Showing 1229 items
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Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Puttees, Short, 1944
Puttees were long established items of a soldiers kit. Although time consuming items to tie correctly, puttees were a very comfortable and practical method of ensuring that mud and loose debris would not enter the tops of ankle length boots. Short puttees were common during the second world war.A pair of dark khaki woven wool cloth bands that were wound around a soldier's ankle. Each puttee has cotton stitching across one end, with the other end stitched into a triangular shape. Attached to the triangular end is a long khaki woven cotton strap that was used to secure the puttee in place. Cotton stitching is across the end of the cotton strap.V307 1944 D (broad arrow) Dputtees, clothing -
Bialik College
Mixed media (series) - Besen Art and Technology Centre
1990s, 2000s, development1990s, 2000s, development -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Needle case, Morris & Yeomans Ltd, 1920s
This is a needle case produced in a novelty form. Sewing kits and needle cases were essential items for women to have in their houses, to take with them when travelling and to carry in their handbags for emergency repairs. Today needle cases are still used but less frequently as in past times, depending on the craft skills of the person and the hobbies pursued.This item has no known local significance but it is an interesting example of an early 20th century needle case and is retained for display purposes.This is a needle case in a wooden container made in a rectangular shape with a pointed top. The shape is in the form of a church with an affixed metal or paint shape of a church on the front of the container. The front of the container has been polished. The two sides of the container are affixed with two metal hinges and there is a metal clasp on one side. Part of the metal clasp is missing. Inside the container is padded with white/grey cotton material. On one side are two paper grey and black folders which once contained needles and on the other side there is a middle band to hold other needles or pins. This side has one rusty pin.‘Sharps 5/9 6, 7, Wartd. By Morris & Yeomans’household accessories, history of warrnambool -
Waverley RSL Sub Branch
First Aid pack with 1 pair Puttees
These waterproof canvas covered dressing kits were carried by all service personnel on active service. They were used as first aid for field injuries, especially when Medics were unable to immediately treat or evacuate injured from battle areas. They saved many lives through wound compression slowing bleedin Field first aid, dressing pack, dressing kit, field dressingWound dressing / first aid pack 2 cloth brown Puttees -
Bendigo Military Museum
Weapon - MACHETE, Ca?augus, c. Korean War
Machetes similar to this example were issued as part of the USAAF emergency survival kits for B-2 and B-4 crew. This item was brought back from Korea by Flight Lieutenant Ian A. Lyons. Part of the Flight Lieutenant Ian A. (Joe) Lyons MBE Collection. See catalogue No 5374P for his service record..1) Machete with short slightly curved single-edged folding blade. Black riveted bakelite handle fitted with a thumb operated lock which secures the blade when opened. .2) Black metal detachable blade guard..1) Stamped on blade but partially obscured by corrosion: 'Ca?augus U.S.A.'machete, weapons, edged weapons, us army air force -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, WW1, Paul DALEY, Beersheba, First published 2009. This edition published 2017
Information - on front cover - "CENTENARY EDITION/ BEERSHEBA/ TRAVELS THROUGH A FORGOTTEN AUSTRALIAN VICTORY/ PAUL DALEY/. A full-bodied, human telling of the deeds of the AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSEMAN/ TONY WRIGHT" On back cover. "It was a glorious triumph of arms for Australian/ Forces, a romantic moment of dash and bravura that/ stood out in the tragedy of World War 1. Yet it barely/ registers in Australia's national consciousness."Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard; black, gold and white print on front, spine and back. White background. Illustrated - front - black and white photograph of a trooper mounted on a horse with full kit. 339 pages, cut, plain, white paper. Illustrated - black and white diagrams of maps and centrefold collection of photographs. Inscription - front end paper.Front end paper - handwritten, black ink - donor's name and date, "Donated by Joy Wellings/ 16-8-2023".books, ww1, beersheba, australian army, light horse regiment. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED, C. 1917 - 18
