This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Men of Character Vol 2 The Writings of Douglas Jerrold Author: Douglas Jerrold Publisher : Bradbury & Evans Date: 1851Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 JER Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, 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, men of character vol 2, douglas jerrold

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 November1884 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 fund raising 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 court house 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 historic 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 Historic 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 art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Repentance of Magdalene Despar and other peoms Author: G Essex Evans Publisher: Sampson Low Marston Searle Rivington Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text RA 821.008 EVA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Librarywarrnambool, 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, the repentance of magdalene despar, g essex evans

Built by J D McHaffie as a Shepherd's Hut in the 1850 - 60s. At one stage called Julyan's Cottage. Finlay Julyan born there, owned by various families. At one time by H Grayden and R McKinley. Privately owned now. (Noted on the caption that it was built by John Evans about 1870??)Small wooden building on corner of Lyall Street and Ventnor Beach Road. Brick chimney still in situ.local history, photographs, buildings - historic, coloured photograph, john cook, phillip island, settlers home

This photograph captures the Greensborough Football Club team who were runners up in the Australian Rules Football season 1949Shows the players and support team associated with the Greensborough Football Club in 1949Black and White photograph of the Greensborough Football Team 1949. Includes name of players and support team. Mounted on brown card.Names of team: F. Smith R.Tooth W Butterworth A.Ely R.Bennett [Junior] N.Tooth J.Lawrence S.Thomson L.Hall R.Bennett [Senior] E.McDowell P.Abbott F.LeGassick D.McDowell N. Maud W.Cecil H.Richmond R. Evans A.Tozer N.Brooks J.Richards W.Ryan K.Mountford H.Wasley A Montfort A.K.Lines [President] A.Franklin [Captain] J.MacPherson [Vice Captain] J.Stubley D.Franklin J.Ely T.Bennettgreensborough football club, runners up 1949

Photographs taken at the opening of the Resource Centre 22 October 2011. Subjects include GHS President Noel Withers, Mayor of Banyule Peter McKenna and members Faye Fort, Helen Bryant, Marilyn Smith and Frank Evans.Official opening of Greensborough Historical Society's Resource Centre4 x photographs, colour. Tanken at the opening of the Resource Centre in Glenauburn Road.greensborough historical society, resource centre, noel withers, peter mckenna

An annotated map of the Shire of Eltham showing places of interestColoured map, folded four times, annotated with historical notes and descriptions of physical and natural featuresshire of eltham

Advertisement for Evans Bros & Newell (Printers) of 9 George Court Greensborough. Copied from a Diamond Valley Football League football record from 1968.Digital copy of advertisement from booklet.diamond valley football league, evans bros and newell, george court greensborough

Advertisement for Greensborough Hotel of Main Street Greensborough. Proprietor: Jack Smith. Copied from a Diamond Valley Football League football record from 1968.Digital copy of advertisement from booklet.diamond valley football league, evans bros and newell, main street greensborough, jack smith

Recounts June Hall's trip to Wales and her search for family connections.2 pages of text.june hall, june evans

View of Greensborough from the Evans home at 11 Anama Street.Digital copy of black and white photographanama street, evans family, june evans, june hall nee evans

Story of a British pilot's capture, imprisonment and escape from POW camps in Germany in World War 1191 p. pbk.world war 1, prisoner of war camps

A collection of photographs of the Evans family living at 11 Anama Street Greensborough. includes Marjorie Evans, Shirley Evans, June Evans, Betty Evans.Digital copy of black and white photographs, printed on A4 paper.Photographs named on back.evans family

North Melbourne Metro Ice Works Picnic at Greensborough Circa 1908. From the Alexander Family showing John Senior, Isabella, Baby Henry, John Junior, Marcella Evans.Representative photograph of a group picnic held in the Greensborough area, a popular venue and day trip for groups from Melbourne.Black and White PhotographBack Sticker States - North Melbourne Metro Ice Works Picnic at Greensborough Circa 1908 The Alexander Family - John [Senior], Isabella, Baby Henry, John [Junior], Marcella Evans.alexander family

Text of speech given by Rev Barry Green at the 2016 Greensborough RSL Remembrance Day Service. The topic of the speech is "Mateship" and Greensborough locals Fred Starling, Walter Starling and Fred Godber. Also remembered is Joseph Evans, who saved a young girl from drowning. All men were Anzacs. [Mentions Ivy Partington]2 pages text of article, 1 photocopied page from "Fine Spirit and Pluck"anzacs, greensborough rsl, remembrance day 2016, starling family, joseph evans, herbert godber

This story was written by June Hall, daughter of Mick Evans, information taken from tapes recorded before his death.First published on GHS website.2 typed pagesmick evans, june hall, tobruk, world war 2

A class photograph from 1952. This is Grade 1B, Greensborough State School. Caption on back lists children in photo as: Top row: (R-L) Hall, - , Fry, McKay, Mare, -, Adamson, - , Stubley, Resum, Anders, Spencer, - , -. 2nd row: Heather Kerrison, - , C Evans, - , - , Me (R Isaacs), J Molyneaux, L Johnston, J Hutchinson, G Watkins, B Black, A MacPherson, H Lancaster, F Sedgewick, B Windsor, - , - , J Kerrison, - , B Wittaker. 3rd row: L Allen, - , - , L Welsh, N Gibson, S Sharp, Barnes, Canute, B Hutchinson, K Monfort, G O'Conner, Edwards, - , R Bryant, K Macleod. [Please forward any corrections or additions to the Greensborough Historical Society via the website.]A named photo from Greensborough Primary School.Black and white school photograph.Caption on back of photo names some of the children.greensborough primary school, 1952, rosemary isaacs

Photographs of "the crowd at Dromana" - Greensborough Egg Co-op staff outing, 1949. Bernie Drakeford, Lesley Evans, Eva Poulter, Margaret Roberts at Dromana.4 black and white photographsNames of subjects written on back of photos.eva poulter, bernie drakeford, margaret roberts, lesley evans, greensborough egg co-operative

GHS member June Hall is photographed with 2 paintings by her late husband Doug Hall. June donated these paintings to the Greensborough Historical Society. One of the paintings if of Oldstead Farm house that was sited at Oldstead Road Greensborough..Paintings are of the local area.Digital copy of colour photographsgreensborough historical society, june hall nee evans, doug hall

A short article about Geoffrey Granville Evans and his service in World War 1. Geoffrey Evans and his brothers are commemorated on the Greensborough State School Honor Board.1 Page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, geoffrey granville evans

A short article about John Granville Evans and his service in World War 1. John Evans and his brothers are commemorated on the Greensborough State School Honor Board.2 Pages, text and colour images.world war 1 project, john granville evans

A short article about Tyrrell Granville Evans and his service in World War 1. Tyrrell Evans and his brothers are commemorated on the Greensborough State School Honor Board.1 Page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, tyrrell granville evans

A short article about Vincent Clarence Evans and his service in World War 1. Vincent Evans grew up in Bundoora.1 Page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, vincent clarence evans

A short article about William John Ambrose Evans and his service in World War 1. William Evans grew up in Bundoora.1 Page, text and colour images.world war 1 project, william john ambrose evans

The Grave of Mary Joyce Pitt Evans, daughter of Walter Withers (died 1922), St Helena Cemetery.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photograph (grave)st helena cemetery, walter withers, withers family