Cream coloured envelope with red text 'Centenary Proclamation 1871-1971' ''City of Sandhurst 21st July, 1871'' and the City of Greater Bendigo coat of arms on it in blue. A round black stamp containing the words Bendigo 21JY71 VIC AUST and also adorn the front. So too a red, black, orange and white Australian RSPCA Centenary 6c stamp.bendigo, history, bendigo proclamation 1871-1971

CD produced for Joss Tonkin for the Archives dated 02 December 2008. Archival photographs with some photoshopping. 1. B11.0391 enhanced. Horticultural Board of Advice 1894, 2. B91.72 enhanced Jubilee Show of the Victorian Horticultural Society (RHSV), c. 1909. 3. B91.445 enhanced A.E. Bennett, Group of Men, 1894. Dated 02 December 2008.joss tonkin, burnley, joseph harris, horticultural board of advice, a e bennett, victorian horticultural society, rhsv

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. Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae Vol 7 1869-1871 Author: Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller Publisher: Government Printer Melbourne Date: 1869 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 581.994 MUE Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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, 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, fragmenta phytographiae australiae vol 7 1869-1871, fragmenta phytographiae australiae, baron ferdinand von mueller

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. The Far East Vol 1 & 2 An Illustrated fortnightly Newspaper. Publisher: William A Miller Date: May 30 1870-Dec 16 1871 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 079.52 FAR Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, 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, the far east vol 1 & 2

Letter dated Oct 23rd 1871 from ? J Cain asking if the members would like to sit for a picture and then have a copy to hang in their Hall.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, ed evans, court king of the forest, ? j cain

Pale green/cream printed receipt with green printing dated 2nd October 1871 for 5/- for Funeral Dixon. Signed by C. H. Collier.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, bendigo advertiser office, mr waller, dixon, mackay & co., c h collier

Black and white photograph. A memory of the past.-Hallas's Band (Bendigo) in 1871. (N.White, Photo.) Men in uniform with instruments. Hillside. Back of photo: <-17cm->entertainment, music, hallas's band

Letter from Nicholas Langdon dated Nov 16th, 1871, claiming the sick allowance of the Court as he was unable to attend his usual employment.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, nicholas langdon, yorkcottage

Cohn Bros printed Memorandum dated August 4th 1894 to E. P. Hastings re: enclosed transfer of shares from H Iser.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery

Cohn Bros printed Memorandum to E. P. Hastings re: receipt of share certificates from H. Olsen dated 16/8/1894bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery

Handwritten note from Braham & Pirani to Cohns Bros Victoria Brewery re: Robert Neave creditor meeting dated 29th January 1894.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery

Cohn Brothers Transfer of Shares from Executor of estate of Maldemar Levy to Magnus Cohn dated 10th Dec 1894. Duty Stamp attached.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery, maldemar levy.

Cream coloured envelope with red text 'Centenary Proclamation 1871-1971' ''City of Sandhurst 21st July, 1871'' and the City of Greater Bendigo coat of arms on it in blue. A round black stamp containing the words Bendigo No. 21JY71 VIC AUST and another black rectangular one City of Bendigo Centenary of Proclamation City of Sandhurst 21st July, 1871 also adorn the front. So too an orange 6c stamp with HRH Elizabeth II and Australia. On the rear of the envelope in purple stamp is F.M. Martin Killian's Walk (Upstairs Bendigo Ph. 3 2493 and Box 272.bendigo, history, centenary of proclamation

Document. KELLY & ALLSOP COLLECTION. Two share certificates issued by the North Argus United Gold Mining Company, No Liability, Moon Reef, Garden Gully Line, Eaglehawk. Certificate Nos. 2131 & 2132 each of 100 shares issued to N.Kershaw of Bendigo on 2 March 1894. Each share of 10 shillings each raised 15,000 Pounds from 30,000 shares. Certificates signed by J.H.Kirkwood, Manager.North Argus United Gold Mining Co.business, stockbroker, kelly & allsop, kelly & allsop collection, share certificates, north argus united gold mining co., n.kershaw, j.h.kirkwood.