JAMES MERVYN HARVEY (telegraphist by trade) No 14510 enlisted in the AIF on 1.16.1916 in Australian Wireless Sqd reinforcement 3 aged 21 years 8 months. Embarked for Basra (Iraq) via Bombay 25.7.1916. It appears he was invalided to India on 12.11.1916, does not state why. He joined the Wireless Signal Service Depot in Rawalpindi India on 2.12.1917. Embarked from Bombay to Basra 27.2.1918 as part of 1st Aust & NZ Wireless Signal Sqd and joined the unit near Baghdad on 6.4.1918. Discharged from the AIF on 7.8.1919 as medically unfit.Framed, black & white photo of SAPPER JAMES MERVYN HARVEY No 14510 1st Australian Wireless Squadron AIF. He is operating a morse key mounted on the rear of a specially equipped GS wagon that is unhitched from its horses. The hatless soldier is seated on a folding bench seat & is wearing headphones. Numerous articles of personal kit are draped over the wagon. Bottom centre: Is a bio of SAPPER JAMES MERVYN HARVEY No 14510 1st Australian Wireless Squadron AIF.wireless sqd aif, ww1 -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book with DVD, Western Australia Department of Education and Training, Ways of being, ways of talk, 2007
Part of original kit produced by a Primary and Senior Secondary School in Western Australia dealing with communication, language and Aboriginal History. Video 1. Moving Into Other Worlds Video 2. Two Way Learning and Two Kinds of Power Video 3. Now You See It, Now You Don?t Video 4. A Shared World of Communicationb&w illustrations, colour illustrations, b&w photographs, colour photographs, DVDaboriginal education, aboriginal english, cultural awareness, school curriculum, language and literacy, bilingualism, two way learning -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book, Museum of Victoria Education Service, Aboriginal perspectives, 1996
The kit is designed for the general public, teachers and students, to give an understanding of Australian Indigenous people and culture and to break down stereotypes that are common in the school system and the wider community. The information presented is about the cultural, spiritual, economic and religious aspects of pre-contact societies. The impact of invasion on traditional societies and the post-colonial history of Australian Indigenous people is explored.Maps, b&w illustrations, b&w photographs, colour photographsculture, history, john batman, batman treaty, coranderrk mission, koorie culture, lake condah mission, kinship systems, aboriginal art, dreaming stories, kulin, gunai/kurnai, mara, wotjobaluk, wudjubaluk, koori -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - TOOLS & SPOOLS
Items were part of a film developing kit used by Jack Grinton who served as No 1043, 38th Batt AIF 1916-19. This was his second outfit. During his service he took hundreds of photos and developed many in England. Refer Cat No 1280 for service details. Refer 1248.2, 1317P, 1320P.Tools used in photo developing. .1 Device with wooden handle .2 Wooden handle with metal point .3 Silver coloured metal spool .4 Black metal spool .5 Small metal rodphotography, accessories -
Ambulance Victoria Museum
Resuscitator, Inhalator & Aspirator, E & J Resuscitator Manufacturing Company, Circa 1960
Not carried in ambulances but used for training purposes and held in ambulance stations. Kits like this were also maintained at swimming pools and factories. These items were in use during the 1960s and 1970s (and possibly for longer). Source. Chas Martin AHSV curator 29 March 2016. This example was donated by the Harcourt Auxillary (of local Ambulance service)? Red carry case holding resuscitation equipmentE & J MFG. CO. RESUSCITATOR GLENDALE, CALIF. -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
Biscuit, Phoenix Co, 1914-1918
This biscuit is called a 'Dog Biscuit' and was produced during WWI. It was part of a rashion kit to accompany another biscuit and a tin of Bully beef. The original owner was presumably a serviceman called Jack was and he created a souvenir for a loved one using another two biscuits, one including an inlaid photograph of himself and the other including an artificial flower decoration.This object is a rare piece. It is rare for items composed of edible goods to remain almost perfectly intact after a century after creation. This biscuit was presumably owned by the servicemand Jack who created a souvenir using another two similar biscuits. This imparts social, historical and research significance to the item.Dry biscuit with impressed inscription.Inscriptions on the front read: "Swallow / (indecipherable word) / Army / Wholemeal / Melbourne" biscuit, military rations, dog biscuit, ww1, world war 1, world war one, the first world war, the great war -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Leisure object - Camera Slides, c1970s
