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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Cow Bell, James Barwell, 1860s-1878
This brass cow bell was recovered from the wreck of the sailing ship ‘Loch Ard’ at Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell, Victoria, from late 1960s to early 1970s. Cow bells were listed as part of the cargo on board the Loch Ard. This bell is now part of the John Chance collection. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s divers also recovered similar bells from the Loch Ard wreck in 1973. One of them was found in a sandy hole in the centre of the wreck site. All of the recovered cow bells are without their hangers. A bell of this size could have been used by horse or cattle teams. Cow bells were a common Colonial item. They were hung around the necks of grazing domestic cows and goats, bullock and horse teams, even camel teams so that they could be found again. Sheep and cattle drovers used them as a warning for night time disturbances such as wild animals. The maker of the cow bell, James Barwell, was a bell founder established in Birmingham, England, from 1784. In 1842 he acquired Fiddian’s firm of ‘Steam and Water’, keeping its name and stamping it on some of his products. According to his advertisement in the Exhibitors guide for the Church Congress of 1887, he made bells and fittings for churches and schools. He also made bells for cloches and chimes, and made tuned musical handbells. He repaired and reproduced bells, and he had a team of experienced ringers to “inspect towers and report upon the tone and condition of bells and fittings.” In 1903 he became incorporated as a Limited Company, ‘engineers’ and plumbers’ brasswork, and bell founders.’ In 1914 he advertised as ‘Cock and Bell Founders’, specialising in plumbing and engineering fittings, church bells, and “every description of hanging and hand bells.” Some of Barwell’s products were stamped with his maker’s mark (his initials J. B. either side of a cross entwined with a ‘B’ in an oval of oak leaves (for Birmingham)). James Barwell bells were no longer made after 1920. James Barwell was among makers who exported bells to the Australian colony from the 1860s. Early Australian iron animal bells were also made from the 1860s by blacksmiths such as Anthony Morgan from 1861, August Menneke from 1867, and Samuel Jones from 1868. Few brass bells were produced here in those times. This bell is historically significant as typical of a cow bell used by farmers and herdsmen in Colonial Victoria. Its significance is increased by being an artefact recovered by John Chance, a diver from the wreck of the Loch Ard and other wrecks in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. The cow bell is also significant for being part of Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD, which is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. Cow bell; heavy brass, flat top, pyramid shape, rectangular head, shoulders flare out to rectangular mouth. The head has two same-sized tooled holes for adding the hanging yoke. Inscription on top and one side. Encrustations are on the metal in places. The hanger and clapper are missing. Made by James Barwell of Birmingham.Stamped on the head "BARWELL / - - - / - - -- ING" [Perhaps BARWELL - - - BIRMING. Could size be in centre? 3 3/4 IN?] Stamped on side [motif] (undecipherable) flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, john chance, loch ard, mutton bird island, glenample, eva carmichael, tom pearce, james barwell, cow bell, horse bell, bell founder, bell smith, vintage bell, birmingham bell foundry, farmer, shepherd, drover, stock bell -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Film - Film, DVD, J. Archbold medals; Westland Wessex helicopters and Quan Canh Sth Vietnamese MPs & civil police
Photos including James Archbold's medals, some photos of Westland Wessex helicopters and some South Vietnamese military police.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - personal narratives - australian, south vietnamese military police, australia. army. military police - vietnam -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Marilyn Smith, Grave of James and Elizabeth Black and Mary and George Yeaman, St Helena Cemetery, 23/04/1903
The Grave of James Black (died 20/07/1904), Elizabeth Black (died 27/07/1904), Mary Yeaman (died 23/04/1903) and George Yeaman (died 07/08/1924) , St Helena CemeterySt Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photographst helena cemetery, james black, elizabeth black, mary yeaman, george yeaman -
Robin Boyd Foundation
Book, James McClelland, Stirring the Possum, 1988
Hardcover w/ Dust JacketPhotocopy of Financial Review article about James Mcclelland inside front coveraustralian biography, politicians, judges, politics, government, 20th century , walsh st library -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book, Ken James, Surrey Hills Literary Institute : a history, 2015
