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. 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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 has 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 1850’s to the late 1950’s 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. 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Bernard Shaw His Life and Personality Author: Hesketh Pearson Publisher: St James Library Date: 1950Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 SHA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp 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, bernard shaw, hesketh pearson

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. 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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 has 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 1850’s to the late 1950’s 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. 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Sir William Wallace Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 WAL Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, sir william wallace

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. 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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 has 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 1850’s to the late 1950’s 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. 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Leader By Destiny George Washington, Man and Patriot Author: Jeanette Eaton Publisher: George G Harrap Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 WIS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, george washington, jeanette eaton

A collection of a group of photographs donated to the Society by Lun Blom, from the Photo Shop in Thompson Avenue, Cowes (was opposite the museum)A collection of 19 photographs of Phillip Island and surrounds. 293-01. Koala sitting in enamel bowl on table 293-02. 20 farmers having a break. 293-03. Reproduction of painting of The Nobbies. 293-04. Photograph of a Trophy for 1st prize for ploughing won by Mr L Morrison 1859. 293-05. Photograph of three men standing in front of a motor vehicle. 293-06. Photograph of view of Cleeland's House at Cape Woolamai. 293-07. Photograph of a whale beached on Phillip Island with people standing around it. 293-08. Photograph of a family and children in front of car - unknown. 293-09. Photograph of a painting of "Innishowen" Harbison's Property. Mr Harbison's portrait inset on the painting. 293-10. Photograph of an early map - possibly drawn by Bass & Flinders. 293-11. Photograph of the San Remo-Westernport Hotel, with vehicles in front. 293-12. Photograph of a fishing boat at the San Remo Jetty with the township in the background. 293-13. Photograph of a couta boat under full sail in Westernport. 293-14. Photograph of an aerial view of the Two Bridges taken from San Remo side. 293-15. Photograph of the Mutton Bird Eggers Camp - Bergins Bay Cape Woolamai. 293-16. Photograph of a Steam ferry decorated with flags. 293-17. Photograph of Fisherman's hut at Cowes with pier in the background. Possibly Mr Cox's. 293-18. Photograph of a couple standing on the bridge in Lover's Walk Cowes. 293-19. Photograph of an aerial view of Phillip Island looking towards Mornington Peninsula and the Heads to Port Phillip Bay in the distance.293-01. "Koala Pie" Cowes. 293-06. Mr Cleeland's Station. 293-09. "Innishowen" Mr. Harbison. 293-10. Phillip Island. 293-17. Phillip Island - Fisherman's Hut, Cowes. 293-18. Phillip Island - Lover's Walk, Cowes.wildlife - koala, wildlife - whale, the nobbies, ploughing trophy, cape woolamai - cleeland's house, innishowen, mr harbison, phillip island map, westernport hotel san remo, fishing boat san remo pier, couta boat westernport, the two bridges san remo, mutton bird eggers camp, steam ferry, fisherman's hut cowes, lover's walk cowes, aerial view of phillip island, lyn blom

One of a collection of photos donated by Mr J. W. Gliddon and used in his book "Phillip Island in Picture & Story"Photograph of an Oil Painting of Charles Manton. Posed head and shoulder image."From an oil painting of Charles Manton in the hands of Mr Gerald Manton. mcHaffie Bros. wrote to C.M. in 1842 asking that he remove his pigs from P.I. This letter will be reproduced in our book. J.W.G." (Added to photo media)charles manton, j. w. gliddon, mchaffie bros, phillip island

The Lay Reader David Conolly was associated with the Mission for many years in particular working with trainee cadets and RAN Officers. Painted wood crucifix on a very thin backing support of hardboard. Style of the painting is that of icon artist of Russian/Greek/Byzantine style. An inscription on the reverse. Small steel hanging hook at top edge on reverse. The edges of the icon are painted red and the whole depiction is decorated with much gilding. The whole support is in the form of a t-shaped cross. The top section depicts a risen Christ at the centre surrounded by ten disciples or saints and the hand of God appears to be at the upper central edge. The Christ figure is flanked on the main cross piece by five archangels and Saint Peter. Flanking the torso of the crucified figure appear to be Maria and St Joan and on the right side Mary Magdalen, Mark (Saint?) and a centurion figure. Three small figures also featured in this section. At the lower right corner are two haloed male figures (unidentified).Front; above haloed head of the crucified figure U.C.; IHSNAZARE in gold on a red ground/ REXIVDEORV. Beneath the central panel again gold on red SEASIOANNES AND MARIA. On the other side of the central figure; MARIAMARK CENTURIU/ MAGDALEN...IACO/ BI. Hand-written inscription on reverse; "For/ all who enter/ this sacred space./ The gift of/ David Conolly/ sometime stipendiary Lay Reader/ in the Mission/ 1956-1958.david conolly, crucifix, icons, othodox, artwork