Interest through father who had a Kodak camera and a home development kit and could adjust size. In school Howard formed a camera club 'aged 16'. Had a Baby Brownie. When he retired he built his own workroom . Was one of the first get a digital camera. Hobby ceased due to poor eyesightCase, yellow top with Kodak logo. Opaque container. Slides box has a clear plastic cover with magnifying viewer. 40 slides in totalKodakphotography, photographs / slides / film -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Girls Classes
A photo of senior girls performing their health exercises in a class. The girls were dressed in their physical exercise kit which was provided by Legacy to the junior legatees. The photo was taken by a newspaper and could have been part of them publicising the Annual Demonstration. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics. A record that Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of junior legatees jumping in their exercise classes.Stamped with Copyright of the Herald Sun Feature Service, Melbourne in purple ink.junior legatee, girls' classes -
Melbourne Legacy
Photograph, Girls Classes
A photo of senior girls performing their health exercises in a class. The girls were dressed in their physical exercise kit which was provided by Legacy to the junior legatees. The photo was taken by a newspaper and could have been part of them publicising the Annual Demonstration. Throughout the year Melbourne Legacy provided classes for Junior Legatees such as dancing, gymnastics and Eurythmics.A record of the displays at the classes Legacy provided for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of junior legatees posing in their exercise classes.Stamped with Copyright of the Herald Sun Feature Service, Melbourne in purple ink.junior legatee, girls' classes -
Parks Victoria - Gabo Island Lightstation
Cabinet
Lightstations Flying Doctor first aid kit. Medical first aid box kept at Lightstation. According to a Lighthouse keeper each item was numbered to ensure correct administration of medications by Lightstation staff via radio contact with The Flying Doctor Service. The lightstation’s first aid case is a red painted metal box. The hinged lid is stencilled with white words of caution such as ‘handle with care and ‘this side up’. Inside are four tray inserts of different sizes. Until recent years the contents of the kit, including medications and an instruction book, were intact but have since been lost and cannot be located. Of the six lightstations investigated by this assessment project, it would seem that the case, which possibly dates to the early 1900s, is unique in its survival at Gabo Island. The cabinet has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.The cabinet has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Red painted metal box with hinged lid. It has side handles with four removable, red painted metal tray inserts of varying sizes. Inscriptions stencilled in white on lid. Trays have letters stencilled in white on three sides. There are three latches to secure lid. Lock on central latch.Main chest stencilled in white , on top: "NO 3 / LIGHTHOUSE / ROYAL FLYINNG DOCTOR/ MEDICATIONS/HANDLE WITH CARE / THIS SIDE UP" •Four tray inserts, stencilled in white: "A", "B", "C", "D". -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Going on a Bear Hunt at Burwood, 22/08/2007
The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. On August 22, 2007 Feelix staff organised an activity to supplement the book "We're going on a bear hunt" by Michael Rosen. First the book was read, then the young children (and their parents) replicated the actions of the book's characters in their search for a Bear who followed them home for morning tea. Later that day, Burwood School children also joined in on their own Bear Hunt.70 digital images of staff and children during the Bear Huntroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, rvib burwood school, louise curtin, ed gamble -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Manufactured Glass, bottle 'Fowlers 1 pint', c1915