62p; illus, The Surrey Hills Literary Institute was a mechanics' institute. Many concerts, and a debating society used the hall. Many fundraising efforts were held to support the library and reading room. appendix 4 & 5 loose attachmentFront page: S. Slonek/Mar.2015/ signed by the author: Ken Jamessurrey hills literary institute, literature, surrey hills - societies, ellerker, elizabeth (mrs), osmond, elizabeth (miss), william henry (mr), sneddon, james (mr), dutton, francis (mr), scott, stewart (mr), steele, bertram dillan (mr), union road, windsor crescent, mont albert road, surrey hills, surrey hall, mcdowell, c, greenwood, john (mr), hill, hogg, thomas (mr), vine, ernest (mr), doery, george (mr), beckett, robert (mr), hansen, andreas heinrick, boudry, gustavus james (mr), barton, john, gibbs, edward, jackson, liddle, percey (mr)(dr), lind, william alexander (mr), wise, rosalie (miss), james, ken -
St James Old Cathedral
Cathedral Building, St James Old Cathedral, 09/11/1839
St James Church, "Church of the Pioneers", was the first Church, first Anglican Church, and is the oldest building in Melbourne. The foundation stone was laid in 1839 by the Superintendent of the District of Bourke, Charles La Trobe, later Governor of the Colony of Victoria. The Church was opened in 1842 and the first Bishop Charles Perry was installed in the Cathedral in 1848 when its status changed to that of Cathedral. Its status changed back to that of a Parish church after 1891 when St Paul's Cathedral in Swanston Street was opened. St James is known as the "Church of the Pioneers" as it served as the place of worship, marriage, baptism and burial of many of the first families in the District of Bourke and the Colony of Victoria. St James Old Cathedral is of the most important historic value to the community of Victoria and to the Australian nation as the first Anglican Church founded within 4 years of the settlement of Melbourne. It represents and conserves the very earliest history of white settlement in Victoria and preserves the church associated history of the Pioneer families of Victoria in its collection of original records and artefacts. Late Neo-Georgian style stone church building with bluestone footings. Octagonal upper one storey bell tower housing eight bells supported by two storey square towers. Body of church has sloping roof and 4 stained glass ornamental windows on each of west and east sides with decorative sanctuary window to the north. Decorative Portico with columns on the north outside elevation. National Trust Commemorative plate on outside wall to right of east entry door. -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Letter - St. James Parade, 11, Elsternwick
Five documents all relating to the estate of Lillian Jean Adami of 11 St James Street, Elsternwick A request for a sworn valuation on the auction price for the property and the contents from office of Public Trustee. A carbon copy of sworn valuation of the property and contents by Wv Scott FCIV. Includes an inventory and valuation of furniture and effects on and about the property, working notes on the valuation of the building and a copy of the Certificate title for Lot 16 subdivision 9341 on the western side of St. James Parade, Elsternwick Vol 5268. Folio 496 includes site plan and encumbrances referral.simmons s.p., plans, point nepean road, adami lillian jean, house, elsternwick, scott wv, st. james parade, prahan, estate agents, county of bourke -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Richards and Co Ballarat, Wedding photograph - Ethel Bersey and James Wishart
Ethel Bersey married James Wishart in 1910. Note: The bride in this photograph was originally identified as Ethel Bersey's sister Florence (Flossie) Bersey, but this seems unlikely as Flossie died in 1906 and did not marry. A second copy of this photograph is Registration no. 1534.Black and white studio portrait which shows a seated gentleman, who is wearing a suit, waistcoat, collar and tie, and has his hands resting on his lap. The young woman standing next to him is wearing a light-coloured full-length dress (or blouse and skirt), and a very large hat which has ribbon and tulle trimming and a brooch or jewel centre-front.On back: "I thought the hat was worth saving. / Mrs Bersey's daughter".ethel bersey, james wishart, weddings -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Illuminated Testimonial, Rev James Bickford, 1869
