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Ballarat Clarendon College
Furniture, Carvers' chair
... old-collegians-association ...One of four carvers' chairs supplied by Old Collegians Association in 1925 for the newly erected Memorial Hall. In the 1970s these chairs were in use at the end of each table in MacFarland Dining Hall. Student chairs were similar shape but without crest or arms. Significant example of the generosity and involvement of the Old Collegians towards the establishment of the school post World War 1. The OC's supplied three carvers chairs, four dining tables and 40 regular chairs for the memorial Hall, also then known as the memorial Dining Hall. refer Mein's history p.85. Solid wood chair with arms and high back restInitials 'BC" carved at top of back restchair, ballarat-college, memorial-hall, 1925, old-collegians-association -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Old Days Old Ways
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. Old Days Old Ways Author: Mary Gilmore Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1934 The label on spine cover has typed text R.A. 179 GIL Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Instituteflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, old days old ways -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Attendance Book, Ringwood and District Boy Scouts Association. Attendance Book. 1963-1969, 1963-1969
Attendance book of the Ringwood and District Boy Scouts Association 1963-1969. Meetings and AGMs.Attendance book of the Ringwood and District Boy Scouts Association 1963-1969. Meetings and AGMs. Blue check cover and brown paper spine.Attendance Record -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, Clare Gervasoni, Titheridge Cottage, Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat, 2017, 14/06/2017
The Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village is located at Charles Anderson Grove. The Titheridge home in the Ballarat Old Colonists' Association Retirement Village.charles anderson grove, ballarat, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, titheridge cottage -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Album, D COY 3 RAR in South Vietnam, 67-68: Old Faithful: together then, together now - Vietnam Reunion Caloundra 2014
Very large white folder with a photo of the D Coy 3 RAR Vietnam 67-68 insignia on the front.d company - history, photo album, 3 rar -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Photograph - Colour, Gravestone, Sarah Diamond, Ballarat Old Cemetery, 1877
Ballarat Old Cemetery was officially established in 1856, with a board of trustees. It had been opened by Ethersay and has burials relating back to 1848. The Rules and Regulations of this historic cemetery are dated 1854, two years prior to its official establishment. Of historic significance are the Eureka Diggers' Graves and the Soldiers Graves associated with Eureka. It is now part of the Ballarat Cemetereis Trust, incorporating the Ballarat Old nad New Cemeteries and the Crematorium.Colour headstone at Ballaarat Old Cemetery.Erected by their loving family an Affectionate Remembrance of their beloved parents, Francis Diamond died 25? Dec 1889 aged 54? years, MARY DIAMOND died 21? March 1887 aged 53? years, natives of Co Derry, Ireland. their beloved daughter Sarah died 18 February 1877 aged 21 years, Mary died 8th Dec 1941diamond, sarah diamond, mary diamond, francis diamond, ballarat, cemetery, ballarat old cemetery, gravestone, burials -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Old Orchard Shopping Centre Blackburn Road, 17/11/2010 12:00:00 AM
The Old Orchard Shopping Centre, situated on the corner of Springfield and Williams Road, Blackburn North, was opened in October 1965.Coloured photograph of the land on which the Old Orchard Shopping Centre was built. Sign on right 'Old Orchard Shopping Centre - A Lend Lease development.'old orchard shopping centre, blackburn, shopping centres -
Melbourne Legacy
Certificate - Document, certificate, The Australian National Flag Association, 1984
A framed certificate that acknowledges that Melbourne Legacy was a member of The Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) in 1984. The ANFA is an association that promotes and defends the use of the flag of Australia.A record that the ANFA recognised Legacy's work as a positive contribution to preserving the Australian Flag.Glass, black wooden frame, mottled off white paper, picture wire, white tape and compressed timber backing. Top centre:- The Australian Flag. Centre:- The Australian National Flag Association, Victorian Division This is to certify that The Legacy Club of Melbourne is a Corporate member of The Australian National Flag Association, Victorian Division Bottom:- Date 6th June 1984. signed Bruce Ruxton Chairman. A. Harnel.Hon Secretary australian flag, membership -
