Self guided heritage tour information produced by the Shire of Eltham Historical Society for 1978 Eltham Community Festival of 36 locations each numbered on accompanying map. Locations and detail provided current to 1978: 1. ELTHAM SHOPPING CENTRE Whilst very little remains in the centre of historical importance, this area has interest as the "village" which developed over many years following the opening of the railway from Melbourne in 1902. Previously the shopping centre had been spread out over a long length of Main Road to the south. Shops have been continuously demolished or remodelled and the majority of buildings date from the 1950's or later. The recently erected Post Office replaced the "old" Post Office opened on the same site only in 1958. 2. WOOLWORTHS ELTHAM VILLAGE Part of the site of this modern shopping development was occupied by the former Eltham Shire Offices and Hall. The hall was paid for by public subscription whilst the Council raised a loan for the offices. The combined building was opened in 1941. It served as office and Council meeting place until 1965 and as the hall until its demolition in 1970. 3. ELTHAM WAR MEMORIAL The complex of buildings adjoining the present Shire Offices were financed by public subscription as a Memorial following World War II. Their construction and for many years their operation was organised by the now disbanded Eltham War Memorial Committee. The original buildings were the; Infant Welfare Centre, Children’s Library (now War Memorial Hall and Dental Clinic) and Kindergarten. In later years the Elderly Citizens Club was built at the rear. 4. ELTHAM SHIRE OFFICES These offices were opened in 1965 and extended in 1971 to provide additional office accommodation and the Eltham Library. They represent the last of a long line of offices and meeting places of the Eltham Shire Council and its predecessor the Eltham District Road Board. The building occupies the former site of Shillinglaw Cottage. The three tall cypress trees which stood in front of the Cottage have been retained as a feature of the office surrounds. 5. OUR LADY'S CHURCH AND SCHOOL The Catholic Church and School complex opposite the Shires Offices shows a number of stages in the development of Eltham township. The recently constructed church adjoins its predecessor (now the parish centre). Many years ago the Catholic Church was located opposite Wingrove Park and the present central site follows the northerly drift of the township. 6. SHILLINGLAW COTTAGE The Cottage was built in 1859 by George Stebbing, a local builder who was responsible for a number of other prominent buildings in the area. Its removal from the site of the Shire Offices and re-erection on the present site was financed by public subscription. It is built of handmade bricks laid in Flemish Bond with an unusual design featuring burnt "leader" bricks over the whole facade. The Cottage is occupied by Eltham Fleececrafts and will be open during the Festival and at other times during weekends. It is classified by the National Trust. 7. RAILWAY BRIDGE The timber trestle bridge over the Diamond Creek was built in 1901. Whilst all of its timbers have been replaced at various times over the years the only change to its character has been the addition of pylons and wiring for electric trains in 1923. It is one of very few similar bridges remaining in the metropolitan area. In 1976 a proposal to replace the bridge with an earth embankment and large culvert pipes was abandoned following community protests. The bridge, however, remains under threat because of the necessity for future deuplication of the railway line. 8. ELTHAM CENTPAL PARK The area between the railway and the creek has for many years been used as a park which included Eltham' s main football oval. The access road, Panther Place is named after Eltham's team playing in the Diamond Valley League. In recent years a large area extending to Bridge Street and locally known as the Town Park has been landscaped and added to the area. The excellent blending of the park with the natural landscape of the creek valley has earned a National Trust Landscape Classification. 9. OLD BAKERY On the southern corner of York Street and Main Road is an old house with a shop front which was for many years the local baker's shop. The brick bakery at the rear is of somewhat later vintage than the house. 10. BRIDGE STREET CUTTING Before reconstruction of Main Road this intersection had deep cutting embankments on all four corners, forming a distinctive feature of the entrance to Eltham. Roadworks and private development have levelled the land on the low side of the road. A memorial to the Eltham soldiers of World War I which was located at the north-western corner is now situated at the Eltham R.S.L.   11. HILLTOP MILK BAR For many years this was the site of the Eltham Post Office under the control of the Hunniford family and later their descendants the Burgoynes. It was transferred to this site in 1855, although at that time the building apparently fronted Bridge Str e et. The site contained Eltham's first telephone exchange. The post office was relocated in 1954 but the shop was operated until recently by the Burgoyne family who still own the surrounding land. 12. UNITING CHURCH and former C.B.A. BANK The former Methodist Church was built in 1880 by George Stebbing. The Sunday School extension was built in 1929 and there have been more recent extensions. The adjoining opportunity shop was built as a bank in 1874 and purchased by the Methodist Church in 1954. 13. R.S.L. HALL, TELEPHONE EXCHANGE These relatively recent buildings occupy the site of a row of shops forming part of the early ribbon of business development along Main Road. In front of the R.S.L. building is the World War I Memorial relocated from the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. 14. ELTHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Australia's first mudbrick "community building" was opened in April this year. Part of the site of the building was purchased in 1856 by Henry Dendy (of Brighton fame). At the rear of the land near the creek was a steam flour mill whilst Dendy's house was at the Main Road frontage of the land. His purchase totalled about 2 Ha (5 acres) and included land on the opposite side of Maria Street (Main Road). Dendy became a prominent member of the Eltham community and served one term as President of the Eltham District Road Board. In 1867 Dendy sold his land and business to William Ford of Malmsbury and shifted to Walhalla. The avenue of trees leading past the Community Centre to the creek may well have bordered the track to the mill. 15. ELTHAM HOTEL The original part of this hotel was built in 1927 following the burning of the former Watson's Eltham Hotel on the same site. The car park on the opposite side of Main Road was also the site of a hotel variously known over the years as; the Fountain of Friendship, the Fountain and the Evelyn Arms. As the Fountain of Friendship it was the first meeting place of the Eltham District Road Board in 1856. 16. ST. MARGARET'S CHURCH, PITT STREET In 1860 Henry Dendy was appointed Chairman of a committee to establish a church of England in Eltham. He donated part of his land in Pitt Street and in 1861 the church was opened. It was built by George Stebbing and remains in a well preserved state today. Th adjoining old vicarage is now named Dendy Hou se. A new mudbrick church hall is under construction on the site. The church and Dendy House are now listed on the Register of Historic Buildings. 17. NO. 86 PITT STREET Cottage built by George Stebbing and believed to be his home for some years in the 1850s. 18. LIVING AND LEARNING CENTRE The house was built in the 1850s with the kitchen at the front being added about 40 years later. By the creek below the house a number of early Eltham industries were located. These included a tannery and a brewery. 19. ELTHAM COURT HOUSE A Court of Petty Sessions was established in Eltham in 1858 and the present building dates from 1860. It is the oldest public building remaining in Eltham. In its early days the building was used as the meeting place and office of the Eltham District Road Board and as an overflow classroom for the local school. The Court House has been classified by the National Trust. The citation states that it is an example of the simple form of early brick Court House with gabled roof and porch. 20. LANDS DEPARTMENT OFFICE This building is the former police station and is probably of about the same age as the Court House. The lockup at the rear has been demolished but the old stables remain as garages. A licence was first granted for a police station at Eltham in 1856. 21. JARROLD COTTAGE The old Cottage opposite Dalton Street was formerly owned by the Jarrold family. Early records indicate that this was the building leased from the Jarrolds as a temporary police station prior to construction of the building on the corner of Brougham Street. The small building on the corner of the property was used as a boot repairer's shop. The elevated studio at the rear is a more recent construction by the present owners. 22. STATE SCHOOL RESIDENCE Erected in 1891 23. WINGROVE COTTAGE This building fills an important place in the history of Eltham and is now used as a medical clinic. It was built in 1858 for Charles S. Wingrove who was Secretary to the Eltham District Road Board and Shire Council from 1858 to 1904. During part of this period he was also Shire Engineer and was Secretary to the Heidelberg Road Board. The house was used as the office of the Board and Council for many years. Wingrove is buried in the cemetery at St. Helena.   24. WINGROVE PARK The parkland opposite Wingrove Cottage has been named after Charles Wingrove. The old Manna Gums are an outstanding feature of the park. 25. ELTHAM FRI.MARY SCHOOL NO. 209 The school first opened in the slab building in 1855 and operated from the present site since 1857. The oldest part of the present school is the stone building erected in 1876. The first school teacher, David Clark remained at the school until 1888. This school is the government township and has always been known as the Eltham School. An earlier school (no.371) known as Little Eltham School operated in Swan Street from 1853 to 1872. 26. "SHOESTRING" This house was built for school teacher David Clark. It has been extensively extended in recent years but the extensions do not detract from the character of the older part of the building. 27. ELTHAM CEMETERY The cemetery contains the graves of many of the district's pioneers . 28. MONTSALVAT This unique complex of buildings was commenced in 1935 by the late Justus Jorgensen and its development has extended over many years. Montsalvat has exerted a significant impact on Eltham The earth and stone construction of many of the buildings has influenced local architecture to a great extent and it has served as a "nerve centre" of the local artistic community. Montsalvat is open to the public for a small charge. 29. MAIN ROAD BRIDGE This location has been the main crossing of Diamond Creek since the earliest days of settlement. The present concrete bridge was erected in 1925 .and was preceded by a number of timber bridges. 30. ELTHAM LOWER PARK This park, being an unusually large flat area for Eltham, was originally the local racecourse. Horse races were held here from 1855 and the area was gazetted as a reserve for a racecourse and recreation reserve in 1857. The park is well known as a venue for school "bird days" and more recently as the site of the Diamond Valley Railway. This miniature railway features scale models of modern and old locomotives and rolling stock and has operated on this site since 1961 . Before that the railway operated at Chelsworth Park, Ivanhoe.   31. FALKINER HOUSE Frederick Falkiner was one of the earliest settlers in the Eltham township area and occupied a substantial leasehold prior to the first land sales. Early records show that Falkiner was the subject of a number of complaints from his neighbours but he has nevertheless been considered a prominent enough citizen to have a street named for him. This house was the home of Evelyn (Ely) Falkiner a member of Frederick's family. 32. WEST HOUSE Behind the large house on the hill is an early house built by the West family. This was relocated from a site near the front of the land by the present owner Mr. Fabbro. 33. FALKINER HOUSE This very old house is believed to have been the home of Frederick and may have been Eltham's first post office. Falkiner was the first post master for a short period. in 1854/55. 34. WITHERS HOUSE This house was the home of famous artist Walter Withers who shifted here from Heidelberg in 1903. 35. ELTHAM HIGH SCHOOL This school celebrated its jubilee this year, having commenced as the Eltham Higher Elementary School 50 years ago. 36. DIAMOND CREEK FOOTWAY If returning from the High School to the town centre the footpath by the bank of the Diamond Creek provides a pleasant route to finish your walk. The creek is a major tributary of the Yarra River. Together with its own major tributaries Arthurs Creek and Running Creek it commences on the southern slopes of the Dividing Range at Kinglake. It gives the name Diamond Valley to an area extending well beyond its actual drainage catchment.Recognition of the significance of various landmarks to the history of the Eltham community as of 1978‘shoestring’, 1978, bridge street cutting, burgoyne store, c.b.a. bank, diamond creek trail, eltham cemetery, eltham central park, eltham community centre, eltham community festival, eltham court house, eltham festival, eltham high school, eltham hotel, eltham lower park, eltham primary school, eltham railway trestle bridge, eltham shire offices, eltham shopping centre, eltham state school no. 209, eltham village, eltham war memorial, falkiner house, heritage trail, hilltop milk bar, jarrold cottage, lands department office, living, living and learning centre, main road bridge, montsalvat, old bakery, our eltham artistic recollections, our lady help of christian’s church, our lady help of christian’s primary school, pitt street, post office, r.s.l. hall, shillinglaw cottage, st margaret’s church, state school residence, stebbing cottage, telephone exchange, uniting church, west house, wingrove cottage, wingrove park, withers house, woolworths

