This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was published by English Vogue and contains knitting patterns for men, women and childrens garments.Vogue / knitting / BOOK No. 61 / For you .. / For men .. / For children .. / All you need / to knit now / Instructions inside / 2'6knitting fashion, vogue - english, knitting, fashion

Photos of what appears to be a picnic in the bush with Holmbush children and legatees, possibly in the 1940s. The matron is the lady in the hat and is believed to be Dorothy Farmer, names of the children and legatees are not known. One photo shows a tripod of branches that had been erected to hold a pot over the campfire. Also some of the cars that took them on the outing. From a photo album which contains photos of Holmbush and some of the excursions and events that happened there, appears to have been put together in the 1940s. Including trips to the zoo and picnics. Holmbush at 1267 Burke road, was one of the properties that Legacy used for Junior Legatees. It was purchased 1942. In 1957 Holmbush was renamed Blamey House until it was sold in 1977.A compilation of photos of the matron and junior legatees from the Legacy residences on an outing with legatees.Black and white photo x 2 of Matron, children and Legatees on a bush picnic pasted to the page of an album.residences, holmbush, matron, picnic, junior legatee outing

The children were encouraged to join in singing Australian ballads as part of their Colonial Day celebrations. The day was also included in their history studies.A coloured photograph of a man seated in the school courtyard playing a guitar while children dressed in colonial dress gather around to listen to him.bulla primary school, colonial days, history studies

Children named as Jessica Rogers, Elise, Brody Dawe, Zoe. (Names don't match picture, two boys and two girls)Black and white photograph new Director Yvonne Unthank with four named children on outside playground equipment at kindergarten at Swan Reach Victoriachildrens services, schools

The photograph was taken in 1989 when the children in grades 4 an 5 attended a school camp at Gundiwindi, which is in the Yarra Valley on the border of Wandin and Nth. Silvan. At the camp the children were acquainted with the skills used by the local indigenous people. The children the photograph attempted to construct a bark shelter along the lines of those build by the local indigenous people. While the children from Bulla Primary School attended the camp at Gundiwindi they were introduced to skills used by local indigenous people.A coloured non- digital photograph of three children sitting at the entrance of a primitive bark shelter. The immediate surrounding area has been cleared but native woodland is growing beyond the fence line. school camps, gundiwindi, bulla primary school, indigenous culture

The LHLG newsletter of 1918 features this image and notes that they accompanied their shipmaster father Captain Aviss, of the Barque Inverneill who with his wife Catherine Florence Aviss, travelling through dangerous European waters, brought the family of three children to visit Melbourne. The two children featured are Margaret and Ronald, born at sea in 1915. Their young sister, Ruth Neil, was also born at sea on the 27 August 1918. The family re-united with a first meeting for the children and grandparents, Captain and Mrs Frampton, who "had lost two ships to enemy submarines and were now on their third". The family participated in "a happy Communion service in our chapel , in which the parents and grandparents joined this formed the keystone of their visit to Melbourne". Unfortunately the young Mrs Aviss contracted the Spanish influenza on their arrival in St John, New Brunswick, Canada, she succumbed in November 1918 after spending a week in the Parks Hospital. Herbert Aviss was left with 2 toddlers and a 3 month old baby. He went back to England with his children in March 1919 on passenger ship, accompanied by a nurse. Martin Frampton and his wife were in New York at the time, but they probably learnt about Catherine's death in the local newspaper. A memorial plaque in her name unveiled in the chapel at the Mission in April 1919. The parents and grandparents left their names and signatures in the visitor book (0149) on the 28 April 1918.One of the rare stories of seafarer visits illustrated with a photograph of the children of a family accustomed to life aboard ship. The impact of influenza also affected this family and others are recorded amongst the supporters of the Mission and reflects the widespread impact that the epidemic of the post WW1 period had on people, Mission activities and restrictions affecting public events. Both Framptons and Aviss are noted in the annals of the Cape Horne society.Small monochrome photograph of two small children, a girl and a boy posed in front of the ship's wheel of a sailing vesselshipboard life, seafarer families, martin frampton, elizabeth frampton, herbert aviss, children, catherine florence aviss nee frampton, wwi, world war one, great war, first world war, german, submarine, u boat, torpedo, spanish influenza, flu, pandemic, st john, new brunswick, sea mites, wheel, boy, girl, margaret aviss, ronald aviss, ruth aviss, ruth neill aviss, ruth neill paterson nee aviss (1918-2017), ronald aviss (1915-1996)

