Souvenir cover, centenary envelope and postcard commemorating the flight of Basil Watson in 1917 to Mt Gambier. (a) Pale green envelope with image of Basil's airplane on LH side, stamp with Basil on top RH corner. Written on envelope 'Basil Watson Air Mail Centenary 1917 - 2017 Mount Gambier to Melbourne, First Air Mail, Sth Australia - Victoria. (b) postcard: photo of Basil Watson's airplane situated in the backyard of the family home in Brighton. Stamped on back with Basil Watson Essendon 27 Feb 2017 Airport Vic Centenary. Basil pictured with his father James Watson, in front of plane at Albert Park, Melbourne.aviation, civilian, basil watson

Studio sepia photograph of Basil Watson as a youth, possibly in school uniform. Aged about 12 years. 'Basil Watson' handwritten in biro on back.Melba & Co., Melbourneperson, individual, basil watson, melba photography melbourne

Piece of silk fabric from Basil Watson's plane; with stylised logo 'BW' painted in grey and black. Handwritten on back in ink 'Taken from Basil's plane' Potentially taken from Basil Watson's plane following his fatal crash at Point Cook in 1917.aviation, civilian, fabric

Copy of photograph. On bottom: Bartlett Bros, Sandhurst. In blue handwriting: ' John Boyd Watson (standing) - Basil Watson's uncle, and James Isaac Watson (sitting) Basil Watson's father.person, bendigo, basil watson

Refer service of Pte BASIL DARBY SX9423 2/14 Bn.1. Pamphlet, 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service, Sunday, 19 Feb 2012, Darwin Cenotaph. This is a single sheet of cardboard folded to make 4 pages. The image on the front is an Aust soldier in steel helmet, looking over from a ships rail at a column of smoke rising from the edge of the Harbour. 2. Pamphlet - frontline Australia Ball - 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. This is 4 sheets of stiff paper - colour printing. It has images, messages from politicians, maps. 3. This is a single small strip of cardboard - useful as a bookmark. It is for the 70th Anniversary of Bombing of Darwin at frontline Australia. It is for a dance dated 18 Feb 2012. 4. Card. Invitation to the Ball from Chief Minister of NT to Mr Basil Darby and Guest. 70th Anniversary of Bombing. Dated - Sunday 19 Feb 2012darwin ww2, darwin 70th anniversary ball

Aviator's Certificate issued to Basil Watson. Blue leather cover with Basil Watson's photo on inside leaf. 'Federation Aeronautique Internationale' British Empire Aviator's Certificate No. 1910 issued by the Royal Aero Club of United Kingdom 18 Oct 1915. Reference to Basil Watson's birthplace Bendigo 12th Oct 1894.person, individual, basil watson

Yields information about Ballarat 's 23, ex Adelaide when decorated for the 1938 state celebrations, school children on the tram and conductors, a view of the tram at night and the formal launch of the tram by the SECSet of three Black and white photo prints from a collected negative of Ballarat (SEC 1st) No. 23 decorated for the centenary of settlement in the Ballarat district in 1938. 1362.1 - Photographed in the depot fan, showing 'SPECIAL', has depot buildings in the background. 1362.2 - Night photograph of the tram at a loop - showing "Lydiard St. North'. 1362.3 - Night photograph, possibly at the Official Launch, with a large group of mainly hatted gentlemen standing for the photo by the tramcar, with the Motorman at the controls. 1362.4 - same print as 1362.1, but taken from a photograph album - 3 copies, added 15/6/2009, donation ex William F. Scott. See also Reg Items 1021, 1361 and 3813 for other photographs of this tram and 2524 for notes regarding the Official Launch and another photograph.. Copy 2 - of all above photographs added 31/7/2007, ex Alan Bradley 5/2007 - larger size prints. See Reg Item 3909 for an original mounted print of 1362.3. See Reg Item 3910 for an original mounted print of 1362.2. See Reg Item 3911 for an original mounted print of 1362.1. High res scans of negatives changed over 13/5/2020. See page 70 & 71 of "The Golden City and its Tramways" for these photographs and others in use and notes.1362.4 - "Ballarat car 23 / Basil W. Miller Collection"tramways, trams, centenary, decorated trams, special trams, floral tram, tram 23

Black and white mounted photograph of Basil Watson in biplane . Half head of Basil Watson peering out of cockpit. Lower RHS: Photographer's logo: ''Kalm'' 57-59 Pall Mall, BendigoKalma, 57 & 59 Pall Mall Bendigo.person, individual, basil watson

