In UK in early 1800's the word 'mechanic' was applied to a broader range of skills such as working man, tradesman or artisan. Mechanics' Institutes were formed originally for voluntary, self-funded organisations, to improve the education of working men and to instruct them on their various trades. The germ of the idea came from a class formed in 1799 by Professor George Birbeck in Glasgow, Scotland, for journeymen mechanics (apprentice trade workers), with the first Institutes being organised in London and Manchester in the 1820's. By then the original aim had broadened and the Mechanics' Institutes were established as popular agencies of adult education. The Mechanics' Institutes were run by committees that provided facilities for a meeting room, hall suitable for lectures, and a library. Funding was raised locally and often supplemented by grants from government agencies for the purchase of books and other resources. Activities were community based. In Australia, Mechanics' Institutes were set up in New South Wales and in Tasmania in the late 1820's. Mechanics' Institutes began in Victoria, with the first one in Melbourne dating from 1839, providing similar services but in time offered services tailored to their specific area. Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. "These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In q856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art., and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. In 1975 the original building was demolished and the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: - The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. - The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. - The Historic Society has some items - The State Museum has some items - Some items were destroyed - Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. NOTE: Pages of this book have been digitally recorded and archived.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. Record book, Warrnambool Mechanics Institute Committee, Secretaries reports, 5th April 1903 - 31st March, 1906. Soft card with red/blue/white marble pattern and red binding. Ruled lines with red left margins. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, warrnambool mechanics' institute, mechanics' institute records warrnambool, record book c1903

Item souvenired by Alan Mason, refer cat No 3979.2Currency note, “Netherlands East Indies, (Dutch) Five Roepiah, rectangular shape, colours front red, blue, white with depiction of Queen Wilhemina, rear colours greens, white with depictions of planes, soldiers, naval, note datedIn red,”CC341876” twice. “Van 2 MAART 1943” in bluecurrency, dutch 1943, netherlands east indies

Items souvenired by Alan Mason, refer cat No 3979.2.1).2) Currency notes, “Netherlands East Indies” (Dutch) 50 cent, rectangular shape, colours front red, blue, white, rear green and white, depiction of Queen Wilhemina on RH side front, notes dated..1) In blue, “FD119281” twice. .2) In blue “FD186979” twice. Both have “VAN 2 MAART 1943” oncurrency, dutch 1943, netherlands east indies

Circular blue, red and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back. Badge printed with gold text 'Hurting nurses hurts patients' and the ANF [Australian Nursing Federation] logo.

Pink paper with dates Jan 27, 28, Feb 8, 9, 10, and 11 1926. New Red White & Blue Consolidated Co. N.L. to Miss G. Alice Jones. Re Attendances, instructions, Drawing and copying and typing. Guarantee to Bank of Australasia and indemnity to guarantors. Cost £5 11 0. R421 Delivered 1/10/26. Settled 26/10/26.the miss g.alice jones collection - account, new red white & blue consolidated co n.l., bank of australasia, mr palmer, carter newman & howe

Cards given to his (father) in N G / VX 81823 T.H. DRUMMOND..1) Cardboard box containing 52 playing cards and sheet of instructions black print on white paper, box red, yellow, blue, white and grey print of navy vessel. cards red yellow blue white and grey, naval vessel or cover, flags and pendants on back. .2) Sheet of paper with coloured international code and flag signals on one side and instructions for playing two games traditionally played in Navy.sticker " A gift from the Australian Red Cross Society" on box.cards, playing, leisure object

Order of Australia Medal.This is full scale replica of an OAM It has a circular blue enamel ring in the centre. The word "Australia" is in the blue ring. The large gold section has a large quantity of replica gems. The top of the gold medal is a crown set with red and white enamel. A ring is above the crown. Attached to the ring is a brass loop 30mm long. Through the loop is a small piece of blue ribbon with gold wattle flowers printed on it. The medal is pinned to a piece of green cardboard.order of australia reproduction, aust awards

Pink paper dated "Jany 10, 13, Feb 2, 26, Feb 26 to Mar 13, Feb 26 to Apl 28, Apl 23, Apl 18 to May 3." New Red White & Blue Mining Co. No. 2 N.L. to Miss G. Alice Jones. Attendances, instructions, Drawing and copying, perusing and amending draft notice, Drawing Rules for North Blue Co, and engrossing copy rules for Stock Exchange and copy for office use. Cost £14. 3.6. Pd/ R592 delivered 25/7/34.the miss g.alice jones collection - account, new red white & blue mining co no 2 n l, mr palmer, north blue mining co n l, stock exchange

Gold coloured Medal with Eagle standing on a feathyer with wings at it's side Attached to a red ribbon with white, blue and yellow stripes. Bar ribbon in same colours x two. One in material and the other in metal. Enclosed in blue case Reverse of Medal Shield and laurel leavesBlue hard case "United States of Americamedal, united states of america

Object. Small round blue, white & red tin with partial contents of Handyplast Medicated Boil Dressings. P. Beiersoorf& Co. A.G. Hamburg. Paper instructions for use inside.Made in Germany No 631medicine, first aid, handyplast boil dressing tin

