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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Travel, Over The Range
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. Ion Llewellyn Idriess was born in Waverley, Sydney, New South Wales on 20th September 1889 and passed away on 6th June 1979 in Mona Vale, Sydney, New South Wales at the age 89. After Idriess finished school he worked in the assay office of Broken Hill Proprietary mine. Both Idriess and his mother had typhoid fever when Ion was about 15 years old and it caused his mother’s death. After spending time with his Grandmother in Sydney he found work on a paddle-steamer and had a relapse of the fever. He then went into the western district of New South Wales where he worked in many different itinerant jobs, including rabbit poisoner, boundary rider, drover, sandalwood harvester, shearer, dingo shooter and opal miner. While opal mining at Lightning Ridge he wrote short stories, about life on the opal fields, for the Bulletin using the name “Gouger”. Idriess then moved to North Queensland in search of gold, tin and sandalwood. He travelled over a great deal of the Cape York Peninsula spending a lot of this travel time with local indigenous people; thus began his lifelong interest in their customs. He then spent time on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1914 Idriess travelled to Townsville and enlisted in the 5th Light Horse as a trooper. He became a specialist in sniping and was a spotter for the noted sniper Billy Sing. He saw service in Palestine, Sinai and Turkey. Idriess was wounded at Beersheba and after fighting the Battle of Gaza he was invalided home in March 1918. After recovering from his wounds Idriess again travelled to the Cape York Peninsula where he worked with pearlers and missionaries in the Torres Strait Islands. He then went gold mining in Papua New Guinea, buffalo shooting in the Northern Territory of Australia and then exploring in Central and Western Australia. LITERARY WORKS OF IDRIESS In 1928 Idriess settled in Sydney and published the first of his 47 books. In 1931 - “Lasseter’s Last Ride”, became his first best seller. In the years 1932 and 1940, he published three books in each year. “The Cattle King” (1936) and “Flynn of the Inland” (1932) have gone through reprinting forty to fifty times. His last book was published in 1969. Idriess’ books were in general non-fiction and were written in a colourful and immediate story style, taken from life experiences gained during his travels. Idriess was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to literature in 1968. 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 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Over The Range Author: Ion L Idriess Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919.53 IDR Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute The top of the text block has a stamp 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, 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, over the range, ion l idriess -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Reference, Australian Aborigines
WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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 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. Australian Aborigines Has hand written "Presented to the Warrnambool Mechancis Institue and Free Library with compliments from The Author 1881" Author: James Dawson Publisher: George Robertson Date: 1881 Label on spine with typed text RA 572.9945 DAW Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool public library, australian aborigines, james dawson, indigenous people -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Bound Newspapers, Edward Joseph Mansfield, Publisher, The Graphic Volume 23, January to June 1881, Jan. - June 1881
The book is a bound volume containing the weekly publications of The Graphic, an illustrated newspaper. The volume, No. 23, includes newspapers from January to June 1881. It was published and printed in London, England. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Graphic, an Illustrated Newspaper, Vol 23 Publisher: Edward Joseph Mansfield, at The Strand, London Date: January to June, 1881 The bound book of newspaper editions has a hardcover with a leather spine and brown/orange/blue pattern on the covers. The spine has gold embossed lettering. Inscriptions; sticker on the front end paper from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library, and a purple, oval stamp on the fly from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library.Embossed in gold on the spine; "THE GRAPHIC", "VOL. XXIII", "JAN. TO JUNE. / 1881" Sticker [identifies the Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library] Stamp; concentric ovals with "WARRNAMBOOL" "MECHANICS'" "INSTITUTE" flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, the graphic illustrated newspaper vol 23, edward joseph mansfield, the graphic, illustrated newspaper, volume 23 -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Sibley, W H Robinson
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Sibley with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to left with walrus moustache and beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text, flowers and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W m Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / J N B Gribble / Cr Robert R Sibley / First President Chairman of the Road Board 1865 - 5 / President 1866 - 1869 / With Mrs Sibley's Complimentsstrathfieldsaye shire council, councillor sibley, president of strathfieldsaye shire -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Hargraves, Bartlett Bros