Framed scan of two newspaper articles from "The Williamstown Chronicle" Article 1: "The Williamstown Chronicle 20 September 1856/ Floating dock, Williamstown. To Shipowners and Commanders./ This Dock is now in working order/ and capable of docking ships of 800 tons. Apply to DOVE and Oswald, 95/ Wharf Melbourne. 94." Article 2: "25 July 1857/ The Willaimstown Chro/ Ship Chandlery/ Nelson Parade/ Dove and Oswald/ Beg respectfully to acquaint their friends that they have bought the Stock in Trade of Messrs,/ Probert, Verdon and Co Ship CHandlers abd Proviso of Merchants Neslon Parade, Williamstown;/ stores in Melbourne have opened them as:/ SHIP CHANDLERS/ Sailmakers, Iron mongers, Grocers and Provision Merchants/ The tug steamers "Hercules," "Black Eagle" and "Samson"/ Under the charge of competent masters, are at all times available for work in the River and Bay and to/ take Vessels to or from the Heads or Geelong. Orders for the Steamers left in Melbourne,/ Willaimstown, or on board the Sir W Molesworth, hulk, will have prompt attention,// The floating dock, off Williamstown,/ Capable of Docking Vessels of 800 tons register is in efficient working order. Full particulars of charges/ will be furnished at the Office in Melbourne./ Coals/ A large supply of which is kept on board the Sir W Molesworth, hulk, can be supplied on the shortest / notice to steamers, sailing vessels or on shore; orders aken at either of the stores or by Mr/ McCallum, on board the hulk.

This photograph was probably sent to be used for advertising purposes to the mission. Here is the program of the tour published in the Age on Saturday 22 November 1952, page 16: "Australia's 15 stations of the world-famous Missions to Seamen are being visited by the general superintendent of the parent body in London, Rev. C. J. Brown, and. Mrs. Brown, who will arrive from Adelaide today. This is the first visit of the world head of the organisation to this country. Mr; Brown will attend the triennial Australasian chaplains' conference at the Central Club, Flinders-street Extension, next month. A full programme will include visits to the three clubs at Central. Port Melbourne and Williamstown, and to Geelong and Balla-rat, a tour of the Bay, an inspection of the work of a sister organisation, the British Sailors' Society, Geelong, and then on , to Geelong Grammar School. Mr. and Mrs. Brown will be the guests of the Governor and Lady Brooks at lunch at Government House tomorrow, and of the Lord Mayor at a reception on Tuesday. On Friday afternoon Archbishop and Mrs. Booth will hold a reception at Bishopscourt to enable the visitors to meet heads of the churches. Mr. Brown will preach at St. Paul's Cathedral tomorrow morning, and at St. Peter's Mariners' Church at 7 p.m. On December 7 he will preach, at Ballarat Cathedral, afterwards meeting workers of the Missions to. Seamen. He will address a Rotarians' luncheon on Wednesday. On Thursday evening he will meet the Company of Master Mariners. At a reception by the chairman of the Harbor Trust (Mr. A. D. Mackenzie) on December 8, Mr. Brown will meet the heads of Melbourne shipping firms."This was the first visit of the world head of the organisation to Australia since the beginning of the Missions to Seamen in this country.Black and white photograph depicting Reverend C.J Brown and his wife embarking at Liverpool for their Australian and Far East Tour.Written at the back in black ink: Missions to Seamen/Australasian and Far East Tour of General Superintendant (Rev. C.J. Brown, M.A. and Mrs Brown/Arriving in Melbourne by air from Adelaide on Saturday next (22/11). This will be the first visit of the world chief of the Missions to Seamen in the nearby 100 years history of the Society in Melbourne/The photograph shows the visitors embarking at Liverpool when setting out on their tour. In pencil: Padre+wife/2 vol./Pg 5 One black ink stamp from Associated Photo Services , 12A, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool 3 / one purple ink stamp emptyreverend c.j. brown, liverpool

The Ventnor School had its beginning in the Ventnor Hall, which was built by parents of the children. It was opened on 5th May 1915 and Miss Ruby Bright was the first Head Teacher. Later an area was purchased from Mr Thomas Jones and a new school was erected at a cost of £790.2.6. The school was occupied on 6th September 1923 and was un staffed in 1964.Photograph of old Ventnor State School No. 3895 and Shelter Shed. Man with dog in foreground.local history, photographs, buildings - historical, schools, coloured photograph, john cook, phillip island, ventnor state school

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of W. A. Watt - head and shoulders. Mr Watt was a Member of Federal Parliament from 1914 to 1929, temporary Prime Minister for 16 months, speaker of the house and Treasurer. Premier of Victoria from 1912 to 1914. He lived on Phillip Island for 6 years as a young boy.local history, photography, photographs, w a watt, black & white photograph, prime ministers, phillip island, early associates

Louis Amiet was Head Teacher of Greensborough State School from 1895 to 1917. In this letter, Mr Amiet reminds the Secretary of the Education Department of 'promises' made to renovate areas of the school, which have not been done. Handwritten letter copied on white paper, black text greensborough primary school, greensborough state school