Document. Various legal papers. 1 - 1893 - Draft Inventory, Probate Jurisdiction in the Will of Canning Esther Isabell, late of Golden Square, Hotel Keeper. An inventory of her Real Estate and Personal Estate. 2 - 1893 - Account from McFarlane James, Tailor, 64 Pall Mall, Bendigo. Original letterhead states Gray St Hamilton - crossed out. Account to Canning Mr. 3 - 1894 - Phoenix Fire Office of London Insurance. Receipt for Cottage - High Street. 4 - Pencilled notes concerning Canning Disbursements. 5 - 1894 - Account to Canning Mr from Budden William, Wholesale Coffee and Spice Merchant, Sandhurst Steam Coffee Works, Williamson St Bendigo. 6 - 1893 - Letter to Connelly and Tatchell from McFarlane James, Tailor and Outfitter written on Dr to J McFarlane sheet. Mentions that McFarlane's wife has a certain amount of money to pay to Hunter Mr for licence of the Golden Age Hotel, Golden Square. 7 - 1893 - Letter to Connelly and Tatchell from the Cohn Bros, Victoria Brewery Company (Limited), Cohn Magnus, Manager. Re Golden Age Hotel (taking of furniture at Valuation). 8 - 1894 - Probate in the Will of Canning Esther Isabell stating that she had real estate valued at 760 pounds and personal estate valued at 172 pounds and 3 pence at the time of her death on 26 Nov 1893. Executors of her Will - Stone Henry, Sheepwash Creek, Eucalyptus manufacturer and Tatchell George Henry, Williamson Street, Bendigo, Solicitor. 9 - 1894 - Court summons. Gourley Mary Ann, Defendant to Gourley Mary Ann of Bendigo for rates on property at High Street. Attached receipt from City of Bendigo from Teague Thos. H - Asst. Rate Collector. Other names:- Stone Henry, Tatchell George Henry, Gourley Mary Ann, Teague Thos. H. City of Bendigo.cottage, miners, connelly, tatchell and dunlop, canning esther isabell, mcfarlane james, canning mr, phoenix fire office of london insurance, budden william, sandhurst steam coffee works, hunter mr, cohn bros, victoria brewery co. (ltd), cohn magnus, golden age hotel

This Welsh Bible belonged to Ellen Hughes who was Welsh-speaking and the daughter of a farmer from Caernarfonshire, Wales. In 1874 she married William Jones of Warrnambool and became a stepmother to Robert Jones who was to become the owner of the property The Union, near Woolsthorpe. Robert’s daughters, Gwen and Edna Jones, gave this Bible to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. They were both members of the Society. This book is of great importance as a beautiful memento of the 19th century when the Welsh Calvinistic tradition was strong in the Warrnambool district and a Gaelic church was operating in Woodford and services in Gaelic services were held regularly in Warrnambool. This is a hard cover book with a brown leather cover with gold metal edging and a gold clasp. The cover has embossed patterns on the front back and spine. The pages have gilt edges. The text is in the Welsh language and is presented in two columns per page. There is one blue stamp of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society on the first page. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. ‘Presented to Miss Ellen Hughes by her wellwishers Hugh and Kate Pritchard, Llanfairfechan, July 14th 1871’ ellen hughes, gaelic church, woodford, history of warrnambool, the union

Account for Medical Services from March 29 to June 21/71 Dr. to H. L. Atkinson dated July 19th 1871. Amount is for £50.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, h l atkinson

Account written on a piece of blue paper and dated Feby 17 1871. Court King of the Forest No. 3770 to Chas. Kelynack. £1:10/- to Board the entrance.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - account, court king of the forest, chas kelynack

120 pages with lithographic illustrations. Mid blue hardcover linen book with dark red and gold text and decoration on the cover and spine. Dedication inside.non-fictionbaringhup sunday school, lily barkla, sunday school prizes

30cm x 21cm black and white photograph of the building at 19 Sydney Street which was occupied by The Advertiser Office. Purchased from the State Library of Victoria. There is two men standing outside of the office which is a light coloured single story building with advertising in the windows and a smal ramp out the front of the building connecting the footpath and the road.Written on the back: Photo purchased from SLV July 2006 1894 19 Sydney Streetnewspapers

historic, public land, landscape, B/W photograph of George Innes monument on Mt. Innes, now known as Birdwood Park, mounted next to drawing showing inscription, which is illegible in photo. George Innes donated the land for the reserve.Mount Innes The gift of George Innes Esq. Cairney Hill to the borough of Buninyong February 1894buninyong, mt. innes, george innes

HistoricalLaminated article from The Weekly Times, October 4, 2006 describing settlement of French Island in 1894 by Thompson and Broderick families.Includes 2 sepia photographs.The First Islandersthompson family, french island, farming, chicory farming, broderick farming

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. The Age of Fable or Beauties of Mythology Author: Thomas Bulfinch, revised by Rev. Edward Everett Hale Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co Date: 1894 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 290 HAL Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free 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, 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, the age of fable, thomas bulfinch, rev. edward everett hale

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. Primitive Civilizations Vol 2 or Outlines of the History of Ownership in Archaic Communities Author: E J Simcox Publisher: Swan Sonnenschein & Co Date: 1894Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 913.03 SIM Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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, primitive civilizations vol 2, e j simcox

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. Primitive Civilizations Vol 1 or Outlines of the History of Ownership In Archaic Communities Author: E J Simcox Publisher: Swan Sonnenschein & Co Date: 1894 Label on spine with typed text PAT 901 SIM 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, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, primitive civilizations vol 1, e j simcox

Handwritten note from Jonathan Day of George Hotel St Kilda dated June 15th 1894 acknowledging receipt of cheque signed Jonathan Day.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery