NO INFORMATION EXCEPT NAMES.SMALL OVAL PHOTOGRAPH OF MR. BOB YOUNG - STANDING AND THE FORMER MRS ELIZA DAVIES SITTING. MR. YOUNG WEARING HAT, TIE AND FIVE BUTTONED WAISTCOAT - MRS. DAVIES WEARING LARGE DECOATIVE HAT, WHITE JABBO AND DARK DRESS.local history, photography, photographs, early citizens

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Gordon - The Story of A Hero Author: Lawrence and Elisabeth Hanson Publisher: Peter Davies Date: 1953Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 GOR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, gordon - the story of a hero, gordon, peter davies

Black & white photograph, Bert Graham Collection, Ron Davies Commemorative Drinking Fountain 1976bendigo, clubs, bendigo east swimming pool

Black and white image on grey board shows Joseph Davies sitting alongside hospital bed of Jack Allan. Joseph Davies is dressed in a dark suit and white shirt with tie, Jack Allan reclining in bed. On bottom of image written in a scroll ' Jack Allan and Joe Davies, The Goldfields Consolidated Hero and his mate. Taken at the Bendigo Hospital. Copyright. On back stamped ' Jn. Ward Symons, Hopkins St., Footscray'W.H. Robinson Photoperson, mining, joseph davies, jack allan, joseph davies, jack allan, bendigo hospital, royal humane society

Students in Form 4 were encouraged and taught to perform plays during the 1960s.G. Davies grew up in the Kiewa Valley at Tawonga and attended Mt Beauty Secondary College. Red soft covered book with black and white picture of girl (black) taking a bow and black writing on front and on the spine. The title is in red on white background.'G. Davies Form 4' on first page.school, education, drama, g. davies, tawonga, plays

Hardcover w/ Dust JacketSigned by John Davies inside front coverwalsh st library

Hardcover W/ Dust JacketSignature of John Davies inside front coverbiography, walsh st library

In 1915, recruitment committees were formed in nearly every town in Australia to facilitate enlistment in the Australian Imperial Forces. These committees focused on raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and making enlistment processes accessible. The Wodonga Recruiting Committee also worked with volunteers for the Soldiers’ Comfort Fund to raise money and collect items to send to servicemen on the Front to supplement their rations packages. These included articles such as gum, tobacco, soap, towels and cigarettes. This programme documents one of the events organised in Wodonga by the local Recruiting Committee in 1917. It lists the names of 137 soldiers and nurses from Wodonga who had enlisted up until September 1917. This item is significance because it documents the response to World War One by members of the Wodonga community.A small fold out card featuring the flags of the nations who were Allies with Australia at this time. They are Serbia, Italy, Belgium, France, Britain, Russia, Japan and Montenegro. The inside of the card includes a list of names.On back: D. R. Davies Co. Printrecruitment ww1, wodonga recruiting committee, war comforts fund

Letter sent to Joseph Davies from students of Hill End, State School No. 3054 on 26.7.09. Foolscap Letter expressed congratulations of students on the occasion of Joseph Davies' rescue of John Allan. Letter is signed by Dorothy Williames. Names of students are signed on rear sheet.person, mining, joseph davies, joseph davies, john allan, hill end state school no.3054

Postcard. Jack Allan and Joe Davies. Goldfields Consolidated. Hero and his mate. Taken at the Bendigo Hospital.

during Historical Society outing. Colour photograph showing Judy Davies at door of relocated obsolete Johnsonville Post Office Johnsonville Victoriabusinesses, postal services

English Education in the 1950s. Roy Davies who grew up and lived on a dairy farm in the Kiewa Valley.Historical: Comparison of education in Victoria. Provenance: The Davies family and their education living in an isolated valley, attending local country schools.Grey book with 2 lines around the perimeter, the outside one thicker than the inside one. Black writing. Cover is of thin cardboard. In black: English / Assignments / for Senior Classes / By / L. G. Mahony / small coloured in black diamond / Pellegrini & Co. / Pty. Ltd. / 543 George St Sydney / In the Myer Emporium, Melbourne / 370 Queen St., Brisbane / 68 Gawler Place, Adelaide / 820 Hay St., Perth Roy Davies 4 B in smudged blue ink on inside cover page. And stamped below 'The Assembley Book Shop / 44 Margaret Street / Sydneyeducation. english. davies family.

Letter from the Chamber Mines Victoria to Joseph Davies, Diamond Hill. Letter outlines a resolution congratulating Joseph Davies on his act of bravery in rescuing John Allan at the Goldfields Consolidated Mine. Letter typed on buff paper, red seal on bottom LH side.Chamber of Mines, Victoriaperson, mining, joseph davies, joseph davies, mining, chamber of mines, victoria

Blue Doctor's Certificate dated Jany 29th 1877 certifying that Jno Davies of ? Was unable to follow his usual employment and signed by H.L. Atkinson. Signed at the end by J Davies declaring himself of the Sick Funds. Printed by J. Brockley, Printer, Bridge Street, Sandhurst.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - doctor's certificate, court king of the forest, jno davies, h l atkinson, j brockley

Blue paper dated July 25th 1876. I hereby certify that F. E. Davies of Violet St. is unable to follow his usual employment. Signed by H. L. Atkinson. Signed at the end by F. E Davies declaring himself on the Sick Funds of the Court.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - medical certificate, court victoria, f e davies, h l atkinson

