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Federation University Historical Collection
Certificate, Australian Military Forces: Junior Cadet Training, Third Military District, 31/05/1916
Off white printed form. Sections filled in with purple typing.'A.M.Form N. 6a' and 'SCHOOL "B" (Men Teachers) printed at top of page No. written in red pen; 2529 Official seal of Australian Military Forces Signed: W Buttner Captain, 13th Brigade T H H Capt. Chief Instructora w steane, junior cadet training, australian military forces, drill hall, st kilda, refresher course, w buttner, melbourne, physical training, marching drill, rifle shooting, swimming, running, first aid -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book, T Nelson & Sons London, Story of Palissy the Potter, 1881
Hard Green cover With Black design and colored picture in the center.On Cover: "Lives of Great Men All Remind Us we Can Make Our Lives Sublime" "And Departing, Leave Behind Us. Footprints on the Sands of Time." Longfellow Several Inscriptions including Deep Lead Sunday School Prize Miss A Beaupeurt stawell education, religion -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Maroondah Highway Central, Ringwood. Bamford's Timber Yard, c.1915
Black and white photograph (3 copies- 1 large, 2 smaller) Typed below large photograph: "Bamford's Timber Yard. Cnr. Warrandyte and Main Rds. (Later to become Safeway Site). c1915". Image shows men standing outside building. Timber stacked to left and utility vehicle with P. Bamford written on cabin. -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Playing Fireman, c1900
This photograph was taken about 1900. Herbert Schlink, on the right of the image was born on 28 March 1883 in Wodonga, Victoria to German migrants Albert Joseph Schlink and Franziska Trudewind. He initially enrolled in Faculty of Arts at the University of Sydney, but after one year he transferred to medicine and graduated in 1907. This marked the beginning of a brilliant career. He was appointed as honorary gynaecological surgeon at Royal Prince Alfred, Sydney NSW from 1922. As a director of the hospital board from 1926, Schlink as chairman (1934-62) supervised the opening of Gloucester House, King George V Memorial Hospital for Mothers and Babies, Queen Mary Nurses' Home, the neurosurgical and psychiatric blocks, the (Sir Earle) Page Chest Pavilion and the hospital chapel. As a gynaecologist, Herbert pioneered the use of cobalt ray therapy in treating pelvic cancer and instigated the systematic follow-up of cancer patients. In 1954, Herbert was created Knight Bachelor for his public services and his service to medicine. He had previously received the Silver Jubilee Medal from his Majesty King George V, and the Coronation Medals of 1937 and 1953. Outside of his medical career, Dr Schlink was an enthusiastic skier. In 1926 he made the first winter crossing from Kiandra to Kosciusko. He was a foundation member of the Kosciusko Alpine Club and was directly responsible for the building of the first chalet at Charlotte Pass. Schlink Pass near Guthega in the Snowy Mountains is also named in his honour. Charlie Ryan is the boy on the left. He was to later become the editor of the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel after the death of his father in 1912.This image is of significant as it depicts a group of local boys including a preeminent medical professional who was born in Wodonga and a newspaper editor.A framed photo of a group of boys playing with a fire cart in Wodonga.Below photograph: "PLAYING FIREMEN / Young Charlie Ryan, left, with the boys of the village./ Herbert Schlink, probably the boy on the right, was to/ become Sir Herbert Schlink, on of the nations most/ distinguished men of medicine. Circa 1900. Photograph courtesy: Wodonga Historical Society"wodonga fire fighters, sir herbert schlink, charles henry ryan -
Orbost & District Historical Society
spectacles and cases, first half 20th century
Women wore frames characterized by an upsweep on the top rim, a style that was very popular until the end of the 1950s, while men tended to sport gold wire frames. These glasses are probably men's glasses. By the latter half of the 20th century, spectacles were considered part of a person's wardrobe. Similar to clothes, eyeglasses needed to be continually updated or a person could be perceived as old-fashioned. More and more celebrities were influencing spectacle fashion.These items reflect how glasses styles have changed over time and are becoming a fashion accessory as well as a prosthesis and support for lenses, Six pairs of assorted glasses and 4 cases. spectacles -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Painting - CAROL HOLSWORTH COLLECTION: 1970 NATIONAL BANK PAINTING 'THE NEW CHUMS ARRIVAL ON A GOLD DIGGING'
1970 NATIONAL BANK PAINTING REPRODUCTION The New Chums Arrival on a Gold Digging .Artist unknown c. 1855 Below the picture title the words - Reproduced by the National Bank in 1970 from the lithograph in the La Trobe Collection , State Library of Victoria , by permission of the Library Council of Victoria .Bottom left corner shows a rough sign nailed to an upright post saying The Star Concert Hall Gus Hatton To night.The painting is divided lengthways by a stream with a two plank crossing apparently to show the differences between the seasoned miners above the stream and the new chums below the stream .The above centre of the picture is a windlass surrounded by men - an Aboriginal sitting by a fire , two men with bottles in hand depicting the proliferation of drink .The New Chums below the stream show men and a woman all wearing smart hats and clothes , some carrying unneeded items such as Umbrellaspainting, watercolour, gold diggers -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Kew Flyer Team, c.1912
In 1903, an article in the Box Hill 'Reporter' noted that the Kew Flyer Cycle business had been started in 1893 by Harry F. Cooper, who was "the oldest cycle maker in the district". By 1903, the Kew Flyer business was located at 8 (later 14) Cotham Road where it was to remain an institution until its closure. Seven years later, W.D. Vaughan, in his 'Jubilee History of Kew, Victoria' (1910) wrote that: "Several cycling clubs have been born and died, suffering chiefly from the migration of the leading spirits in the organisations, but since 1900 the ‘Kew Flyer’ road race, instituted by Mr. H. F. Cooper, has been the cycling event of the year among local riders. It is run on the White Horse Road at Blackburn." Early newspaper reports record that distance of the Race was initially 10 miles but by 1906, the event was 15 miles, starting from the Travellers' Rest Hotel in Blackburn. Cooper's Kew Flyer business in Cotham Road introduced new technologies and models throughout its 56-years of operation. By 1908, it was claimed that the shop had been enlarged with new "workshops and [the] latest lathes and cycle building tools. [It] Is now one of the most up-to-date Cycle Works in Victoria". By the First World War, Cooper had expanded his business to include motorbikes with "Precision Engines". The Kew Flyer business and the annual road races continued through the War, even though a number of its staff left for the front. One of these was [Pte] Robert Charles Field Richardson, who joined the 6th Battalion, fought and was wounded at Gallipoli, and died of his wounds in a hospital in Alexandria, Egypt in 1915. In 1917, the death of Private H.S. Herbert was announced. He had been the winner of the Kew Flyer Cycle Road Race in 1913. He died in action in France, having fought at Gallipoli and in France at the Battle of Pozieres. The majority of bicycles advertised by Cooper were designed for men, although bikes for women and 'juveniles' were advertised as early as 1918, so they were probably manufactured throughout the period. Harry Cooper was to sell his Kew Flyer business in 1936, after 39 years of trading. The business he began continued until 1949.This is a very rare image [the location of the original is now unknown] of a Kew Flyer team. The photo was sourced and remained in the possession of the historian Dorothy Rogers, whose brother was an early member of staff in the firm. The photo is historically significant as it is the only known photograph of a Kew Flyer Team, and possibly the only known photo of Harry F. Cooper, the founder of the firm and a key figure in Victorian cycling history. Photograph, the first of two, of an earlier album photograph of the Kew Flyer Team in uniform with trainers and workers of the company. One of the men in the photograph is probably Harry Cooper, the proprietor of the Kew Flyer business in Cotham Road, Kew. Harry Cooper was the sponsor of one of the best known trader cycle races in Melbourne. The photograph remained in the possession of the Rogers family until its donation to the Society by John Rogers in 2015.Handwritten annotation by the historian Dorothy Rogers on reverse: "Kew Flyer Team about 1912-13. Coopers Cycle Shop Cotham Rd opp. Kew Post Office".kew flyer, harry f cooper, trader bike races - victoria - kew, kew flyer team -
Melbourne Legacy
Magazine, The Bankers' Draft June 1916, 1916
