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Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Melbourne University Press, Charles Joseph LaTrobe, superintendent of the Port Phillip District 1839-1851, Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria, 1851-1854, 1956
A biography of Charles Joseph LaTrobeIndex, bib, ill, p.146.non-fictionA biography of Charles Joseph LaTrobevictoria - history 1839-1854, charles joseph latrobe 1801-1875 -
Clunes Museum
Booklet - SOUVENIR BOOKLET, GUARDIAN PRINT CLUNES, CENTENTARY OF CLUNES 1839- 1939, 1939
BOOKLET ISSUED EASTER 1939. FOR THE CENTENARY OF CLUNES (3 COPIES)local history, books, history -
Ballarat Clarendon College
Book, Homeri Ilias: Tome I & II, 1839
This copy of Homeri Ilias Tome I & II published in 1839 and belonged to Reverend William Henderson, founder of Ballarat College. Collected by K C Hofmaier (1963) by purchase of a library at Gembrook (Vic) which contained a number of books from the old Ballarat Latin Language Library, including school text books and theological works formerly the property of the founder of Ballarat College, Rev William HendersonHigh social significance due to connection with founder of the school Rev William HendersonMarbled card cover with calf binding and corners; raised bands on spine with six compartments; gold lettering on red-dyed title compartment; very worn; black and white illustrations at head of each chapter; Handwritten inscription on title page: W Hendersonwilliam-henderson, ballarat-college, keith-hofmaier, 1839, -
Queen's College
Medal, Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism medal, 1839
Medal issue to mark the centenary of Wesleyan Methodism in 1839. Charles Wesley (1707 - 1788) was the brother of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.White metal medal with portrait of Charles Wesley on face, inscription on reverse.Face: "Charles Wesley M.A. Born Dec. 18 1708 Died Mar. 29 1788" Reverse: "Centenary of Wesleyan Methodism 1839 God buries his workmen, but carries on his work"wesleyan methodism, charles wesley, john wesley -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Sketch, Track to Melbourne, 1839
Photograph - Sketch - Track to Melbourne 1839. (Lands Department)Stamped on back by the National Library of Australianatural environment -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Map - Chart, Hobson's Bay, river and navigational aids, 1839 - 1843
On back is handwritten note - Hobson's Bay pp from HMS Beagle 1838-43.Map (Chart) of Hobson's Bay, River and Navigational Aids 1839. (Latrobe Library). in photographic form.melbourne harbor trust - port of melbourne authority, hobson's bay -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, B&W, Henry Box 1839 - 1913, c1888
Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of Henry Box 1839 - 1913Bensen & Stevenson Photos / 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne/ COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, George Adams (Tattersall) - his romantic career), 1959
A brief biography of George Adams and the story of the Tattersall Lottery which he founded. The political climate which led to the introduction of State Lotteries to finance public hospitals is examined, and other beneficiaries are included.Born 1839 to 1904bibliography, social history -
Clunes Museum
Photograph, 1939
PHOTOGRAPH OF FLOAT TAKEN AT THE PROCESSION DURING THE CENTENARY AT CLUNESPHOTOGRAPH OF CLUNES CENTENARY 1939 HOSPITAL FLOAT.1839 - CLUNES - 1939local history, photography, photographs, events and celebrations, back to clunes -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, B&W, a son of Henry Box 1839 -1913, c1900
Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham, Sussex in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death in 1913 owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a boy who could be a son of Henry Box 1839 -1913BENSEN & STEVENSON PHOTOS / 108 Elizabeth Street Melbourne/ COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book - La Trobe Journal and Art Works Vol 1 & Vol 2, 1999
These volumes reproduce the diary material and the landscapes and sketches of Charles La Trobe, the Superintendent of the Port Phillip District of New South Wales ( 1839- 1851) and Lieutenant Governor of the colony of Victoria ( 1851-54 ). La Trobe is regarded as the man most responsible for the establishment of Warrnambool in 1847. His diaries document his trips to the Warrnambool region in 1845, 1846, 1848 and 1849 before and after the town site was settled.These volumes are of artistic significance being beautifully and expensively produced. The volumes contain information of vital importance to our knowledge of our early Warrnambool history. Other important details in the diary include information on early shipwrecks and the first settlers in our district in our district, especially the Allan brothers..1 This is a burgundy leather bound book of 380 pages. It has gold lettering on the cover and the spine and an oval inset in the centre of the front cover containing a coloured portrait of Charles La Trobe. The pages contain black and white and coloured art works and sketches and printed material. There is a burgundy coloured ribbon for marking pages The book is encased in a hard leather cover with a cut out window with gold edging. .2 This is a burgundy leather bound book of 343 pages. It has gold lettering on the cover and the spine and a rectangular inset in the centre of the front cover containing a coloured sketch of a rock, sea and cliffs drawn by Charles La Trobe. The pages contain sepia and black and white drawings and printed material. There is a burgundy coloured ribbon for marking pages. The book is encased in a hard leather cover with a cut out window with gold edging . .1 Charles Joseph La Trobe AUSTRALIAN NOTES 1839-1854 .2 Charles Joseph La Trobe LANDSCAPES AND SKETCHES charles la trobe, early warrnambool, la trobe journals -
