Dross Drossou established a cordial factory in Orbost in the 1930s. He sold his cordial manufacturing business to Phillips and Stone, a Bairnsdale company, in 1948. Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’. A deposit on the bottles was added to all sales as they left the factory. The returned bottles were washed and the old label removed. The inside was cleaned by pushing the bottle onto a revolving brush. The reusing of the bottles went on until the bottle was broken or the top became chipped.This bottle is an example of a product manufactured by a local industry which no longer exists.A clear glass bottle which has a broken top. The bottle is seamed.Base - AGM F516 Front (written sideways) - A DROSSOU ORBOST Bottom (written around whole bottle) This bottle is the property of A Drossou Orbost M bottle drossou container soft-drink

Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’.A clear glass bottle with fluted patterns around the shoulder and base. It has a blue/green tinge. The top seems to be made for a cork stopper.This bottle is the property of On the base - AGM Studley Preserving Co Pty Ltdstudley-preserving-co bottle container cordial

Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’.A clear glass soft drink bottle with an in ternal screw in top of red plastic and black rubber. It contained 30 fluid ounces. The bottle has a diamond pattern at the top and bottom. The label is painted on the front in red and white.Base- AGM 12 M Label - Serve Icy Cold Preservative Added MARCHANTS Artificially Coloured It's the most Net Contents 30 fl ozs The container is not soldmarchants soft-drinks bottle beverages

Dross Drossou established a cordial factory in Orbost in the 1930s. He sold his cordial manufacturing business to Phillips and Stone, a Bairnsdale company, in 1948. Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’. A deposit on the bottles was added to all sales as they left the factory. The returned bottles were washed and the old label removed. The inside was cleaned by pushing the bottle onto a revolving brush. The reusing of the bottles went on until the bottle was broken or the top became chipped.This bottle is an example of a product manufactured by a local industry which no longer exists.A clear glass soft drink bottle with a crown seal top. The bottle is seamed.A DROSSOU ORBOST This bottle is the property of A DROSSOU ORBOST Base - AGM F 860 Mbottle container drossou

The proceeds of the raffle assisted in the War Relief collection fund. These tickets were purchased by Hilda Margaret Kerr. She was the daughter iof Dr and Mrs Kerr. The prize of an Australian flag was donated by H.James. Henry James (1860-1932) was a well-known identity in the Orbost district.He was a stock agent and auctioneer who helped to establish the seed bean industry in Orbost. He was the second secretary of the Snowy River Shipping Co. as well as a shire councillor and prominent member of MUIOOF. These raffle tickets are a reminder of the efforts made by the families and friends of those who served in the WW1 conflict.Four raffle tickets. They are in black print on white paper. The tickets are for a War Relief Raffle of the Australian flag which was a gift of H. James Esq. The tickets were purchased by Miss Hida Margaret Kerr and each cost 1/- (one shilling).On ticket nos. 337 and 338 - in handwriting H.M. Kerrraffle-tickets war-relief ww1 kerr family james-h

Orbost Playgroup operated from 1986 until 2011. This collection of records was donated the Orbost & District Historical Society in 2011 after the playgroup ceased to exist in July 2011.These records are of immediate interest and value to the children and staff who have been part of the Orbost Playgroup. The record also has a much wider significance, to the community in which the group was situated, as a record and research tool.A collection of records of the Orbost Playgroup - 1986-2011. The collection consists of minute books, financial documents and attendance records.documents orbost-playgroup records

This book was compiled to mark a three day journey along the Snowy River in 2002. It was part of the International Year of the Mountain. Graeme Enders is Manager South West regional operations at N.S.W. Office of Environment & Heritage.A spiral bound book with a plastic cover. It is titled Spirit of the Snowy and is a collection of short stories written to mark a Snowy River journey from 1st to 3rd November in 2002. The book was edited by Graeme Enders of the Snowy River Recovery Project and published by the New South Wales Premier's Dept. It contains poetry, stories and recollections.2002 International Year of Mountainssnowy-river