A magazine published for British servicemen during World War One. It contains articles for the soldiers, poems and short stories. It is published by the 26th Royal Fusiliers, who were a group of men that came from the Banking industry. There were only two editions published, this one from June 1916 and another from July 1916. The phenomenon of Pals' Battalions began as early as August 1914, when 1,600 men volunteered in a single week for a 'Stockbrokers' Battalion' of the Royal Fusiliers. In the next two years, over 600 Pals' Battalions were formed, many from the men of individual towns, but others from specific trades or professions. The 26th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers – the Bankers' Battalion – was announced in July 1915. It was launched on the initiative of the Lord Mayor of London, to be raised from men working in the City's banks and insurance offices. The connection with Legacy is not known, though the founding Legatees, and all those up to the 1940s, were all returned servicemen from the first World War. It was discovered with information from Legatee Syd Wilson about Tobruk.A magazine from World War One that would have been significant to the founding legatees.A magazine containing black and white line drawings and text from World War One. Full title is The Bankers' Draft. The Magazine of the 26th Royal Fusiliers 'Banker' Battalion. Edited by Lance-Corporal Tom Webster. Vol. 1 No. 1.world war one, soldiers -
Federation University Historical Collection
Article - Cycling Jersey, FedUni AusCycling National Championships Jersey, 2022
National road cycling championships are held annually by host nations in each cycle racing discipline. The annual events can take place at any time of the year. Australia usually holds their annual event during summer. In road racing, winning riders of national championships are crowned as: * Men's Elite Road Race Champion * Men's Elite Time Trial Champion * Women's Road Race Champion * Women's Time Trial Champion * Men's Under-23 Road Race Champion * Men's Under-23 Time Trial Champion The Australian Champion Jersey is awarded to the winner, or the highest placed Australian in all events at the Federation University AusCycling National Championships. Winners may wear their Australian Champion Jersey in all events in the discipline speciality and category in which they won their title and no other event up until the day before the championship event of the following year. Category Winners in 2022 were Lucas Plapp, Rohan Dennis, Cameron Ivory, Ruby Roseman-Gannon, Nicole Frain, Grace BrownFramed Federation University AusCycling National Champianships Winners Jersey, signed by the winner of each catergory.federation university auscyling national championships, jersey, costume, lucas plapp, nicole frain, grace brown, herbert werner frederick de nully, ruby roseman-gannon, rohan dennis, cameron ivory -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, 1920
Taken in 1920, the photograph depicts a very large group of men, women and children dressed in fancy costumes. They are congregated inside the R & B Hall in Beechworth.The photograph is historically significant due to its production in the early twentieth century. Additionally, it also provides insight into the types of arts, recreation and leisure activities enjoyed by local residents during this time.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board.Obverse: R & B. Hall. / Beechworth. / Reverse: Fancy Dress / Ball / Federal Hall / Beechworth / 1920 / 30 + 12 / 1997.2554 /entertainment album, costume, fancy dress, beechworth, r&b hall, arts, recreation, leisure, entertainment, ball -
The Beechworth Burke Museum
Photograph, c1916
Taken during World War 1, this photo is taken of three soldiers and their horses, featuring families in the background. One of the men featured is H. J. Ronald.This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the uniforms and clothing worn during the early 20th century and World War 1 period. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on photograph paper and mounted on a beige card.Observe: H. J. RONALD Reverse: H. J. Ronald / Donated by George Ronald / 49 Jellico Avenue / 5898 (crossed out) / Tallangattamilitary album, burke museum, beechworth, beechworth museum, world war one, wwi, horses, h.j.ronald, soldiers, soldiers and horses -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Razor Stropper and Box