In February 1965, Staffs Railway Store, the oldest business premises in the Eltham shopping district was demolished. Formerly a self-service grocery, restaurant and electrical repair shop, the building for many years housed Eltham’s only ‘family’ grocer and feed store. Earlier it had appeared to have been the town’s bakery. The building had been purchased in late March 1939 by Mr Eric N. Staff. At the time of E.N. Staff’s purchase there were huge bakers’ ovens located at the rear and the building also had a well and four toilets for employees. When the ‘pictures’ came to Eltham with the opening of the Eltham Public Hall across the road in 1941, Mr E.N. Staff extended the business and opened a milk bar and sweet shop. Further extensions re-established the tea rooms of days gone by. Mr E.N. Staff conducted business for about 15 years before handing over the reins to his son, Ray Staff. When his son Ray took over, the milk bar and tea rooms were closed for several years but the milk bar and was later re-opened and subsequently became a greengrocers and later again, a restaurant. The tea rooms section was converted to an electrical repair shop about 1955. Electoral Roll records for 1967 record Raymond Charles Staff at 929 Main Road, Eltham, grocer, and in 1968 at Lot 4, Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham, taxi truck operator. So it would appear that Ray continued to run the business for approximately two years after the original store was demolished and a new supermarket was built. Today, 929 Main Road is the Nongkhai Thai Restaurant and is precisely where the original Staffs store stood. Even though the facade has been modified at eye level with new larger windows, the upper facade is identical to that of the new Eltham Big Star Food Centre of 1965/66. But how did the original building, the oldest premises in the 1965 era shopping centre come about? On August 12th, 1902 at the Eltham Courthouse, appearing before T. Smallman, Esq,. Police Magistrate, and Messrs. W. Duncan and W.J. Taylor, Justices of the Peace is Luther Haley, baker. Wilfred Henry Johnston, by his agent Stanley Ernest Elder had applied for a warrant of ejectment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1890 against Luther Haley from the bakery premises at the corner of Main Road and York Street. From the evidence presented we learn that Mrs Burgoyne of Eltham had purchased the property some months earlier from Mr Johnston, which consisted of a store and bakery establishment at Eltham occupied by Mr. Luther Haley, and whose lease expired some little time back, and up to the present time, Mr. Haley was not prepared to leave. He informed the court that he is unable to secure at Eltham a suitable house in which to carry on his business, but was building a place near the railway station which he expected to be done in about three weeks time, and he is then prepared to give up possession of the premises he now occupies. Mr Smallman informed the defendant, Luther Haley, that he will have to quit the premises in three weeks from the present date, and that a warrant of ejectment would be issued. However he also informed Mr Haley that he would order the warrant to lie in the office for three weeks from that date. The premises under construction referred to by Luther Haley in court were situated on the western side of Main Road, near the railway station slightly opposite present-day Arthur Street. It was opened around September 1902 as a General Store, Bakery and Tea Rooms. This was the original building in the present-day shopping precinct. At the time the only thing nearby was the railway station. Luther Haley’s business appeared to prosper and he would have catered to not only the locals abut also day visitors by train on Sundays coming up from Melbourne, offering fresh baked produce, tea rooms and summer drinks. The fields across Main Road running between present day Arthur Street and Luck Street were known as Haley’s Paddock and at times were used for community festivities and picnics. A newspaper report on the annual State schools picnic held at Haley’s Paddock on March 11, 1904 described it as “quite close to the railway station, and is quite capable of holding comfortably 10,000 people. With its ample shade and hilly surroundings, it is an ideal place for any gathering.” Luther Haley successfully ran his general store, bakery and tea rooms until 1917 when he and his family departed the district and moved to Westgarth Street in Northcote where he changed careers and became a publisher. It was then taken over by Hannah Lloyd and became known as Lloyd’s Railway General Store from 1917 to 1920. From then it had a succession of owners, one as short as two months until March 31, 1939 when the Grocery Business formerly carried on by Mr. T.K. White of Eltham for the previous eight years was purchased by Mr Eric N. Staff of Research and became known as E.N. Staff’s Railway Store. The ownership timeline for the store is as follows: Luther Haley Sep 1902-1917 Hannah Lloyd 1917-c.Feb 1920 Messrs J.R. & N.E. Lee 1920-Sep 1922 A. & E. Copeland Sep 1922-Sep 1925 Mr Price Sep 1925-Nov 1925 Mr Warren Nov 1925?-Nov 1926 A.W.J. Edwards Nov 1926-1931 T.K. White 1931-Mar 1939 Eric Staff Apr 1939-c.1954 Ray Staff c.1954-Feb 1965 then demolished Ray Staff Eltham Big Star Food Centre c.1965-1967 Digital file only from scan of copy on loan to EDHSa. copeland, a.w.j. edwards, big star food centre, e. copeland, eltham, eric staff, general store, hannah lloyd, j.r. lee, lloyd's general store, luther haley, main road, n.e. lee, price, ray staff, staffs general store, supermarket, t.k. white