Joseph Fowler (1888-1972), was born 28 February 1888 at Bagworth, Leicestershire, England, With his brother Sydney, in the early 1900s Joseph worked in a fruit-preserving business run by an uncle at Maidstone, Kent, and continued with the firm after 1908 when it was relocated at Reading. He married in 1910 and emigrated in 1913 settling at Camberwell, Melbourne.The jars were first manufactured in 1915 in Melbourne, for a fruit-bottling business started at the rear of his small house and the company of J. Fowler & Co. had begun producing home-bottling kits containing a sterilizer, bottles, lids, rings and a thermometer. Initially Fowler travelled the district, selling his kits door-to-door from the back of a cart. In 1920 he bought a shop in Hawthorn, and registered his business as a private company.During the Depression Fowlers Kits became a household name. In 1934 Fowlers Vacola Manufacturing Co. Ltd was registered as a public company. Fowler retired in 1961, but remained chairman of directors; his son Ronald succeeded him as managing director. Joseph died 1972 and when Ronald died in 1978, the company was bought out by the Sydney firm, Hooper Baillie Industries Ltd; it in turn sold to Sabco Ltd of South Australia; in 1994, when Sabco went into receivership, Australian Resource Recovery Technologies re-established Fowlers Vacola Australia Pty Ltd's headquarters in Melbourne.The early settlers of Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient and grew their own fruit and vegetables even if not market gardeners They preserved their produce for use all year.A 1 pint, clear, glass, narrow neck bottle with original 'Fowlers Vacola' stopper.Top FOWLERS VACOLA Shoulder of bottle FOWLERS VACOLA ONE PINT FRUIT JUICE BOTTLE Base F452 / M / R trade mark Amarket gardeners, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, fowler james, fowler ronald, fowler's vacola, food preservation -
Bendigo Military Museum
Administrative record - SERVICE RECORDS, KOREA, 1) 11.2.52, .2) 30.3.79
Both items are re F.E.T Groves, Signalman. Enlisted 11.1.52. Discharged 10.2.61. Served Korea with 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment 25.7 1953 to 24.7.1954, awarded Korea Medal, UN Service Medal Korea..1) Record of Service Book (AAB83) Re 3/3895 Pte F.E.T Groves. Brown coloured cardboard covers, record of service medial, issues kit. .2) Certificate of Service, whitish coloured, dark blue, light blue crown centre with crossed swords under. Gold coloured metal frame. Details re Frank Ernest Theodore Groves.military history - service records, korea -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Kit, Spare Parts, 1942
Spare parts kit for the Lamps Signalling Daylight used by the Australian defence forces during World War 2. A small dark green painted metal container with a hinging lid which contains parts and instructions, including three spare lamp bulbs. Within the container there is a smaller tinplate container with a lid which has electrical contacts and connectors. Refer item 00417The container lid has the following inscription: "LAMPS SIGNALLING DAYLIGHT BOX SPARE PARTS MKII" and "PMG 1942" -
Women's Art Register
Booklet - Marketing, Josephine Fagan, The Women’s Art Register, 2005
Historical essay and timeline of the Women’s Art Register, including Vision Statement, Chronology, Publications, Associations, Overview of the unique Women’s Art Register including significant events and actions.Display copy of the softcover promotional booklet published by Women’s Art Register in 2005, with essay by Juliette Peers and design by Josephine Fagan. Contents: About the Women’s Art Register; Vision Statement, Pulications, Liasons and Associations, How to use the Women’s Art Register, Advocacy and Leading Issues, Chronology, Short HIstory of the Women’s Art Register, Membership Form, Resources and KitsThe word Corrections is handwritten on the cover. -
Robin Boyd Foundation
Document - Script, Robin Boyd, The Flying Dogtor. Episode 7 The Bodgie Bird, 1963
Crafty Carson Carpetbag, Old Man Redback and Elvis Evil Eagle stole the rainmaking kit from The Flying Dogtor's plane. Elvis Evil Eagle (aka The Bodgie Bird) flew up again and sprinkled the powder into the clouds. The rain started filling the gully and the creek flooded into the homestead. The Flying Dogtor jumped in his plane to confront Elvis Evil Eagle.The Flying Dogtor" series was broadcast on Australian Television Network (later becoming the Seven Network) between February and April 1964 (see item D254 for schedule).Typewritten, carbon copy, foolscap, 2 pagesthe flying dogtor, robin boyd, crawford productions, manuscript -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Equipment - Camera and case