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Hargraves. Profile slightly to right with walrus moustache. Cut rectangle brown mount decorated with coloured text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfiledsaye Shire Council / Cr John Hargreaves / President 1919 - 20 1928 - 29 / Presented by his Wife & Familystrathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor hargreaves -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Shire Secretary Brennan, Unknown
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The Shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Secretary Brennan, son of Councillor M. Brennan was appointed after his fathers death to the role and according to the The Bendigo Independent was in the role in 1917. See References.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Brennan. Profile slightly to left. Cut rectangle cream mount. Hand written title top and lower centre. Shire of Strathfieldsaye / R. B. Brennan, Esq / Secretarystrathfieldsaye shire council, secretary strathfieldsaye shire -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Long, Talma & Co
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Long. Profile to left with walrus moustache and mutton chops. Cut olive retangle mount. Verso; Long. On under board which has photograph attached; Talma & Co. / 119 Swanston St., / Melbournestrathfieldsaye shire council, councillor long -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Doak, W H Robinson
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Doak with hand coloured and drawn detail. Left facing profile with walrus moustache. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Presented to / Strathfieldsaye Shire Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / JMB Gribble / by Cr S. Doak / President 1911 - 1912strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor doak -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Keck, W H Robinson, c 1913
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Keck with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to right with walrus moustache. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and flowers. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W.H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / J.H.E Gribbs / Presented by / Cr Herbert Keck / President 1903-4. 1912-13.shire of strathfieldsaye, councillor keck, strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Michael Condon, W H Robinson
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Condon with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile slightly to left. No facial hair. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text, scrolls and flowers. Hand written title top and lower centre.Strathfieldsaye / Shire / Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / JMB Gribble / Presented by / Cr Michael Condon / President 1889 - 90. 1895-6. 1904 - 5strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, councillor condon -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Thomas Somerville, W H Robinson
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in KenningtonFramed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Somerville with hand drawn detail. Profile slightly to left, face has full beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and scrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre.Presented to / Strathfieldsaye / Shire Council / W. H. Robinson / Photo / Bendigo / by / Cr Thomas Somerville / President 1892 - 3. 1901.2. 1910.11 strathfieldsaye shire council, councillor somerville, president of strathfieldsaye shire -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Portrait of Councillor Burke
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Framed black and white head and shoulder portrait of Councillor Burke with hand coloured and drawn detail. Profile centre facing with beard. Cut oval brown mount decorated with text and fscrolls. Hand written title top and lower centre. Wooden frame with detail and gold inner.Presented to Strathfieldsaye / shire Council / w. H. robinson / Photo / Bendigo / By the family of / Cr John Burke / President 1890 - 1899 - 1900strathfieldsaye shire council, councillor burke, president of strathfieldsaye shire -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Work on paper - Photograph, W H Robinson, Druids Sandhurst Lodge No. 247, 01 / 11/ 1910
Druids are known to exist from around the 3rd century B.C. Their name may have come from a Celtic word meaning “knower of the oak tree.” Many of their ceremonies were carried out in oak groves, which they considered sacred and members were, at that time a mix of priest, judge, doctor and philosopher. The Druids enjoyed a revival in the 19th century and were taken up enthusiastically during the Victorian era. Druidry was believed to have been introduced into Australia in 1851 with the setting up of the first lodge in Melbourne under the name United Ancient Order of Druids. Unlike the Freemasons, the Druids were not a secret society and were not selective in who they let in, as long as they paid their dues and acted more like a benevolent society than a spiritual movement. "They originally operated when there were few benefits available from the government or employers and the introduction of sick leave and other employer provided benefits, combined with the gradual introduction of government subsidised medicine, caused the need for them to diminish." Druids House — in Swanston Street, was opened by the Lord Mayor in 1927 and was