In February 1965, Staffs Railway Store, the oldest business premises in the Eltham shopping district was demolished. Formerly a self-service grocery, restaurant and electrical repair shop, the building for many years housed Eltham’s only ‘family’ grocer and feed store. Earlier it had appeared to have been the town’s bakery. The building had been purchased in late March 1939 by Mr Eric N. Staff. At the time of E.N. Staff’s purchase there were huge bakers’ ovens located at the rear and the building also had a well and four toilets for employees. When the ‘pictures’ came to Eltham with the opening of the Eltham Public Hall across the road in 1941, Mr E.N. Staff extended the business and opened a milk bar and sweet shop. Further extensions re-established the tea rooms of days gone by. Mr E.N. Staff conducted business for about 15 years before handing over the reins to his son, Ray Staff. When his son Ray took over, the milk bar and tea rooms were closed for several years but the milk bar and was later re-opened and subsequently became a greengrocers and later again, a restaurant. The tea rooms section was converted to an electrical repair shop about 1955. Electoral Roll records for 1967 record Raymond Charles Staff at 929 Main Road, Eltham, grocer, and in 1968 at Lot 4, Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham, taxi truck operator. So it would appear that Ray continued to run the business for approximately two years after the original store was demolished and a new supermarket was built. Today, 929 Main Road is the Nongkhai Thai Restaurant and is precisely where the original Staffs store stood. Even though the facade has been modified at eye level with new larger windows, the upper facade is identical to that of the new Eltham Big Star Food Centre of 1965/66. But how did the original building, the oldest premises in the 1965 era shopping centre come about? On August 12th, 1902 at the Eltham Courthouse, appearing before T. Smallman, Esq,. Police Magistrate, and Messrs. W. Duncan and W.J. Taylor, Justices of the Peace is Luther Haley, baker. Wilfred Henry Johnston, by his agent Stanley Ernest Elder had applied for a warrant of ejectment under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1890 against Luther Haley from the bakery premises at the corner of Main Road and York Street. From the evidence presented we learn that Mrs Burgoyne of Eltham had purchased the property some months earlier from Mr Johnston, which consisted of a store and bakery establishment at Eltham occupied by Mr. Luther Haley, and whose lease expired some little time back, and up to the present time, Mr. Haley was not prepared to leave. He informed the court that he is unable to secure at Eltham a suitable house in which to carry on his business, but was building a place near the railway station which he expected to be done in about three weeks time, and he is then prepared to give up possession of the premises he now occupies. Mr Smallman informed the defendant, Luther Haley, that he will have to quit the premises in three weeks from the present date, and that a warrant of ejectment would be issued. However he also informed Mr Haley that he would order the warrant to lie in the office for three weeks from that date. The premises under construction referred to by Luther Haley in court were situated on the western side of Main Road, near the railway station slightly opposite present-day Arthur Street. It was opened around September 1902 as a General Store, Bakery and Tea Rooms. This was the original building in the present-day shopping precinct. At the time the only thing nearby was the railway station. Luther Haley’s business appeared to prosper and he would have catered to not only the locals abut also day visitors by train on Sundays coming up from Melbourne, offering fresh baked produce, tea rooms and summer drinks. The fields across Main Road running between present day Arthur Street and Luck Street were known as Haley’s Paddock and at times were used for community festivities and picnics. A newspaper report on the annual State schools picnic held at Haley’s Paddock on March 11, 1904 described it as “quite close to the railway station, and is quite capable of holding comfortably 10,000 people. With its ample shade and hilly surroundings, it is an ideal place for any gathering.” Luther Haley successfully ran his general store, bakery and tea rooms until 1917 when he and his family departed the district and moved to Westgarth Street in Northcote where he changed careers and became a publisher. It was then taken over by Hannah Lloyd and became known as Lloyd’s Railway General Store from 1917 to 1920. From then it had a succession of owners, one as short as two months until March 31, 1939 when the Grocery Business formerly carried on by Mr. T.K. White of Eltham for the previous eight years was purchased by Mr Eric N. Staff of Research and became known as E.N. Staff’s Railway Store. The ownership timeline for the store is as follows: Luther Haley Sep 1902-1917 Hannah Lloyd 1917-c.Feb 1920 Messrs J.R. & N.E. Lee 1920-Sep 1922 A. & E. Copeland Sep 1922-Sep 1925 Mr Price Sep 1925-Nov 1925 Mr Warren Nov 1925?-Nov 1926 A.W.J. Edwards Nov 1926-1931 T.K. White 1931-Mar 1939 Eric Staff Apr 1939-c.1954 Ray Staff c.1954-Feb 1965 then demolished Ray Staff Eltham Big Star Food Centre c.1965-1967 Research and copy: Peter Pidgeon (EDHS) Digital file only from scan of copy on loan to EDHSa. copeland, a.w.j. edwards, big star food centre, e. copeland, eltham, eric staff, general store, hannah lloyd, j.r. lee, lloyd's general store, luther haley, main road, n.e. lee, price, ray staff, staffs general store, supermarket, t.k. white

