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. New World Heroes Lincoln and Garfield The Life-Story of two self-made men, whom the people made Presidents Author: By the author of "Our Queen", "Grace Darling" Eva Hope Publisher: J G Murdoch & Co Ltd Label on spine cover with typed text R.H. 92 LIN Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institutewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, new world heroes lincoln and garfield, lincoln, garfield, our queen, grace darling, eva hope

Colour post card of Z 53 and W 984 southbound in St Kilda Road, c1995. Z has destination of St Kilda Junction, route 14 and the W Malvern Burke Road, route 15. Has the skyline of Melbourne in the background. Published by Bartel Collectors World Ltd, has title "Melbourne's famous trams" on the back, space of writing, address and stamp. Has a bar code where the stamp would be. Note by W. Doubleday purchased for $1.80 on 22/7/2006 in pencil. 2 copies held.Note by W. Doubleday purchased for $1.80 on 22/7/2006 in pencil.trams, tramways, melbourne, postcards, st kilda rd, tram 53, tram 984

A short article about Hastings Elms Maddison and his service in World War 1. Hastings Maddison married into the Beale family of St HelenaOne page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, hastings elms maddison, beale family

A short article about Robert Lindsay Medley Maddison and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment he was living at GreensboroughOne page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, robert lindsay medley maddison

A short article about James Paterson McKay and his service in World War 1. James and his brother attended Greensborough State School.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, james paterson mckay

A short article about David John (Jack) Medhurst and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment he was living at GreensboroughTwo pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, david john medhurst, jack medhurst

A short article about Ernest Russell Paterson and his service in World War 1. Ernest joined parents in Greensborough in the post-war period.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, ernest russell paterson

A short article about Joshua Henry Robinson and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment he was working at Mont ParkOne page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, joshua henry robinson

A short article about Francis Gordon Scott and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment he was living at Diamond CreekOne page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, francis gordon scott

A short article about Farley Henry Smith and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment he was living in St Helena.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, farley henry smith

A short article about Harry Frederick Miller and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment his wife was living at Greensborough.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, harry frederick miller

A short article about Vivian Thomas and his service in World War 1. Vivian Thomas is remembered on the Greensborough State School Honor Board.1 page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, vivian thomas

A short article about William John Thompson and his service in World War 1. William Thompson lived in Montmorency in the inter-war period.1 page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, william john thompson

A short article about Sister Caroline Elizabeth (Bessie) Gallagher and her service in World War 1. She worked at Mont Park in 1915.5 pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, caroline (bessie) gallagher, bessie gallagher

A short article about Victor Preston Coe and his service in World War 1. Victor Preston Coe was a founding member of the Greensborough RSL.2 Pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, victor preston coe

A short article about Thomas John Finnigan and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment, he was working at Mont Park.1 Page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, thomas john finnigan

A short article about Eric Carl Garlick and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment, he was working as a farmhand in Greensborough2 Pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, eric carl garlick

A short article about James George Gosstray and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment, James was living in Diamond Creek.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, james george gosstray

A short article about Henry Green and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment, Henry was living at Grace Park GreensboroughOne page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, henry green

A short article about Arthur Malcolm Stuart Kennedy and his service in World War 1. Malcolm Kennedy lived at St Clems, GreensboroughTwo pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, malcolm stuart kennedy

A short article about Peter Killen and his service in World War 1. During the war, Peter's wife and two sons lived in Greensborough.One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, peter killen

A short article about James Richard Bell and his service in World War 1. James Richard Bell is buried in St Helena Cemetery.1 Page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, james richard bell

A short article about John Henry James Burrows and his service in World War 1. John Henry James Burrows was born in Greensborough.1 Page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, john henry james burrows

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Historians History of The World Vol 25 Index A comprehensive narrative of the rise and development of Nations as recorded by the great writers of all ages Edited by Henry Smith Williams Publisher: The Times Date: 1912Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the historians history of the world vol 25

Over 30 full-colour maps, over 40 of the world?s major languages, language family trees, over 100 stunning full-colour photographs. A full glossary of linguistic terms.Maps, colour illustrations, colour photographslinguistics, maps, atlases

2 Coloured photos of Front Facade Coles New World Supermarket, Brittania Street, Mitcham. Formerly site of Mitcham State School.Prior to the redevelopment of Britannia Mall and construction of 3 level carpark.mitcham state school, no. 2904

A short article about Donald Duncan McLennan` and his service in World War 1. At the time of his enlistment he was living at Tanck's Corner (Yarrambat).One page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, donald duncan mclennan

A short article about Victor Edwin Splatt and his service in World War 1. Vic Splatt was born in Greensborough. This story was written by Val Wilson.2 pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, victor edwin splatt

A short article about William James Stock and his service in World War 1. William Stock is remembered on the Greensborough State School Honor Board.2 pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, william james stock