designed to be the movement's national head office. It was completed at a cost of 19,000 pounds. This photograph was believed to have been commissioned by the Druids of Bendigo to the Licensees of the Queens Head pub where they regularly met, situated on the corner of the Bendigo-Maryborough Rd & the Calder Alternate Hwy ( Lockwood Cross Roads). The old Marong Council offices were situated opposite from 1864 until around 1908 when new offices were then built in Marong. It is believed that this photograph and a photo of the pub were given to Marong Shire by descendants of the publicans, probably in the 90’s. Framed black and white group photographic portrait of 37 members of the Sandhurst Chapter of the Druids staged and shot outdoors. Each of the gentlemen is carrying a bouquet of flowers. The photograph has a gold inner mount with the second mount cut to give the impression of a frame. The outer mount is hand painted with botanical motifs and elaborate text c.t. DRUIDS Sandhurst Lodge/ No 247. l.c Presented to Mr and Mrs Chadwick / Lockwood / in recognition for kindness rendered.W. G. Robinson / Photo and J.H. Gribble / Long Gully / 1,11,10robinson photographer, j.h.b. gribble artist, chadwick, shire of marong, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of greater bendigo community groups -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Councillor group portrait, W H Robinson, Strathfieldsaye Shire Council, 1909
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington.Photographic group portrait of eleven Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillors in front of the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall. Five men are seated and six standing with one man standing further in back ground on the building's verandah. Photograph is attached directly to green mount card and framed. Gold lettering on mount.Strathfieldsaye Shire Councillors / R. B. Brennan (Sec.) W. J. Lowdes S. Doak M. Burns () N Condon B. Code (Inspector) / WH Robinson Photo Bendigo / T Somerville / W. I. Long / Fred Osborne (President) H Keck / W Dresler / With the President's (Cr. Fred Osborne) Compliments / September 23rd, 1909shire of strathfieldsaye, strathfieldsaye shire council, president of strathfieldsaye shire, strathfieldsaye shire hall -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Photograph - Councillor group portrait, W H Robinson, Strathfieldsaye Shire Council
The district of Strathfieldsaye was proclaimed in 1861 and named a Shire on the 17th September in 1866. It remained a shire until amalgamation in 1994 when it became part of the City of Greater Bendigo. The shire was located 8 km to the south- east of Bendigo and covered an area of 601 square kilometres and extended from the Calder Highway to the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers. The shire's administration centre was in Strathfieldsaye until 1972 when new offices were opened in Kennington. Group portrait of 13 men / councilors, 5 seated and 8 standing dressed in suits. There are another 2 men further back in front of the hall doors. Photograph is taken outside the Strathfieldsaye Shire Hall.Srathfieldsaye Shire Council. / With the President's (Cr T. Somerville) Compliments. / September, 1910 / W.H. Robinson Photo. Bendigo Verso; William Drechslershire of strathfieldsaye, president of strathfieldsaye shire, strathfieldsaye shire council -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Panorama, 1987
Panorama of 7 colour photos. View of Municiple Offices over bay. Shows History House, Cannons, Charles Street, War Memorial and Court House.Back: For History House - Taken 1987 while employed as cleaner for City Council/Regards/Robert (?) Morris.... (?) (blue pen, upper centre) -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Syd Cuffe, Town Crier, 19/11/1985
Coloured photo of Mayor of Portland, Cr Robert Halliday and Sir Brian Murray, leaving Glenelg Shire Offices, after the presentation of the City of Portland's Citizenship award to Syd Cuffe. -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Letter - Letterhead - City of Portland, c. 1985
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Bayside Gallery - Bayside City Council Art & Heritage Collection
Model, Alan W. Chandler, Brighton Municipal Complex, 1959
This model of the Brighton Municipal Offices was made by Alan W. Chandler. The Brighton Municipal Offices were designed by Kevin Knight of Oakley and Parkes with the engineers John Connell and Associates and were erected by Prentice Builders Pty Ltd. The foundation stone was laid on 13 February 1959 and the building was opened on 21 July 1961. The interior decoration and furniture was by Grant Featherston. As is common practice, an architectural model was prepared to present the final concept of the building for approval to the Brighton City Council. In February 1959 festivities occurred to celebrate the centenary of the municipality of Brighton. A garden party attended by two hundred Brighton residents was held in the grounds of the Brighton Town Hall. This model graced the centre of the lily pond during the event. The following day the foundation stone of the Brighton Municipal Offices was laid.Architectural model of a large public building in orange brick, the main cylindrical tower is set within a rectangular structure, with circular and oval roof structures. The model is set within landscaped grounds with paths, a water feature, several trees and bushes, lawns and flower beds.brighton municipal complex, brighton civic centre, brighton chambers, architectural model, model, alan w. chandler, kevin knight, oakley and parkes, architecture, municipal offices, municipal building, scale model -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Alan King, Nillumbik Shire Offices, Greensborough, 30 March 2008