Correspondence over a four year period (probably an incomplete file) on the behalf of Henry Cairns of Moonee Ponds and property owner at Christmas Hills / Watsons Creek including copy of a survey of his land title in relation to complaint regarding the Shire of Eltham encroaching on his land to make a road and subsequent purchase of land. The road provided acccess to the property of Mr W. Clinton of Heidelberg and other properties at Christmas Hills. Note by H.G. indicates that the property discussed in file is Clintons Road (not stated in file), possibly named after 1938. In December 1937 Eltham Shire Council agreed to purchase a block of land at the intersection of the Christmas Hills -- Smiths Gully roads from Mr Cairns to provide an outlet for the road which ran through the Cairns property. In March 1928 Mr Clinton had previously offered to contribute a sum of money towards the cost of purchasing the Cairns block to permit the road to go into his property was intending to transfer the property to himself. A Councilor was reported as being astounded in The Advertiser, 11 March 1938, as the land was needed for a road. Cr Baird: "The road was only to help his sports" Mr W. E. Clinton (Bill) was one of the founders of the Rob Roy Hill climb which took place at his property at Christmas Hills. He owned a garage in Heidleberg (See: https://cv.vic.gov.au/stories/sporting-life/speed-style-spirit-the-rob-roy-hillclimb/the-rob-roy-hillclimb/)16 pieces of paperraynes dickson kiddle & briggs solicitors, henry cairns, shire of eltham, roadworks, christmas hills, watsons creek, w. e. clinton, clintons road, rob roy climb