Clunes Museum
Badge
BADGE TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF CLUNES 1839-1939local history, badges and tokens -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, B&W, Possibly 2 children of Heny Box 1839 -1913, c1900
Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1870 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death in 1913 owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a young girl and boy who may be 2 of the surviving 7 children of Henry Box 1839 -1913Goulter Prahran -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Container - Bottle, Vintage Port, amalgamation of Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and St Kilda, 1994
Presented to David Graham, last Port Melbourne Town Clerk, by Liana Thompson in 1994.Original bottle of "Vintage Port" labelled in 1994 on amalgamation of Port Melbourne with South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. Signed by the last Mayor of Port Melbourne, Liana Thompson, in her favourite colour purple."Vintage Port" label 1839-1994celebrations fetes and exhibitions, local government, councillors, politics, amalgamation, town clerks, david graham, liana thompson, mayors -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Container - Bottle, Vintage Port, amalgamation of Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and St Kilda, 1994
This is one of the bottles ordered for "the wake" held last Sunday of May, 1994, in the Town HallOriginal bottle of "Vintage Port" labelled in 1994 on amalgamation of Port Melbourne with South Melbourne and St Kilda to form the City of Port Phillip. Blue and maroon ribbons attached."Vintage Port" label 1839-1994celebrations fetes and exhibitions, local government, councillors, politics, amalgamation, town clerks, liana thompson, mayors, david graham -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Naringal School 1932, C 1932
The Naringal school was originally known as Tallangatta S S when it was opened in 1877. The era of this photograph saw enrolments increase from around 39 to 59. Headteacher at the time and in this photograph is Mr Wellman. One of its most eminent past pupils was Sister Mona Wilson who was also sewing mistress for a short time before commencing nursing training. She sailed with the 8th division in 1941. and was lost at sea when the ship "Viner Brook " was sunk after being bombed by the Japanese. The Naringal Primary School was burnt to the ground in the Ash Wednesday Bushfires 1983. An interesting depiction of a country school's enrolment in the 1930's. Having been taken in the time of the Great Depression. As the school was destroyed in the Ash Wednesday Bushfires, in 1983 so surviving items relating to the school are limited. Small black and white photograph mounted on fawn card with darker border on the edge and also around the photograph. It depicts 38 children with teacher in back row. Naringal School No 1839, 1932 on board.naringal, tallangatta victoria, mr wellman naringal, naringal primary school 1932 -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Book, Camera Obscura van Hildebrand (Hildebrand's Camera Obscura), Based on the the third edition (1851)
Paperback edition this popular book first published in 1839. -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Priestley, Susan, Elementary Textbook of Cookery, Laundry and Home Management, 1979
A History of the Mulgrave District 1839 -1861 Now the City of Waverleyregional history -
Latrobe Regional Gallery
Drawing, CURTIS, J. W, Matlock, Woods Point
Collection of Latrobe Regional GalleryCURTIS, J.W. Born England 1839 Died Australia 1901Signed l.r., ink "JCW". Not datedlandscape with horse and cart -
Clunes Museum
Textile - TRAY CLOTH, 1939
White hand crocheted sandwich tray cloth"Clunes Centenary 1839 1939" stitched into patternclunes centenary 1939, tray cloth, crochet -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, B&W, possibly Elizabeth Emma Ward wife of Henry Box, 1880
