Showing 19737 items matching "robert-george-lemke"
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Robin Boyd Foundation
Slide, Robin Boyd
Colour slide in a mount. Rupertswood, Sunbury, Victoria, Australia, 1876. (Architect: George L. Browne.)Mount Made in Englandvictoria, slide -
Clunes Museum
Medal - CORONATION MEDAL
GOLD COLOURED METAL MEDAL CELEBRATING CORONATION KING GEORGE & QUEEN ELIZABETH MAY 1937local history, numismatic, commemorative, celebrations, royal family -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
photograph - Slides, Ian McCann, Main St, Victoria St & St Grorges St with Cato Lake in background, 1976 - 1984
Colour Photograph of Main St, Victoria St & St Georges Street with Cato Lake In the Background -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Life's ambition realised, 24/08/1998 12:00:00 AM
Obituary of Andrew George, a keen sportsman and Mitcham resident who died 14 July 1998Obituary of Andrew George, a keen sportsman and Mitcham resident who died 14 July 1998Obituary of Andrew George, a keen sportsman and Mitcham resident who died 14 July 1998george, michael, janet, stephen, kevin, paul, heather, tim, kathy, professional engineers association, professional officers association -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Marriage Certificate - William Dugdale, 30/05/1907 12:00:00 AM
Certificate of Marriage of William Dugdale, grazier, and Hannah Louisa Richards at St. George's Church, Blackburn.Certificate of Marriage of William Dugdale, grazier, and Hannah Louisa Richards at St. George's Church, Blackburn.Certificate of Marriage of William Dugdale, grazier, and Hannah Louisa Richards at St. George's Church, Blackburn.dugdale, william, richards, hannah louisa -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Election scandal, 2006
Former mayor, George Droutsas, forced to front tribunal over accusations of an election scandal (photo).Former mayor, George Droutsas, forced to front tribunal over accusations of an election scandal (photo).Former mayor, George Droutsas, forced to front tribunal over accusations of an election scandal (photo).city of whitehorse, droutsas, george, local government elections -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Friends fees paid, 2006
Allegations made about Cr. George Droutsas' conduct prior to November 2005 poll (photo).Allegations made about Cr. George Droutsas' conduct prior to November 2005 poll (photo).Allegations made about Cr. George Droutsas' conduct prior to November 2005 poll (photo).city of whitehorse, local government elections, droutsas, george, cutagno, chantal -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Article, Dummy couple used in election, 2009
Couple stated that they were unaware that they signed forms to be candidates in an election in which George Droutsas was standing.Couple stated that they were unaware that they signed forms to be candidates in an election in which George Droutsas was standing.Couple stated that they were unaware that they signed forms to be candidates in an election in which George Droutsas was standing.cutugno, chontel, cutugno, anthony, elections, city of whitehorse, droutsas, george -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Letter - Correspondence, Outline of life in Nunawading c1920 - 1985, 25/09/1985
Letter from Hilda George to Norma Jamieson telling of life in and around McCulloch Street c1920.local history, brunson, sarah ann, brunson, catherine, mcculloch street, nunawading, brunson, lucy, robinson, j.r., plant (mr), chugg, william harold, pavey (mr), george family -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - Article, Riddle in Mitcham, 28/01/1987
Article by Simon Kinch on reproductions of unknown origin found on floor slabs in Mitcham by George Wright.wright, george -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Geal Family
Genealogy of the Geal family and their employment as pottersGenealogy of the Geal family and their employment as potters and service in WW 1 of Albert Geal and George Geal.Genealogy of the Geal family and their employment as potters pottery, geal family, geal, albert, albert jnr, alice, bros, george, sidney, world war 1914-1918 -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Mayor Cr. Brown, 20/11/1977 12:00:00 AM
Coloured photo of Mayor Cr. Brown, George Cox and Mrs W. Williamson at Museum openingbrown, albert, cox, george, williamson, mrs w. -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Black and white photograph, St Georges Anglican Church Blackburn
Used by Robin Da Costa in 'Blackburn - a Picturesque History'Black and white photo of group outside St. Georges Anglican Church Middleborough Road, Blackburnst. georges anglican church, blackburn -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Norman Armstrong
Norman Armstrong was elected a Nunawading Shire Councillor in 1924, Shire President in 1929 and Mayor in 1945Black and white photograph of Norman Armstrong taken at the Evening of Nostalgia by George Cox. (2 copies)armstrong, norman, cox, george -