Photo sourced from E. Whicker reproduced on p51 of The Diamond Valley Story by Dianne H. Edwards, Shire of Diamond Valley 1979.Black and white copy of photo printed on glossy photographic paper 30.5 x 40.5 cm (12 x 16 inch); image size approx. 18.5 x 28 cmc. milthorpe, diamond creek, diamond valley story, edith milthorpe, groups, mabel milthorpe

Black and white photograph of Ballarat College Cricket team 1920; Back row: Cameron A. Ramage, A. Resuigh, S. Shannon, R. Cameron, A.A. Pearce, E. Seated: Vinecombe, A. Clarke, A. Coltman, J. (capt.) Bradby, K Jones, B Cooke, A (Absent) Mr Hay (Coach) Mclennan, L. Title and names printed at base of photograph1920, ballarat, college, sport, cameron a, ramage a, reseigh s, shannon r, cameron a a, pearce e, vinecombe a, clarke a, coltoman j, bradby k, jones b, cooke a, cricket

This named photograph is an excellent record of the 80 strong student cohort of 1923. There are 6 adults in the photograph. Principal Major A.S.M. Polson is clearly identified. Top row (Left to right) G Den – E Beacham – J B Coutts – J C Besemeres – G Naismith – M Levy – G N Witter – J C Loughrey – G Bredby – A P McLean – B Currie – W A Kilpatrick – G Clark – E Wearne – R Monteith 2nd row from top L T Wotherspoon – W A Stickland – E Campbell – A Bell – H Thomas – W A Paterson – E? Lyne – J Leishman – E J Forbes – J M Gray – J H Burr – J Creer - ? – C? Morgan – J Hammon 3rd row from top D A Miller – A G Shaw – W John – J Moorhouse – G L Scott – A Levy - ? Ford - ? Gill – T G Dowling – D Campbell – W McLean – J E Coutts - C? Carthew – D Douglas – A L McLean 4th row from top A M Greenfield - ? - M Featonby – G Leishman – J Woodward – Mr F R Potts BSc – Mr D S Coutts BA – Mr A S M Polson Principal – Miss Gilbert – Mr G Hay – A J Besemeres - ? - ? – R G Bradby – H F Brind 5th row from top R Buchanan - ? – M Symons – J Riddle - ? Goon - ? Symons - ? Komesarook - ? Fairey - ? – B Ronaldson - ? Buchanan - ? - ? – M Whiteside – Pat Shaw – J Groat - ? Front G P Jeffrey - ? Goon – R G Dowling – H M Greenfield – G Dale – A Hall-Jones – A Baker – J L Price – K McLean – E M Price Mounted black and white photograph of the Ballarat College student cohort in 1923. Cohort are arranged on tiered rows in front of timber external staircase. First row sitting cross-legged on ground. Second and third rows seated. Fourth, fifth and sixth standing on tiers. The photograph is mounted on grey cardboard. J. M. Gray written in ink on back of mount. Pencilled initials 'J.M.' also on back of mount. Photograph is accompanied by photocopy of photograph and handwritten papers detailing names of those in photograph. These papers are signed by Grant Coutts. J. M. Gray is identified as tenth from left on second top row. J.M. ballarat, 1923, college, j m gray, major a s m polson, student cohort

Text on rear, “Mainland Albania, Macedonia, Thraki - Crete - Greek democracy - Expedition memorable medal 1940 - 41 - We award - The participant of 1940 - 41 expedition - defend your Country, Athens 12.2.80, Minister for Defence Eyagelos - Averooh Jusitcha” Certificate awarded to John Eric Wiles VX16067, refer Cat No 5410P for his service details.Certificate, paper light yellow colour background, each side a column with top section over, under is a green leaf arrangement followed by Greek print, a centre name hand written in “Mr J. E. Wiles”, bottom stamped on LH side, RH side is dated. On rear a typed out and stuck is the English wording of the front also a typed piece re the recipient.On rear taped, “J. E. Wiles 2/7th INF”certificates, greece crete, wiles

.1) Recognises 50 years of continuous service to the RSL League on 5.6.1995 to J.E.Wiles. .2) Life membership of the League awarded to Mr J.E.Wiles on 18.1.1996 of Mitchum RSL Sub Branch..1)RSL Service award yellow parchment paper, gold RSL logo at top followed by details re the recipient, dated and signed by the National Executive with Red Seal, rear is blank. .2) RSL Life membership certificate, yellow parchment paper, gold RSL logo at top followed by details re the recipient, dated and signed by the National Executive, Red Seal at bottom corner..1) “John Eric Wiles” .2) Mr J. E. Wiles”50 years service, rsl, life membership, wiles

Eureka is a significant event in Ballarat's History1963 & 1964 Annual Reports of Eureka Improvement and Progress Association. Foolscap typed documentseureka improvement and progress association, eureka, mrs e. parsons, mr f. pearce, orphange christmas tree, arthur jones

This book was donated by Principal R E Thwaites to the Ballarat College Library, possibly during his years of tenure (1933-45). Fascinatingly the book contains the signiature of a previous principal Ernest Neville Marryat (tenure 1910-1912). Until 2014 when this book was catalogued to the Victorian Collections database the first names of Principal Marryat had never been known by the school. The discovery of his presumed personal signature has added significantly to the school's written history. Tan coloured cloth bound small book with gold lettering and borders on front cover and spine.Book plate on flyleaf: Crest / Ballarat College / Library / PRESENTED BY / Mr R E Thwaites Handwritten on second page: Ernest Neville Marryat / Christmas / 1897e-n-marryat, ernest-neville-marryat, ballarat-college, principal, 1910s, r-e-thwaites