Nillumbik Shire Council transferred to the former Diamond Valley Shire Offices in Greensborough after municipal restructuing. The offices became the official Nillumbik Shire Council Offices on 16 October 1995. The former Shire of Diamond Valley Civic Centre or Shire Office building was officially opened on 26th February 1972. Archtiects were A.K. Lines, McFarlane & Marshall and it was built by L.U. Simon Pty Ltd, The Diamond Valley Shire had been created in 1964 from part of the City of Heidelberg. On December 15, 1994 the Shire of Nillumbik was established. Under the Council amalgamations imposed by the Kennett government, the Shire of Eltham, Shire of Diamond Valley and City of Heidelberg ceased to exist with the establishment of Nillumbik Shire Council and the City of Banyule.The new Nillumbik shire surrended the west riding from Eltham to Banyule but in place gained parts of the former Diamond Valley Shire which itself had been created in 1964 from parts of the City of Heidelberg. Three unelected and non-local Commissioners were put in place by the government bringing democracy into question by many members of the local community. The Commissioners determined to abandon the former Shire of Eltham offices located in Main Road, Eltham and in turn occupy the former Shire of Diamond Valley offices located at the boundary of the new shire with Banyule, in Civic Drive, Greensborough. In July 1996 the Commissioners sold the former Eltham Shire Offices and had them bulldozed leading to many years of communiity protest over the process and future development applications. The site has remained vacant ever since. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then / Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p43This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, greensborough, nillumbik shire council offices, civic drive -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Jim Connor, Eltham Library, 25 December 2017
Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency cum haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111jim connor collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Digital Photograph, Jim Connor, Eltham Library, 7 May 2016
Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Eltham Library Service 1930s - 1994 Originally collated by Harry Gilham, President, Eltham District Historical Society Inc (1993-2009) (edited 2022) In the Eltham township area, in the early 1930s, library books for adults were available from E J Andrew's newsagency in Main Road. In the newsagency cum haberdashery, some shelves were set aside for a lending library of adults' books. In 1935, Mr & Mrs JC Rains purchased the newsagency and continued the lending service until the late 1940s. At this time the business was extended from haberdashery to sell ladies' and men's clothing. The library section was discontinued. In the 1930s a mobile book library was also run by a Mr Foster of Bible Street, Eltham. In the 1950s adult books were available from racks in the foyer of the Eltham Shire Offices which was then located beside the Eltham Hall on the comer of Arthur Street and Main Road. In the early 1950s a referendum of ratepayers was called to seek public opinion on the issue of raising money for a public library for which the rates would have to be increased - the motion was defeated. On 11 November 1965 Eltham Shire Council, in conjunction with the City of Heidelberg and the Shire of Diamond Valley, met to form the Heidelberg Regional Library Service. Eltham was represented by Councillors Charis Pelling and John Lewis. The first library service for the Shire of Eltham from this group came in the shape of a bookmobile van which had, amongst others, a central stopover near the Shillinglaw trees outside the newly opened Shire offices at 895 Main Road, the original site of Shillinglaw Cottage and the former Shillinglaw farm. Present-day Wingrove Park was another stopover and the many recorded requests for this service can be read as denoting the areas of population or gathering points at that period throughout the Shire. 1968 saw the Shire convert the ‘Brinkkotter’ house in Dudley Street to house both adult and children's books. This library was originally staffed from the City of Heidelberg Library and records of committee meetings range from borrowing Heidelberg's old library shelving to trying to increase the Government's subsidy to a dollar for dollar basis. Book loans in the period 1966-67 totalled 30,400 and the following year ran to 52,113. With 2 books plus 1 paperback the limit per person, it was overcrowded and unable to house the range of other services which had become common library stock. Planning to extend the Shire Offices by the addition of the south wing was an opportunity to re-house the Shire's Library. The opening of the library in the extension was carried out on 17th August 1971 by the Hon R J Hamer ED, MP, Chief Secretary of Victoria. Cr Geoffrey Dreverman officiated as the Shire President. The Heidelberg Regional Library Service continued until September 1985 when it disbanded. On 21 November 1985 the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. At that time Eltham was represented by Councillors Mary Grant and Robert Manuell. By 1987, over-crowding of the Eltham Library and an inability to house the range of other services yet again rose to prominence. At a Council meeting held on 1 June 1987, the Councillors supported a resolution which threatened to