Henry Box ,who was born in Withyham in 1839 , was the 3rd son of George and Mary Cripps Box and came to Australia in 1856 with the family. Henry paid his own fare so was not ‘bound’ to any employer. Henry helped his brother William establish his market garden on the site of Box Cottage, Jasper Road 1865 and by 1970 was purchasing property in East Brighton (Bentleigh.). He continued to purchase land, which he rent / leased to family members, and at his death owned property in East Boundary Road, Murrumbeena and Elsternwick. Henry married Elizabeth ‘Emma’ Ward in 1868 and they had 9 children but 2 died in infancy. ‘ Emma’ was the daughter of William Ward 1820- 1908 who was born in Norfolk and emigrated with his wife Ann Ostler in 1853. William Ward JP was a prominent figure in East Brighton . William was elected to the Moorabbin Road Board in 1863, JP at Cheltenham Court, and Shire President 1875-82. He was appointed Post Master at East Brighton in 1865 and held the position until his death in 1908 Henry was a member of the Court Pride of St George AOF, and a lay preacher at the Bentleigh Baptist Church.. Surviving Children were - Caroline Alma Box 1863-1943, Mary Anne Box 1865- ?, Lydia Elizabeth Box 1867- 1957, William Henry Box 1869- 1945, Emma Elizabeth Ellen Box 1875 – 1964, Olivia Christina ‘Chrissie’ Box 1878 – 1963, Archibald Ward Box 1882 -? Box Cottage Museum, a reconstruction of an early settler hut, is named after the Box family who resided there 1865 -1913 . William Box who with his wife Elizabeth Avis Box and 13 children lived and farmed on the block of land in Jasper Road, East Brighton ( now McKinnon / Ormond) that was part of the Henry Dendy Special Survey 1841 . Henry Box, a brother of William Box, was born in Withyham, Sussex and came to Australia with his parents George and Mary Box and siblings in 1856. He purchased property and helped the family establish market gardens in East Brighton (Bentleigh). Henry and his wife Elizabeth Emma Ward Box had 9 children, Henry was a lay preacher for the Baptist Church Bentleigh. Inscribed in Album “ The early photos in this album were found by Mr (Laurie) Lewis when he was demolishing the Old Box Cottage. He gave them to Mrs Avis Box Eldridge who in turn gave them to me. They were not identified. I believe they rightly belong in the Cottage. I have attempted to identify them and present them in a way they can be preserved as a historical record of the era.” A B Leigh A black and white photograph of a young woman who may be Elizabeth Emma Ward 1863 - 1921,the wife of Henry Box.1839-1913Stewart & Co ' Coat of Arms" Melbourne -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Synan, Peter, Units of the Royal Australian Air Force. A concise History Volume 7 - Maintenance Units, 1994
A history of the town of Sale, Victoria, Australia from 1839 to 1993. Includes index.With every best wish Peter Synantownship, government -
Queen's College
Mug, 1839
Mug with blue and white transfer print of John Wesley with text on two sides. It was made to commemorate the centenary of the Wesleyan Methodism, on October 28th 1839 and bears prints of John Wesley and the dates of his birth , death etc. It stands at 86 mm high and measures 115 mm in diameter including the handle . -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - RAILWAYS COLLECTION: POCKET HISTORY VICRAIL 1839 TO 1981
Railways Collection-Stapled A4 Booklet -Pocket History Vicrail 1839-1981 showing an A Class train and a Hitachi train .The booklet has a Timeline of the Victorian Railways from 1839 1982. The name R Trigg is written on the left of the front page.railways, bendigo to melbourne -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Photograph, B&W, possibly a daughter of Henry Box 1839 - 1921
A black and white photograph of a young girl who may be a daughter of Henry Box 1839 - 1921Bensen & Stevenson Photos / 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne / COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME -
Clunes Museum
Badge - BADGE CENTENARY OF CLUNES
ROUND GOLD COLOURED BADGE ON TOP IN LIGHT-BLUE 1839-1939 ON BOTTOM IN BLACK: CENTENARY OF CLUNEScentenary badge, clunes 1839-1939 -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Book, University of Queensland Press, Thomas Carr: An Archbishop of Melbourne, 1997
Biography of Thomas Carr (1839-1917), Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne. 495 p. : ill. ; 25 cm.non-fictionthomas carr, catholic church - melbourne - victoria - bishops - biographies -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, Michael Cannon, Historical Records of Victoria. Volume Three: The Early development of Melbourne, 1836-1839
Contains all official documents that could be located on important aspects of the founding of Melbourne during the years 1836 to 1839.670 p., black & white and col. illus.melbourne, melbourne history -
Clunes Museum
Document - BOOK / EXTRACTS, 1970
CREAM COVER WIRE BOUND STUDENTS BOOK CONTAINING EXTRACTS HISTORICAL EVENTS 1839 - 1971. HANDWRITTEN BOOK No 1 BOOK No 2 THE PASTORAL ERA 1839 - 51 CRESWICK ADVERTISER THE GOLD ERA 1851 - 1900 CLUNES GUARDIAN AFTER GOLD 1900 - 1972 ARGUSlocal history, document, local goverment, mining, local events -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Nicholas Nickleby
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 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. Nicholas Nickleby Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press First Published in book form 1839The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 828 DIC Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service 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, nicholas nickleby, charles dickens