Donor, Howard, became interesed in photography through his father who had Kodak camera and a home development kit. Could adjust size. In school Howard formed a camera club (aged 16). Had a ' Baby Brownie'. When he retired he built own workroom was one of the first to get a digital camera. Hobby ceased due to poor eyesight.Kodak Pocket Instamatic 400 camera. Black and silver metal casing. Kodak logo on left hand corner. Camera case maroon coloured plastic. Kodak logo front bottom right corner. Pocket clips on reversephotography, cameras, camera accessories -
Vision Australia
Mixed media - Object, Keeler ophthalmic testing set, unknown
Testing of eye conditions requires the services of eye specialists, who often had to travel around a wide area. This kit is incomplete, but demonstrates how optometrists needed a wide variety of instruments to diagnose sight conditions. Although incomplete, it also contains a booklet for the Standard Testing Set 1H-1 produced by the same company (Keeler) and briefly describes some of the instruments in the case.1 maroon case with two blue velour inserts'Note this side up' in Dymo tape on outside.keller, assessments -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Lisa Saad, Sigrid Thornton and children at the Melbourne Zoo for the launch of the Feelix library, 12 February 2013
The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'The Story about Ping' by Margery Flack and Kurt Wiese to a group of five children, who played with the other objects in the suitcase as well as those for 'The Tiger who Came to Tea' by Judith Kerr. These included a soft toy duck in bright plaid fabric, a shiny metal tea pot, a cassette recording of the story, tactile books for both stories, and metal cups.37 digital photographs of Sigrid Thornton and five children at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Lisa Saad, Sigrid Thornton and children at the Melbourne Zoo for the launch of the Feelix library, 12 February 2013
The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'The Story about Ping' by Margery Flack and Kurt Wiese to a group of five children, who played with the other objects in the suitcase as well as those for 'The Tiger who Came to Tea' by Judith Kerr. These included a soft toy duck in bright plaid fabric, a shiny metal tea pot, a cassette recording of the story, tactile books for both stories, and metal cups.36 digital photographs of Sigrid Thornton and five children at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - WATER STERILISING KIT
The white tablet kills germs/bacteria and leaves that swimming pool taste, The blue tablet takes that away.Water sterilisation kit consisting of. .1) Tin base and lid, lid is black with white description, inside lid in black instructions for use. .2) Bottle, cylindrical shape, white plastic lid, contents consist of blue tablets, label with black print around. .3) Bottle, cylindrical shape, white plastic lid, contents consist of white tablets, label with black print around..2) On label, “THIO Tablets”. .3) On label, “ Sterilizing tablets, crush tablet before using, water bottle must be emptied before refilling”sterilizing, tablets kit, military -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Statuette, Heritage Fine Arts Pty Ltd, Vietnam, Circa 2000
A small statuette of a Vietnam era soldier in typical Australian Army jungle warfare kit. The setting represents a forward scout crossing a watercourse and silently signalling to those following 'enemy ahead' by giving the 'thumb down' hand signal. The cast pewter alloy statuette is mounted on a base of polished stone, the base being 8cm by 8cm by 5cm high. The overall height of the statuette is 15 cm.the base has the label "VIETNAM" Heritage Fine Arts, Limited to 2500 on one side of base, numbered 0143. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener Vol 1
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. Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener Vol 1 Author: E S Grew Publisher: The Gresham Publishing Co Date: 1917Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 KIT Pastedown front endpaper has 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 warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, field-marshal lord kitchener vol 1, e s grew -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener Vol 2
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. Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener Vol 2 Author: E S Grew Publisher: The Gresham Publishing Co Date: 1917Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 KIT Pastedown front endpaper has 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 warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, field-marshal lord kitchener vol 2, e s grew