Yields information the reconstruction of the Canadian Creek Bridge in 1955.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of No. 32 at Canadian Creek bridge in Barkly St, Mt Pleasant during the reconstruction of the bridge. Photo dated 12-6-55 and shows the reconstruction work in progress. Tram was isolated to enable the service in Barkly St during the reconstruction of the Canadian Creek bridge during June-July 1955, see Reg Item 5155, 5157 as well and 5301, 5302 and 5305. No. 35 was the service car, shows the detour sign as well See image i2 for rear of photograph.On rear in ink "SEC Ballarat No. 32 in Barkly St at Steinfield St Bridge under repairs. 13-6-55." In top right hand corner is Wal Jack stamp with number T178 written in.trams, tramways, mt pleasant, canadian creek, barkly st, tram 32

Daylesford born John Hogan Gervasoni was born in Daylesford.BLack and white photo off six men taken in the garden of Gus and Bess Gervasoni's house in Raglan Street, Daylesford in 1952. Five of them played football for Fitzroy. Left to right: Frank Curtin, Gus Gervasoni (Father of Jack Gervasoni), Jack Gaffney (later VFL Tribunal Chaiman 1985), Jim Kettle, Jack Gervasoni, Earl Davey.frank curtin, gus gervasoni, jack gaffney, jim kettle, jack gervasoni, earl davey, john hogan gervasoni

White covered A4 book, blue tape spine, on front 'enrolled between 1906 - 1914, Pupil's Register. Book contains copy of register from that period. Photo included in this book of Jack Harper and Violee Davey, at Bethlehem on 12/08/2005 at Jack's 100th. Jack died 04/06/2006, 6 days before Violee's 100th.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square primary school laurel st 1189:

Photocopy of photograph: on top ' golden Square State School No. 1189 Marching Band - 1917. On bottm 'left to right: Alan Robinson; Unknown; Ton Whitburn; John ( Jack ) Samson; Rex Randall and Fred Randall. On back of copy photo of jack Samson has been enlarged, underneath ' Jack Samson, Golden Square School Band 1917'bendigo, education, golden square primary school

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Colleagues at the retirement function for Locomotive Driver Jack Schmidt who was one of the Drivers of the "Spirit of Progress" Standing left to right: Alex Reid, Eric Molloy, Cyril Tannock, Ray Murphy Seated: Jack Schmidt railways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, jack schmidt, spirit of progress

Black and white negative, by Wal Jack, of E class 44 in the parking siding at Camberwell Depot. Has the destination of Special and route number B. Photo dated 1-9-1941, in the Wal Jack album.trams, tramways, e class, camberwell depot, tram 44

Black and white negative, by Wal Jack, of W2 380 (Spencer St Route 48) during 1943 at the North Balwyn terminus. Photo dated 1943 in the Wal Jack album along with details of the location and the tramcar.trams, tramways, w2 class, north balwyn, route 48, tram 380

Yields information the appearance of the SEC tram fleet in 1943 when parked in City Loop. None of these trams remain in Ballarat today.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of trams 23, 22, 25 and 29 in Sturt St loop 11-12-1943. In the background is the Ballarat Courier Building and in the background is an advertisement for Plume, and City Mutual Life insurance. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeon rear of photo in ink, "SEC Ballarat, No. 23, 22 ex Adelaide 69 and 92, 25 and 29 ex MMTB Sturt St 11-12-43" and in top right hand corner Wal Jack copyright stamp with number "T56" written.trams, tramways, sturt st, city loop, grenville st, tram 23, tram 22, tram 25, tram 29

Cpl. Jack was a farmer from Seville, Victoria. He Served 1915-1917. K.I.A. October 9th. 1917. No known grave. Remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Belgium.Framed Certificate In Memoriam / Anzac's, you've graved your name upon Immortal Scroll. Naught can compare with what the World acclaims. Zenith of fighting patriot soul. A host of heroes, you have but echoed back with Clarion tongue. Coo-ee! Comrades "Kia Ora" your distant couch eill ever be Sacred to all Eternity sub heading / 655/ Private L. Jack/21st. Battalion/ 6th. Brigade/ "C" Company.