close the library on 30 September 1987. Council's frustration arose from yet another re-run of the annual State Government versus Council Library funding and records show first arose in Eltham Council in 1967 with the Government of 1he day. After prolonged public anger and petitions the motion to close the library was rescinded in August 1987. Council, considering the community's concern, set up a ‘Library Review Working Party’ which a year later became the Library Occasional Committee with direct access to Council. This Committee investigated the workings of the 386 square metre library and found inadequate space for storage and display, lack of equipment, out-of-date furniture together with an increasing patronage which resulted in queues of borrowers becoming longer no matter when the library was open. Community consultation took the form of 1,000 questionnaires sent to users and non-users along with noticeboard reminders of what was planned. Council developed a strategy to set aside capital funds from 1988 on an annual basis so that preliminary planning and consultative expenses could be met, and construction could be completed early 1997. The Committee visited metropolitan libraries which were catering for a similar population as was projected for Eltham. Australia-wide Federal Government funding grants under the Local Capital Works Program became available from October 1992 for community projects endorsed by local Councils. The Eltham Council submitted a proposal, based on library findings and requirements accumulated by the Library Occasional Committee, to the Federal Grants Committee to build a new Eltham Library. The Federal Grants Committee supported the funding request allowing commencement of the library project three years earlier than planned. With finance finalised, the Council set up its Eltham Library Re-development Special Committee which was given the task of overseeing what could be the last major expansion of the Shire's Library Service as Eltham's population nears its projected maximum. The new library was designed by Gregory Burgess and Peter Ryan of Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd. Construction of the library commenced in 1993 and was officially opened May 22nd, 1994. The library building was designed to reflect its parkland setting. External features include: the roof which includes interesting aspects when viewed from Main Road; verandahs which provide ramp access and give a sheltered entrance to the building; walls which feature locally made mudbricks, conventional bricks and copper panels; and space for an outdoor courtyard/reading area which will be developed later. Internally there are several features. The building includes a foyer with a fireplace suitable for displays including artwork, a community multi-purpose room suitable for meetings or functions and an outdoor cafeteria. The ceilings are lined with Victorian Ash. The shapes for the ceiling give a free-flowing form to the building. Brush Box has been used for the circulation and information desks. The tree trunk columns are Grey lronbark from New South Wales. Arches and various-shaped windows add interest to the internal structure. The carpet design reflects the Eltham environment and compliments the natural colours and timbers used in the building. Tiles by artist Felix Bosari feature in the building and additional art by local artists added externally and internally to the building. Since 1994 the library has undergone a major extension to cater for children’s services and others. See also EDHS_02111jim connor collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - Rosstown Railway
This file contains two items: 1/A group of eight letters, predominantly between Hon. Secretary of Caulfield Historical Society R. Ballantyne and members of the Caulfield City Council written between 1981 and 1983, regarding the installation of a plaque in commemoration of the centenary of the Rosstown Railway. The first two letters are handwritten from R. Ballantyne to G. Calder and Carol Camy, dated 01/06/1981 and 22/02/1982. The letter to G. Calder supports a suggestion in the May edition of the CAULFIELD CONTACT for the installation of a plaque in celebration of the centenary of the Rosstown Railway, suggesting a potential site for another plaque on Curraweena Road. The letter to Carol Harry discusses the costing of the plague and a possible contribution towards this cost from the Caulfield Historical Society. The letter appears to be incomplete, having no sign off from the author. Attached to the letter is what appears to be a suggestion for the inscription of the plaque. The letters addressed to R. Ballantyne are typed and dated 12/06/1981, 24/06/1981, 14/07/19891, 17/12/1981 and 08/09/1983, from A. Craig and D.B. Hogan on behalf of City Manager G.K. Calder and City Liason Officer Carol Harry. All letters concern the commemorative plaque, with these from Carol Harry including handwritten notes which appear to be in R. Ballantyne’s handwriting. The final letter is from Mayoral Secretary Norma Polglase to Miss B. Snowball, dated 23/08/1983, inviting her to attend the unveiling of the plaque. Also included in the item are Council Committee Meeting minutes, dated 16/05/1981, broaching the subject of installing the plaque in Koornang Road. 2/Four colour photographs and two black and white copies of one of the photographs, all dated 18/09/1983 and showing the opening of the commemorative plaque in Marrara Gardens. Two photographs picture Mayor Brian Rudski and City Manager Graham Calder with a crowd of unidentified people present. One photograph and both copies are of the