James Bickford (1816-1895), Wesleyan clergyman, was born on 6 May 1816 in Modbury, Devon, England, fifth child of John Bickford, tenant farmer, and his wife Anne, née Whiteway. He received an elementary education and then worked for a commercial house at near-by Kingsbridge in 1830. Although raised in the Church of England, Bickford joined the Wesleyan society at Kingsbridge and was appointed a local preacher in 1835. He decided to become a missionary, and after a short informal training by the Wesleyan Missionary Society was ordained on 29 October 1838. Rev James Bickford became superintendent of the Yarra Street, Geelong, circuit in 1866. He was elected president of the Australasian Conference in 1868. Increased involvement in public affairs followed his appointment to Wesley Church, Melbourne, in 1870 and he was associated with the Society for Promoting Morality and the Sabbath Defence Association. Despite his previous advocacy of a 'mixed system' of education he supported the Victorian Education Act of 1872 as the only solution to sectarianism. [Source: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bickford-james-2993]Brown leather with gilt embossing and illuminated borders. The Testimonial contains the signatures of the Circuit Stewards.rev james bickford 1816-1895, wesleyan church geelong circuit -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Booklet - Book - Reference Botany - North-east Victoria, Baron Von Mueller and other Pioneer Botanists of the North-East by Dr. James Hamlyn Willis D.Sc
This small booklet is the transcript of the annual McKay Memorial Oration, given at Murdock House, Wangaratta on the 21st November 1980 by Dr. James Hamlyn Willis D.Sc. - Retired Deputy Director of Royal Botanic Gardens South Yarra 21st November 1980.The subject of the Oration was "Baron Von Mueller and other Pioneer Botanists of the North East" (of Victoria). This included the Kiewa Valley and surrounding mountains.Small yellow booklet of 12 pagesName written on cover: C. Roper. Also: $1botanists, dr. james hamlyn willis, wangaratta oration 1980 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Reference Book, James Anthony Froude, History of England From the Fall of Wolsey to the Defeat of the Spanish Armada: Vol II, 1870
The author James Anthony Froude was a late fellow of Exeter College, Oxford. This book is sometimes known as Froud's History of England. The publisher firm, Longmans, Green & Co, was originally founded in 1724 in London by Thomas Longman under the name Longman. In August of that year, he bought the two shops and goods of William Taylor and set up his publishing house there at 39 Paternoster Row. The shops were called Black Swan and Ship, and it is said that the 'ship' sign was the inspiration for Longman's Logo. After many changes of name and management, the firm was incorporated in 1926 as Longmans, Green & Co. Pty Ltd. The firm was acquired by Pearson in 1968 and was known as Pearson Longman or Pearson PLC. The book is significant for its historic record of English history. It is important for its connection to the publisher Longmans, Green and Co., of London, a firm that has been established for over two centuries, renowned for publishing encyclopedias, dictionaries, books on English grammar, textbooks, poetry, reference books, novels, magazines and more. The book has additional importance for its connection to the Pattison Collection, which, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institutes’ Collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and its important role in people's intellectual, cultural and social development 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.Froude's History of England Vol II FULL TITLE: History of England From the Fall of Wolsey to the Defeat of the Spanish Armada: Volume II Henry the Eighth Author: James Anthony Froude Publisher: Longmans Green and Co Date: 1870 Brown cloth hardcover book with embossed gold letters on the spine. Inscriptions on the spine and Fly page.Label on spine cover with typed text "RH 942.052 FRO" Stamped on Fly page: "000331"warrnambool, 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, history of england vol 2, james anthony froude, history of england vol ii, froude's history of england vol ii, from the fall of wolsey to the defeat of the spanish armad, history of england vol ii henry the eighth, henry the eighth, longmans green and co, 1870, longmans green and co. london -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Charles and Ellen Partington with James and Robert, 31/01/1857
Studio photograph of Charles and Ellen (nee Whatmough) Partington and sons James and Robert, taken on arrival in Melbourne. This photograph can be dated accurately as baby Robert died shortly after the family's arrival in Melbourne [ie Robert died on 1/2/1857].Digital copy of black and white studio photograph.charles partington, ellen whatmough, ellen partington, partington family -
Brimbank City Council Art Collection
Drawing, Afternoon, Sunshine, 1984
Local Scene of the railways, probably as viewed from the Sunshine OverpassGary James. Afternoon, Sunshine. Charcoal on paper, 45 x 36cm, View of the railway tracks with carriages on the foreground left - AR0067 -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Painting, Captain James Fawthrop, n.d