Yields information about the AETA tour in 1962 and the trams used.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of a photograph of two trams at the Lydiard St North terminus during an AETA tour 21-4-1962. 18 and 37 the tour trams. No. 18 has roof Advertisements for White Florists of Sturt St and Lancashire's of Bridge St and a dash panel advert for The Age newspaper. No. 37 has an SEC "Switch to Electric Cooking" roof Advertisements. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeOn rear of photograph in ink "SEC, Ballarat Nos. 18 and 37 at Lydiard St Nth 21-4-62" and Wal Jack stamp in top right hand corner with number "T1267" written in.trams, tramways, aeta, tours, special trams, lydiard st north, tram 18, tram 37

Black and White print contained within the Wal Jack Bendigo and Geelong Album, see Reg Item 5003 for more details. Photo of Bendigo Birney No. 30 at Golden Square Terminus, 3/1/1954. Has Edgerton's Golden Square Hotel in the background with date of 1857 on building corner and "Cold Beer Here and "?..er flow cooler" on the front verandah of the hotel. Note the railing around the drainage channel. i1 - scan of print in the album i2 - rear of image i3 - scan of negative at 3200dpi added 6/6/2020. On the rear in blue ink "SEC Bendigo Birney No. 30 at Golden Square terminus 3rd Jan '54" with Wal Jack copyright stamp in the top right hand corner and the number "T215" written in.trams, tramways, bendigo, golden square, birney, tram 30

Yields information about the early use of Ballarat's bogie trams and the track in Wendouree ParadeDigital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of Nos. 15 and 22 crossing at the depot loop, Wendouree Parade, 22-12-45 - Wal's notes 1st day both bogies in service. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeOn rear in ink "SEC Ballarat Tramways Bogie trams No. 15 and 22 in loop Wendouree Parade near depot. 1st day both bogies were out together. 22-12-1945" Wal Jack stamp in bottom right hand corner with number "T541" written in.trams, tramways, depot loop, bogie trams, lake wendouree, tram 15, tram 22

Yields information about the loading and departure of Ballarat No. 25 to Bendigo in 1960.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of a photograph of No.25 being loaded onto the Yellow Express Low Loader within the depot - 6-10-1960. Has Les Denmead standing alongside. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negative. See Reg Items 1478, 5241, 5242, 7759 and 7766 for a series of 5 photos of this event.On rear of photograph in ink "SEC, Ballarat Loading No. 25 for Bendigo onto Yellow Express Loader - Wendouree Depot Ballarat 6-10-1960." and in top Right hand corner Wal Jack stamp with "T255" written in.trams, tramways, transporting trams, yellow express, bendigo, moving trams, tram 25

Yields information about the early use of Ballarat's first bogie tram after it had been re-numbered and Stones Corner.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of No. 22 turning from Bridge St into Main St 29-12-1945. Has the Castrol / Caltex service station with clock in the background and Stones Corner building. Tram proceeding to Mt Pleasant. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeIn ink on rear " SEC Ballarat Tramways bogie. 22, turning out of Bridge St into Main St, Ballarat East Post Office in background in Main St. 29-12-45" with number "T547" within Wal Jack photo stamp.trams, tramways, bridge st, stones corner, main st, bogie trams, tram 22

Yields information the appearance of the SEC tramcar No. 21, and the south east corner of Sturt and Lydiard Streets in 1958 and an AETA tour.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of trams No. 21 turning from Lydiard St into Sturt St while on an AETA tour special, 5 April 1958. Has the AETA sign on the rear of the tram. In the background are the Commonwealth Bank, the MLC building. Includes a number of cyclists in the photograph. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeon rear of photo in ink, "SEC Ballarat, No. 21 as AETA Special turning into Sturt St from Lydiard St Nth, 5-4-58." in the top right hand corner is the Wal Jack stamp with number "T246" written intrams, tramways, sturt st, lydiard st, aeta, tram 21

