This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Haydn's Universal Index of Biography containing the Chief Events in the lives of Eminent Persons of all Ages and Nations Author: J Bertrand Payne Publisher: E Moxon & Son & Co Date: 1870Label on spine cover with typed text 920 HAY Pastedown front endpaper has 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 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, haydn's universal index of biography, j bertrand payne

Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] A Colonial Reformer Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text RA 823.91 BOL Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library The fly paper has the name "A. H. Stanley" handwritten in pencil. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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, a colonial reformer, rolf boldrewood

A soft covered book dark blue book, dark blue pages with white writing on each page. Also on the cover is a photo of Mary Henshelwood Davenport ( in her latter years) sitting in a chair (which has a brightly coloured patchwork quilt over it) looking towards the camera.non-fictionThis is a auto biography of Mary's life from birth 1920 till her 90th. birthday in 2000.history, memories, stories, auto biography, tasmania, caulfield, elwood, bentleigh, school days, myers, clothes, birthday party.

The Service Record of the 3rd and 4th Victorian Bushmen Contingents in the Boer War with a brief biographical sketch of each man who served. The modern day 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment is the custodian of the theatre Battle Honour "SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902" awarded to the 9th and 11th Light Horse Regiments. This Battle Honour was awarded to all extant Light Horse units in Australia under Military Order 123 of 1908, in recognition of all states' contribution to the forces who represented Australia against the Boers. Hard covered book.Signed by the author: "With the compliments of the author Robin Droogleever 104/10" ISBN 978-0-646-5186-9boer war, victoria army victorian contingent 3rd, victoria army victorian contingent 4th, south african war 1899 1902, robin drooglever, biography, boer war, victoria army victorian contingent 3rd, victoria army victorian contingent 4th, south african war 1899 1902, robin drooglever, biography

This journal detailing the author and friends walks and observations together with black and white photographs of the Kiewa Valley and the Bogong high plains regions during various "walks during the years 1945 to 1948. These walks were undertaken during the various Hydro - electricity generating plants and infra structures were being installed. It relays how the walker and adventurer enjoyed the pristine Alpine regions of Victoria. The wilderness and higher sense of adventure encountered by the author and his "walking party" is now no longer that intense. The isolation of the region was, at that time, still a barrier for the casual adventurer and required a dedication of the "pioneer" mountain walker.The significance of this journal is that both the photographs and accounts of those intrepid adventurers walking throughout the Victorian Alps and the Bogong High Plains details the countryside in one of the remaining years of relative pristine and minimal "tourist" developed regions of rural Victorian. The necessity of greater electrical power supply to the rapidly growing demand from cities and larger towns, post World War II immigration, had resulted in drastic changes to the infrastructure of the Victorian Alpine regions and particularly the Kiewa Valley. The photographs and the written accounts of the "adventurers" in this journal presents the last phases of the " Australian rough outback environment" and also the typical "bush wise" city/town dweller that although lived in towns and cities still had the adventurers heart of their fore fathers.This item has been photocopied by the author of his journal, consisting 27 pages of A4 size paper. A covering letter by the author is at the front of this loose leafed journal. The journal is bound in a yellow plastic cover with spirals. At the back is a 2 page biography of Myrtle Emily (Grigg) Deamer 1922-2006, then a photo of Meg with baby Bryn and son Tony followed by a letter from David BottomleyThe author's correspondence and covering letter has his signature "D Bottomley"alpine country, bush walking, bogong mountain, alpine adventures

This is a novella by Wendy Scarfe. She is a novelist and writer who lives in Warrnambool with her writer husband Alan Scarfe. She graduated from the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Secondary Teachers’ College and has taught in Australia, England and India. Her final teaching post was at Warrnambool High School. She has published many novels, biographies, volumes of poetry and other books dealing with social issues. This book is important because it was written by a local Warrnambool author, Wendy Scarfe. She has twice been awarded an Australian Council Literature Board Special Purpose Grant and has a fine reputation as a writer. This is a soft cover book of 120 pages. It has a light grey cover with black print and red lines on the front cover and critics’ comments in black print on the back cover. The book has a prologue and the rest of it is a novella set in World War One Australia. Signature inside first page: ‘E.Douglas 8 McKiernan Rd Warrnambool 1992’australian literature, wendy scarfe

Hardback with dust cover Author Martin Gilbert Publisher Chancellor Press London: 1983 ISBN: 0 907486 27 4