Small oil on paper painting of Captain James Fawthrop, wearing his gold Admella medal. He is wearing a dark-coloured uniform jacket & cap with letters "HD" in gold. Blue sky & clouds in background. The painting is covered with glass and is set in an oval, dark wooden frame, that has a gold inner line. The painting is bordered by three mat boards, dark grey, light grey and gold. The back is covered in brown paper, with cord between the two metal 'eyes' for hanging. -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital Image, Grave of William Haylock Poulter and Mary Alice Poulter, and their children Ruby O. Poulter and James W. Poulter, Greensborough Cemetery, 30/03/1934
Grave of William Haylock Poulter (died 1934), Mary Alice Poulter (died 28/06/1936), Ruby Olive Poulter (died 31/05/1917) and James William Poulter (killed in action France 04/10/1918) in Plot# A5/A6 Greensborough Cemetery. Greensborough Cemetery was created when land was given for the cemetery by Mr William Poulter, a local settler, about 1864. The cemetery holds the graves of many early settlers in the district. Digital copy of colour photograph of grave/headstone.william haylock poulter, mary alice poulter, ruby poulter, james william poulter, greensborough cemetery -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph, Clare Gervasoni, St James' Anglican Church, Bowning, New South Wales
St James Anglican Church Bowning was built c.1878. Bowning is one of Australia's earliest settlements, this village is home to a renewed and growing community. It lies at the foot of the 796 metre Bowning Hill which gives a good idea of how early explorers and settlers saw the area.Photograph of a weatherboard church in Bowning, New South Wales/st james bowning, anglican church, bowning -
Orbost & District Historical Society
electric teapot, Chesters Trading Company, mid 20th century
This item wasdonated to the Slab Hut, the Orbost Visitor Information Centre. This item reflects the importance of tea drinking in 19th and 20th century Australia. A teapot of EPBM - electroplated britannia metal with an aluminium lid that has an electric plug connection. The lid is an Alanware, 240 volt 100 watt immersion heater with a coil suspended from it. The lid does not match the teapot.On the bottom of the teapot - EPBM James Dixon & Sons a trumpet symbol Sheffield 8578 4teapot electro-plated-britannia-metal appliances water-heating drink-food-preparation -
Orbost & District Historical Society
photograph album, James, Harry, 1900 - 1910
Photographs in this album are : forest,creek; Burns Cutting; river with bridge; Tony in his boat (spare print); Murrungowar and three of Conran.Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district.He was a stock agent and auctioneer who helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost. He was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF.a fabric covered book with gold print - "Photographs" on front cover. It contains an assortment of photographs.inside front cover - "Photographs taken by Mr Harry James about 1900-10"james-harry photography-orbost-conran-murrungowar -
Lake Bolac & District Historical Society
Black and white photograph, Private William James Richardson, 4th Artillery brigade, WW1
Private William James Richardson was a driver in the 4th Artillery Brigade. He enlisted on 16/07/1915 and embarked for Europe on 18/11/1915. He returned and married Elsie Park in 1938. They lived in the Park family home in Montgomery Street - now 'Josiah's Short Stay Accommodation'.richardson, park, 4th artillery brigade -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document - Invoice, James Barnett, William Barrett Mining and Agricultural Blacksmith Invoice, 26/7/1898 (exact)
Printed invoice with business address and image of a forge on the top. The invoice was made at to Fred Martell of the Ballarat School of Mines, and was signed by James BarrettStamped 'Passed for Payment Ballarat'james, ballarat school of mines, barrett, william barrett, blacksmith, armstrong st ballarat, frederick martell, ovens, safety cage, mining blacksmith, agricultural blacksmith -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Document - Report, James Hitchmough, V.C.A.H. - Burnley Grounds Management Study, 1980-1990
Report by Dr. James Hitchmough, analysing maintenance and design status of Burnley gardens and grounds, including major problems with recommendations. 30 pp.vcah, burnley, grounds management, james hitchmough -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital Image, Grave of William Haylock Poulter and Mary Alice Poulter, and their children Ruby O. Poulter and James W. Poulter, Greensborough Cemetery, 20/03/1934