Anglesea and District Historical Society
Painting, Heather Mitchener, Old Jim, Unknown
Framed painting of "Old Jim" shows head and shoulders of Aboriginal man with greying hair, beard and moustache. Painting is mainly done with brown coloured paints.On bottom right corner: H. MITCHENER Back: sticker - Heather Mitchener. 8423871. OLD JIMold jim, painting, aboriginal man -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Ephemera (Item) - Letter, Marysville Tourist & Progress Association, 01-12-1948
A letter of proposal of membership to the Marysville and District Tourist and Progress Association in Marysville in Victoria.A letter of proposal of membership to the Marysville and District Tourist and Progress Association in Marysville in Victoria. The Association was formed in November 1907 to promote tourism within the area. This included the physical creation of signage, parklands, roads and walks to various attractions. marysville, victoria, marysville tourist & progress association, marysville and district tourist and progress association -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Association for the Blind : Volunteer Area Leader
To celebrate the work undertaken by various members, the Association for the Blind presented wooden shields as mark of recognition and respect. Glenis Pitson 1996-1999 John Lodge 1997-1998Wooden shield with engraved gold and blue coloured plateAssociation for the Blind Presented to .... for distinguished service as Volunteer Area Leader 19... - 19 ..association for the blind, volunteers, awards -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book - Hardcover book, The Buxton Progress Association Inc, Buxton-its past, present, people and places, 2023
A book that was produced by The Buxton Progress Association on the history of Buxton and its people through the eyes of its people.Hardcover. A book that was produced by The Buxton Progress Association on the history of Buxton and its people through the eyes of its people.non-fictionA book that was produced by The Buxton Progress Association on the history of Buxton and its people through the eyes of its people.buxton, victoria, local history, australia -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book - Hardcover book, The Buxton Progress Association Inc, Buxton-its past, present, people and places, 2023
A book that was produced by The Buxton Progress Association on the history of Buxton and its people through the eyes of its people.Hardcover. A book that was produced by The Buxton Progress Association on the history of Buxton and its people through the eyes of its people.non-fictionA book that was produced by The Buxton Progress Association on the history of Buxton and its people through the eyes of its people.buxton, victoria, local history, australia -
Federation University Historical Collection
Letter - Correspondence, E.J. Barker et al, Correspondence between E.J. Baker and the Ballarat Asian Student's Association, 1968, 1968
The Ballarat Asian Students' Association was associated with the Ballarat School of Mines, a predecessor of Federation University Australia. Three pages relating to Asian Students at the Ballarat School of Mines. .1) List of Asian Students at the Ballarat School of Mines in 1968, and their addresses. .2) Letter on Ballarat Asian Students' ASsociation letterhead informing principal of the Ballarat School of Mines, E.J. Barker, of the Annual General Meeting of the Ballarat Asian Students' Association, and informing E.J. Barker that he had been unanimously elected as an Honorary Member. Other Honorary Members were H.H. Pryor, G.R. Fairhall and the General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A. Ballarat . .3) E.J. Barker accepting the position of Honorary Member of the Ballarat Asian Students' Association.ballarat school of mines, colombo plan, ballarat asian students' association, e.j. barker, paul v. samuel, roland chen, tony ting, tan chen hock, albert loo, lee eng chye, h.h. lau, ibrahim eusof, s. muniandy, prem akhil, sie yee chen, chi hon cheng, son fong, jacob s. ho, anton jimereiy, huong hieng lau, chong lai lee, chong lip lee, king chung lee, wai yam lee, min jui loo, surasak saelim, chea kah soo, vidnaya subcharoen, cheng hock tan, tuan giap teo, chew hoo teoh, pang chew ting, swee koon wong, bin ismail yahaya, international students, jim pryor, letterhead -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Magazine, Colin Holmes and The Old Machinery Magazine and Patrick Knight, "Meadowbank Engine Follow Up", Mar. 2014
