Likely connected to the National Coaching Conference held in Canberra in 1994, a project overseen by the Australian Coaching Council, Australian Sports Commission, and the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.Square plastic (paper-backed) badgeThe front of the badge includes the text "1994 The Year of the Coach" in a graphic design/logo format.year of the coach, australian coaching council, australian sports commission, australian strength and conditioning association

Likely connected to the National Coaching Conference held in Canberra in 1994, a project overseen by the Australian Coaching Council, Australian Sports Commission, and the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.Square plastic (paper-backed) badgeThe front of the badge includes the text "1994 The Year of the Coach" in a graphic design/logo format.year of the coach, australian coaching council, australian sports commission, australian strength and conditioning association

The Ruyton Reporter (formerly known as Ruyton Reports) captures the essential Ruyton Girls' School experience for the broader school community. It has been produced since 1986.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to one of the oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Thus, the record can be used as a reference example for research into Victorian school history. It also gives insight into the types of activities and events undertaken at Ruyton Girls' School during the period of its production. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on paper with staple binding. 12 pages.Front Page: THE R RUYTON / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / Reporter / SUMMER 1994 / A Warm Welcome / When Dame Pattie Menzies visited Ruyton in October, she met 4 year old 'Little Ruytonian' / Sara Lavoipierre and her friends David Smith, Isabella Serafini and Drew Powel. Delighted onlookers / were School Co-Captains, Cass Kenna and Kathy Scott together with Mrs. Heather Henderson / (Menzies, '46) / In September, Dame Pattie wrote to the Principal, Mrs. Gillies, indicating that Ruyton would be the / beneficiary of a substantial gift. In her letter, Dame Pattie expressed a wish to visit the School and see all / the changes we have made since she was the guest of the Parents of Past Pupils in 1988. /ruyton girls' school, ruyton, school, students, newsletter, ruyton reports, ruyton news, kew, victoria, melbourne, girls school

Black and white photograph. Group photograph of students seated and standing on tiered benches in the Ornamental Garden. Year group C. 1970.On reverse, "Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Department Of Agriculture Ref. No. D.1225.C."year group, students, c.1970

A collection of six issues of the Australian Ski Year Book. The publications contain articles and images related to the Ski Industry in Australia and overseas."The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. And it was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. The first edition included an account of the first journey across the mountain range on skis from Kiandra to Kosciusko in 1927 by the party led by Dr Herbert Schlink, a former resident of Wodonga. Other editions included contributions from Tom Mitchell, a pioneer of Falls Creek.australian skiing, australian ski publications, tom mitchell, herbert schlink

Written on back of photograph, "Pouring concrete in office building on no.37-39 Ringwood Street. 12/2/82".

The Ruyton Reporter (formerly known as Ruyton Reports) captures the essential Ruyton Girls' School experience for the broader school community. It has been produced since 1986.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to one of the oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Thus, the record can be used as a reference example for research into Victorian school history. It also gives insight into the types of activities and events undertaken at Ruyton Girls' School during the period of its production. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on paper with staple binding. 12 pages.Front Page: THE R RUYTON / RECTE ET FIDE LITER / Reporter / WINTER EDITION 1993 / Our 4th straight G.S.A. win / KEW'S FIRST / JUNIOR MAYOR / As part of the 1993 Kew Festival, the first / Junior Kew Council was convened with students / from local Independent, Catholic and Ministry / Schools. Janine Loftus, Year 6 at Ruyton was / elected Mayor and she presided with / considerable poise and wisdom as her fellow / councillors debated various topical issues / including a permit for a McDonald's Restaurant / in High Street. Her last official duty was to / present a cheque - the result of fund-raising / during the Festival - to the Asthma Foundation / on behalf of the Schools of Kew. / 1993 RUYTON BALL PICTURES MUSIC TOUR TO NEW ZEALAND / MORE ON THE GSA RESULT SPORTS RETROSPECTIVE /ruyton girls' school, ruyton, school, students, newsletter, ruyton reports, ruyton news, kew, victoria, melbourne, girls school

Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1993, the award was won by Ruth Park for her book 'A Fence Around a Cuckoo'. The award was accepted by her literary agent Tim Curnow. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Irini Pappas for the audio version of 'Put Your Whole Self In', a story about the Northcote Self Group Hydrotherapy and Massage group, by Meme McDonald, which also won 'Audio Book of the Year'. Presentations were made by Arnold Zable, Lorna Hayter, Meme McDonald, James Wright and Jeremy Wurm. 25 colour photographs, 4 black and white, 1 single negative (behind P1540.13) and 7 strips of negativeawards, braille & talking book library, james wright, arnold zable, lorna hayter, meme mcdonald, jeffrey hodgson, paul karo, rose blustein, irini pappas, jeremy wurm, michael carman, eileen larkin, iris wileman, elsie warren, beryl grover, ida dolinko, estelle cother, peggy stenboig, marjorie oke, ada handyside, sheila baldwin, joyce spokes, stanley mcgeagh, maggie millar