inscription on the plaque, with the wording identical to that of the handwritten note by R. Ballantyne, in item one.caulfield, caulfield south, calder g.k., calder g., hawthorn road, glen eira road, ballantyne r., office workers, caulfield contact, norman peter, groups, glen huntly, koornang road, mills, sugar mills, caulfield historical society, caulfield city council, caulfield town hall, official buildings, glen huntly neville street fourteen, parliamentary representatives, rosstown, rosstown railway, rosstown railway centenary, festivals and celebrations, centenaries, historical markers, plaques, monuments and memorials, ross murray, railways, land transport, curraweena road, parts of buildings or structures, bluestone structures, construction materials, caulfield community liaison officer, harry carol, currency, finances, onley peter, elsternwick, oakleigh, council meetings, caulfield council chambers, caulfield municipal chambers, caulfield municipal offices, craig a., caulfield city manager, city of caulfield, caulfield physical environment committee, public meetings, meetings, ross james, hogan o.b., arrow engraving, campbell f., snowball miss., elsternwick gladstone parade nineteen, walters w.r., marara road gardens, marara road, marara gardens, narrawong road, ceremonies, caulfield mayors, polglase norma, mayoral secretaries, railways routes, documents, correspondence, rudski brian, calder graham, events and activities, official buildings, insignia, local government, local officials and employees, parks and reserves, buildings structures and establishments, official events, festivals and celebrations, occupations, political processes, local history, history, financial economics, local government finance -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Photograph - CARNEGIE
24 photographs relating to Carnegie plus 1 slide: 1/Two photographs, one of Koornang Road c.1920’s and one of flower shop rear of library, date unknown. 2/One photograph of Carnegie Post Office c. undated. 3/Two photographs Koornang Road, Carnegie and phone boxes, Carnegie, dated 1914. 4/Two photographs (the same) of an RSL Ball dated 15/08/1937. 5/17 black and white negative photos – reprinted, date unknown, of Carnegie Library, shop front opening Koornang Road. 6/Slide showing Koornang Road, Carnegie looking South. 7/6 photocopied postcards from Valentines Real Photo Series, in album owned by Mrs. Zoe Mason, collected and returned to Pam Speedy (daughter) 12 Wattle Grove, East Malvern, 15/03/1999. Photocopied pages from 1923 Sands and McDougalls included with some prints to give an idea of architecture and other retail trade. 8/Two photocopied prints of Carnegie Flood. 1946 – Koornang Road, shows shopkeepers in street at that time. 9/Two photographs of brick wall advertising the "Argus" newpaper, which closed in 1957. Photos taken in 2011 when building was exposed prior to rebuilding on site.koornang road, rosstown road, carnegie, shepparson street, carnegie library, carnegie post office, mcallister b., glen huntly, glenhuntly, phone boxes, memorial hall, bamfield m., tranmere avenue, carnegie railway station, stations, libraries, post offices, memorial hall carnegie, progress hall, carnegie community singing, social clubs, chadstone progress, newspapers, temminghoff robert, carnegie chamber of commerce, caulfield city council, rob’s chocolate box, rosstown, ross william murray, rosstown railway, elsternwick, oakleigh, city of caulfield, glen huntly road, glenhuntly road, grange road, carnegie primary school, primary schools, murrumbeena, neerim road, dandenong road, koornang park, lord reserve, rosanna street reserve, packer oval reserve, caulfield swim centre, holywood grove, mile end road, mcpherson avenue, munster avenue, rosstown hotel, leila road, methodist church, toolambool street, carnegie theatre, carnegie estate agency – sims and broadbent, woorayl street, estate agents, cowie j. mrs., confectioner, woodhouse e., stationer, mckay jno. a., mckay jonathon, small goods, perry w. b., chemists, kinsman e. h., newsagents, jones a. w., mckee wm., furniture stores, neil geo. m., grocer, truganini road, brick -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Article - Murrumbeena Park
This file contains three items. An article from THE AGE by Christopher Bantick, who reminisces on the facilities of Murrumbeena Park in decades past, and reflections on the changes the park has undergone in more recent times, dated 24/05/2008. Four coloured postcards of Murrumbeena Park displaying the flora, paths, play equipment, and facilities, taken by Margie McKenzie Photography, date unknown. An article from the CAULFIELD CONTACT listing the improvements that have and will be made to Murrumbeena Park, including a list of the facilities that are on offer as well as the sporting clubs that make use of the park, dated March 1992.murrumbeena park, murrumbeena, caulfield, parks, reserves, playgrounds, playground equipment, sports equipment, recreation equipment, children’s playground, gardens, sports grounds, playing fields, plants, kangaroo road murrumbeena, trees, sports establishments, recreations establishments, seesaws, slides, swings, monkey bars, murrumbeena park committee of management, murrumbeena cricket club, murrumbeena football club, clubs, associations, sporting clubs, barbeques, picnics, caulfield council, social facilities, murrumbeena park bowls club, oakdale angling club, landscape concept plan, caulfield city hall, caulfield town hall, municipal offices, official buildings, civic centres, local government, council chambers, walking trails, the age, caulfield contact -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Article - Watts, William Cowley