A Legacy badge that was issued by some Clubs to widows, using the term Torch Bearer. Possibly from Legacy Club of Sydney. The badge of Legacy is the Torch and Wreath of Laurel. The Torch signifies the undying flame of service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for their country. The Wreath of Laurel is the symbol of our remembrance of them. The card makes a tax deductible receipt.Enamel badge in the shape of the Legacy torch, it is made of gold coloured metal with white, red and blue enamel, and the words Torch Bearer in gold. Fastening is a safety pin style clasp.Imprinted on reverse 'AJ Parkes' who were the manufacturer.badges, widows

Used for pinning onto clothing or other accessories. Advertisement of the RTBU is printed on one side.A recent item advertising the RTBU.Round metallic badge with the text "WE RUN THE NETWORK" and "RAIL TRAM TRAM & BUS UNION" printed in front in concentric red and white circles. Nestled within are the lines "RTBU" and "THE POWER OF UNION" printed in white, horizontally on a blue background.public transport, rtbu, unions

White card with white red and blue flags and blue print. On the card are the words, ' Welcome to Bendigo. The Bendigo Branch of the R.S. & S.I. L.A. welcome you back to your Native City, congratulating you on your safe return.' Major Adams, V.D. Two copies. C. 1945.clubs and associations, history, service clubs, lydia chancellor, collection, world war ii, civic reception, returned sailors & soldiers imperial league australia

.1) Christmas greeting card beige card, red, blue, white, flag & sailor in uniform with black ink print greeting hand written letter, black inside card. .2) Beige card, black, blue, grey, pink, graphic party picture with black ink printed Season's Greetings & Christmas verse hand written information on back of card..1) Hand written letter to Joan dated 7/11/16 inside card. .2) Hand written information on back of card.military history, xmas, greetings

Refers to the service of G.F. Pierce DCM number 2839 Cat No 1891PPhotograph- is in an old wooden frame. The photo show three Aust soldiers, two standing, one sitting. Uniform- slough hats, shiny boots. The photo is surrounded with a red, white and blue ribbon, then surrounded with a sort of red ensign. The frame is wooden with a mixture of black paint and gold. The rear has two screw eyes and a small piece of brass wire. PIERCE. G. F. Is first on left.ww1, australian soldiers

Advertising card: don’t pass….Don Murray's Hotel-Motel Bendigo. The gateway to the Golden North, right on the highway at Kangaroo Flat ''The Travellers' Paradise'' Phone: K.Flat 7240. on the back: introducing Bauld's car park 582 Collins Street, Melbourne. The only 24 hour 7 days a week friendly parking station in town - 621087. Three triangular pieces of clothes at the top, red, white and blue.business, retail, don murray's hotel

Originally Luth's General Store purchased from John Flug in 1875. Renovated and enlarges several times over the years. Business sold to Wignall's in 1971, then O'Donnell's, Currans, Carroll & H?son and Graeme Paterson purchased the building in 1986. Part of streetscape series done for the Sire of Charlton 1987.Colour photograph showing the single storey Foodmaster SUPERMARKET building. Red, white and blue signage on the verandah reads O'DONNELL'S LICENCED SUPERMARKET, and WOOL Haberdashery ARTS & C. Three entrances and four large windows. Windows covered in advertising posters. Six cars parked in front of the building. Edge of white, two storey building on LH side of photo. Three cars in lower part of photo.luth's, john flug, wignall's, o'donnell's, curran's, carroll, graeme paterson

For King and Country certificate - Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Enlisted / sailed / served the Empire in the Australian Imperial Forces / Company / Battalion / Brigade. God Save The King. Verse by CHC Montrose.Cardboard rectangle with map of Australia in gold print, 2 red, blue, white flags. Oval cutouts with block & white photographs of 2 individual soldiers in uniform inserted, black print verse. Rising Sun badge depicted in gold print.“1st Nov 1916 / 16th Dec 1916 / W A Reid / 14th / 4th”, handwritten in red ink. “5th June 1915 / 8th Nov 1915 / W Robinson / 21st & 59th”, handwritten in blue ink.documents - certificates, military history

The Patriotic Carnival was held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from the 20th to the 27th of October to raise funds for the support of returned servicemen and their families. Early Settle families in Moorabbin Shire were generous supporters of local charities for returned service men and womenVoided round gilt and enamel badge with pin on back. The front has the Melbourne Cricket Club logo, ‘MCC’ in red and white at the centre; around on blue background, ‘PATRIOTIC CARNIVAL 1917’. The reverse has the makers name, ‘STOKES & SONS MELB’.Patriotic Carnival 1917 MCCmelbourne cricket ground, fundraising, returned service men, patriotic carnival

Plastic model of a F4 Phanton Jet. Green/brown colour with USAF and USA emblem of white star on blue background and red and white striped "ribbon". Displayed on perspect stand with Phanton 11 in white print and MAudio, CDonnell in black printUSAF 37692phanton jet, alan reed, united states - armed forces

Refer Cat No. "1038 G. Turner MM" . Box 39.1. Medal case, metal, black vinyl with cream inside lining, hinged on the left hand side. 2. Small blue, white and red ribbon.Front of case "Military Medal". Inside on left side "Royal Mint" and Coat of Arms in black.medal, ribbon, military medal