This booklet commemorates 50 years of the Methodist Order of Knights. It has a message from the Founder, A.W.Bray; lists past Knight Commanders of Hurstville No 1 Court "Sir Lancelot"; the order of morning service at Hurstville for Golden Jubliee Sunday, 4 October 1964 and a message from F Trafford Walker, Superintendent of the Hurstville Circuit. The Methodist Order of Knights was the official youth organisation of the Methodist Church of Australasia. It originated in Hurstville, NSW, on the 4th October 1914 by the then Mr and later Rev Alex Bray. Alex Bray was a Sunday School teacher and spoke to his class of the Knights of the Round Table. In 1917 the Order of Knights was officially recognised by the Sunday School Dept of the NSW Methodist Conference. Courts spread thoroughout Australia. In 1927 the High Court of NSW called for designs for a badge and in 1929 the General Conference of the Methodist Church of Australasia recognised the Order as an approved Organisation. In 1938 the Senior Section was organised into Degrees of Sincerity, Service and Sacrifice; the Junior Section into Pages' Degree with advancement to Esquire. In 1954 the Junior Section was reorganised into two groups: Pages 8 to 11 years and Esquires 12 to 15 years. The Knight's Motto: "Live Pure, Speak True, Right Wrong, Follow Christ the King, else wherefore born?" Courts of the Order: General Conference Department of the Christian Education - General Court - Provincial High Court - District Court - Local Court - Senior Court - Intermediate Court - Junior Court . Regalia: All members of the Intermediate and Senior Courts wore regalia consisting of a cloth shield superimposed by a cross of light and dark blue ribbons, and supported by a cloth collar. Esquire and Degree of Sincerity regalia: White collar and white shield. Degree of Service regalia: Green collar and shield. Degree of Sacrifice: Scarlet collar and shield. District Court regalia: Blue collar and gold shield. High Court regalia: Gold collar and purple sheild. General Court regalia: Purple collar and shield. Officers of the local courts wore their symbols as part of their regalia.Blue covered booklet celebrating the 50th year, golden jubliee, of the Methodist Order of Knights founded in 1914. Twenty-eight typewritten pages with a central double glossy pages of photographs. The booklet is held together with three staples.methodist order of knights, alec w bray, f trafford walker, hurstville methodist church

The President in 1980 was Karl Robertson. A major issue for his year in office was the question of the extension of eligibility for membership to categories of ex-servicemen who had not served overseas or in the other areas presently defined in the Code. Document is dated 12/10/1981 as the presidential year ran from March to the following February and this was written sometime after he was replaced as president. Was in a binder of documents that is passed from an outgoing President to the incoming President. It is primarily from the 1930s to 1990s. Most documents are being catalogued separately.A record of the ideas of the President in the 1970s.White foolscap paper x 2 pages with black type of the President's comments in 1980.presidents, karl robertson

Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1992, the award was won by Arnold Zable for his book 'Jewels and Ashes. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to James Wright for the audio version of the same book. Presentations were made by Trevor Hay, James Wright and Arnold Zable. 4 colour photographs, 4 black and white and 1 proof sheet of negativesawards, braille & talking book library, trevor hay, james wright, arnold zable

Introduced in 1974, the Braille Book of the Year was created to both acknowledge excellence in writing as well as raise the profile of Braille books. In 1995, the award was won by 'Goodbye Girlie' by Patsy Adam Smith. The Bathurst Award for Narrator of the Year award went to Beverley Dunn for the audio version of the same. Presentations were made by Rose Blustein, Patsy Adam Smith and Beverley Dunn at the Malthouse.8 colour photographs of the eventJ614/20 J615/8 J614/6 J615/18 J614/9 J614/5 J615/2 J614/4awards, association for the blind, patsy adam smith, beverley dunn, rose blustein, james condon, rebecca maxwell