This file contains three items about Willian Cowley Watts, brother of Thomas Henry Watts:. Photocopy of two articles from newspapers. One relates to a portrait of William Cowley Watts, who was the shire president of Caulfield, for the memorial gallery of Mayors. The other states the history of Glen Huntly, the first architect designed house in Caulfield, the home of Thomas Watts. Research notes on the Watts family of Caulfield. A photocopy of a portrait of William Cowley Watts, shire president of Caulfield.watts william cowley, watts thomas henry, shire president, councillors, caulfield, monuments, memorials, portrait, gallery of mayors, city offices, architects, architecture, national trust, victorian institute of architects, city surveyor of melbourne, drainage system, watts charles george, caulfield grammar school, fellow of the federal institute of accountants, city treasurer of melbourne, watts geoffrey, glen huntly, glenhuntly, glenhuntly traders association, caulfield city council, huntly street, grange road, glenhuntly road, watts john, watts mary, thos. h. watts and sons, shire of caulfield, drainage, irrigation sewerage, sanitation, land surveys, royal society, mansion, retail trade, merchants, station place -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Document - Springthorpe Gardens
This file contains two items. Three photocopied images and an extract from Andrew Ward’s 1994 Caulfield Conservation Study about the former Old Melbourne Hospital gates which now stand in Springthorpe Reserve, Neerim Road, Murrumbeena, dated July 1995. Two original black and white photographs, produced by Hermes Studios, and one black and white non-original photograph copy of one of the original black and white photographs, depicting Springthorpe Gardens and Springthorpe gates, date unknown.springthorpe, springthorpe reserve, melbourne hospital, springthorpe j.w. dr., joyous garge, murrumbeena, springthorpe mrs., caulfield city council, caulfield, official buildings, municipal chambers, municipal offices, town halls, local government, arthur street, tuckett street, tyers s.w. cr., old melbourne hospital, gates, architectural features, gothic revival style, springthorpe dr., neerim road, architectural styles, victorian style, gardens, reserves, parks, springthorpe gardens, ward andrew, caulfield conservation study, city of caulfield, hermes studios, carnegie -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album, Caulfield Historical Society Photograph Album 1972, 1972
This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated.Photo album of buildings in Caulfield circa 1972 compiled alongside a project to assist National Trust Australia (Victoria) in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. All photos are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. Label on front is longstanding but not original or confirmed.caulfield, photographs, photo album, trevor hart, jenny o'donnell, jenny odonnell, caulfield historical society, glen eira historical society, carnegie, caulfield east, caulfield north, caulfield south, elsternwick, murrumbeena, st kilda east, houses, mansions, churches, schools, halls, shops, post offices, cinemas, town halls, hotels, banks, vicarages, bridges, gates, convents, bowling clubs, fire stations, roads and streets, caulfield historical album, 1970's, national trust of australia, city of caulfield, glen eira city council, national trust of australia (victoria) -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Caulfield Town Hall cnr Hawthorn & Glen Eira Rds, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. Caulfield Town Hall is now known as Glen Eira Town Hall.From Victorian Heritage Database: Citation for Town Hall, Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads - HO106 https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/43613 as at (19/10/2020) The former City of Caulfield (now City of Glen Eira) Municipal Offices, located at the south-west corner of Hawthorn and Glen Eira Roads, Caulfield South, were commenced for the Borough of Caulfield in 1884 when they also included a Post and Telegraph Office and Court of Petty Sessions. They were designed by the Borough surveyor, Sydney Smith. The hall was completed in 1890 to the design of Alexander Rankin and the present hall, foyer and portico completed to the design of Goldsmith and Jenkin, architects, in 1931. The complex is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. It is historically significant {Criterion A) as the centre of Local Government services in the area since 1885 and as a centre of post and telegraph and legal services for a period. Its association with architect and Borough surveyor, Sydney W. Smith is important in that the east elevation and facade (ground floor level only)as far west as the tower (lower two stages) survive as evidence of his work, the practice which his son continued after his death in 1886, becoming highly successful. The work of Goldsmith and Jenkin is historically important in that it indirectly demonstrates the growth of the City sustained during the Inter-war period, the work proceeding in spite of the Depression. It compares with other similar work of that time including the refurbishment of the Malvern Municipal Offices and Hall in 1927 (Hudson and Wardrop), the Melbourne Corporation Offices and Hall in 1925-28 (Stephenson and Meldrum, A. and K. Henderson) and the Camberwell Offices and Council Chamber in 1924 (Leighton Irwin and Roy Stevenson), other comparable municipal projects being undertaken during the 1930s. Finally, the