According to the Ballarat College Report, Prize list and Prospectus published 1875 Miss E Rees was Dux of the school 'Ladies Department' and winner of the Mr R F Glover's Prize Essay. This book was awarded to Miss E Rees the following year by the Ballarat Ladies College associated with the ballarat Grammar School, Principal F J Thomas. Thomas had been appointed principal of Ballarat College in 1874 following the untimely death of the school's first principal Robert Oliver McCoy. However Thomas's credentials were questionable and he left the school under a cloud during 1875. Thomas established a rival college. This action had a devastating impact on Ballarat College because many students enrolled at the new college. This book is evidence of just one such transition. Ornately decorated book with calf spine and cover detail, marbled covers and end-pages, gold lettering and patterns on spine; Book plate inside front cover: Ballarat Ladies College / in association with the Ballarat Grammar School / CHRISTMAS 1878 / University Class / SPECIAL PRIZE / the gift of / the pupils of the Ballarat Gr. Sch. / for / 'the favorite girl' 2 vol. / awarded to / Miss E Rees / F J THOMAS, PRINCIPALe-rees, f-j-thomas, ballarat-ladies-college, grammar-school, 1876

Names on verso: A Nevitt, T A Uthwatt, S Swann, Mr Alston, ?, ?, ?, E Bryant / N Booth, A C Tuthill (Vice Captain), E A Uthwatt (Captain), I J Marks, E Young, / A McRae, P OlneySepia toned photograph, medium size, frame, mount and glass1893, cricket, premiers, ballarat college

Sepia toned formal pose; mount has title at top and names inscribed below photograph very faintly; students are dressed in cricket whites; teacher in centre of top row.Inscribed on mount below photograph: A Nevett, ....watt, S Swan, Mr Alston, W Paterson, J Weir, ...Bell, E Bryant / N Booth, A Tuthill, E A Uthwatt, ...., ...., / A McRae, ....,cricket, 1893, ballarat college, premiers

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failed.[5] MINE MANAGERS’ ASSOCIATION. Ballarat Branch. ... Mr R. B. Squire, manager of the West Berry Consols, at Allendale, submitted a paper detailing what he had done tor the betterment of ventilation in the alluvial mines of Smeaton and Mary borough districts- Members gave Mr Squire every credit for the results that he claimed to have effected; the adoption of his ideas had testified to their value to mine-owners. It was painted out, however, that for want of a thorough debate of the subject with experienced men the author had unwittingly included some general statements that required modifying in some points and extending in others, in justice to other workers among the earlier and the present day managers of mines. It was decided to invite the author to meet a sub-committee on this subject![6]Handwritten letters from Richard Squire to his son Tom and Family reporting happening at the mine richard squire, tom squire, engine trouble, basil, f.l. smythe broker, trembath, w. ryall, mt mercer, flu, plant, skids, pump, c. hayes, illness, poppet, carburetor, mum, ned, shaft, balance weight, hazel squire, pearson, pulleys, syndicate, goon, len hopkins, suction, dunstown, lease, jim squire, bannockburn, nina, albert, mrs trenery, connie, jay, judy squire, cohuna, bladder attack, reports, estimates, dunstan & coy, jelbarts, barrett, flat fields, brown, gold estates, berry leads, parsley roots, share book, meredith, reef, pay sheet, colin, mr gibbs, l.r.g plan, banagwanth, mcnaughton bores, glenfine, allan, william thomas, john lynch, crawford, shelford, liz the car, trucks, chandlers, ballarat trustees, cameron, elaine, mrs read, clark, j. hayes, dunlop, dr lawrence, eye specialist, reid, mullock bank, jack squire, herman, peter's legal inc. ballarat, freddie reid, j.r. whipp, a.b. reid, grenville, leigh river plan, johnstone's, premier petrol coy, chandler's, ballarat deep leads extension, harwood & pincott, a. rice, lillas, l. e. walker, secretary for mines, pipeclay, sandstone, mr saville, weymouth & carroll, suction pipe, valves, financiers, gold mines of australia, mr hanley hunter, sadowa coy, kerang shareholder, buninyong, stanley hunter, len, fran, max, dr jones, honeycomb rock, booth, sandy mcnab, emily shaw, john cock, ross creek, mitchell, rowe, neil cameron, walker, kidney disease, holst, nellie, ronaldson's, ronaldson & tippett, brokers, investors, lockett, miller & co, wellesly, john sharpe, elizabeht ellen, old lawaluk, mining

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedVarious documents relating to Leigh Creek Mine, which include documents related to the wages for a Mr Trenerry, Leigh Creek Mine No Liability Report , A Letter to Mr Squire and other correspondence both typed and Handwrittenrichard squire, leigh river mine, j. trenerry, ewen tierney, mount mercer, j. bowston, w. dickson, a.j. peacock, m.j. mcmanus, geo e. deeble, r.t. squire, r.b. squire, albert kuchel, h.y. peacock

In 1905 Richard Squire was manager of the West Berry Consols at Allendale, and developed an improved system of mine ventilation, which was supported in "The Age."[4] He was successful in combating and remedying the gas and ventilation troubles of the Deep Mines of Creswick and Allendale Districts after all had failedCertificate from State Accident Insurance Office Victoria, Mines Policy, Letter regarding compensation and receiptsstate accident insurance office, mines policy, receipt, paul & gray ltd., department of mines melbourne, w. baragwanath, mr e. woodlock, mt mercer, lawaluk, richard squire

Jack Smethurst VX28896. Refer 550.2, 557, 558.6.From the Mr J Smethurst collection. 549.1 Hat badge, dark, Rising Sun, Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. 549.2 Lapel badge, dark, Rising Sun, Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. 549.3 Lapel badge, dark, Rising Sun, Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. 549.4 Female relative badge (2nd AIF) with bar and one star.549.4 Rear of badge marked "A31532"metalcraft, badges, rising sun, female relative, royal australian artillery