"The Australian Ski Year Book" was first published in 1928 by the Kosciusko Alpine Club and the Ski Club of Australia, which with the Kiandra Ski Club, were the oldest organisations for skiing in Australia. In later years organisations from Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand were included. It was published on behalf of N.S.W. Ski Council, Ski Club of Victoria, Ski Council of Tasmania, Ski Council of the Federated N.Z. Mountain Clubs. It aimed to provide an annual record of the sport of ski running in Australia, and of events elsewhere which would be of interest to Australian ski enthusiasts. This edition includes an article about the first "Ski for Light" event held at Falls Creek in September 1980. It took the form of a week of cross-country ski instruction for blind and partially-sighted skiers. The week was organised by Peter Rickards (Recreation Officer at the Association For The Blind in Melbourne). During the week, the participants were introduced to track skiing and touring without tracks, as well as some aspects of downhill technique. Peter Rickards said that the value of good tracks was clearly demonstrated because although bad weather persisted throughout the week, the tracks cut by the Falls Creek Management Committee had made it possible for the partially-sighted skiers to ski unassisted. Coaching was provided by Peter Beckman, with the able assistance of several physical education students from the Ballarat College of Advanced Education. Peter Rickards described the week as "most successful" and said plans were being made to make it an annual event. This item is significant because it is an issue of a long-running Australian ski publication which includes items about Falls Creek, Victoria..The Australian Ski Year Book of 1981 contains images, articles and advertising to document the development of the Australian Ski Industry. This issue included an article reporting on the first "Ski For Light" event held at Falls Creek as well as an advertisement for the Sundance Inn.australian skiing, "ski for light falls creek 1980

2 copies black and white photograph. Group photograph of students seated on chairs in front of a wall. Year not identified. What they represent not identified.On reverse, "Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Department Of Agriculture Ref. No. D.1441?.A."students, student group.

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 12 June, 1825 - December, 1826" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1919Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, historical records of australia series 1 vol 12

Golf trophy awarded by the Thomastown Golf Club. Bob Jones was a foundation member of the Club and Secretary for many years.Thomastown Golf Club was a social club formed in 1976. This is part of the Robert (Bob) Jones collection of Club memorabilia.Golf trophy, plastic and timber. "Thomastown Golf Club. B Grade winner, R. Jones, Bacchus Marsh, 05/12/1982." engraved on plaque.thomastown golf club, golf trophies, bob jones, robert jones

The magazine was purchased by Douglas Jenkin (born 1933 and father of the donor) during a luncheon at the Mission. Douglas had joined the Navy at 16 and was in the Navy reserve for 10 years. His love of the sea and sailing has been a pattern all his life, even sailing around the world with his 54' timber yacht Roama.The magazine was published in 1961 (p.9 mentions the arrival of Padre Long) and provides names, photos of opportunity shops. It was published to raise funds for the Mission. It is a rare magazine as no other Neptune Digest can be found online or even mentioned in the National Library of Australia.Small magazine with bright yellow and blue cover.Neptune Digest / Proceeds Aid The Missions To Seamen (Victoria) / Vol. 1, No 12 / Sea Stories Travel-Adventures / 2!neptune digest, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, melbourne, reverend perry mitchinson, reverend r.m. long, fundraising, marketing, publicity, opportunity shops, caledon bay, williamstown, port melbourne

Set of 12 tickets for Melbourne tram tours contained within a Pacific Film Laboratory folder. Collected by Ian Stanley at the time of the tour. .1 - TMSV Golden Sunset Tour No. 2 - 26-12-1966 - printed on light green card. .2 - TMSV W2 Day tour - 19-5-1968, printed on dark blue card - see also Reg Item No. 605. .3 - AETA - 30th Excursion - Brunswick depot - 18-2-1961 - ticket No. 006, printed on manila card. .4 - TMSV - 4th tour - 7-2-1965 - 980 ex Malvern Depot - printed on light green card. .5 - TMSV - 19th tour - 18-6-1967 - printed on light green card. .6 - ARE - Tram tour 17 - 17-12-1967 - printed on manila card. .7 - TMSV Golden Sunset Tour No. 3 - 26-12-1967 - printed on manila card. .8 - TMSV Golden Sunset Tour 26-12-1965 - printed on manila card. .9 - TMSV - MBCTT 50th anniversary tour - 24-4-1966 printed on manila card. .10 - TMSV - Kew tour - tour No. 2 - 6-5-1964 printed on yellow card. .11 - TMSV - Richmond cable tram commemoration - 14-11-1965 - printed on pink card, has advertisement for the Model Dockyard on the rear. .12 - TMSV tour ticket for 17-11-1963 - Y1 613, ex South Melbourne - printed on long pink card which has been folded for storage..8 - has written in ink "Mr. I. J. Stanley 1-5.0"trams, tramways, tmsv, are, aeta, tickets, tours, models

The Gown of the Year Program was a gala event in Melbourne's cultural calendar. Australia's supermodels of the day, such as Diane Masters (pictured), Bambi Shmith, and Betty Jackson modelled clothes by Melbourne's leading designers, Hall Ludlow, Le Louvre, and others. Diane Masters has played a seminal role in contributing to the Design Archives through her personal and professional fashion archive, her role in the Hall Ludlow collection and archive, the Laurie Carew collection, and her generosity in gifting items from the Frederick Romberg archive to the RMIT Design Archives. She has been and remains a key figure in Melbourne and Australian fashion. Suzanne Davies, 2017Black and white photograph features fashion designer Hall Ludlow (right), holding his trophies for winning the 1959 Gown of the Year at the Menzies Hotel, Melbourne. Model Diane Masters (right) is wearing the winning gown: a pale full length gown with short sleeves, scoop neck, and ruffled skirt. The matching coat also features small ruffled down its length.Verso: Stamped in black ink, bottom right: 'Photographed by/ ATHOL SHMITH/ F.R.P.S . . F.R.S.A/ 125 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE/ TELEPHONE MF 5[illegible]4australian fashion, fashion design, mid-century modern