Tennis Australia
Racquet, Circa 1920
Wright & Ditson 'George Wright' model wood tennis racquet. Materials: Metal, Wood, Leathertennis -
Public Record Office Victoria
Deposition, 30 November 1854
VA 2825 Attorney-General's Department (previously known as the Law Department)Eureka Stockade:Depositions taken against George Goddard for Breach of the Peace charge/Gravel Pits Riottrial -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white print, E. Chalmers, Victoria Free Martin and Calf, 1926
Donated by Ella Chalmers (née Fry) (1926).Small black and white phtograph. George Hudson holding a cow with its calf outside the Dairy. On reverse, "Victoria Free Martin and calf. (Friesian pure bred) also Mr. G. Hudson B.S.H. 1926 E. Chalmers 29 Macleod Pde. Macleod."george hudson, cow, calf, dairy, ella chalmers (née fry), victoria free martin, friesian pure bred -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Photograph - Henning, 1940 c
Black and white photograph of George Henning in AIF tropical uniform wearing officers peaked hatgenealogy, uniforms aif -
St Patrick's Old Collegians Association (SPOCA)
Photograph - SPOCA, Class Reunions, Feb 2025, Glenferrie Hotel
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Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Photograph - Beeton/Legg, 1924
Mr Beaton worked at PWDBlack and white photograph of Mrs Beeton's son Syd with George Legg of Lakes Entrance Victoriagenealogy -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Ballarat School of Mines Athletics Team, 1926, 1926
The repousse Herald Shield is displayed in the photograph, and is held by the Federation University Historical Collection.Black and white photograph of eight members of the Ballarat School of Mines Atletics team, winners of the Herald Shield for the fourth successive year. Standing left to right: Ned Roberts, Herb Morris, Jock Sutherland. Sitting left to right: Bob Collins, Fred Ewert, Les Evans, L. Hillman, Oliver Robertsballarat school of mines, ballarat school of mines athletics team, herb morris, jock sutherland, bob collins, fred ewert, leslie evans, leslie blake evans, oliver roberts, l. hillman, trophy, herald shield, les evans, lindsay hillman -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - ELMA WINSLADE WELLS COLLECTION: PHOTO OF ROBERT SHAPLAND
A small photo of Robert Shapland a relative of Elma Winslade Wells. The photo is a half portrait of Robert showing him with black hair and a beard. He is wearing a black jacket. On the back the logo of the City of London photographic company, 2 queen Street Cheapside. Photo "Galvano" engravers to Her Majesty and the Royal Family.person, individual, robert shapland -
Clunes Museum
Photograph, 1911
CELEBRATING CORONATION OF KING GEORGE V 1911. UNION JACK FLYING ON FLAG POLE. AUSTRALIAN FLAG ON TOWN HALL. POST OFFICE IN BACKGROUND.1 ORIGINAL BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH MOUNTED ON CARDBOARD, CROWD SCENE IN FRONT OF CLUNES TOWN HALL, BAILEY STREET. .2 BLACK AND WHITE COPY OF ORIGINAL PRINTED ON MATTE PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPER .3 BLACK AND WHITE REPRODUCTION OF ORIGINAL PRINTED ON GLOSS PHOTOGRAPHIC PAPEROn Front; Handwritten in black ink "Empire Day Celebration - About 1910" crossed out, replaced by "Coronation of George V June 1911" On Back; Sir Alexander Peacock in dress & with plumed hat is on the dais at front of hall A.J. (Pakeha) Kemson is just at near of Sir Alex, Phil Rowe is next. J. F. Weickhardt in light hat near pillar at rightevents and celebrations, coronation, king george -
Wangaratta Urban Fire Brigade
framed photo
STATE DEMONSTRATION - MIDURA 1969 EIGHT MAN HOSE AND LADDER TIME 21:66 3RD PLACE BACK ROW: J. Commonsoli, ,J. Kerr, J. Hemphill, N. George, J. Murtagh FRONT ROW: A. Clarke (coach), P. Graham, J. BrieseSTATE DEMONSTRATION - MIDURA 1969 EIGHT MAN HOSE AND LADDER TIME 21:66 3RD PLACE BACK ROW: J. Commonsoli, ,J. Kerr, J. Hemphill, N. George, J. Murtagh FRONT ROW: A. Clarke (coach), P. Graham, J. Briesej. commonsoli, ,j. kerr, j. hemphill, n. george, j. murtagh, a. clarke, p. graham, j. briese, running team, 1969 -
Federation University Historical Collection
Map, Doroq County of Grenville L4935, 1911, 28 June 1911
This plan is associated with former Ballarat School of Mines Student Richard Squire (1875-1876). Gift of the Squire FamilyParish Plan of Doroq in black ink printed on cream paper. It includes the township of Inverleigh and Barwon Rover. Some of the names on the plan are William McRobie, William MacRobie, Thomas Russell, W.C. Smith, John Bell, J. Moffatt, Thomas Moffatt, John Anderson, George Synnot, Charles Lloyd, William MacRobie, J. Flack, Alexander Campell, T. Maher, William Berthon. Thomas Jewell, James Carstairs, D. MCInnerney, F.H. Holland, Robert Morrison17 7/9 18 9 miles handwritten in pencil Photo lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey Melbourne by T. E. McGauran 28.6.11 Price 1/-carrunge-murnong, murdeduke, carrah, shelford, inverleigh, barwon river, hesse, wingeel, george russell, george russell's pre-emptive section, john moffatt, w. c. smith, macrobie, john bell, thomas russell, t.f. mcgauran -