Mr and Mrs Gary Partington outside the Greensborough Methodist Church in October 1964. Background is Uncle Bill Leed and Jessie Scholes. Gary said he had to get his hair to grow with a part in it, he previously on had a crew cut but relatives told him to grow a decent head of hair for his wedding.This was one of the last weddings in this Church before its demolition prior to the development of Greensborough Plaza.Digital copy of black and white photographmethodist church greensborough, gary partington

Established in 1891 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Philips & Co. was founded to meet the growing demand for light bulbs following the commercialization of electricity. Science and technology underwent tremendous development in the 1940s and 1950s, with Philips Research inventing the rotary heads that led to the development of the Philishave electric shaver, and laying down the basis for later ground-breaking work in transistors and integrated circuits.Philishave was the brand name for the electric shavers manufactured by the Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care unit of Philips They used the Philishave brand name for their shavers from 1939 to 2006. The Philishave shaver was invented by Philips engineer Alexandre Horowitz, who used rotating cutters instead of the reciprocating cutters that had been used in previous electric shavers. The shaver was introduced in 1939, though initial production was limited due to the outbreak of World War II. A more ergonomic egg-shaped single-head model was introduced in 1948 and was designed by US industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Global sales increased markedly after a double-head model was introduced in 1951. As a spin off from the light bulb and research is the dynamo-powered bicycle lamp. Its rotating power system inspires the Philishave triple head electric razor. A triple-head model was test marketed in Australia and New Zealand in 1956, but would not be introduced globally until 1966. The brand name Philishave was phased out in 2006 so shavers now bear only the Philips name. Mr Alfred William ( Bill ) Roper, 1913 - 1996 grew up in Ripponlea, ( East St Kilda ) Victoria. As a child he went with his father Arthur Leopold Roper to purchase vegetables from the Moorabbin Chinese market gardeners at the Hotham St. / Nepean Highway corner. c1920 . Bill served in WW2 in New Guinea and post war was Army Auditor, Victoria Barracks, St Kilda Road Melbourne. His staff presented this 'Philishave upon his retirement and he used it until his death1996. He lived in Carlton, Belgrave, Ascot Vale, South Yarra, East St Kilda and moved to Bentleigh in 1987.A ‘Philishave’ triple head electric razor , with cord, head protector and cleaning brush in a hinged plastic case The case has compartments, for Razor and cord, that are lined with a mustard coloured, soft, synthetic material .Case top PHILIPS ; inside EXCLUSIVE PHILISHAVE Razor Handle front PHILIPS / PHILISHAVE; back Type HP 1121/ 110-130V/ 220-240 V / PHILIPS Shield / ? Shield / BS 3456 / V 75255 / MADE IN HOLLAND Nameplate Presented to / BILL ROPER / On the occasion of his retirement / BY THE STAFF OF / DEFENCE AUDIT BRANCH / May 1977 philishave, royal philips electric company, razors, electric razors, bentleigh, moorabbin, market gardeners, st kilda markets, world war 2 1939-1945, department of defence melbourne, melbourne, roper alfred william, roper arthur leopold, ripponlea, chinese market gardeners

The Bowler hat, characterised by its dome-like crown, was invented in 1849 by a pair of hat-makers: brothers Thomas and William Bowler. They were commissioned by the famous London hat retailer “Lock & Co” to invent a close-fitting, low-crowned hat for their customer Mr. Edward Coke. It would be sturdy and not easily knocked or blown off the wearer’s head. The difference between a Bowler hat and a Derby hat is simply that Bowler hats are British, Derby hats are American. The Bowler / Derby hat was devised in London during a time when the top hat was the upper-class men’s hat of choice and the lower social class wore soft, cloth caps. However, the top hat was impractical and inconvenient for those on horseback as it easily toppled over and was easily damaged. Bowler hats were termed “stiff” hats– they were given a coat of shellac in the construction process and therefore never conformed to the shape of the wearers head. While very stiff, the hat is lined in a beautiful, soft silk to ensure comfort. The Bowler hat marked the first middle ground between formality and casual wear. c1900 The Derby hats were very popular for all classes in USA including criminals like Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid and c1920 many fashionable women also wore them. In England and Commonwealth the Bowler hat remained popular throughout the 1800s and through the first half of the 1900s, being worn by everyone from politicians, actors, accountants, bankers, and the 'everyman' on the street.The family of Nance Blackman were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA black felt Bowler hat with cream silk lining and black ribbon bandInside Crown & Band ; The Cobweb Felt / easiest/ fitting / extra light / Inside Band Best Quality / 6111hats, hatters, blackman nance, clothing, suits, fashion wear, bankers, actors, politicians, bowler hats, derby hats, top hats, social classes, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, brighton, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, bowler thomas, bowler william, lock & co. ltd. london, england, america, canada