Goldsmith and Jenkin works are important as a project of the Depression years organised specifically to alleviate unemployment problems in the Municipality. The complex is aesthetically important (Criterion E) as a prominent and imposing Classically derived complex of its type with individually noteworthy interior spaces being the entry hall and staircase, main Hall, Foyer and Council Chamber. The Adamesque plasterwork, timber panelling and furniture, Art Nouveaux enrichment and Classically derived treatment with sparing use of Australian decorative motifs are contributory elements. Exterior .elements of note include the remains of the original design prepared by Sydney Smith and the clock tower and portico which have come to symbolise important Municipal complexes erected prior to the Second World War. The complex is socially important (Criterion G) for the value placed on it by the community which has made use of it for activities including that of Local government for well over a century.Page 74 of Photograph Album with four photographs (three portrait and one landscape) of different views of the Caulfield Town Hall.Hand written: Caulfield Town Hall cnr Hawthorn & Glen Eira Rds [top right] / 74 [bottom right] trevor hart, caulfield, glen eira, caulfield town hall, sydney smith, sydney w smith, municipal, adamesque plasterwork, adamesque, art nouveaux, portico, council chambers, alexander rankin, foyer, local government, timber panelling, tower, unemployment, clock tower, hawthorn road, glen eira road, city of glen eira, municipal offices, post and telegraph office, goldsmith and jenkin, courthouses, surveyors, architects, classical architectural style, streetscapes, gardens, cars, glen eira town hall, depression 1929-1939 -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Album - Album page, Caulfield Town Hall cnr Hawthorn & Glen Eira Rds, Circa 1972
This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972 but is noted as taken in 1922. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. Caulfield Town Hall is now known as Glen Eira Town Hall.From Victorian Heritage Database: Citation for Town Hall, Corner Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads - HO106 https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/43613 as at (19/10/2020) The former City of Caulfield (now City of Glen Eira) Municipal Offices, located at the south-west corner of Hawthorn and Glen Eira Roads, Caulfield South, were commenced for the Borough of Caulfield in 1884 when they also included a Post and Telegraph Office and Court of Petty Sessions. They were designed by the Borough surveyor, Sydney Smith. The hall was completed in 1890 to the design of Alexander Rankin and the present hall, foyer and portico completed to the design of Goldsmith and Jenkin, architects, in 1931. The complex is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. It is historically significant {Criterion A) as the centre of Local Government services in the area since 1885 and as a centre of post and telegraph and legal services for a period. Its association with architect and Borough surveyor, Sydney W. Smith is important in that the east elevation and facade (ground floor level only)as far west as the tower (lower two stages) survive as evidence of his work, the practice which his son continued after his death in 1886, becoming highly successful. The work of Goldsmith and Jenkin is historically important in that it indirectly demonstrates the growth of the City sustained during the Inter-war period, the work proceeding in spite of the Depression. It compares with other similar work of that time including the refurbishment of the Malvern Municipal Offices and Hall in 1927 (Hudson and Wardrop), the Melbourne Corporation Offices and Hall in 1925-28 (Stephenson and Meldrum, A. and K. Henderson) and the Camberwell Offices and Council Chamber in 1924 (Leighton Irwin and Roy Stevenson), other comparable municipal projects being undertaken during the 1930s. Finally, the Goldsmith and Jenkin works are important as a project of the Depression years organised specifically to alleviate unemployment problems in the Municipality. The complex is aesthetically important (Criterion E) as a prominent and imposing Classically derived complex of its type with individually noteworthy interior spaces being the entry hall and staircase, main Hall, Foyer and Council Chamber. The Adamesque plasterwork, timber panelling and furniture, Art Nouveaux enrichment and Classically derived treatment with sparing use of Australian decorative motifs are contributory elements. Exterior .elements of note include the remains of the original design prepared by Sydney Smith and the clock tower and portico which have come to symbolise important Municipal complexes erected prior to the Second World War. The complex is socially important (Criterion G) for the value placed on it by the community which has made use of it for activities including that of Local government for well over a century.Page 75 of Photograph Album with one portrait photograph of the exterior of Caulfield Town Hall taken in 1922.Hand written: FEBRUARY 1922 [under photo] / 75 [bottom left] trevor hart, caulfield, glen eira, caulfield town hall, sydney smith, sydney w smith, adamesque plasterwork, art nouveaux, portico, council chambers, alexander rankin, foyer, local government, timber panelling, tower, unemployment, clock tower, hawthorn road, glen eira road, city of glen eira, municipal offices, palms, gardens, post and telegraph offices, goldsmith and jenkin, architects, city of caulfield, ivy clad walls, surveyors, depression 1929-1939, glen eira town hall