Pattison Collections This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value 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. Jim Davis Author: John Masefield Publisher: Wells Gardner Darton & Co The label on the spine has typed text PAT FIC MAS Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute 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, jim davis, john masefield, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

humour, illustration

Poem signed Ellie Campbell and written in reaction to overheard criticisms of Australian Soldiers drinking in Durban. Part of the collection of V E Giudice. Refer Cat No. 10031P Overall part of the collection of William Thomason Cat No. 4136P.Folded over piece of cream paper containing on the two inside pages, a six stanza poem, titled "Australians". A description of why written and following by the poem. Scribbled on back "These pieces of Poetry were given to us by Miss Campbell who did so much for the boys of South Africa”collection of william (bill) thomason, poetry, ww1

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. A 36 page hardcover book of poetry entitled 'Lilacs out of the Dead Land' by Edgar Holt. Published by Transition Press, Melbourne in 1932. Catalogue sticker '2008 HOL' on spine. Handwritten in ink on flyleaf 'To the everlasting damnation of the goanna school of poetry this volume, my esteemed Alec, is sincerely dedicated Edgar Holt May 15 1933'Edgar Holtbooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, poetry, edgar holt

The Fellowship of Australian Writers was initially founded in Sydney in 1928 and a separate Victorian Branch was established in 1938.Scattered Nuggets Bendigo Fellowship Of Australian Writers, an anthology of poetry & prose by members of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (Vic) Inc Bendigo Regional Branch.books, collections, poetry

The two names hand written are, VX43695 KM Casey (Kevin Michael), VX52172 JV Casey (John Vincent) The 2/7th AIF ..... ? Kevin was discharged in the 2/17th Bn and John in 2/1st Guard Bn. The first page relates to joining the 6th Division AIF in 1939 and Marching through Melbourne. These items were in the collection Lawrence Vernon Andrews VX114736. Refer Cat No 4228 for his service details..1) - .4) Four pages of poetry on ruled Salvation Army letter head in red, hand writing is in black pen. Two names have been written on the paper in ink at the top of the pageMain heading, “Remember us Australia by Will Handy”.poetry, will handy, 6th division

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. A 91 page soft cover book of poems (Australian poetry) by Norma L. Davis. Published in 1943 by Angus & Robertson and printed by Halstead Press, Sydney. Catalogue sticker '2039 DAV' on spine.Norma L Davisbooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, poetry, norma l. davis

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 57 page hardback book of poetry dedicated to Alec H Chisholm. Published in 1964 by Jacaranda Press, Brisbane. Printed by H Pole & Co. P/L, Brisbane. Newspaper cutting from the Daily Telegraph 19/9/1964 of poetry review by Kenneth Slessor, including this book. Catalogue sticker ''2005 ROW'' on spine. ''David Rowbotham'' signature in ink on flyleaf. Beneath the dedication to Alec H Chisholm ''- my first editor-in-chief, the man who gave me my professional start, for his understanding as my boss, for his friendship now. Thanks, Chis, for accepting this dedication, David''David Rowbothambooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, david rowbotham, poetry

Joyce Suto, a long time member of the Whitehorse Historical Society and contributer to the ABC's radio program, Poets Corner, has published a book of her poems titled Poet's Corner. The poetry is on family, travel and experiences non-fictionJoyce Suto, a long time member of the Whitehorse Historical Society and contributer to the ABC's radio program, Poets Corner, has published a book of her poems titled Poet's Corner.poetry, suto joyce, abc radio, poet's corner

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. A 60 page book of Australian poetry by Hugh McCrae. Selection and introduction by Douglas Stewart. Published in 1966 by Angus & Robertson 'Australian Poets' Series and printed the Halstead Press, Sydney. Catalogue sticker ''2109 MCC'' on front cover.Hugh McCraebooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, hugh mccrae, douglas stewart, poetry

fictionlake wendouree, ballarat, poetry

The Wodonga Historical Society Haeusler Collection provides invaluable insight into life in late nineteenth and early twentieth century north east Victoria. The collection comprises manuscripts, personal artefacts used by the Haeusler family on their farm in Wodonga, and a set of glass negatives which offer a unique visual snapshot of the domestic and social lives of the Haeusler family and local Wodonga community. The Haeusler family migrated from Prussia (Germany) to South Australia in the 1840s and 1850s, before purchasing 100 acres of Crown Land made available under the Victorian Lands Act 1862 (also known as ‘Duffy’s Land Act’) in 1866 in what is now Wodonga West. The Haeusler family were one of several German families to migrate from South Australia to Wodonga in the 1860s. This booklet is an anthology of poetry, sold to raise funds in aid of Australian and Allied prisoners of war. It was printed in Sydney in 1942, and has a foreword by Lady Gowrie, President of the Australian Red Cross Society. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga, and the Australian experience of war. It contributes to our understanding of life in Wodonga during World War Two, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history, social history, and military history. A booklet of poetry printed to raise funds for Australian and allied prisoners of war during World War Two. ww2, world war two, war, red cross, prisoners of war, allied forces, allies

Two copies of 'Birth' - A Little Journal of Australian Poetry. Vol 6, No. 63, Feb. 1922 and Vol 6, No. 72, FNov. 1922. Both have front cover with illustration by Christian Yandell. Printer: The Argonaut Press, Brunswick. Issue 63 has inscription 'Don't return Merle JMB'books, fiction, poetry