The children are from Bulla Primary School. The local Bulla CFA fire truck is from Region 14 and they were invited to attend the school to talk to the students and to show them some of the workings of the trucks and the role of the CFA in their region.This is yet another extra-curricular activity that the children who attended the Bulla Primary School enjoyed before it was closed down in 1995.A coloured photograph of a CFA firetruck parked in the school ground with firemen preparing to demonstrate its features to some children. bulla cfa, fire trucks, bulla primary school

Author was a Surrey Hills resident. 288p; illus. This is a story of the War Widows' Guild and the story telling of energy released through grief, of women fighting for their children and their spouses.288p; illus. This is a story of the War Widows' Guild and the story telling of energy released through grief, of women fighting for their children and their spouses.war widows' guild of australia, societies and clubs, women, widows, (ms) mavis thorpe clark

This is one of several copies of the photograph of Miss Barry's cantata group in the LDHS collection. This copy of the photograph was in Mag Gorman's collection. None of the children are identified on this copy of the photograph.Black and white photograph of large group of children in costume outside Linton State School. Photo is mounted on dark grey card.linton state school, school concert, miss barry's cantata group

The children were trying out a variety of outdoor activities on their dress-up day. These group were practising a variety of ball-handling skills.A coloured photograph of a teacher showing a boy how to dribble a ball around a witch's hat with two other adults and four children watching.ball handling skills, bulla primary school dress-up day

Ian and Jean McDonald were the children of Mr and Mrs Norman McDonald of 42 Gladstone Street, Orbost. This photograph was taken in late January, 1919 on Jean's first day at school.. It was taken at the home of John Rowe, the former headmaster of Orbost Primary School. He was then living opposite the school. Norman Alexander McDonald was a book-keeper at Macarthur‟s and was very musical. He was proprietor of the Capitol Cafe, Nicholson Street, Orbost, selling the business to Mr Coad on 4th December 1947. This photograph record an important event in the life of an Orbost family in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of two young children, a boy and a girl, sitting on the verandah of a house.mcdonald-ian mcdonald-jean education-orbost

Murray Comrie Collection.Monochrome photograph of a group of children assembled in rows for a school photograph. Accompanied by two sets of handwritten notes (catalogued separately as a Research Notes) with children's names. Names of children combined from both set of notes are believed to be: Left to Right Back/4th row: Mary Allen, Sadie Taylor, Betty Radnell (Clara), Annie Atkin, Nell Alexander, Mavis Comrie, Annie Grey, Dulcie Goltz, Kath Duggan, Hazel Davis, Alice Duggan. 3rd row: Ethel Ramm, Olive Jenkins, Mary Bool, Nell Reilly (or Rielly), Edna Jenkins, Lil Andrews, Betty Radnell, Winnie Duggan, Len Ramm, Bert Stevens, Keith Castleman. 2nd row: Ken McKenzie, Maurice Chambers, Andy Graham (Cec Williams), Fred Bool, Len Chambers, Les Caldwell, Wally Harwood, Joe Falder, Bert Caldwell, Geo Banks. Front/1st row: Phil Andrews, J. Jones, B. Stevens, Gilbert Ramm, Jim Duggan, Maurice Power, N.Carroll, Keith Chambers.tarnagulla, school, education, children, andrews, alexander, allen, atkin, banks, bool, caldwell, carroll, castleman, chambers, comrie, davis, duggan, falder, golz, goltz, graham, grey, harwood, jenkins, jones, mckenzie, power, rielly, reilly, radnell, stevens, ramm, taylor

Internee women and children from Camp 3. Mrs Marsella and Ricardo, in pram; Gisela Koch and nephews Beinssen boys.Sepia photograph of two ladies standing in front of a hut with 4 children in front of them, one in a pram and one in a toy car. On foam backing.camp 3 internees

