Herbert John Rumsey (1866-1956) started a nursery and seed business at Barbers Creek (Tallong) near Marulan in 1895. In 1901 he moved his operations to Dundas. From 1896 he regularly published seed catalogues. Some time before 1929 he set up a company, Herbert J. Rumsey & Sons Ltd, which later on (before 1937) changed its name to Rumsey Seeds Pty. Ltd.A small book with a cream cover which has colourful drawings of vegetables. The print is green and red. The book is titled "RUMSEY'S SEED CATALOGUE BEST SEEDS THAT GROW". It has 50 pp.agriculture horticulture catalogue seeds rumsey

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 Complete Works of Robert Burns Peoms Songs and Letters Edited from the best printed manuscript authorities by Alexander Smith Author: Robert Burns Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1884Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 821 BUR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker 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, peoms songs and letters, robert burns

Newspaper articleArticle in which G M Warren, joint Passenger Manager of the Cunard White Star Group, states that the best he had enjoyed in any part of the world, was a visit to Phillip Island.local history, documents, newspapers, phillip island, tourism, black & white newspaper clipping, g m warren

Digital Photo taken from glass slide by Geoff McMillan, Cooper Street Stawell and reproduced as a photo - printed at Stawell Historical Society 2019Black & White Photo of 13 men with barrels and buckets of grapes. Photo shows the rows of grapes with the homestead and cellars in the background. At Best's Vineyard, Great Western. All are wearing hats or caps on. winery, wine making

Australia's best track gold medal prospect at the Munich Olympic Games, Pam Kilborn (Mrs Ryan) gave the Nunawading Holiday Play Centre a boost when she visited recently.Australia's best track gold medal prospect at the Munich Olympic Games, Pam Kilborn (Mrs Ryan) gave the Nunawading Holiday Play Centre a boost when she visited recently.kilborn, pam, olympic games, athletics, nunawading holiday play centre

An empty Bussey's (UK) tennis balls box. Top of lid inscr:'BUSSEY'S/WORLD-FAMED/LAWN TENNIS/ABSOLUTELY THE BEST BALLS MADE'. Materials: Ink, Paper, Cardboard, Gluetennis

Typed and Handwritten notes on the Central Nell Gwynne Mine. It mentions locality, size and depth of shaft, plant, early history, where the best gold was found, total yield, dividends and calls.document, gold, central nell gwynne mine, central nell gwynne mine, notes on the central nell gwynne mine, gold mines hotel, central goldfields company, a richardson

The 'Bendigo Flee' car. Black and white photograph of a small van, possibly 1930s, with white painted words and phrases on the chassis. Include Bendigo, Sydney, Bathurst, Brisbane - Nothing but the best for the best, Atlantic is trouble free - the Artful Dodger - Sad Pat & Mick fill her up with Atlantic - Bertie the Bitza the one and only. Possibly involved in a motor rally sponsored by Atlantic Oil. On the reverse is printed in blue ink- Use Atlantic. See research field.bendigo, tourism, postcard, motor rally. atlantic union oil company., bendigo flee

Black and White Photograph of group of girls in Sunday best, ready for Sunday School at Methodist Church Ringwood. From Left to Right: Peggy ?, Virginia (Ginny) McGowan, Unknown, Merna Kercheval, Unknown

Brief 1987 report covering the Lord Taveners Champion School Cricket Competition - best Victorian schoolboy cricket team award won by Norwood, trophy presented to David Mendoza, team captain.

Postcard Photograph, Philip Hargrave child prodigy pianist, inscription reading with best wishes Philip Hargrave. Pencilled reverse 1934. Nine or ten year old boy. Kodak Australia on reverse.unknownperforming arts, music, piano

Reed Bros: Bridge St Bendigo Special Certificate Awarded at the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society Spring Show 1935 Best Tomatoe Sauce (Factory Made) Oct 17-18-19bendigo, history, reed brothers

A brown blue and white certificate with the words, ' Awarded at the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Bendigo Show Champion For Best Turnout To Stewart, Stockdale & Dudley House.' Bolton Bros. Pty. Ltd. Engravers.civic mementoes, presentations, bendigo agricultural show society, lydia chancellor, collection, bendigo agricultural show society, societies, clubs and associations, organisation, certificate, champion, agriculture, bendigo community

Digital Photo taken from glass slide by Geoff McMillan, Cooper Street Stawell and reproduced as a photo - printed at Stawell Historical Society 2019Black & White Photo of 10 men and boys plus dog, having smoko at Best's Vineyard, Great Western. All have hats or caps on. The horse and cart with the barrels for the grapes behind the group.winery, wine making

Digital Photo taken from glass slide by Geoff McMillan, Cooper Street Stawell and reproduced as a photo - printed at Stawell Historical Society 2019Black & White Photo Group o Men women and children at Henry Best's Concongella vineyard, Great Western with horse and cart loaded with barrels of grapes. Two lads have musical instruments.winery, wine making

Black & white photograph of three women. Inscription. To dear Albert Maggs, with love and best wishes with a safe return, from sisters and mother. B.A.Maggs, Main rd, Ringwood.Evelyn & Grandma & Chrissie (Harriet)maggs, mrs, evelyn, harriet, clothing and dress

Brown Paper Bag Judds 5/- Stores Bendigo and Branches. The Biggest and Best Variety Stores for Fancy Goods, Haberdashery, Toilets,Glassware,Ladies'Underwear, Toys Etc Buy at JUDDS and buy Cheaper.business, retail, judd's stores