Black and white portrait photograph of Basil Watson. Timber frame, glass front and wire stand on back. ''Basil'' is handwritten in ink on lower RHS; imprint on backing sheet: '' Sears Studios, Melbourne''Sears Studios, Melbourneperson, individual, basil watson

Framed formal portrait photograph of Basil Watson in decorative metal frame. Red velvet backing and hinged support stand. Photo by The Sears Studio, Melbourne. ''Basil'' handwritten in ink on lower RHS.The Sears Studio, Melbourneperson, individual, basil watson

In 1964, Robin and Patricia Boyd spent several weeks on a world tour - Boyd took a leading role at the International Design Conference in Aspen and he also visited Chicago, Yale University, and New York’s World Fair. The Boyds then travelled on to England, Finland (especially to see Tapiola), Russia and India to see Le Corbusier's Chandigarh, and also Hong Kong and Thailand.Colour slide in a mount. Saint Basil's Cathedral (background) Moscow, RussiaMade in Australia / 11 / AUG 64Mrussia, slide

Letter: from Michael McGowan to Basil Miller re 'blocks and timetables'Michael McGowanbasil miller, bendigo trams

Collection of 6 photos re 50th Anniversary of Basil Watson's airmail flight, Mt Gambier to Melbourne. Handwritten notes on reverse of each photo - photos taken by Mrs V I Perkin, sister of Basil Watson.person, individual, basil watson

The plate was made exclusively for R. Tunbridge & Sons, BallaratColour photograph of a souvenir plate depicting the Ballarat Archof Victory.tunbridge & sons, arch of victory

The plate was made exclusively for R. Tunbridge & Sons, BallaratColour photograph of a souvenir plate depicting Lake Daylesford.lake daylesford, daylesford

A postcard of Egypt from John Basil McLean, who signs himself Basil to his family. This item was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. Possibly these were with him during his time in the First World War and kept them as a mementos. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving in Portsea in 1920. His full war record is available from the National Archives of Australia (B2455, MCLEAN JBM).An example of correspondence between soldiers and their home during World War 1. It shows that Australian soldiers took the opportunity to see parts of the world when they were serving overseas.Standard size postcard with image of a Pharoh statue (Roi Khephern) in Cairo Museum.Front - “CAIRE / Le Musee - Statue du Roi Khephern” Back - “UNION POSTALE UNIVERSELLE / EGYPTE / CARTE POSTALE / Ephtimios Freres, Port Said / Cai 190 / 54917 / N14 / At Sea / 31.12.16 / My dearest Mater / Just a few lines for the close / of the old year. We had our first wet day today. It was too wet for / church parade. The sunset this evening / was simply lovely. I wish you could / have seen it. With all good wishes / for 1917 to all from your loving Son / Basil.war correspondence, souvenir, world war one, mclean

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. The Colonial Clippers Author: Basil Lubbock Publisher: James Brown & Son Date; 1921Label on spine cover with typed text R.A. 387.2 LUB Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museum warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the colonial clippers, basil lubbock

Unused piece of silk fabric (left-over from construction of a Basil Watson plane?)aviation, civilian, silk fabric

In April-May 1971, Robin and Patricia Boyd travelled to Honolulu, east coast USA and London. In London he was one of the judges for the Commonwealth-wide entries for the redevelopment of Whitehall and the Palace of Westminster. He was also researching overseas libraries, as background for plans for a new State Library of Victoria.Colour slide in a mount. Sussex University, Falmer, England. (Architect: Sir Basil Spence.)Inscribed Made in Australia / 17 / AUG 71M1slide, robin boyd

In 1964, Robin and Patricia Boyd spent several weeks on a world tour - Boyd took a leading role at the International Design Conference in Aspen and he also visited Chicago, Yale University, and New York’s World Fair. The Boyds then travelled on to England, Finland (especially to see Tapiola), Russia and India to see Le Corbusier's Chandigarh, and also Hong Kong and Thailand.Colour slide in a mount. Coventry Cathedral, Coventry, England, 1962. (Architect: Basil Spence.)Made in Australia / Encircled 20 (Handwritten)uk, slide

'The Basil Watson Story' - Manuscript of 20 pages. Typed by R Keith Munro outlining the life, flying feats, accidental death and funeral of Basil Watson. Bound in manila folder and held with a purple ribbon. Titled on front cover 'The Aeronautical Career of the late Mr Basil E Watson Australia's Pioneer Airman' ; 'To mother from Keith' (typed) and '16 June 1917 (handwritten).person, individual, basil watson