Hardcover in sleeve. Fawn coloured dust cover with Black and white photograph. Title in gold lettering . Author’s name in black text. Hard cover is navy blue. Inside front and back covers are printed with black and white and some sepia photographs. Text of the book is 660 pages followed with appendixes and index. 732 pages in total. non-fictionBiography of Alfred Deakin.warrnambool, alfred deakin, deakin university, j a la nauze 1974, prime minister deakin

Henry Watts (1828_1889) Died at Melbourne, 16th December, 1889. He was a good microscopist. His botanical studies were chiefly devoted to algae, both fresh-water and marine, and while living for many years at Warrnambool he was a contributor of algae to Harvey, who figured Wrangelia wattsii, Harv., and Crouania wattsii, Harv., in his “Phycologia Australica " He was the author of "On the Fresh-water Algae of Victoria " (Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., 1861-4, 67) ; .also a paper "On Fossil Polyzoa" (ib.. 82); "A Trip to Mt. Macedon in Search of Fresh-water Algae" (Wing's S. S. Record, iii., 252); "On a Species of fresh-water Algae from Victoria" (Vict. Nat., i., 21); "Some Recent Additions to our Knowledge of Microscopic Natural History" (ib., iii., I33) (includes lists of fresh-water algae and Desmidieae ), First librarian (1881-2), also a vice-president of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. He is further commemorated by Acacia wattsiana. F. v. M. www.anbg.gov.au/biography/watts-henry.html . Henry Watts worked as a bootmaker in Timor and Liebig streets Warrnambool in the 1860’s but it was as an amateur scientist that Watts gained public notice.For an exhibiton in Melbourne in 1861 Henry Watts prepared a collection of over 100 different species of seaweed from the Warrnambool district. It is recorded in the Examiner in 1863 that he had been elected as an honorary member of the Bristol Microscopical Society of England He was a member of the Warrnambool Horticultural society and in 1865 he opted to become a flower distiller.At the 1866 MelbourneExhibition, Henry Watts exhibited 44 bottles of his perfumes. He had a keen interest in microscopes and microscopic organisms.He spent many hours combing the caves and examining the guano of local bats. This letter is written to Professor Quekett advising him that he has sent a collection of packets of samples of diatomaceae asking him to examine and name the same.. Professor Quekett was a famous microscopist of the Victorian era with the Quekett microscopist club one of the oldest in the world dedicated to the use of the microscope and its discoveries. Henry Watts was one of Warrnambool’s first botanists and marine scientists. He also established a flower distilling and perfume manufacturing business in Warrnambool. In 1861 he sent a collection of over 100 species of seaweed to the Melbourne Exhibition.Framed, handwritten letter, ink on blue paper. Transcript of letter is typed black on white paper. Five small numbered pieces of paper containing specimens of diatomaceae collected from marine and fresh water areas around Warrnambool.Names Henry Watts, Professor Quekett. Handwritten along the bottom of the frame, “The above was bought at a London Auction for $12-10-00 by Miss Eddey a Melbourne Book shop Proprietress and recently presented to the W.F.N. Club.: warrnambool, henry watts, watts henry, botanist,microscope, microscopic, quekett, john thomas quekett

Paperback Background is dark green with sepia photo in bronze coloured frame. Precis on back cover is printed in white lettering. 132 pages.non-fictionBiography of early Warrnambool settler, John Hyland.warrnambool, john hyland, james nicholas, warrnambool mayors

Authorised biography on Australia's Layne Beachley the most successful female surfer in the history of the sport. This book follows her story as she strives to overcome the obstacles of injury, chronic fatigue and family tragedy to achieve success in the male dominated sport of surfing.The first biography on seven times, World Surfing Champion Layne Beachley, one of the most succesful female athletes in the history of modern sport. Written by award winning journalist and surfer Michael Gordon.Colour cover with a close up photographic image of a smiling Layne Beachley paddling into a wave.Book title, author name.layne beachley, kelly slater, stephanie gilmore, lisa anderson, michael gordon, ken bradshaw, kirk pengilly

Dictionary of Australian Biography Vol 1 Author: Percival Serle Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1949Label on spine cover with typed text 929 SER Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Libraryflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, dictionary of australian biography vol 1, book, dictionary, biography, warrnambool public library

Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] Old Melbourne Memories 1 Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1896Label on spine with typed text R.A. 994.5 BOL warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, old melbourne memories 1, rolf boldrewood

The author, Wal Wall, attended Ballarat Teachers' College in 1949. Frank Lord was principal of Ballarat Teachers' College from 1946-1950.A biography of Frank Lord, Principal of the Ballarat Teachers' College from 1946 to 1950.frank lord, ballarat teachers' college, world war one, f.w. lord, world war two, principal, wal wall, family history, genealogy

Digitised video (1.41GB) Duration: 40 minutes. Recorded May, 2022 (Video is available for viewing at Ringwood & District Historical Society Archives by appointment)Author and Historian Carole Woods OAM presents this talk on her biography of Australian humanitarian Vera Deakin, known for her involvement with the beginnings of Australian Red Cross and her incredible work in tracking down details of First World War Australian wounded and missing soldiers.