Grave of William Haylock Poulter (died 20/03/1934), Mary Alice Poulter (died 28/6/1936), Ruby Olive Poulter (died 31/5/1917) and James William Poulter (killed in action France 4/10/1918) in Plot# A5/A6 Greensborough Cemetery.Greensborough Cemetery was created when land was given for the cemetery by Mr William Poulter, a local settler, about 1864. The cemetery holds the graves of many early settlers in the district. Digital copy of colour photograph of grave/headstone.william haylock poulter, mary alice poulter, ruby poulter, james poulter, greensborough cemetery -
Port Fairy Historical Society Museum and Archives
Photograph, Mayor James Steele 1907, 1908
James Steele Mayor of Port Fairy 1907-1908 also a Director of the Southwestern Co-operative Milk and Trading Company Ltd formed to guarantee the supply of milk to the proposed Glaxo Milk Factory in 1919. The first milk delivery was made by Mr Steele when the factory opened in October 1920.James Steele Mayor of Port Fairy 1907-1908 and then being involved in the establishment of the Glaxo factory in Port Fairy Black and white portrait photograph james steele, mayor, port fairy, glaxo, milk, factory, southwestern co-operative milk and trading company ltd -
Glen Eira Historical Society
Newspaper - St. James Parade, 26, Elsternwick
2 items about this property: 1/Two newspaper articles dated 30/03/2005 and 8/04/2005 giving home feature details prior to auction. 2/Resarch, handwritten by Claire Barton, on former occupiers of number 26 St. James Parade.st. james parade, elsternwick, brick, architectural features, fireplaces, bay windows, verandahs, dwyer w.f., porter minnie w. mrs. -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Murphy, James and descendants
James Murphy was a mining surveyor involved with the Caledonia diggings. Contents Note from Ray Blake, 26 April 2000: Ms Murphy said her people had traditionally owned all of inner Melbourne, north to the Great Divide, West to Werribee River, East to Mt Baw Baw, South to Mordialloc Creek.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etcjames murphy -
St Kilda Historical Society
Photograph, Lieut. James Mallett Bennett Memorial - images collection, c. 1991?
Plaque on the James Mallet Bennett memorial in O'Donnell Gardens, Built in 1926-7 by H B Corbett & Sons and designed by William H Lacey. Accompanied as engineer Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith on the first flight from England to Australia 1919. Killed in aeroplane crash at Hendon England, 13th April 1922.colour photograph, unmountedIn Honoured Memory of Liet J.M. Bennett MSM AFM, of the Australian Flying Corps who accompanied as engineer Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith on the first flight from England to Australia 1919. Killed in aeroplane crach at Hendon, England, 3 April 1922.aviators -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital Image, Grave of William Haylock Poulter and Mary Alice Poulter, and their children Ruby O. Poulter and James W. Poulter, Greensborough Cemetery, 20/03/1934
Grave of William Haylock Poulter (died 30/3/1934), Mary Alice Poulter (died 28/6/1936, Ruby Olive Poulter (died 31/5/1917) and James William Poulter (killed in action France 4/10/1918) in Plot# A5/A6 Greensborough Cemetery. Photograph taken by Noel Withers 2009.Greensborough Cemetery was created when land was given for the cemetery by Mr William Poulter, a local settler, about 1864. The cemetery holds the graves of many of the early settlers in the district. The cemetery holds approximately 250 grave sites with 350 people buried there. Digital copy of colour photograph of grave/headstone.william haylock poulter, mary alice poulter, ruby poulter, james william poulter, greensborough cemetery -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Document - Folder, Shanhun, Cheon and James
Cheon Shanhun lived between Wattle Glen and Hurstbridge from about 1870 to 1900. His son James settled in Panton Hill. Contents Letter Alison Connett, 27 December 1993, seeking information on the naming of Shanhuns Road, Cottles Bridge. Photocopy of photograph, group of people c1929, Mrs Jim Shanhun identified.Newspaper clippings, A4 photocopies, etccheong shanhun, james shanhun, shanhuns road cottles bridge, panton hill -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Literary Work, James Anthony Froude, Short Studies on Great Subjects Vol 2, 1872
Pattison Collection 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. 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. Short Studies on Great Subjects Vol 2 by James Anthony Froude Author:James Anthony Froude Publisher: Longmans Green and Co. Date: 1872The label on the spine with typed text PAT 824 FRO Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Serviceshipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, 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, short studies on great subjects vol 2, james anthony froude -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Book, Kents Corner, n.d
Book, cardboard cover, 100 pages, historical happenings of Casterton and District as told by James P. Kent. Produced by Casterton and District Historical Society.