This letter, the first air mail letter sent to Warrnambool, was written by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Sir David Valentine Hennessy and carried by the aviator, Basil Watson on the first flight to Warrnambool January 24th 1917. The letter was delivered to the Mayor of Warrnambool, Cr Webb.There were several other letters delivered at the same time but this is the important official one. Basil Watson was a pioneer aviator who built his own aeroplane which was 18 feet long with a wing span of 26 feet and it had a 7 cylinder 50 H.P. Rotary Gnome engine. Watson flew from Point Cook to Warrnambool in one hour 55 minutes, an Australian cross-country flying record at the time. In Warrnambool Watson amazed the crowd with his dare-devil aerial acrobatics, looping the loop 14 times over the Warrnambool Racecourse. Basil Watson died when he crashed his plane into the sea near Point Cook, just two months after he landed in Warrnambool. This letter is of the utmost significance being the first air mail letter delivered to Warrnambool. It is an important memento of the first aeroplane flight into Warrnambool by the pioneer aviator Basil Watson. This is a cream-coloured sheet of paper folded in two to make four pages. It has handwriting in black ink on two pages. The writing is a little faded. The first page has the logo of the Melbourne Town Hall. The pages are partly torn at the folds. ‘Town Hall, Melbourne, 21/1/17. Lord Mayor’s Room, Dear Mr Mayor, I have much pleasure in sending you greetings by aeroplane piloted by my friend’s son, Mr Basil Watson. I hope when the cruel war is over and victory crowns our efforts, we all in the C’wealth will be able to fly from one state to the other. With best wishes for the New Year, …….. (signature indecipherable), D.V. Hennessy. His Worship the Mayor of Warrnambool.’pioneer aviation in the western district, basil watson, history of warrnambool

In 1964, Robin and Patricia Boyd spent several weeks on a world tour - Boyd took a leading role at the International Design Conference in Aspen and he also visited Chicago, Yale University, and New York’s World Fair. The Boyds then travelled on to England, Finland (especially to see Tapiola), Russia and India to see Le Corbusier's Chandigarh, and also Hong Kong and Thailand.Colour slide in a mount. New Coventry Cathedral, Coventry, England 1950. (Architect: Basil Spence.)Made in Australia / 18 / AUG 64M / 20 (Handwritten)slide, robin boyd

In 1964, Robin and Patricia Boyd spent several weeks on a world tour - Boyd took a leading role at the International Design Conference in Aspen and he also visited Chicago, Yale University, and New York’s World Fair. The Boyds then travelled on to England, Finland (especially to see Tapiola), Russia and India to see Le Corbusier's Chandigarh, and also Hong Kong and Thailand.Colour slide in a mount. Coventry Cathedral, Coventry, England, 1956-62. (Architect: Basil Spence.)Made in Australia / 17 / AUG 64Mslide, robin boyd

In 1964, Robin and Patricia Boyd spent several weeks on a world tour - Boyd took a leading role at the International Design Conference in Aspen and he also visited Chicago, Yale University, and New York’s World Fair. The Boyds then travelled on to England, Finland (especially to see Tapiola), Russia and India to see Le Corbusier's Chandigarh, and also Hong Kong and Thailand.Colour slide in a mount. New Coventry Cathedral 1950, Coventry, England. (Architect: Basil Spence.)Made in Australia / 19 / AUG 64Muk, slide

BHS CollectionBlack and white photograph of Basil Miller standing. In uniform of Bendigo Tramways inspector. Three copiesMartin Washingtonperson, individual, basil miller

Black and white photograph of Basil Watson's funeral procession showing horse drawn hearse and following carriages. Inscription on back: ''Taken at East Melbourne 1919 en route to Brighton Cemetery. Photo taken by Ivy Harry - distant cousin of Basil Watson.person, individual, basil watson, photo taken by ivy harry - a distant cousin of basil watson. photo donated to royal historical society bendigo by wesley harry 26 december 1974.

12 small handwritten, interpretive labels for display (re Basil Watson) - presumably to accompany an exhibition of Basil Watson memorabilia (no date) Labels: fabric with monogram from original plane; finished plane; airmail envelopes 1929-30; Basil Watson Bendigo's first aviator,; first Australian to loop the loop; picture of the delivery of the first letter carried by air in Australia. Flown from Melbourne to Bendigo and delivered by the late Mr. Basil Watson of Melbourne, to his cousin Mr. Keith Munro of Bendigo, at 5.15 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29th. 1916, at the Bendigo racecourse. Envelope: handwritten on front of envelope 'Assam silk material used in covering the wings and fuselage of Basil Watson's airplane built by him in 1916. The wings and fuselage were then painted with an oil protective covering'person, individual, basil watson