Showing 6125 items
matching deaths.
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Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Mitcham war veteran dies, n.d
Death of Monty Gray, former local business man, who served in the first A.I.F. and Second World War.Death of Monty Gray, former local business man, who served in the first A.I.F. and Second World War.Death of Monty Gray, former local business man, who served in the first A.I.F. and Second World War.morton thomas.richards burrowes, gray -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Rose McClare, 01/01/1872
Copy of register of Deaths entry for Rose McClare, 30 Dec 1871.Copy of register of Deaths entry for Rose McClare, 30 Dec 1871, infant daughter of Jon and Mary McClare.Copy of register of Deaths entry for Rose McClare, 30 Dec 1871. mcclare, rose -
Canterbury History Group
Document - John Herbert Reeves, 1994
Eulogy of the life of John Herbert Reeves, January 1994. Include also death notices and a letter to Colleen Morgancanterbury, reeves> john herbert, morgan> colleen -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ENQUIRY: HUGH MCCOLL AND REPLY FROM BHS, 11th September, 1974
Enquiry from Miss E D Service, St. Kilda re Hugh McColl and reply from BHS (1974). Enquiry is re his death in St Kilda and reason for death etc. - reply is an extract from the Annals re Mc Coll date 1885 (with no personal details).person, individual, hugh mccoll -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Archive, St Paul's Boys' Home - Death, 2010
Superintendant - William Henry Baye - accused of cruelty to 10 year old Rex Simpson, student at the Newhaven Seaside Gardens Home for Boys, resulting in his death.History1003-01 Copy of Pakenham-Berwick Gazette newspaper article about the death of two boys at Newhaven Seaside Garden Home. 1003-02 A flyer for the screening of the film "The Killings at Newhaven" written & directed by Joe Fairhurst 1003-03 Photo of the Plaque on Rex Ronnie Simpson and his mother Myrtle Ruby Laurel Simpson's grave at Fawkner Memorial Park 1003-04 Photo of the Grave Stone of Rex Simpson and Myrtle Simpson at Fawkner Memorial Parknewhaven seaside gardens home for boys, rex 'ronnie' simpson, william henry baye, 1930's, joe fairhurt journalist -
Bendigo Military Museum
Newspaper - OBITUARY ARTICLES 1947, c. Nov 1947
Allan Frederick Goodall DFC, RAAF was killed in a car crash on Nov 1st 1947 age 25 years. Refer Cat No 543.2 for his service details.Thirteen Newspaper articles of various sizes relating to the death and funeral of A.F. Goodall DFC, RAAF. The largest is the size shown.obituary, dfc, goodall -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Anderson Family, 1938
Wilhelmena, born 1856 on the ship "Wilhelmena" en route to Australia. Parents Robert and Margaret Anderson. Glen Isla was built in 1868 (added to in 1887-88) to become a Boarding House, run by Wilhelmena. Married James Young, became first Sewing Mistress at the Phillip Island School. died 20/09/1938.Wilhelmena Young seated in cane chair, covered with shawl. Home Glen Isla in background, shortly before her death.local history, photography, photographs, slides, film, wilhelmena young nee anderson, black & white photograph, mrs emma anderson jacobs -
Greensborough Historical Society
Newspaper clipping, Death notices: Mr William Partington and Mrs Annie May Partington, 14/06/1941c
William (1872-1941) and Annie May Partington (1884-1966) lived at Willis Vale in Greensborough with their family. They were active in all aspects of community life. (RIP 26/02/1965 Annie May)The Partingtons and Medhursts are pioneering families in the Greensborough district.Obituary articles and death notices for William James Partington and Annie May (nee Medhurst) Partington. Mounted on white card.partington family, medhurst family, william james partington, annie may medhurst, annie may partington -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, The Hue and Cry: Regiment of Redcoats Descendants, Newsletter No 58, Feb-Mar 1997, 1997
Red covered newsletter including My Redcoat Story by Bruce Macdonald, book review of Dorothy Wickham's Deaths at Eureka.eureka stockade, regiment, military, redcoat descendants -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document, Robin Flannery, Vincent Flannery, 2017
Photocopied information on Vincent Flannery including birth, marriage, and death certificates. Pale green plastic cover with black bindingfamilies, vincent flannery, robin flannery -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Newspaper - Newspaper, Death and Life of Norm GOSS, Emerald Hill and Sandridge Times, 24 Mar 1985
Front and back cover pages of the Emerald Hill & Sandridge Times. Articles on death and life of Norm GOSS. March 1983gary brice, sport - australian rules football, norm goss snr, tommy lahiff, lilian 'lil' goss nee johnson, st josephs catholic primary school, jack barwon, father ted nugent, father malcolm crawford, norm goss jnr, peter goss, kevin goss, paul goss, michael goss -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Document, NZ digger called in howitzers at Nui Dat: Morrie Stanley
Printed article written about Morrie Stanley, who was one of the heroes of the Battle of Long Tan and his death in 2010vietnam war, 1961 - 1975 -- veterans -- australia, battle of long tan, new zealand. army -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document - Photocopy, Death notices relating to history of Swallow & Ariell's fire bell, 2004