This item is from a collection donated by descendants of John Francis Turner of Wodonga. Mr. Turner was born on 6 June 1885. He completed all of his schooling at Scotts Boarding School in Albury, New South Wales. On leaving school, he was employed at Dalgety’s, Albury as an auctioneer. In 1924 John was promoted to Manager of the Wodonga Branch of Dalgety’s. On 15/03/1900 he married Beatrice Neal (born 7/12/1887 and died 7/2/1953) from Collingwood, Victoria. They had 4 daughters – Francis (Nancy), Heather, Jessie and Mary. In 1920, the family moved From Albury to Wodonga, purchasing their family home “Locherbie” at 169 High Street, Wodonga. "Locherbie" still stands in Wodonga in 2022. The collection contains items used by the Turner family during their life in Wodonga. The registration number on the fork Rd. 758470 indicates that this design was first patented in 1930, therefore helping to establish provenance of this set.A set of 6 cake forks in a hinged brown box with apricot silk lining. The box has 2 metal clasps. A label "Best Electro Plate on Nickel Silver - Made in England" is in the box.On forks: "MADE IN ENGLAND" "Rd 758470"silver cutlery, electro plate

Letter from Marie Weyland dated August 17th, 1877, to Mr. Rowe sending him her best thanks and to tell him that she received his Post Office Order for the money.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, mr rowe, marie weyland

Also a second identical copy damaged 05390.1 in SparesSepia toned postcard of early style Australian country home double front with verandah and skillion on side with picket fence, family posed on verandah dressed in best clothes Tambo Upper VictoriaRiversleigh Tambo Upperhouses, guesthouses

This teapot was donated to the Historical Society and placed in the Miner's Cottage display where it remained for several years. It was removed for cleaning and put in an archives display cabinet. The miner's cottage burnt down and thus the teapot is the only remaining object from the site.Teapot made of Britannia metal. Oval with recumbent dog on top. Insulated handle. Brilliant cut design on sides. Pouring spout and '7' shaped handle.On base: 8 Warranted best Britannia metal. Sheffield. 1204

This book was published in 1952 by the Australian Poetry Lovers’ Society. This group was based in Melbourne and was founded in 1934 by George and Ethel Fielding. In 1973 a member, Harry Hastings Pearce, wrote a history of the society. This 1952 volume contains two poems by Thomas Terrington (born 1897) - ‘Henry Lawson’ and ‘Stella’. Tom Terrington was a well-known local poet and writer from Framlingham. He has been described as a ‘rhymster of flair and skill’. He was a self-taught person with little formal education and he worked at various jobs until he took over the general store at Framlingham in his middle age. He also recorded some of the history of Framlingham, a small settlement about 24 kilometres north east of Warrnambool. The identity of ‘Fred’ in the inscription is not known. This book is of interest because it contains two poems written by Tom Terrington, a local 20th century writer and poet. This is a soft cover book of 50 pages. The cover is green with black printing and an image of two kookaburras on the front cover. The book has poems by 18 writers and a black and white photograph on page 10 of the late George Fielding. The cover is somewhat soiled. The book has been stapled but the staples have been removed. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. ‘To Fred with best wishes from Tom Terrington Framlingham 21.11.52’ tom terrington, history of framlingham

Albert Jacka No 465 enlisted in D Coy 14th batt AIF on 18.9.14. Embarked for Eygpt 22.12.14. He rose through the ranks from Pte to Captain by 15.3.17. He was WIA 3 times and hospitalised twice with illness. Awarded the Victoria Cross at Courtney's Post 19/20th May 1915. The Military Cross at Pozieres on 7.8.16 and a Bar to the Military Cross on 10.4.17 near Queant. He was discharged from the AIF on 10.1.20. This is a very brief history of "Jacka". Collection re Mrs May Burns.Postcard photo, B & W re Albert Jacka VC MC & Bar. On the rear of the original, “Egypt 26.3.15. best wishes Albert Jacka"photography, portrait, military history

Blue buckram hard cover with black print, 293 pages, black printed text throughout.Madeleine Rowe with best wishes Xmas 1917 from EC.books - history, military

St Peter's Memorial Church Kinglake was destroyed in the 2009 bushfires and rebuilt and re-consecrated in 2014. The author, Jillian Durance, is a grand daughter of Charles and Ivy Partington.160 p., illus. (some col.) paperback."To the Greensborough Historical Society, best wishes - Jillian Durance 2017"st peters memorial church kinglake, bushfire, kinglake

Text and scanned photograph of postcard of All Saints Church Greensborough sent to Muriel Mann at Bairnsdale about 1910.1 p. text and scanned photograph of postcard."best wishes for a merry xmas and a bright & prosperous New Year"muriel mann, all saints anglican church greensborough

Stories told by women who served in World War 2. historical research of women in World War 2Cover has a brown/pink hue with photos of aeroplanes, cars and sheds, and a man and woman dancing. inside the cover: "To the Orbost Historical society. Best wishes, Jacqueline" women, world war 2, jacqueline dinan

Postcard sent from the French theatre of war during World War One by Harry Holmes. HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion. He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C. The postcard is of "The Ascot" boys. Includes [Samuel] Gordon Spittle, Henry [Harry] Holmes's first cousin, and other Ascot lads and district connections: neighbours, Ascot State School classmates and football mates from Clunes / Creswick districts. (Research by Jane Dyer) White postcard with embroidery on white silk. The embroidery includes 5 flags (England, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia), a blue horseshoe, a green sprig rosemary and the words 'United We Stand".Verso: With best love from Harry 13/5/16chatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, world war, world war 1, world war i, world war one.