This machine was used to sharpen men’s razors several decades ago and is thus a vintage item of historical interest. It belonged to a local Warrnambool man, Henry Cain. This item has local provenance and it is retained for this reason. Also it is an interesting memento of times past when men used razors and razor blades and needed some sort of sharpening or stropping device to keep the razors sharp. Today men mostly use disposable razors or electric razors. This is a silver-coloured oval-shaped metal object with a hinged lid and a catch.Inside the machine are two rotating brown leather pieces which form the sharpening aspect of the machine. A razor blade is inserted between the two rotating pieces.There is a turning handle on the outside of the machine and part of this folds back into the inside of the machine when the lid is closed. The handle has a wooden end. The machine is in a rectangular-shaped cardboard box. The base is white and the top is dark blue with an image of the machine on the top and the side and gold and white printing. One section of the top of the box is missing. The name of the owner is printed in black ink on the inside of the machine. ‘Abziehappart fur Rasierklingen, Barba No. 740’ ‘Stropping Machine, Barba No. 740, Made in Germany’ ‘Afilador Barba No. 440’ ‘H. Cain’ henry cain -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
Badge RAS
Issued to all service men who saw active service WWI issued to o Henry Claude Roussac 1737 a Gallipoli Veteran 25 BnBronze circular badge with crown on apex and Rising Sun emblem in centre(Top) Crown (Outer ring) Issued by Department of Defence Returned From Active Service (centre) Rising Sun emblem and A.I.F. Reverse 60161 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet - BOOKLET VICTORIA WW1, For Empire, Possibly post WW1
From the Introduction: Our Victorian First Contingent comprises some 6700 officers and men, and this booklet is issued as a souvenir of Victoria's complement and to serve as a record and momento ......Soft cardboard cover, glossy finish. White background with red / blue / white print over a red / white / blue flag. Cover & pages stapled centre fold. Pages unnumbered, cut, plain, white, illustrated black / white photos. Booklet appears to be a facsimile of a souvenir booklet with the introduction dated 1914. Printed on cover: “For Empire, Australia's Rally to the Dear Old Flag. Victoria's First Expeditionary Force to the Motherland. Roll of Honour” Price: “One Shilling” Handwritten inscription 1st page top L in blue ink. “Peter Ball”booklet, contingent, victoria -
Greensborough Historical Society
Advertisement - Digital Image, Frank Clark Men's and Boys' Wear 1969, 12/07/1969
Advertisement for Frank Clark Mens and Boys Wear of Watsonia Road Watsonia. Copied from a Diamond Valley Football League football record from 1968.Digital copy of advertisement from booklet.diamond valley football league, frank clark mens and boys wear, watsonia road watsonia -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital Image, Diamond Creek boys, 1910c
A group of young men from Diamond Creek, including Hugh Norman Coventry, John Thomas Coventry and W.S. Laurie. Names supplied by Bruce McDowell.Digital copy of black and white photographSome names have been added to photo.hugh norman coventry, john thomas coventry -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Cupboard, Dolls, 1940's
Made in Camp 3. The door knobs and 'legs' are part of the little figures (men) used as counters in board games like "Mensch argere dich night"Handmade wooden doll's cupboard with shelves creating 4 sections, small brass hinges on double doors, knob on each door. The cupboard stands on 4 small knobs, one in each corner, outside is varnished.cupboard - dolls, koenig a, uhlherr h, camp 3, tatura, ww 2 camp 3, toys, dolls, furniture -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Accounts, 1924, 1928
A book of receipts dated 1925-1928 for payment of subscriptions to Presbyterian Tennis Club. Men 7/6 . Ladies 5/-shillings, Children 2/- shillingsbooks, accounts, presbyterian tennis club, receipt book, tennis club subscriptions -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mr John Scaletti & Mr Mick Walsh with Unknown Others possibly duck shooting, Mr Mick Walsh tuning the wireless -- 4 Photos
Various photographs. John Scaletti & Mick Walsh & Unknown Others possibly duck shooting. Mick Walsh tuning the wireless. Two men with wine press. stawell -
National Wool Museum
Book, Knitting, Patons Knitting Book no. 245
This knitting pattern leaflet was published by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for mens garments. All the garments have been named after Australian explorers.Patons / KNITTING BOOK / NO. 245 / "DAMPIER" / See page 10 / 7d.knitting handicrafts - history, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history -
City of Ballarat Libraries
Photograph - Card Box Photographs, Jermyn's Cheap Stores, Ballarat circa 1920
The store was located on Mair Street. Some of the men pictured are Frank Scully?, Albert Glover, Stan Rowsel, David Pratt, Mick Duggan and Bill Hawker.jermyn's cheap store, frank scully, albert glover, stan rowsel, david pratt, mick duggan, bill hawker, commerical, work, vehicle, building -