Yields information about Ballarat's trams in the late 1960'ss and the street scape in Victoria St?, Yields information about Ballarat's trams in the late 1960'ss and the street scape in Victoria St?Black and white print of Ballarat 35, northbound to Lydiard St North, crossing the Railway level crossing with Moodys Provincial Hotel and the Ballarat "B" signal box in the background. The tram has a roof advertisement for Ilford film. Note the entry canopy to the hotel. Two copies. Photo by Wal jack, 18/11/1961. Photo print courtesy of Port Dock Railway Museum, now the National Railway Museum. See worksheet 4311 for letter and details of prints sent to Bill Scott, 19/10/2001. Any photo credit to mention NRM Collection.On rear of copy 1 "SEC Ballarat / 35 / Lydiard St North / 18/11/61 2920 / Wal Jack " Copy 2 "DAC" in ink, bottom right hand corner.trams, tramways, lydiard st, ballarat railway station, level crossings, tram 35

Yields information the appearance of the SEC tramcar No. 23, which was often decorated in 1949 and the streetscape.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of trams No. 23 in Sturt St climbing the hill enroute to Gardens. Shows how the barrier rails were arranged. In front of the tram area a number of angle parked cars. In the rear are Patersons Furniture, Taylor and Taylor Chemists, Ballarat Fish Supply, Ritzy Cafe and Grill Rooms and a book store. The tram itself is looking shabby. Photo taken 20-3-1949. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeon rear of photo in ink, "SEC Ballarat, No. 23, in Sturt St, Ballarat 20-3-1949" and in top right hand corner Wal Jack copyright stamp with number "T99" written.trams, tramways, sturt st, city loop, tram 23

Authors history page VI of introduction.Soft cover in colour. Scene of bullbozer working in front with two crew members and 24 Construction Squadron flag and emblem on front cover. 151 pages illustrated - colour.To Best Wishes John (Jack) DOOHAN on fly leaf.books, military history

Tablets of Memory. The Bendigo Cohns and their Descendants 1853 - 1989. Biography of, and geneaological history of the Cohn family in Bendigo.Alan A. Cohn, Jack N.Cohn, and Lawrence J. Cohn.biography, cohn family

Letter from Fletcher Jones "F J Trousers Pty Ltd" to W R Lang re. a gift of wool topsJ M Vicaris/ Jack/ Vict Road/ Marrickville.....wool - research wool - measurement wool - testing, f j trousers pty ltd, lang, dr w. roy jones, mr fletcher - f j trousers pty ltd, wool - research, wool - measurement, wool - testing

36 page booklet outlining production of armaments in Australia for World War II Printed in brown ink, front cover has 2 colour imprint, side stapled, 2 staples.On front cover has "Miss Patti Jack" in ink.trams, tramways, arms production, world war ii

Framed six colour serigraph showing a volcano surrounded by water. Donated through the Australian Gifts Programme by Katherine Littlewood. Signed lrs "Kenneth Jack" Edition: 25/30kenneth jack, printmaking, volcano

Photo taken by Mary Burke (Taffe) c. 1930s.poor quality photo but well preserved.Inscribed on verso "Jack Cussens - Sydney Rd Coburg

Jack Plane Branded G S on side of plane. Has chamfered corners.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Jack Plane Body of plane is tapered. Handle has been broken and repaired.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Pattison Collection 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 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Warrnambool Public Library 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally, the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance The Iron Heel Author: Jack London Publisher: Mills & Boon Date: 1929 The label on the spine with the typed text PAT FIC LON Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute shipwrecked-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 iron heel, jack london

Pattison Collection 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. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. 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. The Night-Born Author: Jack London Publisher: Mills & Boon Date: 1916 The label on the spine with typed text PAT FIC LON Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute shipwrecked-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, great ocean road, the night-born, jack london