Photocopy of two death notices 1906 and 1923; document received with letter regarding history of Swallow & Ariell's fire bell.fire and fire services, swallow & ariell ltd, alexander cameron, john cameron -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document - Acknowledgement, Anti-cancer, acceptance of donation at celebration of Senator Olive Zakharov's life, Mar 1995
From a wake held for Senator Zakharov, the most loved and respected of all Parliamentarians, at the Town Hall 12.3.1995One of a group of items related to the death of Senator Olive Zakharov: Anti Cancer acceptance of donation at celebration of Olive's lifepolitics, memorials, celebrations fetes and exhibitions, olive zakharov, politicians, senators -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BUSH COLLECTION: COLLECTION OF TELEGRAMS (DEATH OF NINA BU, 1902
Collection of approximately 19 Post Office telegraphs to S. A. Bush relating to the death of his wife, Nina, July 1902.person, individual, bush collection - personal -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - DEATH CERTIFICATE: WILLIAM DAVID FIELD ( DESCENDANT OF GEORGE LANSELL ), 1951
Document: DEATH CERTIFICATE : WILLIAM DAVID FIELD ( DESCENDANT OF GEORGE LANSELL ). Died 13th. July 1951, Bexley NSW.NSW Govt.place, fortuna, family history, bendigo, lansell, fortuna, william david field. -
Clunes Museum
Document - OBITUARY, CLUNES GUARDIAN&GAZETTE, 1942
PHOTOCOPY OF OBITUARY AND DEATH NOTICE OF ANNA RYAN OF "QUAMBY"'CLUNES, PUBLISHED IN THE CLUNES GUARDIAN AND GAZETTE ON FRIDAY 27TH 1942EDWIN DIED 1910-1942. ANNA RYAN DIED 1942local history, document, obituary, ryan family -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, T.R.B. Morton, 1923
Across the bar : Death of Cr Thomas Richards Burrowes Morton (obituary), also report of eulogies in Shire of Nunawading Council.Across the bar : Death of Cr Thomas Richards Burrowes Morton (obituary), also report of eulogies in Shire of Nunawading Council.Across the bar : Death of Cr Thomas Richards Burrowes Morton (obituary), also report of eulogies in Shire of Nunawading Council.morton, thomas richards burrowes, obituaries -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document - Newsletter, St Mary's Gazette, 1/08/1938
St Mary's Catholic Church Gazette, including in the Mitcham notes the death of Mrs M. Thompson, daughter of John McGlone.st mary's catholic parish, thompson, m, mcglone, john, st johns catholic church, mitcham -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Death of a pioneer orchardist, 29/10/1986 12:00:00 AM
Article in Gazette 29 Oct 1986 on the death of Ernest Alexander Mullens.Article in Gazette 29 Oct 1986 on the death of Ernest Alexander Mullens, a member of East Burwood's pioneering orchardist families.Article in Gazette 29 Oct 1986 on the death of Ernest Alexander Mullens. mullens, ernest alexander, pioneers, burwood east -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Death Certificate, 23/07/1977
Photocopy of the death certificate of Kathleen Kenny Blackburne who died 1/2/1887 in Box Hill aged 11months.Photocopy of the death certificate of Kathleen Kenny Blackburne who died 1/2/1887 in Box Hill aged 11months.Photocopy of the death certificate of Kathleen Kenny Blackburne who died 1/2/1887 in Box Hill aged 11months.blackburne, kathleen kenny, death certificate -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, First Mayoress of city dies, n.d
Copy of article about the death of Nellie Armstrong, aged 84.Copy of article about the death of Nellie Armstrong, aged 84, wife of Norman Armstrong, inaugural Mayor of the City of Nunawading.Copy of article about the death of Nellie Armstrong, aged 84. mayors, city of nunawading, armstrong, nellie, blackburn road, blackburn south, armstrong, norman, armstrong, dorothy jean, armstrong, raleigh edward, armstrong, douglas -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Newspaper - Obituary, Mr John Tann - September, 1935
Clipping from Ringwood Mail 19/12/1947 reporting death of the father of Mr. A. Tann of Mullum Road, Ringwood.The late Mr Tann had reached the ripe old age of 79 years. He was an enthusiastic bowler and adherent of the Glendsary Methodist Church. A large circle of friends will join in sympathy with Mrs Tann senr., and her two sons, Messrs A.J. and J.C. Tann in their sorrow. -
Federation University Historical Collection
Booklet, Ballarat School of Mines President's Annual Report, 1909, 1909
In 1909 Andrew Anderson was President of the Ballarat School of Mines. Part of his report states: 'It is with much regret that the Council have to record the death of Dr J. F. Usher, who was a member of the Council for the School when it was established in 1871, and who, for upwards of thirty years, was Lecturer in Materia Medica and Physiology to students in Pharmacy'. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the year 1909. Six page annual report of the Ballarat School of Mines. Information includes an address from President Andrew Anderson; death of Dr J.F. Usher; bequest by Dr Stewart, The new Education Bill, David Ham; J.Y. McDonald; establishment of classes in Plumbing, Manual Training, Carpentry, Woolclassing, First Aid to the injured and Telegraphy; statement of receipts and expenditure and balance sheet.ballarat school of mines, andrew anderson, dr j. f. usher, hon. j. y. mcdonald, hon. david ham, accommodation, plumbing, manual training, carpentry, woolclassing, first aid to the injured, telegraphy, professor hart, fred j. martell, charles kent, r. m. lambert, cancel, first aid, james bickett, richard vale, j.n. dunn, s.e. figgis, g. fitches, f. herman, j. lonie, richard maddern, dr mitchell, dr morrison, h.a. nevett, i. pearce, dr scott, colonel r.e. williams, j.d. woolcott, w.h. sewell, g. buchanan, j.s. vickery, w.h. middleton, j.y. micdonald, j.j. bothroyd, subjects -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, Rose Poems by John Kendrick Blogg, 1999
