. The crew left Australia to join HMAS Perth and formed part of Australia's first war contingent for active service in WWII. The document is dated 15th October 1939.Hereunder are names of men who left Australia to join HMAS Perth on West Indies Station, forming Australia's first war contingent for active service. Mason, F. ... Henry (Printer), M. M. S.... (Printer's Devil), A.G.H. Foley A.B., L. H. Hughes E.R.A, M.G. Packer E.R.A, G.J. McKenzie, W.R. Birbich, R.A.A Shaw, R.de M. Baker O.D; J.N Taylor Ord Serv; R.W. Wilkinson ....; G.E Jones O.D; G.F. Bli... Ord Sea; E.E. Bird Ord Sea; V.L. Watson A.B; A.W. Newman; A.W. Graham O.D; L.P. Woolbrough; G.G. Kummins; H.W. Durham Sto II; R. McBryde Sto II; M. Gordon A.B.; F. Milner O.D; N.D. Coleman O.D; F. Norris ERA; M.J. O'Brien; E.R. Phillps Stok II; D.J. McPherson S.A; ....Liddell; L.E. Head A.B.; V.B. McGovern ERA; N. Leitch L/Sea; K.G. Stockbridge A.B.; F.W. Robinson (Master); C.H.G. John "Speed" Sto II; C.E. Ingram A.B. 64; E.V.W. Pockley Surg Lt RANR; George Christie A.B.; I.C. McLean.rms remuera, i.c. mclean, hmas perth, geelong naval and maritime museum, wwii, crossing the line wwii

A photo taken in the Halls Gap Hall at what is said to be one of the best of the early Flower Shows of native flowers. The first flower show was held in 1933 at the suggestion of local resident Jack Watson. Four years later head teacher Grant Greenwood suggested a show be held and due to its success it continues to this day (2010).The photo shows floral displays, arranged on tables along walls and in the centre of a room. There is a bench seat in front of the table in the centre of the room (right side of the photo). Photos and paintings can be seen on the wall on the left side of the photo. "One of the first flower shows Native Flowers Ida Stanton" hand written in pen on back of phto.events, wildflower show

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.Small circular pressed tinplate badge featuring the words “Hospital Day 1918’ on a white heart overlaid on a red ground. The badge is bordered in gold. Hospital Day badges were sold for fundraising purposes during and after the First World War (1914-1918)."Hospital Day / 1918"patriotic buttons, hospital day, badges

The "letters to Lillie" show the international nature of the Mission to Seafarers. They are an important display of the handwriting style of the time, revealing courting attempts and give us an insight into life in 1925.Lillie Duncan was a member of the Harbour Lights Guild and this letter forms part of a collection of letters sent to her by different seafarers.Letter addressed to Miss L Duncan, 11 Paxton St, East Malvern, Melbourne, Australia from Ted in three parts: Envelope (0112.1) Letter page 1 (0112.2) Letter page 2 (0112.3). Both the envelope and the letter are creamy yellow in colour with black curly writing. Both sides of each page of the letter are written on. The first page of the letter begins with "Write. c/o Graham Trading Co. Calcutta. cancelled" placed at the top left of the page and "S.S. Matheran Calcutta 28-8-27" placed at the top right of the page. The first line begins with "Dear Lillie, Very many thanks for...". The reverse side of the first page starts "...thickness of solid steel fracturing is it not?". The second page begins with "...be home two months..." and the reverse side concludes with "Hope if you write to me you will use the address below, that will find me. 'Lyndale 117 Greenway Road, Taunton, Somerset, England".The envelope is torn across the top for access to its contents. The address has been typed in black ink. It has one red stamp to the top right hand corner of the envelope with the text "Ceylon 9c". There is also a black ink stamp in the form of several horizontal lines running from top left to top right of the envelope with "Colombo" written in the middle.ss matheran, calcutta, ss mangalore, colombo, ted, lillie duncan, lhlg

Born in 1911, Cecil Alan Sonsee lived at Springmount near Creswick, and taught natural history at the Ballarat Teachers' College for 30 years. His teaching career stretched over a 48 year period. He spent six years as a student teacher before reaching the position of first class teacher. He had the distinction of never attending a teachers' college, but spending half his teaching career training students to become teachers. At the time of his retirement Mr Sonsee said during his years at the college, "the training had changed from a one year course to a two year course, followed by a three year course, and now a four year course was offered." He recalled "in the early days all country schools had eight grades and a child finished with a merit certificate. Today [1976], children went to high schools from sixth grade and most of the country schools had disappeared.' Alan Sonsee spent 10 years on a television program on BTV6 answering questions sent by viewers regarding aspects of plant and animal live. Mr Sonsee was a life member of both Creswick and Ballarat Field naturalists Clubs. Alan Sonsee died in 1985.1) Foolscap Department of Victoria Ballarat newsletter titled Education 'Regional Views'. The newsletter depicts an image of Alan Sonsee and outlines his career at the time of his retirement on 20 July 1976. The author of the newsletter is unknown. .2) newspaper article on the retirement of Alan Sonsee dated 25 August 1976 (probably from the Ballarat Courier).1) Mr "Nature Man" Retires After a quiet celebration, Mr C.A. Sonsee, a well-known staff member at Ballarat State College, retired from the Victorian Education Department on 20th July, 1976. Alan was the longest serving primary teacher seconded to the State College (Formerly the Ballarat teachers' College), probably the best known and certainly one of the most highly respected educationalists in this region. Leaving Ballarat high School in 1927, he spent the following years teaching at Smeaton, Willowvale, Lawrence (originally called Jerusalem) and Kooroocheang primary schools. However, during the last twenty-nine years, his fame and his influence spread further and further afield. From 1947 to 1976, under a number of principals, Alan endeared himself to thousands of students undergoing their tertiary preparation for teaching. And thousands is the word! Hundreds and hundreds of practising teachers of all ages came to this great teacher again and again for assistance in understanding natural phenomena, a broad field in which he is an acknowledged expert. What undoubtedly made him so accessible to the young and the no-so-young alike was his ready willingness to share with them is rich experience. The warmth of his nature, his kindliness, his dry humour enriched and enlivened the gifts he lavished liberally on all who needed help. Nor did he spare himself in the process. During his ling period of service to teachers, students and some two generations or so of school children, Field Naturalists also, within and well beyond Ballarat, profited from his participation and guidance. A car trip from Ballarat to Lancefield was made unforgettable by Alan's running and lively commentary; the time spent with him viewing and fossicking in an aboriginal flint area is still vivid, thouhg many moons have waxed and waned since then. And who can ever forget his palcid, home;y handling of "Mr nature Man" programmes on BTV 6 for over ten years? his name became a hose-hold word over an existence viewing area in Western Victoria - as his mail bag showed. Mr T. Turner was closely associated with C.A.S. for some twenty-three years as colleague and college principal. Recently tome said, "Alan was highly esteemed by staff and students, When I saw him lecturing I would be struck by the depth and breadth of his knowledge, and by the smooth, almost deceptively simple way he shared what he knew with others. I remember, too, his consideration for the views and the feelings of others; for the tolerance and range of his understanding of human nature. But, above all else, I remember him as a friend." All who know him in any way at all will want to say, "Thanks you, Alan, for everything you did for us. Thank you, Alan for what you are."alan sonsee, ballarat teachers' college, ballarat state college, education, teaching, ballarat field naturalists, creswick field naturalists, aborigines, lancefield flint, smeaton primary school, willowvale primary school, lawrence primary school, jerusalum primary school, kooroocheang primary school, nature studies, mr nature man