SGT JOHN HNERY LOCKETT, 38th Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Enlisted on 24th March 1916 in Mildura. Arrived France 22nd November 1916. Returned to Australia 5th August 1919.Photographs - collection of 5 photographs in a frame, black & white and colour. L - R , Left; a) a full portrait of Sgt. John Henry Lockett. b) 3 medals and ribbons. c) PM John Howard and JH Lockett, d) French Ambassador with Legion of Honour. e) Presentation Ceremony group. Black print on card - two information below photographs. Frame - brown stain timber frame with decorative moulding, dark green cardboard mount with dark red inner edge and 2nd mount, glass front.Black print on white card - 1. "SGT JOHN HENRY LOCKETT" -WITH SERVICE INFORMATION. 2. "Presentation of Legion of Honour to Mr J. Lockett at RSL Memorial Hall on 21st July 1998". with further ceremony information.photography-photographs, frame accessories, military history-army

The letter relates to EDGAR FREDERICK DAWSON DCM and his wife. Refer Cat No 893 for his service history.To Mr & Mrs E F Dawson, from Elizabeth R. Illustrated certificate on paper with colour decoration & British coat of arms. Beige picture frame mount (paper) & wooden frame with gold coloured trim, back is cardboard with staples & cellotape.Sticker on rear: From D G Cooper & Son Picture Frame Manufacturers Mitchell Street, Bendigodocuments - letters, frame accessories, military history

Henry Sutton is a talented world-wide accepted inventor with inventions relating to the telephone, photography, wireless, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles as well as many more inventions. Henry was also one of four brothers that ran the Sutton's Music Store after the death of their Father Richard Sutton. Henry Sutton taught Applied Electricity at the Ballarat School of Mines in 1883 to 1886.Collection of music books that were available for purchase at Sutton's Musicmusic books, suttons music, calvary, henry vaughan, paul rodney, enoch and sons, herzelied, gustav lange, j.t. trekell, hanover edition, the desert song, one alone, kathryn grayson, gordon mcrae, otto harbach, oscar hammerstein, frank mandel, sigmund romberg, the link divine, alfred h. hyatt, piccolomini, one fine day, aria, madame butterfly opera, r.h elkin, giacomo puccini, garden of happiness, edward lockton, daniel wood, there never was a pal like you, jack o'hagan, the bridge, vocal duet, miss m lindsay, mrs j worthington bliss, songs my mother taught me, anton dvorak, blue danube, suttons brass band journal, johann strauss, macushla, josephine v rowe, dermot macmurrough, boosey and co, allans music, candle in the wind, elton john, bernie taupin, treasure chest of stephen foster songs, eddie fisher song folio, cindy oh cindy, oh my pa-pa, anytime, i need you now, then i'll be happy, sweet heartaches, dungaree doll, im in the mood for love, what a wonderful world it would be, hermann lohr, i heard you singing, royden barrie, eric coates, when you come home, fred e weatherly, w.h squire, lay down your arms, anne shelton, leon land, ake gerhard, john m williams and shaylor turners vey first piano book, i went to your wedding, jessie may robinson, patti page, mercury records, he's got the whole world in his hands, geoff love, sway, quien sera, pablo beltran ruiz, paul lombard, norman gimbel, just because the violets, kennedy russell, edwin ashdown ltd, friends of my youth, mr w burton, christy's minstrels, george barker, ideal music books, poet and peasant, melody in f, spring song, love and devotion, the storm, nachtstuck, rondoletto, blue danube waltzes, over the waves waltzes, nearer my god to thee, mignon gavotte, warum, miss clara butt, idle words, stephen adams, menuetin no. 2, the mill, liebestraum, tarantelle, la matinee, menuet, la paloma, the dove, gipsy rondo, crescendo, chanson triste, romance, tocatta in a, thora, john mccormack, john harrison, ivor foster, preclude c# minor, beautiful star of heaven, sirens song, marche militaire, fifth nocturne, sweet bye and bye, turkish patrol, valse des fleurs, melody of love, traumerei, a fragment, just for to-day, sybil f partridge, blanche ebert seaver, australian music examinations board, pianoforte-grade iii, the chappell wonder album of music, slave song, the lass with the delicate air, the bandolero, chorus gentlemen, i'll sing thee songs of araby, jest her way, venetian song, gray days, god's garden, folie bergere, weymouth chimes, un peu d'amour, you'll love me yet, s. coleridge taylor, george sutton, happy-go-lucky pete a very happy foxtrot, i know the rose, fred hall, the prisoners child, waltz ballad, russ johnston, pilgrim's cross, h.l d'arcy jaxone, frederic n. lohr, harper kearton, marie vagnolini, suttons manuscript music book, pianoforte studies, public examinations in music, light cavalry, marche hongroise, rondo alla turca, moonlight sonata, witches flight, home sweet home, narcissus, wedding march, sehnsucht, joyful peasant, les adieux, love the pedlar, caryl battersby, edward german, where will the dimple be, rosemary clooney, bob merrill, al hoffman, buttons and bows, jay livingstone, ray evans, bob hope, glen williams, british songs, cyril scott, cherry ripe, the minstrel boy, blythe and merry she was, by yon bonnie banks, all through the night, coming thro the rye, i'll bid my heart be still, classical fragments, beethoven's adieu, w. millward, wake up, a calendar of song, harold simpson, montague f. phillips, ain't misbehavin', andy razaf, thomas waller, harry brooks, robert a nelson, the ideal manuscript book, the riff song, it, one flower grows alone in your garden, ebb tide, carl sigman, robert maxwell, i'm in the mood for love, jimmy mchugh, dorothy fields, muskat ramble, edward ory, night of stars and night of love, tales of hoffmann, offenbach, the great pretender, jimmy parkinson, jerry duanne, barry frank, stan freberg, the platters, bert visser, love is a golden ring, rich dehr, frank miller, terry gilkyson, ernie sigley, d. trickey, four musical cameos, gavotte, lullaby, goblins, when children play, frank hutchens, just a closer walk with thee, jimie rodgers, west of the wall, wayne shanklin, toni fisher