Marjorie Morgan noticed a beautiful wood carving of gumleaves and gumnuts by John Blogg. The carving, donated by a Box Hill resident, is in the impressive art collection of the City of Whitehorse. The more Marjorie researched the more she felt his achievements should not be permitted to disappear into the mists of time. This collection of poems was compiled by Marjorie Morgan, collected from the local newspaper "The Reporter" (Box Hill) and in 1927 a book of poems entitled "Selected Poems", "Modern Roses in Australasia", "American Rose Magazine" and "The Australian Rose Annual" during his lifetime and for 10 years after his death in 1936.This collection of poems was compiled by Marjorie Morgan, collected from the local newspaper "The Reporter" (Box Hill) and in 1927 a book of poems entitled "Selected Poems", "Modern Roses in Australasia", "American Rose Magazine" and "The Australian Rose Annual" during his lifetime and for 10 years after his death in 1936.(mr) john kendrick blogg, poetry, literature, (mrs) marjorie morgan -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Diary of William George Hogg
World War 1 diary of Bombadier William, George Hogg with a reference to Gunner W.L. Schwerkolt and his separately printed war record.World War 1 diary of Bombadier William, George Hogg with a reference to Gunner W.L. Schwerkolt and his separately printed war record. Of further importance is that William George Hogg served in the same unit as William Lionel Schwerkolt in the First World War in France. William Schwerkolt died on 9 November 1916 and the action and his death is recorded in George Hogg war diary. Hogg family photo NP2457World War 1 diary of Bombadier William, George Hogg with a reference to Gunner W.L. Schwerkolt and his separately printed war record.hogg, william george, schwerkolt, william lionel, diaries and journals, world war, 1914-1918 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Document - Helen Robertson Letters of Administration 1881, 1889
Tait collection: item 34 of 62 This is a document giving the details of the Letters of Administration following the death of Helen Robertson, a spinster from St. Kilda, Melbourne. She died intestate in November 1881 and left property to the value of £363. This property reverted to her sister Agnes Thomson in 1889. No other details have been found on Helen Robertson. The lawyer in the case was George Skinner of Melbourne but the document was one of several stored in legal premises in Kepler Street, Warrnambool and passed on to successive lawyers occupying these premises. It was located in the same building, the former premises of the legal firm, Mackay Taylor, in 2014 and handed over to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society.This document is of minor interest as one located in former legal premises in Warrnambool but no other connection has been found between Warrnambool and the person whose details are in the document, Helen RobertsonThis is a cream-coloured piece of parchment paper folded at the bottom edge and containing hand written material on both sides of the paper. The contents give details of the Letters of Administration following the death of Helen Robertson in 1881. A seal of the Supreme Court of Victoria is attached with green ribbon. The document is somewhat stained.In the Supreme Court of the colony of Victoria in its Probate Jurisdiction in the Estate of Helen Robertson late of Acland Street Saint Kilda near Melbourne in the Colony of Victoria Spinster deceased intestate Letters of Administrationhelen robertson, george skinner -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Constitutional History of England Vol 1
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Constitutional History of England Vol 1 From the Accession of Henry Vll to the Death of George ll Author: Henry Hallam Publisher: John Murray Date: 1866Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 942 HAL Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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, the constitutional history of england vol 1, henry hallam -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Constitutional History of England Vol 2
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Constitutional History of England Vol 2 From the Accession of Henry Vll to the Death of George ll Author: Henry Hallam Publisher: John Murray Date: 1866Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 942 HAL Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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, the constitutional history of england vol 2, henry hallam -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Constitutional History of England Vol 3
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Constitutional History of England Vol 3 From the Accession of Henry Vll to the Death of George ll Author: Henry Hallam Publisher: John Murray Date: 1866Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 942 HAL Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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, the constitutional history of england vol 3, henry hallam