Councilor J.Baird J.P. was elected as a member of council in 1900 serving until 1928. He was Shire President in 1907-08,1916-17 and 1922-23.Original Historic Photo for 1911-12.Rectangular sepia photo of Councilor J.Baird,J.P, set in pinkish tan mount. It is placed at the top row left hand side of collection of photos of all councilors fot 1911-12. Councilor J.Baird J.P.ballarat shire council, j baird j p 1911 12

In 1899 Councilor J.M.Feery was elected to council and served until 1917.He was Shire President in 1906-07 and 1915-16.Original Historic Photo.Sepia photo set in pinkish/tan mount, of Councilor J.M.Feery J.P.It is situated second from left top row of collection of photos of all councilors for 1911-12 and is oval in shape.Councilor J.M. Feery J.P.ballarat shire council, feery j m, 1899 1917

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 Emu Vol 12. - 1912-13 A Quarterly Magazine to popularise the Study and Protection of Native Birds Editors A J Campbell and Charles Barrett Publisher: Walker May & Co Date: 1913 Label on spine with typed text RA 598.2050 EMU Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the emu vol 12, a j campbell, charles barrett

Framed coloured photograph of four Soldiers of 12 Platoon taking a break during a search of Long Phuc Hai village. Chris Cannin, Ken Ward, Pat McEwan Dave Pullar12 platoon, d coy 7 rar, long phuc hai

The Ruyton Reporter (formerly known as Ruyton Reports) captures the essential Ruyton Girls' School experience for the broader school community. It has been produced since 1986.The record has strong historic significance as it pertains to one of the oldest girls' school in Victoria, Australia. Ruyton was founded in 1878 in the Bulleen Road, Kew, home of newly widowed Mrs Charlotte Anderson (now High Street South). Thus, the record can be used as a reference example for research into Victorian school history. It also gives insight into the types of activities and events undertaken at Ruyton Girls' School during the period of its production. The record's significance is further enhanced by its exceptionally well-documented provenance, having remained the property of Ruyton Girls' School since its production.Colour publication printed on paper with staple binding. 12 pages.Front Page: 2 / 0 / the RUYTON / REPORTER / 0 / spring / 0 / welcome Mrs Anderson / Board President Fay Marles AM greets our new Principal, Carolyn Anderson / STOP PRESS / Email: [email protected] / PRINT POST APPROVED / PP 341999 00026 / As our School Song says... 12 Selbourne Rd / "At sport we've made a lasting name / Our Old Girls too uphold our fame" Kew VIC 3101 / R / Congratulations to Olympians, RECTE ET FIDE LITER Tel: 9819 2422 / Georgina Douglas ('90) 5th in Single Sculls / Claire Mitchell-Taverner ('88) member of Fax: 9818 4790 / the Gold Medal Hockeyroos team / Visit our NEW Website: www.ruyton.vic.edu.au /ruyton girls' school, ruyton, school, students, newsletter, ruyton reports, ruyton news, kew, victoria, melbourne, girls school

Newspaper clipping - from the Progress Press, 24th July 1991, titled "75th year" reporting on the 75th anniversary of the Hawthorn Tramway Trust - HTT. Refers to notes supplied by Michael Norbury, Has a photo of Z15 on route 75 to East Burwood in Burwood Highway. Photo by Andrew Batsch.On left hand side in ink "Progress Press Wed 24 July 1991"trams, tramways, htt, burwood highway, z class, tram 15

The item is of the few programme flyers left used by the Mission to advertise the events to seafarers in the building.Brown sheet of paper. top left corner has The Mission To Seamen flag. Leaflet lists New Years events for seamen for the year 1907.lhlg, picnic, new year, 1907, new nears' eve, zoo, zoological gardens, melbourne, charles arthur holmes, alfred gurney goldsmith, chaplain, lay reader, port melbourne, sailors' home, williamstown, sailors' rest, siddeley street, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, events, services, tea

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 1942 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. Victorian Year-Book 1909-10 Thirtieth Issue Author: A M Laughton, Government Statist Publisher: Government Printer Melbourne Date: 1910 Label on spine has label with typed text PAT 319.45 VIC Pastedown front endpaper has 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, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, victorian year-book 1909-10, a m laughton