Diana NIKKELSON (c1943-30 December 2022) Diana Nikkelson is a Ballarat-based Gunditjmara elder. Her grandfather was Watchobaluk. A part of the stolen generation, Diana Nikkelson was one of 10 children, and she had nine children of her own. A founding member of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative in the late-70s, Diana Nikkelson was a board director for 16 years and chair for six years. She worked on the Bunjil the Eagle installation at the Koorie Playground at Lake Wendouree, and designed the goanna which was etched into the paving along Police Lane in 2006, and has painted murals across Ballarat. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.AboriginalThis work by Ballarat-based Gunditjmara elder Diana Nikkelson was commissioned by the University of Ballarat (later Federation University) for use on the Aboriginal Employment Strategy brochure. The central figures in this painting represent the artist and the fathers of her children. The outer groups are Diana Nikkelson’s children and their families. art, artwork, diana nikkelson, aboriginal, dreaming, nikkelson, gunditjmara, aboriginal employment strategy

A vintage 1918 hardcover children's book with the title Chatterbox printed in white lettering at the top of the front cover which has a green coloured background with an illustration in a large circle showing a boy and girl playing in hay. The publisher details are printed at the bottom. It is bound on the left side with red tape. The cream and red coloured back cover has an advertisement for "Pears" soap 'This only is the witchcraft I have used' showing a smiling woman talking to a man. Both are dressed in Victorian Era style clothes. The frontispiece coloured illustration inside depicts four Egyptian black men on a Dhow boat chasing another boat next to it. 'Chasing Gun-Running Dhows' is the name of the illustration. The title page has the title plus Founded by J. Erskine Clarke, M.A and publisher details with a black lined illustration of children, a woman with children at her knee reading and flowers. There are further coloured plates in the collection. There are many puzzles, poetry, and stories for children. Pp. 316. The end papers have several advertisements related to children, their health, food and sweets included.fictionA vintage 1918 Chatterbox collection of puzzles, poetry and stories for children with black lined illustrations and coloured plates throughout. children's books, books, children's stories, adventure stories

The photograph was taken when the students from Bulla and Mickleham Primary Schools combined to attend a camp at Beechworth in 1988. During that time the children were engaged in a number of different outdoor activities as a component of their outdoor education. Recognising some of the native birds of the area was one of their activities where the children experiences the birds actually landing on them.The varied activities that the children engaged in at the school camp helped to give them a better appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. A non-digital coloured photograph of a group of children with some adults in a bushland area, trying to encourage a flock of crimson rosellas to come closer by feeding them.school camps, beechworth, native birds, crimson rosellas

As the school is close to Tullamarine Airport, they children had an excursion there as part of their local area studies.A coloured photograph of the children from Bulla Primary School at the Tullamarine Airport. They were taken on an excursion to the airport which is situated about 5 kms from their school.bulla primary school, school excursions, tullamarine airport

In the early 1990s a number of upgrades and improvements were made to the buildings and the playground at the Bulla Primary School. The climbing frame which these children are using was one of the items installed in the school's playground.A coloured pre-digital photograph of four children playing on a climbing frame in a playground. There are trees growing behind the boundary cyclone fence.playground equipment, bulla primary school, climbing frame

Camp 3 Internees from Palestine. Back: Rudolf & Helene Hoefer. Front: Ann Sawatsky; Uli & Traude Hoefer with Frau Guntner & her Children.Black and white photograph of several internee families, two adults standing and two adults and 4 children sitting. Hut behind them.rudolf hoefer, helene hoefer, ann sawatsky, uli hoefer, traude hoefer, frau guntner, guntner children, palestine internees, camp 3 internees

This knitting pattern book was published by Coats Patons and contains knitting patterns for childrens garments.Patons / BOOK / 772 / Warm, woolly / and / wonderful: / PATONS / LUXURIOUS / LAMBSWOOL / Classic / and / casual / handknits / for / children / and / toddlers / 25 CENTS / 2 SHILLINGS / & SIXPENCEknitting handicrafts - history, coats patons (australia) limited, knitting, handicrafts - history