National Wool Museum
Book - Woman's Day design '69 Knitting and Crochet Pattern Book, Women's Day, 1969
Knitting and crochet pattern book produced by the publishers of the women's magazine "Woman's Day" in 1969. Contains patterns for mens and womens garments, and some craft items.Knitting and crochet book, 84pp. Cover is light blue and is printed with a black and white photo of a family (father, mother, son, daughter) wearing knitted jumpers with patterned lower bands. Contains knitting and crochet patterns.Front: Woman's / Day / design / '69 / Knitting and Crochet / Pattern Bookhandicrafts history, knitting crochet, woman's day, handicrafts - history, knitting, crochet -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Stawell Methodist Church Choir
Studio portrait of large group of men in suites plus lady seated in centre. Stawell Methodist Male Choir. Les Langsford directly behind lady.Studio photograph of group of people on cardboard backing.Drurys Elite Studio Stawell -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Cushion Cover, Cushion Cover from WW1, (estimated); 1914-1919
John Hughes was Awarded the Military Medal: "for conspicuous good work during operations at/ GIRD TRENCH, near LE SARS, on 14.11.1916./ This N.C.O. was in charge of a party of men engaged in digging a communication trench from/ our jumping off trench to the newly captured GIRD TRENCH. He displayed great courage and coolness under very heavy fire, and his personal efforts were mainly responsible for the completion of the task allotted to his party."// Service number: 3044 Rank: Lance Sergeant Unit: 2nd Pnr Bn Service: Army Conflict: First World War, 1914-1918 Award: Military Medal Date of London Gazette: 22 January 1917 Location in London Gazette: Page 836, position 34 Date of Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 29 June 1917 Location in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: Page 1395, position 37A framed embroidered cushion cover from WW1. Sent or brought home by Lt. Jack Hughes. Contained within the same frame is a paper clipping and a photo.1.Cushion cover: from the top down- Egypt.... 1914/ Rising Sun/ scrolls with Australian Commonwealth/ Military Forces/ Aust Div Train/ Palestine Sinai Syria/1919. 2.Newpaper clipping with photo: John Hughes (left) 81, and Hugh Mont/gomery, 87, are the two oldest veterans who/ will be taking part in the Frankston ANZAC/ Day March on Tuesday. Mr Hughes served/ in France and Belgium in WW1 and/ in Darwin in the Second World War. He is a/ holder of the Military Medal./ Mr. Montgomery served with the 29th Bat/talion AIF in France during WW1/ Both men have been residents of the RSL park War Veterans Home for the past eight years.// 3. Photo: Mr. John Hughes.belgium, france, ww1, lt, mm, jack, hughes -
Orbost & District Historical Society
shirt fronts / dickeys, first half 20th century
These were worn by Mr Whiteman, Marjorie Burton's father, when he sang in the church choir. Marjorie Burton ( nee Whiteman), born 12 June, in Birmingham, England came to Orbost in 1995. She came from a middle-class, working, church-going family. The invention of the dickey was to make the front of a full dress shirt a separate entity in itself, like the detachable collar, so it could be laundered and starched more easily than a traditional shirt with the front attached.Cloth dickeys simulated many different styles and were often often used in marching band or choir uniforms. However they are rarely worn now. These items are examples of a menswear accessory commonly used in the first half of the 20th century. Two silk white dickeys, men' shirt fronts. 2483.29 has tapes with press studs ant the top and bottom and 2 button holes. 2483.30 has 3 button holes and is a double thickness. Both have pleats.men's-clothing accessories shirt-fronts-dickeys burton-marjorie -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black / white photograph, first half 20th century