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. A 248 page hardcover book of poetry, lore and tradition of the Hebrides. With an introduction by Marjory Kennedy-Fraser. Published in 1933 by Grant & Murray, Edinburgh and printed in Great Britain by Turnbull & Spears. Maps of the Isles inside front and back covers. Catalogue sticker ''2185 MAC'' on spine.Kenneth MacLeodbooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, kenneth macleod, poetry, hebrides

A collection of poetry by Harry Downie, a Panton Hills resident. Illustrations by Alan Sartori.paper back, 28 pages, illustrated with photographs and cartoons.harry downie, alan sartori, poetry, panton hills

Folio of poetry, in English version, of Bruno Simon, Dunera Internee 1941-1943.Black card folio containing a buff coloured folder and 46 white A4 typed sheets.poetry, bruno simon, dunera, internees

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 197 page paper back book of Australian verse by W. T. Goodge with drawings by Norman Lindsay. Famous Australian Poetry Classics (series) Printed in 1972 in Singapore for Pollard Publishing Co., Wollstonecraft, NSW. Catalogue sticker ''2037 GOO'' on spine. Standard Book Number 0 909950 21 0.W.T.Goodgebooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, w.t.goodge, norman lindsay, poetry

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 157 page hardback blue cover book. A series of letters from The Hon Stephen Coleridge to his grandson, Antony, analysing and discussing the glory of English poetry. A B & W picture of the author's house is opposite the title page. Published in 1923 by Mills & Boon Ltd., London and printed by Neill & Co. Ltd., Edinburgh. Catalogue sticker ''2182 COL'' on spine.Stephen Coleridgebooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, stephen coleridge, poetry

BOOK : ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 113 page hardcover book of poetry by C.J.Dennis. Illustrated with drawings by Hal Gye and two colour paintings at front of book. Published by Angus & Robertson Ltd, Sydney in 1918 and printed by W.C.Penfold & Co. Ltd. Sydney. Catalogue No.'2089 DEN' on spine. Handwritten in ink on flyleaf 'Margaret Chisholm'C.J.Dennisbooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, c.j.dennis, hal gye, digger smith, poetry

fictionfine binding, embroidery, silk, poetry

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 174 page paper back book of Australian verses and sketches by Thos. E. Spencer. Illustrated by Lionel Lindsay and H. W. Cotton. Famous Australian Poetry Classics (Series). Printed in 1972 in Singapore for Pollard Publishing Co., Wollstonecraft, NSW. Catalogue sticker ''2036 SPE'' on spine. Standard book Number 0 909950 18 0Thos. E. Spencerbooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, thos.e.spencer, lionel lindsay, poetry

An anthology of Australian & New Zealand Military poetry. Soft cardboard cover with front & back fold in flaps. White / gold / yellow print on front, spine & back. Cover illustration in glossy colour of a portion of a painting of military personnel. Small overlay of rosemary & wattle flowers at bottom front. 524 pages, cut, plain, white, illustrated, black / white / colour photographs.books- military history, poetry, military poetry

Magazine - 2 editions of a 16 page poetry number of The School Paper. (a) Grades 3 and 4 edition no.236 (1917) (b) Grades 5 and 6 edition no.221 (1917) Published by the Education Dept. of Victoria. Printed by Albert J Mullet, Govt. Printer, Melbourne'Merle Bush' handwritten in pencil on both front pagespoetry, school paper, education dept. victoria, merle bush, bendigo

This book of poetry was written by war poet, Violet Bertha Cramer. It is a record of an Australian civilian woman’s perspective on war. The initials are G. K. Cameron, for Grace Kerr Cameron - Grace Charlotte Kerr Cameron. She was the twin daughter of James Cameron and Jane (Jean) Moffat. Her twin sister was Agnes Helen (Nell) Cameron, and her one brother was Harry Purchase Cameron (Roma Smith's father). Another brother Archibald Peter CAMERON, died aged 7. There is a family photo of Mrs Jane Cameron and the twins in the garden of the family home "Carinya". Grace and Nell lived in the family home following the death of their parents. Grace and Nell both died in 1940, then Roma and Ron SMITH lived at "Carinya" after their marriage in 1944. Lorraine and Peter COULTON's home is now on the site. (information from John Phillips and Margaret Smith). There was a lot of material written by Australian civilian women during the First World War. Violet B. Cramer was one poet who contributed to a valuable record of Australian civilian women’s perspectives on war. A small book with a buff coloured cover, titled Memories of the Great War written by Violet B. Cramer. Print is black. The book contains poetry on WW1.on front cover - G.K. Cameron, Carinya, Orbost.ww1 great-war cramer-violet-bertha poetry

Book. ALEC H CHISHOLM COLLECTION. 136 page hardcover book of poems by Elsie Cole. (pseudonym of Mrs A.H.Angel). Pasted on the flyleaf is a pink newspaper cutting of a review by C.H.Souter, 18-8-1927, entitled 'The Nature-poetry of Elsie Cole'. Published by the Lothian Publishing Co. Pty Ltd. In 1928. Catalogue sticker '2020 COL' on spine. Dust jacket has 3 reviews on front.Elsie Colebooks, collections, poetry, alec h chisholm collection, poetry, elsie cole, mrs.a.h.angel