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 1850’s 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. Wilderness to Wealth Author: J E Murphy & E W Easton Publisher: WR Smith & Paterson Pty Ltd Date: 1950 Further Information: Bening a History of the Shires of Nanango, Kingaroy, Wondai, Murgon, Kilkivan, and the Upper Yarraman Portion of the Rosalie Shire 1850-1950The label on spine cover has typed text R.A.919.43 MUR Inside of the front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, wilderness to wealth, j e murphy, e w easton

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. (This Statement of Significance is quoted from the Significance Assessment : Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Book Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, February 2009, by Annette Welkamp, Cultural Connections, for Delise Oldfied, FHMV) References Juvenile Department in Warrnambool Public Library In August 1903 The Age newspaper reported in its Warrnambool news section that “With the object of discouraging boys from reading literature of the “penny dreadful” class, the committee of the local public library has decided to open a juvenile department and to stock it with hundreds of suitable books attractive to the youthful mind.” 100 new novels added to Warrnambool Public Library Shelves In November 1905 The Argue newspaper’s Warrnambool news section announced “The committee of the Public Library is bringing the collection of books more up to date. It has recently added 100 new novels to the shelves, and arrangements have been made for a supply of the latest novels immediately they arrive in the state.” Warrnambool Town Council takes over Mechanics’ Institute, Art Gallery, Public Library, Museum – and will double the building’s size In 1912 The Age reported in its Warrnambool news section “Considerable improvements are being effected by the town council in the most picturesque part of Liebig Street. Between the fire brigade station and the mechanics’ institute and art gallery a vacant block of land is being transformed a garden for carpet bedding and flowering plants. The council, which recently took over the control of the art gallery, public library, museum and mechanics’ institute, is doubling the size of the substantial stone building containing these institutions. The new building will contain a supper room for use in conjunction with functions in the town hall, adjoining, and a new reading room.” Mr Pattison, Public Librarian, says Library has a book per head of population In 1953 The Age reported an interview with the Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison, who said “Warrnambool has an insatiable thirst for reading. And its reading recipe contains a strong dash of fiction – 73 percent of it. Fiction makes up 10,000 of the 13,000 books in the senior section of the public library. That works out at a book per head of population. Warrnambool today is really book minded. This city has an almost insatiable thirst for knowledge as well as fiction. We’re lending 400 books a day. We supply 33 percent of the reading population of Warrnambool.” The reporter goes on to say “Warrnambool Public Library also has an ultra-modern children’s section of 3,400 books, open to every boy and girl attending school in Warrnambool. Mr Pattison hopes to show travel-talk films and install a radiogram in the children’s section “later on”. But it won’t disturb adult reading next door because the junior section is sound proof. “ Mechanics’ Institutes and Museums Mechanics’ Institutes were important sites for collecting in country Victoria … Warrnambool … all had museums attached to Mechanics’ Institutes before the end of the twentieth century” Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Ms Tierney said FHMV holds the collection of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute in three different locations on its site. “The Mechanics’ Institute opened in 1871, was demolished in the 1960s and was one of the oldest in Victoria. “FHMV intends to create a new storage area and bring the collection together in one place which will greatly facilitate access and research. “The collection consists of books and archives dating from the 1850s to 1959s. “Some of the books are rare and valuable but it is unclear as to their relevance to the history of Warrnambool or Victoria,” Ms Tierney said. Warrnambool TAFE History South West TAFE has a long and proud history of providing technical and specialist education, with links back to the formation of the Mechanic’s Institute in 1853. Warrnambool Art Gallery’s History The Warrnambool Art Gallery began in 1886 when retired police officer Joseph Archibald opened its doors in a building behind the mechanics institute in Liebig Street. The Gallery began with an eclectic mix of artworks and museum curios. Before long Archibald mobilised public support and paid for a new gallery annex. Loans and grants allowed the Gallery collection to grow with significant early acquisitions by French, German, and Belgian artists, which were less expensive than British works. Despite its enthusiastic start the economic downturn of the 1890s brought the Collection to a halt. In 1910 the Council took control of the Mechanics Institute and ran the Gallery there until 1963 when the building was allocated for municipal offices. The Collection was dispersed on loan to galleries in Shepparton and Hamilton and not reunited until 1971. In 1986 the Gallery’s Centenary year, a permanent home was built next to the ‘Civic Green’ and named in memory of one its champions Sir Fletcher Jones O.B.E. 2016 Warrnibald Entries Joseph Archibald established the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery in 1886 while his son Jules Francois Archibald founded the Archibald Prize through his bequest of 1919. His aim was to foster portraiture, as well as support artists, and perpetuate the memory of great Australians. Official History of Australia In The War of 1914-18 Vol 4 The Australian Imperial Force in France 1917 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1936 Label on spine cover with typed text PATT 994.04 OFF Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front end pastedown paper has a type written paper that reads "Unknown Soldiers. Last year 795 bodies of British Soldiers of which 47 were Australiands, were recovered from the battlefields of France and Belgium. The High Commissioner ( Mr. S. M. Bruce) states in his annual report that, althoughthe 47 bodies were readily identifiable by their uniforms,caps,and badges and shoulder titles as those of Australian soldeirs, it must be regretfully recorded that in most cases their names will never be known." warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 4, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18, the australian imperial force in france 1917, a.i.f., c e w bean, s. m. bruce