Federation University Historical Collection
Plan, Commeralghip, County of Grenville, 1905, 03/02/1905
The Township of Kaleno is in the Pitfield Plains. The Cape Clear Cemetery T contains the graves of miners and local pioneering families from the Cape Clear, Hollybush, Kaleno, Pitfield Plains, Pitfield, Illabarook, Berringa, Springdallah, Wallinduc, Glenfine, Happy Valley and Western Creek districts.Plan of allotments in Commeralghip, County of Grenville, Victoria. The plan includes the township of Kaleno, Dereel Pre-Emptice Right (John Cullen), Commeralghip Pre-Emptive Right (John Gordon McMillan and Glenfine Pre-Emptive Right (William Rowe). It also includes landholders such as Robert mcPherson, C. Cameron. John Boyd, John Cullen, W.T. Rowe, George Currie, J.P. Mackay, T. McCaffery, G. Hawkins, Alexander McPherson, C. Cameron. Gift of the Squire Family, 2014commeralghip, pitfield plains, kaleno, dereel, glenfine, squire, richard squire, w.t. rowe, john cullen, alexander mcpherson, george currie, mt misery, william rowe, mindai, john gordon mcmillan -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Team Photo 2
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph 161 (Indep) Recce Flight officers Capt Phil Roberts, 2Lt Adam Frisch, 2Lt Don Trick, Maj George Constable, 2Lt Mike Meehan, Lt Kev Peacock, 2Lt Blair Weaver, Capt Peter Robinson, 2Lt Ross Goldspink, 2Lt Tom "Rockets" Guivarra MID, 2Lt Dave McFerran, Capt Bernie Forrest, Capt John Coggin, Lt Ross Hutchinson and 2Lt Peter Garton posing for a team photophotograph, 161 recon flt, capt phil roberts, 2lt adam frisch, 2lt don trick, maj george constable, 2lt mike meehan, lt kev peacock, 2lt blair weaver, capt peter robinson, 2lt ross goldspink, 2lt tom "rockets" guivarra, 2lt dave mcferran, capt bernie forrest, capt john coggin, lt ross hutchinson, 2lt peter garton, gibbons collection catalogue, 161 (indep) recce flt, denis gibbons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - FEMALE RELATIVE BADGE WW2, G&E Rodd, 1940
The badge belonged to Mrs May BALDWIN. Two stars on the badge showed she had two sons in the 2nd A.I.F, Ted & Robert. Ted (short for Edward) is believed to be George Edward BALDWIN No VX120046. He enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 10.7.1942 age 20 years. On discharge from the Army on 2.4.1946 he was a Pte in the 29/46th Aust Infantry Battalion. Robert is believed to be Walter Robert BALDWIN No VX55835. He enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 14.5.1941 age 20 years. He was in the 2/29th Batt and is listed in their history as being in D Coy. He was taken POW and is listed as died while a POW on 27.5.1943. Refer 1895.Badge, metal, "To the Women of Australia". Centre section is round with a crown over two circular wreaths with a map of Australia Centre. Attached by 2 rings is a clasp with 2 stars. A fine chain and pin attached at the top. Rear has 2 lugs and pin."ISSUED BY THE C'WLTH GOVT A77484"numismatics - badges, metalcraft -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Legendary Ballads of England and Scotland
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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 areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE 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 November 1884 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 1856 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 fundraising 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 courthouse 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. When the original building was demolished 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 historical 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 Historical 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 artworks 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. 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 Legendary Ballads of England and Scotland Compiled and Edited by John S Roberts Publisher: Frederick Warne & Co Edition: The Chandos ClassicsThe label on spine cover has typed text PAT 821.08 ROB Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, the legendary ballads of england and scotland, john s roberts -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Spanish Ballads
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 Spanish Ballads And the Chronicle of the C I D by Robert Southey Translated by J G Lockhart Publisher: Frederick Warne & Co Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 861.08 LOC 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 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, the spanish ballads, j g lockhart, chronicle of the c i d, robert southey