This book recounts the story of the campaign by Dalgety and Orbost to restore water to the Snowy River. Claire Miller is a senior journalist for The Age newspaper with a special interest in the environment. She has covered this campaign since 1999.This book recounts the story of the campaign by Dalgety and Orbost to restore water to the Snowy River. It is significant to this collection as many of the current residents of Orbost were involved in the campaign.A 270pp paperback book titled Snowy River Story written by Claire Miller. On the front cover is a coloured photograph of the Snowy River at Bete Bolong. It documents the story of the campaign to save the Snowy River.snowy-river snowy-mountains-hydro-electric-scheme environmental

A second copy was donated by Gil and Heather Richardson as part of the Mary Gilbert collection. The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. He owned it from 1901 until 1919. Thomas Marshall was the owner from 1919 - 1972. After 1972 it became Marshall's Hotel Pty Ltd . From 1981 there have been various owners. (ref In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall ; Orbost Historical Society Newsletter, November 2003)The Commonwealth Hotel opened New Year's Day 1901. Mr Jasper Drew held the first licence. It still stands today.A creased black / white photograph of a bullock team and workman outside the Commonwealth Hotel, Orbost. There are people watching the bullock team. The photgraph is on a white buff card. There is a sign "DIXON< COMMONWEALTH HOTEL" .on back - " Mary Gilbert, Orbost Mary ???????- Commonwealth Ivill" on front - "a well-known bullock later sold for £20 - an enormous price bottom front - Tommy Reeves on horse Archie Rodwell with black dogorbost-commonwealth-hotel

This item was found in the collection with no information recorded. On the back is a short message wishing a happy Christmas to Bessie and Jack from M.W. The photograph shows miners at Club Terrace.This item is a pictorial record of the gold mining history of East Gippsland.A yellowed black / white photograph on grey buff card. It is of men panning for gold and digging trenches.on front - " Club Terrace" on back - " To Bessie, Jack from M.W."club-terrace gold-mining gold-panning gold

After the flood damage of 1934, the bridge was repaired with a new section in the middle. This bridge remained largely unchanged until its final demolition in 1975 after construction of the new concrete bridge and Orbost by-pass which exists today. This photograph is one of a collection of photographs produced by Murray Views, Gympie. It features eight scenic b/w photographic prints of Orbost and surrounding tourist areas.Photographs like these allowed tourists to send many images of their holiday destination or hometown in the one small package. Fred Murray opened Murray Studios in Gympie in 1906. The postcard and souvenir production side of the business initially covered Gympie and surrounding regions, but Murray expanded the business to include North Queensland, New South Wales and even Adelaide. It was opened under a separate name, Murray Views, in 1929. In 1945 the business was taken over by Murray’s nephews who began postcard folder production. This is a pictorial record of an early bridge across the Snowy River at Orbost.A black / white photograph / postcard of the Snowy River Bridge at Orbost.on front bottom printed - Murray Views No.4 Traffic Bridge , Snowy River, Orbost, Vic.orbost-snowy-river-bridge

This is a scene of Cape Conran, East Gippsland taken by Bairnsdale photographer, Stanley Vogt. It was probably one of a collection of commercial post cards available to tourists or East Gippsland residents to send to friends or relatives. Cameras in the early 20th century were not a common family possession and a postcard was a common souvenir and way of sending a short message.Between 1901 and 1914 a wide range of subjects were recorded by often anonymous artists and photographers and published by everyone from major companies to enthusiastic individuals. As a result, postcards provide a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in how our forebears lived, laughed and loved one hundred years ago. They are very interesting records of places gone, architecture gone and people gone, showing social history such as dress, or early automobiles. Postcards form a vital part of social and historical records for researchers. A black / white postcard photograph of a scenic view of the beach and ocean at Cape Conran in Far East Victoria.on front - "Stanley Voigt - Bairnsdale - Cape Conran"postcard-cape-conran

This is a scene of Cape Conran, East Gippsland. It appears to be a copy of a postcard which was one of a collection of commercial post cards available to tourists or East Gippsland residents to send to friends or relatives. Cameras in the early 20th century were not a common family possession and a postcard was a common souvenir and way of sending a short message. Postcards are a valuable research tool in the social and environmental history of a community.A black / white photograph of the ocean with rocks in the background. It appears to be a copy of a postcard and has been hand trimmed.cape-conran