A book titled 'The Life of Charles Dickens the Great English Novelist. The fearless denouncer of meanness, tyranny and wrong. The eloquent advocate of gentleness, justice and right, who could unite with genial mirth the deepest lessons of wisdom and truth.' London : Ward, Lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. 513 - 528 pgs. This booklet is one of a series of 53 ' Ward & Lock's Penny Books for the People.' 'Biographical Series.' Price one penny. Advertisements are of note.books, biography, charles dickens, lydia chancellor, collection, charles dickens, the life of charles dickens, person, individual, male, english literature, literature, writer, novelist, author, ward & lock's penny historical series, ward & lock's penny books for the people, biographical series, biography, penny books, advertisements

A book titled ' The Life of Victor Hugo the great French poet, Statesman, Novelist, and Dramatist.'London : Ward, Lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. 721 - 736 pgs.This booklet is one of a series of 53 ' Ward & Lock's Penny Books for the People.' 'Biographical Series.' Price one pennyThere are also advertisements of note.books, biography, victor hugo, lydia chancellor, collection, victor hugo, the life of victor hugo, french history, france, poetry, novels, writing, authors, poets, ward & lock's penny books for the people, ward & lock's historical series, male, penny books, individual, person, biographical series, famous people, advertisements

A pink book titled 'The Life of the Earl of Beaconsfield. Author, Statesman, Premier.The most sucessful man of his age, indomitable in perseverance and resolution, indefatigable in industry, a proof of the height to which merit may arise in a free country.' London : Ward, Lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. 289 - 304 pgs. This booklet is one of a series of 53 ' Ward & Lock's Penny books for the People.' Biographical Series.' Price one penny. There are also advertisements of note.books, biography, benjamin disraeli, lydia chancellor, collection, benjamin disraeli, jewish history, male, person, individual, british history, ward & lock's penny books for the people, biography, the earl of beaconsfield, biographical series, biographies, advertisements, penny books, books

A book titled 'The Life of Dante Italy's greatest poet. Scholar, religious enthusiast and political partizan; author of the divine comedy; and describer of scenes of supernatural terror and beauty.' London : Ward, Lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. 161 - 176 pgs. This booklet is one of a series of 53 ' Ward & Lock's Penny Books for the People. Biographical Series.' There are advertisents of note.books, biography, dante, lydia chancellor, collection, dante, male, person, individual, famous people, poetry, poet, italy, italian history, italian lilterature, ward & lock's penny biographies, ward & lock's penny books for the people, biographies, advertisements, penny books, biographical series

A book titled ' The Life of Oliver Goldsmith novelist, poet and dramatist. Author of one of the most popular stories and some of the most charming poems in the English language. Essayist and humorous satirist.' London : Ward, Lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. 145 - 160 pgs. This booklet is one of a series of 53 ' Ward & Lock's Penny Books for the People.' 'Biographical Series.' Price one penny. There are advertisements of note.books, biography, oliver goldsmith, lydia chancellor, collection, oliver goldsmith, person, individual, famous people, male, penny books, ward & lock's penny historical series, biographical series, ward & lock's penny books for the people, novels, poets, poetry, drama, english literature, sartire, advertisements

A book titled 'The Life of Rev. C.H. Spurgeon Pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The great evangelical preacher. The acute and practical lecturer and author. The eloquent advocate of the truth. The helper of the weak and weary. The educator for the ministry and the orphan's friend.' London : Ward, Lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. 705 - 720pgs.This booklet is one of a series of 53 ' Ward & Lock's Penny Books for the People.' 'Biographical Series.' Price one penny. There are advertisements of note.books, biography, rev. c.h. spurgeon, lydia chancellor, collection, rev. c.h. spurgeon, individual, person, male, religion, christianity, preachers, penny books, author, social work, ward & lock's penny books for the people, biographical series, advertisements