Covering letter from Colin Holmes to the Newsletter Editor including extracts from the March 2014 issues of "The Old Machinery Magazine" - which incorporated an article on Meadowbank and its farm machinery. References Ian Browning research into the company. Includes covers, pages 3, 4, 11-14. Article written by Patrick Knight.trams, tramways, meadowbank -
Clunes Museum
Book, THE COUNTRY WOMEN"S ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA, YEARS OF ADVENTURE, 1977
THIS BOOK IS DEDICATYED TO THEFOUNDERS OF THE COUNTRY WOMENS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIAFIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE BY THE COUNTRY WOMEN"S ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA. 1928 - 1978 76 PAGESnon-fictionTHIS BOOK IS DEDICATYED TO THEFOUNDERS OF THE COUNTRY WOMENS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIAbook, country women's association -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Pamphlet, Old Treasury building, "Trams Moving Pictures", 2012 - 2014
Pamphlet, DL size on white paper, featuring W2 384, advertising the Old Treasury Building exhibition titled "Trams Moving Pictures" - open till August 2013. Details the exhibition, has contact details logos. Has an image of a V class tram on the rear. See Reg Item 860 for another earlier version.trams, tramways, transporting art, decorated trams, exhibitions, tram 384 -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Booklet (Item) - Information booklet, Marysville Tourist Association, Majestic Marysville The Mystic Mountains of the Great Divide 62 Miles from Melbourne, Unknown
An information booklet on various attractions in and around Marysville and the district which was produced by the Marysville Tourist Association. The Association was formed in November 1907 to promote tourism within the area. This included the physical creation of signage, parklands, roads and walks to various attractions. An information booklet on various attractions in and around Marysville and the district which was produced by the Marysville Tourist Association.FRANK ENDACOTT/ Healesvillemarysville, victoria, mystic mountains, great divide, steavenson falls, keppel falls, cameron cascades, cumberland, mt cathedral, triangle, eildon weir, snob's falls, wolfram mine, mt strickland, keppel's lookout, mt kitchener, mt edgar, oxlee's lookout, mt gordon, nichol's lookout, michael dene, beauty spot, gilbert's gully, taggerty river, buxton road -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document - Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association (BCNA) records, Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association, 2002 - 2004
Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association is a successor organisation of the Swallow Street & Beacon Cove Residents Association.Box 3 contains historical records of the Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association (BCNA) including meeting notes, Princes Pier & MIRVAC.beacon cove neighbourhood association, bcna, swallow street & beacon cove residents association, mirvac, princes pier -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Souvenir - Bookmark, St John Ambulance, St John Ambulance Association, Twentieth Century
This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.A cloth bookmark with the insignia of the St John Ambulance Association. st john's ambulance association, bookmarks -
Ballarat Heritage Services
Digital Photograph, Old Gateway, Vire, France, October 2016
The Old Gateway or the Saint-Sauveur Gateway (13th Century). After the old regime it had, for some time, served as a Town Hall. In august 1944, the US troops, eager to facilitate truck traffic provisioning the frontline, wanted to blow up this tower. It was saved by the energetic intervention of Mayor Andre Halbout. The town plan of 1946 rerouted Chaussee Street, which now passes to the north of the tower. The south tower, its twin, disappeared in 1788.Colour photograph of the Old Gateway, Vire, Franceold gateway, vire, france -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Certificate - Certificate of Appreciation, 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Association, 2013
Certificate of Appreciation presented at the annual reunion on 8 November 2013 to Wangaratta RSL in recognition of their continued support for 2/24 AIF Battalion Association.Cream certificate with black and purple type with two colour symbols above and two signatures below.The 2/24 Australian Infantry Battalion Association (Inc) "Wangaratta's Own" Certificate of Appreciation presented to Wangaratta RSL In recognition of their continued support for 2/24 AIF Battalion Association Wangaratta Reunion 8 November 20132/24 australian infantry battalion, wangaratta rsl, certificate of appreciation -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Ephemera (Item) - Notice of photo competition, Marysville Tourist & Progress Association, Special! Marysville Photo Competition, 1958