The police with their rescue helicopter visited the Bulla Primary School and talked to the students about their work and the importance of the rescue helicopter. he children were also able to see the helicopter up close. A non-digital coloured photograph of a group of children under the supervision of some adults and policemen are being shown the workings of a police helicopter.police helicopters, policemen, bulla primary schooil

The narrow swing catanery bridge was built behind the school across the Deep Creek downstream from the bluestone Bulla Bridge. It was built so that children who lived on the south side of Bulla Township could access the school more easily and in shorter time than if they had to go by the main roads.The bridge was constructed in the days when most children walked to school. The use of this bridge cut the children's travel time and distance to school quite considerably and was used for many years until the school was closed in 1996.A coloured photograph of the children on a narrow swing bridge and the path they used to approach the bridge over open ground. bulla primary school, swing bridge, bridges, catanery bridge

Methodist kindergarten Sunday School Pupils in a garden c 1912. It was custom to take the kindgarden Sunday School children (Methodist) before the older senior Sunday school. The picture was taken beside the Anglican church in Dr. Aitkens Garden. Dr. Aitkens dwelling later became the Anglican Manse now demolished and replaced by a new Manse. Adult center back row. Left to Right Triss Phillips (Later Mrs. Mac Neil) Back row Ruby Peart, XX Shepherd, Fred Smit, Jean Smith, Jean and Win Langsford, Vernon Hill, Jean Tomlinson, Mary Moulden, Phyliss Wood, Richards (Female), Kit Wilson, Jim McLeod, Eric Phillips, Ann Leyshon, Wilfred Waters. XX Female Phillips, Female Collins, Amy Lewis, Thelma Williams, XX Williams, Muriel Shepherd, Bob Phillips. Black & white photograph depicting a group of children in a garden.stawell religion

Murray Comrie Collection.Monochrome photograph of a group of children assembled in rows for a school photograph. Accompanied by a typed caption with children's names. Also associated with handwritten notes (catalogued separately as a Research Note) with children's names. There are only a few differences between the two sets of names. Typed note adhered to reverse states '23rd June 1922'. Names of children combined from both set of notes are believed to be: Back row: Eileen Whimpey, Dorothy McKenzie, Adele Smith, Molly McNamee, Mary (or Marjorie) McKenzie, Jean Fotheringham, May Lamprell, Iris Heraud, Melva Fotheringham, Elsie Heraud, Ethel Heraud, Jessie Calder. 3rd row: May Gedling (or Elsie Gedling), Clarice Greenwood (or May Gedling), Ethel Gedling, Ivy Goltz, Pearl Lamprell, Florence Hutchins, Syd Goltz, Geo Riordan, _____Calder, Andy Heraud, Cecil Williams, Doug Calder, Albert McKenzie. 2nd row: Ron Heraud, Murray Comrie, Bruce Calder, Les Williams, Angus Comrie, Ross Heraud (or Fred Bool), Vern Whimpey, Bill Riordan, Frank McNamee, Jack McNamee. Front row: Keith Comrie, Tom Comrie, Len Smith, Theo Riordan, Stewart Calder, Bill Gedling, Alf Gedling, Stan McNamee, Les Hutchins.tarnagulla, school, education, children, calder, comrie, fotheringham, gedling, goltz, greenwood, heraud, hutchins, lamprell, mckenzie, mcnamee, riordan, smith, whimpey, williams

Presented to Warrnambool Children’s Library by Fletcher Jones Esq. in 1950 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 be 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 Children's Encyclopedia Vol 4 Label on spine with typed text PAT 032 CHIwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the childrens encyclopedia vol 4, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Presented to Warrnambool Children’s Library by Fletcher Jones Esq. in 1950 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 be 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 Childrens Encyclopedia Vol 5 Label on spine with typed text "PAT / 032 / CHI"warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the childrens encyclopedia vol 5, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Presented to Warrnambool Children’s Library by Fletcher Jones Esq. in 1950 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 be 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 Children's Encyclopedia Vol 6The label on the spine with typed text PAT 032 CHIwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the childrens encyclopedia vol 6, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library