Black and white photograph of Caroline Ellen Nell Beveridge and her sister Winifred Mary Molly of Beveridges KiaOra Guesthouse dressed in sleeveless summer frock, Lakes Entrance Victoriagenealogy, guesthouses

Blue paper dated July 31st 1876. I hereby certify that F. E. Davies of Violet St. is able to follow his usual employment. Signed by H. L. Atkinson. Signed at the end by F. E. Davies declaring himsel off the Sick Funds of the Court.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - medical certificate, court victoria, f e davies, h l atkinson, j. brockley

BHS CollectionWinifred Jennings Collection: Bendigo Cricket Team - Club Unknown. Two copies of a coloured photo - 19 men in the team Written on reverse is "1985-86 Premiers. First year in the league".history, bendigo, cricket, winifred jennings collection

These reels where used by a local family in catching Murray Cod and trout in the Kiewa Rivers and Murray River. This old Pilot side cast fishing reel was made in the late 20's & early 30's They were used in the mid 1950s. Although the original inhabitants (Aborigine tribe) would have used spears for fishing the use of reels and rods by non indigenous fisher persons are also very effective especially if raised in the valley.These items are significant because they demonstrate the harvesting of fish from valley rivers and streams is one of continuation from the first human habitation of this region. The ability to harvest the natural food source of the valley's rivers and streams has come from earlier survival requirement to one of recreational pleasure. Brass & Wooden Frame Side Casting Fishing Reel. This reel has 2 winding bakelite handles.Pilot, Tag states W. Davies Please return.recreation, river, kiewa, fishing, industry, reel, side, casting, davies

Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket"J D Davies" written inside front coverwalsh st library

Hardcover, No Dust Jacket"J.D. Davies, May 1968" inside front coverwalsh st library

Hardcover w/ Dust Jacket"Davies, 290 Walsh Street, South Yarra 3141"art museum, walsh st library

A copy of one of the few postcards of Sunbury produced in the 1950s. It may have been produced for the 'Back to Sunbury' celebrations in 1952.A photocopy of a postcard showing the Royal Hotel on the corner of Evans Street and Brook Street looking east towards O'Shanassy Street. Two men are standing on the corner and the roads are not made and there are cars parked along the footpath.S. DAVIES SERIES NO 6 BROOK STREET SUNBURYbrook street, sunbury, hotels, evans street, postcards, festivals and celebrations, men, clothing and dress, transport, royal hotel, 1950s, george evans collection

Black and white photo of eight swimmers at the Mr. amd mrs. A.H. Graham Junior Classic. Back row: Neale Graham (third), Robert Davies (second), Anthony Ryan, Rhonda Forbes. Front row: Cheryl McLelland, Des Malchioni, Dianne Payne (winner), Noelene Davies.bendigo, clubs, bendigo east swimming club

Deed of Covenant between Mr. J.B. Davies to T. Luxton Esq., dated 5 August 1892. Pale blue two page document between John Bartlett Davies of Happy Valley Bendigo formerly called Sandhurst, gentleman, land registered in Office of Titles number 101598.cottage, miners, j.b. davies, happy valley road, thomas luxton, bendigo, sandhurst, deed of covenant

Joseph Davies collection, bravery award medal awarded to Joseph Davies for an act of bravery in rescuing a fellow miner from a shaft of the Goldfields Consolidated mine Bendigo after an explosion on July 16th 1909. Circular medal with a blue and gold ribbon & pin clasp, showing 2 miners on one side and the word Courage, bust of Edward VII on other side, name Joseph Davies etched on rim. Encased in a red leather box with satin & velvet lining.trophies & awards, public events, bravery

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. 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. The Republic of Plato Translated into English, with an analysis and notes by John Llewlyn Davies and David James Vaughan Publisher: Macmillan And Co Date: 1872 The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 888 PLA Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service 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, john llewlyn davies, david james vaughan, the republic of plato

Samuel Davies No 64187. Sam signed Attestation papers on 27.4.1918 age 19 years. The page is stamped at the top “passed Light Horse riding test, volunteered to serve in Eygpt”. Listed as joined on 10.6.1918 in 5th General Service Reinforcements, embarked for Eygpt 14.9.1918, disembarked 14.10.1918, allotted to A.A.S.C 30.10.1918, appointed Driver 1.12.1918, embark for Aust 29.8.1919, discharged from the AIF. A.A.S.C. “Australian Army Service Corp” Sam had 3 older brothers already serving overseas, all came home. On 15.10.1940 Sam signed Mobilization Attestation papers in the CMF No V6868 in 6th Auxillary Horse Transport Coy AASC. His service in the CMF finished on 19.8.1942 then transferred to the 2nd AIF 20.8.1942 No VX101248 until discharge on 12.11.1945Coloured certificate with Australian & Union Jack flags at the top with 2 servicemen in front. Golden wattle around border & a docked ship at the bottom. Tan wooden frame with glass front & white cardboard backing with wire hanging strap. Certificate mounted with a green border.Printed on certificate: BOROUGH OF CLUNES FOR LIBERTY ANZACS FOR JUSTICE Presented to Pte S Davies Dated 25.3.19 Signed by Mayor & Town Clerk Bottom R: Red seal aasc, aif, 2nd aif

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Antony (Viscount Knebworth) A Record of Youth by his Father Author: The Earl of Lytton Publisher: Peter Davies Date: 1936Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 ANT Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, antony, viscount knebworth, the earl of lytton

Black lettering on a white background. Insignia of the AATTV. Forward to the book "The Man Who Perservered" by Bruce Davies and Gary McKaystoryboard, aattv