A notice advertising a photo competition in Marysville in Victoria organised by The Marysville Tourist and Progress Association.A notice advertising a photo competition in Marysville in Victoria organised by The Marysville Tourist and Progress Association. The Association was formed in November 1907 to promote tourism within the area. This included the physical creation of signage, parklands, roads and walks to various attractions. marysville, victoria, marysville tourist & progress association, marysville and district tourist and progress association, photo competition -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Trophy, Otway Football Association, Premiers, 1938, Lavers Hill Imperials, c.1938
In 1938, the Otway Football Association initially comprised Beech Forest, Gellibrand, Wyelangta and Carlisle, but altered when Wyelangta and Johanna amalgamated to form Hill Imperials in May, 1938. In the grand final, Hill Imperials and Carlisle met, with Hill imperials emerging victors 13-4, 82 points, to Carlisle 7-15, 57 points, to become 1938 Premiers.Two-handled urn-shaped cup with knobbed lid. Square bakelite base added later.Otway Football; Association, Lavers Hill Imperials. Premiers 1938otway; football; lavers hill imperials; carlisle; -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph, Clare Gervasoni, View from the Balcony of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall, 2017, 23/03/2017
The Old Colonists' Hall opened in 1887.View down Lydiard Street North from the verandah of the Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' club, ballarat old colonists' hall, balcony, lydiard street -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Plaque - Rats of Tobruk Association Plaque
14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A wooden plaque in the shape of a shield with one large emblem of the Rats of Tobruk Association in the centre and 4 smaller emblems attached. The smaller emblems represent the Rats of Tobruk Association, the Returned Services League Australia and the Queensland Civil Defence. The Rats of Tobruk motto is also included on a metal scroll. Beneath the badges on a metal scroll "NO SURRENDER"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, rats of tobruk association -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Photograph - Colour, Gough Whitlam Speaking at the Old Colonists' Hall, 1997, 30/11/1997
Photograph of The Hon. E.G. Whitlam addressing guests at the Old Colonists' Club.The Eureka Stockade Memorial Trust 2nd Annual Eurela Luncheon - 30 Nov 1997 Pictured: Key note speaker, The Hon. E.G. Whitlam, AC, QC Addressing guests at the Old Colonists' Clubgough witllam, old colonists' hall, old colonists' association ballarat, eureka stockade memorial trust, eureka luncheon -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Peter Doherty, Grassmere Cricket Association, 1995
Fifty year history of the Grassmere Cricket AssociationThis is a small paper back book with a cream-coloured cover with yellow and brown printing. The pages are unnumbered but there are 48 pages containing printed material, copies of photographs and other illustrated material. non-fictionFifty year history of the Grassmere Cricket Associationwarrnambool, grassmere cricket association, cricket, bushfield cricket club, wangoom cricket club, winslow cricket club, woolsthorpe cricket club, purnim cricket club, mailors flat cricket club, woodford cricket club, hawkesdale cricket club, orford cricket club, yambuk cricket club, killarney cricket club -
Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc.
Photograph - Colour, Thomas Dickinson points out his Great Grandfather at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall, 2018, 27/05/2018
Thomas Dickinson had a slaughter yard in Sebstopol. He served on the Sebastopol Council from its inception until the time of his death in 1906.Four photographs of Bob Bennett, Great Grandson of Old Colonists' Association member Thomas Dinkinson. In the photograph Bob Bennett points to his grandfather's name on the marble donors board.ballarat old colonists' club, thomas dickinson, bob bennett -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Old Days Old Ways
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 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. 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. Old Days Old Ways A Book of Recollections Author: Mary Gilmore Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1934The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 GIL Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library 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, old days old ways, mary gilmore