The poem, "Mallacoota", as in this copy, does not appear to be noted in any of the lists of poems attributed to Henry Lawson. NOTE: Information provided by David Williams on 13/12/2021 is that "this poem in your collection is by Edward Harrington (indeed not Lawson)". Edward P Harrington (1895-1966) was born in Shepparton, served in Palestine in W W I with the 4th Light Horse Regiment, tried farming, but his lifelong passion was for story-telling through poetry. He is described as the 'last bush balladist' in Australia, and was a close friend of E J Brady and John Shaw Neilson. It was likely that he came to Mallacoota as a guest of E J Brady who had a camp for writers and poets there. He produced 5 collections of verse: Songs of War and Peace; Boundary Bend and Other Ballads; My Old Black Billy and other Songs of the Australian Outback; The Kerrigan Boys and other Australian Verses; and Swagless Swaggie and Other Ballads.His "Mallacoota" poem is printed in the Swagless Swaggie collection (1957). https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/harrington-edward-philip-10431 Poetry associated with a place in East Gippsland. A copy of a printed poem titled "Mallacoota" with unknown author. It is pasted onto a cardboard backing. Although attributed to Henry Lawson in this printed copy, information is that it is by Edward Harrington.poem - edward harrington - bush balladist - mallacoota

2169.3 is from the Mary Gilbert Collection. Graham Dyce was a long-time member of Orbost & District Historical Society. His family came from the Combienbar / Club Terrace district.This is a local history written by a local author, Graham R. Dyce.Three copies of a book of 80 pp titled Combienbar The Valley of Contentment. It has a cream cover with a b/w photograph of a family standing outside a log house (probably late 19th century). The book was written by Graham Dyce, Orbost.combienbar-history-settlement

This book was researched and produced by Orbost Secondary College 9/10 Women in History Class. It is a collection of biographies of loacl Orbost women. The book was edited and collated by Heather Macalister. Students were tasked with gathering information and interviewing local Orbost women.This is a locally written history book which is a useful reference tool for researching the history of Orbost women.A 37 pp stapled book with a pale mauve cover titled The Curlip Issue No:3. Text is black : DATE ; JUNE 1996 CONTENTS; SPECIAL EDITION OF BIOGRAPHIES OF LOCAL ORBOST WOMEN. in the centre of the front cover in black is a sketch of a large paddle wheel with the P.S. Curlip in front. The book contains biographies and b/w photographs.On cover of 2189.2 : SLAB HUT COPY in red inkorbost-history-women biographies orbost-secondary-college

This was the official program for the 1963 Back To Orbost Celebrations. 2194.4 is part of the Mary Gilbert Collection.This is a locally produced book useful for reference.Four copies of a 16 pp page book with a white cover, black print, titled Back To Orbost Celebrations 1963. Friday 8 March 1963 Saturday 16 March 1963.Stamped on front cover - Orbost Historical Societyorbost-history celebrations reunions

These were used on a horse-drawn wagons, carriages, stagecoaches, and carts. A wheelwright would use this tool to make or repair the wheels. All sizes of buggy spanners, or wagon wrenches, were needed as wagon wheels were of many different sizes. Horse-drawn wagons are an important part of Australia’s agricultural history. Light buggies were popular with farmers for trips into town before the common use of motorised vehicles.A collection of thirteen iron wheel spanners on an iron hook. One spanner has a wooden handle and is an adjustable spanner.tool wagon-wrench-spanner transport

The hat band was part of the girls' school uniform and attached to their straw hats. The school badge was designed by Clarke Cowell, a student in the first Senior class at Orbost Higher Elementary School in 1912. The Latin inscription "Acti labores jucundi"can be freely translated as "Finished work is pleasant." The hat band and badges formed part of the Mary Gilbert Collection. Miss Mary Gilbert attended Orbost Higher Elementary School 1917-1920. She was dux of the school in 1920 and returned as a trained teacher in 1927. She taught at Mordialloc H.S. in 1932, at Lilydale in 1933/34 and returned to Orbost H.E.S. in 1935, remaining there until her retirement in 1969.Mary Gilbert, the first curator of the Orbost Museum, was recognised for her work in education and the community when she was awarded the British Empire Medal. Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant part in the education of senior students in the Orbost district . It is the sole senior educational institution. This uniform is representative of its history.A yellow, navy and white striped hat band. A badge of the Orbost Higher Elementary School emblem is sewn on. A metal badge with the school emblem is attached.gilbert-mary orbost-secondary-college education-orbost