This is a photograph of some of the Orbost Shire councillors standing outside their council chambers. This photograph was taken before 1969 outside the previous council offices in Orbost. The current building was opened on Friday 28th February 1969 by the Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Sir Henry E. Bolte, K.C.M.G., M.P. The Shire of Orbost was a local government area about 380 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, Australia. The shire covered an area of 9,347 square kilometres and existed from 1892 until 1994. Originally, Orbost was part of the Bairnsdale Road District which was created on 30 April 1867. Splitting away as part of the Shire of Tambo in 1882, Orbost was first incorporated as a shire in its own right as the Shire of Croajingolong on 30 May 1892. It received its present name on 17 February 1893. On 3 January 1913 part of its western riding was annexed to Tambo as its Cunninghame Riding. Local governments play an important role in the lives of citizens in Australia. Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district. This item is representative of a time when Orbost had its own Shire Council. A black / white photograph of a group of men standing in front of an open door of a brick building. On the left of the building is a Shire of Orbost notice board and on the right wall is a notice of the office opening hours - 10AM - 12 NOON 2PM - 4PMorbost-shire-council local government -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - BENDIGO RSL DEBUTANTE BALL, Reg Brock, C. August 1947
The date on the photograph states "approx 1946", actually 1947. The Bendigo RSL conducted Annual and Debutante Balls for many years as a fund raiser. The following article appeared in the Argus; “Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Thursday 14 August 1947, page 8 ________________________________________ 12 debutantes presented at Bendigo Ball Early Victorian posies which matched the pastel flowers in their hair were carried by the 12 debutantes who came out at the Annual RSL Ball at Bendigo Town Hall last night. The debutantes, who were presented to Lieut-General and Mrs V. A. H. Sturdee, were Eileen Clarke, Daphne Green, Norma Knopp, Doris Purtell, Inez Somerville, Eileen Simpson, Joy Taylor, Olive Tope, Judith Waters, Elvie Walker, Patricia Young, and Dorothy Herbert. The official party included Cr and Mrs D. W. Streader, Mayor and Mayoress of Bendigo; Cr and Mrs. McEwen, Mayor and Mayoress of Castlemaine; Major-General Rankin, MP, and Mrs Rankin; Mr Galvin, Minister for Lands, and Mrs Galvin; and Colonel Lansell MLC, President of Bendigo RSL.” Photograph B & W on light cream backing board. There are 12 young men, 12 Debutante girls, 2 Flower girls and 1 female Chaperone. Text has been written on the front in blue pen and black pencil.In blue pen and black pencil, "RSL Deb Ball approx 1946", In black pencil, "Bruce back row 7th from left, Olive 2nd back row from left", in black pen, "Reg Brock Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, debutante -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARDS, (.1) 24.10.1917
(.1) The letter to Lena is unsigned but is obviously from Britain. The only names mentioned are Cliff, Fred Mann. (.2) The postcard on the rear has the details of “LEGGO’s” High and Short streets Bendigo. These are part of a collection of postcards and photos relating to “Lena”. Refer Cat No 3996P for “Lena” details and other cards. (.1) Postcard, colour with scene along a small canal with people walking along side. On the rear is a letter in pencil addressed to “Dear Lena”. (.2) Post card, colour showing two men in a factory setting preserving fruit. (.1) On the front “Children’s ......... Bournemouth” (.2) On the front “LEGGO’s preserving raspberries right in the orchard at Mountain Glen King Lake”postcards, lena, scenes -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED, C. 2010
B&W photo showing two ex soldiers on Anzac Day 1990. Underneath is "Anzac Day 1990" followed by the names and service numbers of the men. Photo is set on an A4 sheet with black edge, frame is black wood."Edward (Teddy) Pearson NX7784-2400019" "Stanley Ronald Johns V518343-3400189-36639"photography-photographs, frame accessories, military history-army, anzac day 1990, pearson, johns -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Ward. Lock & Co., Limited, England's Pioneers and Great National Movements, ca 1885
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. The title on the fly page is the title used for this record. However, the title on the front cover differs, being "England's Pioneers and Great Historical Movements". 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 a 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 a 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. 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. England's Pioneers and Great National Movements (on Fly Page, but on cover "England's Pioneers and Great Historical Movements) Publisher: Ward Lock & Co Further Information: Being a record of The Achievements and Labours of some Prominent Men of Modern TimesThe label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 920 ENG Pastedown frontend paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Serviceflagstaff 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, england's pioneers and great national movements