This pocket with the school badge was part of the girls' uniform at Orbost High School. The blazer pocket forms part of the Mary Gilbert collection. The Latin inscription, :acti labores lucundi" can be freely translated as "finished work is pleasant". The school badge with its stalk of maize was designed by Clarke Cowell who was in the first Senior Class of Orbost Higher Elementary School in 1912.Orbost High School / Orbost Secondary College has played a significant role in the education of senior students in Orbost as the sole facility in the distruct. This item represents the history of the institution.A navy coloured cloth pocket badge from Orbost High School. It has the school motto, "acti labores lucundi" around a yellow/gold stalk of maize.On back lining : PR in black marker 1922 badge school-uniform education orbost-high-school

Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’.This bottle is an example of a beer bottle commonly used in the late -early 20th century.MBVC brown beer bottle. A narrow bottle with a long neck.MB. Manufacturers Bottle company of Victoria CVbottle glass

Dross Drossou established a cordial factory in Orbost in the 1930s. He sold his cordial manufacturing business to Phillips and Stone, a Bairnsdale company, in 1948. Glass bottles were refillable until the 1960s, creating a demand for their collection and onsale back to beverage manufacturers via ‘bottle merchants’. A deposit on the bottles was added to all sales as they left the factory. The returned bottles were washed and the old label removed. The inside was cleaned by pushing the bottle onto a revolving brush. The reusing of the bottles went on until the bottle was broken or the top became chipped.This bottle is an example of a product manufacture by a local industry no longer existing.Drossou lemonade bottle. Large bottle tinted light blue.Front - D. Drossou, Orbost Bottom G938, 647drossou bottle glass lemonade-bottle

Shells were collected by Edgar lavell and son, alan.The fossils paint a vivid picture of life below a sea that once covered parts of East Gippsland. They reflect the geological history of the area.Square shaped wooden display case with glass front. Holds a collection of fossil shells on cork. Shells are from the Middle Miocene Age.shells natural-history middle-miocene fossils

This collection of glasses and cases was donated by Miss Connie Cruickshank. She was part of the family of Orbost's first doctor, Dr James Kerr. As the 19th Century came to a close, more and more people wore their eyeglasses everyday. A popular style of inexpensive, everyday spectacles was the pince-nez. French for "pinch nose," the pince-nez was first developed in France circa 1840 and began to be imported after the 1850s. Pince-nez have no temples, but are fit snugly on the bridge of the nose. Pince- nez could be uncomfortable to wear and broke often from falling off the nose. These items demonstrate how glasses' styles have changed over time. One pair of pince-nez glasses and its brown leather case shaped to fit. One solid black wooden case with a small hinged door at one end. One blue/black case with the words A A Abotomey 14 Carpenter Street Middle Brighton in gold lettering. Five pairs of spectacles, one with blue coloured glass with crack in one lens.A A Abotomey 14 Carpenter Street, Middle Brightonspectacles spectacles-cases pinz-nez

The book is a collection of index cards transcribed from the Register of Baptisms from 1849 to 1991 at the St. John's Anglican Church in Ballan. These cards were then photocopied ten to a page and assembled and bound into this book. The book contains Volume 1 A -K and Volume 2 L -Z and the wording on the Title Page "This is a copy of the transcription, which was completed by Roy Huggins and a team of volunteers at Ballan. Acknowledgment is given to The Rector without whose permission the project could not have been completed. March 1991."The book is significant in that it contains a complete register of Baptisms conducted at the Church from 1849 to 1991 in alphabetical order. This is of significance to family researchers and makes a search of the records much easier.An A4 size book which is a collection of loose pages stapled, with cardboard covers and a brown tape spine binding. About 250 pages of transcribed, photocopied index cards. Book No.105.Pencil markings - Book No.105. Reg No. VBSH 01098ballan, baptism records, anglican church, st johns anglican church

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. The Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson Author: Alfred, Lord Tennyson - Poet Laureate Publisher: Macmillan And Co Date: 1892The label on spine cover has typed text PAT 821 TEN Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Museumshipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, 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, the works of alfred lord tennyson, alfred, lord tennyson, poet laureate, alfred tennyson

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. 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 2-1 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 2-1, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18

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. 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 3-1 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 3

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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 3-2 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 3, c e w bean

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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 3-3 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 3