A colour photograph of Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The lolly shop premises were destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.marysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires, photograph

A colour photograph of the temporary premises of the Marysville Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of the temporary premises of the Marysville Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This photograph was taken after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires which destroyed the building, along with most of the buildings in Marysville. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.22/8/09 Marysvillemarysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires, photograph

A colour photograph of the sign that was outside of Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of the sign that was outside of Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This photograph was taken after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires which destroyed the building, along with most of the buildings in Marysville. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.marysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires, photograph

A colour photograph of the sign that was outside of Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of the sign that was outside of Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This photograph was taken after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires which destroyed the building, along with most of the buildings in Marysville. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.marysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires, photograph

A newspaper article on the Marysville Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.A newspaper article on the Marysville Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This newspaper article was written after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires which destroyed the building, along with most of the buildings in Marysville. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.marysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires, newspaper article, julia harris

An advertisement regarding Cathedral Farm at Buxton.An advertisement regarding Cathedral Farm at Buxton.buxton, victoria, australia, cathedral farm, advertisement, guest house, accommodation

A black and white photograph of Cathedral Farm at Buxton.A black and white photograph of Cathedral Farm at Buxton.CATHEDRAL FARM GUEST HOUSE BUXTON HUME 103buxton, victoria, australia, cathedral farm, guest house, accommodation

A colour photograph of the Romany Vardo Gypsy wagon in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of the Romany Vardo Gypsy wagon in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria. Fred Sawyer was originally from London, but then later relocated to Sydney, Australia, and then to Marysville in Victoria where he established The Marysville Museum. The Romani Vardo wagon was housed in The Marysville Museum alongside a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, various machinery, and memorabilia.the marysville museum, marysville, victoria, burton type wagon, henry jones & son, gypsy, hawkers, gypsies, william spooner, artist, st george, dragon, peter ingram, gypsy museum, selbourne, england, colin king, fred sawyer

A colour photograph of the Romany Vardo Gypsy wagon in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of the Romany Vardo Gypsy wagon in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria. Fred Sawyer was originally from London, but then later relocated to Sydney, Australia, and then to Marysville in Victoria where he established The Marysville Museum. The Romani Vardo wagon was housed in The Marysville Museum alongside a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, various machinery, and memorabilia.the marysville museum, marysville, victoria, burton type wagon, henry jones & son, gypsy, hawkers, gypsies, william spooner, artist, st george, dragon, peter ingram, gypsy museum, selbourne, england, colin king, fred sawyer

A colour photograph of a vehicle that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of a vehicle that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria. Fred Sawyer was originally from London, but then later relocated to Sydney, Australia, and then to Marysville in Victoria where he established The Marysville Museum. The Marysville Museum held a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, various machinery, and memorabilia. 1890 SHAND/ MASONthe marysville museum, marysville, victoria, photograph, copper fire extinguisher, 1890 shand mason twin vertical horse drawn steam driven fire engine, fred sawyer

A colour photograph of a vehicle that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of a vehicle that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria. Fred Sawyer was originally from London, but then later relocated to Sydney, Australia, and then to Marysville in Victoria where he established The Marysville Museum. The Marysville Museum held a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, various machinery, and memorabilia. the marysville museum, marysville, victoria, photograph, 1925 packard, fred sawyer

A colour photograph of a vehicle that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of a vehicle that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria. Fred Sawyer was originally from London, but then later relocated to Sydney, Australia, and then to Marysville in Victoria where he established The Marysville Museum. The Marysville Museum held a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, various machinery, and memorabilia. the marysville museum, marysville, victoria, photograph, 1929 packard straight 8 golf bag tourer, fred sawyer

A colour photograph of a Rolls Royce car that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of a Rolls Royce car that was housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria. Fred Sawyer was originally from London, but then later relocated to Sydney, Australia, and then to Marysville in Victoria where he established The Marysville Museum. The Marysville Museum held a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, various machinery, and memorabilia. the marysville museum, marysville, victoria, photograph, fred sawyer, rolls royce

A colour photograph of two motorbikes that were housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of two motorbikes that were housed in The Marysville Museum in Marysville in Victoria. Fred Sawyer was originally from London, but then later relocated to Sydney, Australia, and then to Marysville in Victoria where he established The Marysville Museum. The Marysville Museum held a collection of horse-drawn vehicles, veteran, vintage, and classic vehicles, various machinery, and memorabilia. the marysville museum, marysville, victoria, photograph, fred sawyer, douglass motorbike, b.s.a. motorbike

A digital copy of a black and white postcard of Cathedral House and the Buxton General Store in Victoria.A digital copy of a black and white postcard of Cathedral House and the Buxton General Store in Victoria. The Buxton General Store was originally built in the early 1930s by Jack Preece. It also served as the local Post Office, cafe and petrol station. The store had a succession of owners until its closure in around 2018.CATHEDRAL HOUSE + STORE/ BUXTON/ HOME 46buxton, victoria, buxton general store, jack preece

An advertising brochure for Marysville Crystal Gardens and Shop in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Marysville Crystal Gardens and Shop in Victoria. Marysville House, home to Marysville Crystal Gardens and Shop was built by Arthur Dickinson as a guest house in the late 1920s, then added to in the late 1940s. It closed as a guest house in the late 1950s. The family catered for up to 40 guests at a time. It was also the family home and still is. After the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, it is now the only surviving, original guest house left in Marysville.crystal gardens, marysville, victoria, ferguson tractors, marysville house, arthur dickinson, guest house, 2009 black saturday bushfires

An advertising brochure for Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The lolly shop premises were destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.marysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, advertising brochure, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires

A colour photograph of the temporary premises of the Marysville Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of the temporary premises of the Marysville Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This photograph was taken after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires which destroyed the building, along with most of the buildings in Marysville. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.22/8/09 Marysvillemarysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires, photograph

A tourist brochure showing showing information for travel to Marysville from Melbourne and accommodation venues in Marysville. This brochure was published by the Victorian Government Tourist Bureau.A tourist brochure showing information for travel to Marysville from Melbourne and accommodation venues in Marysville.marysville, victoria, australia, marysville hotel, the cumberland, kerami guest house, kooringa guest house, marylands guest house, mary-lyn guest house, marysville chalet guest house, marysville house guest house, mt kitchener guest house, lake mountain, mckenzie tourist services, melbourne, great dividing range, cumberland valley, white mountain ash, eildon weir, alexandra, acheron way, warburton, victorian government tourist bureau

A tourist brochure showing showing information for travel to Marysville from Melbourne and accommodation venues in Marysville. This brochure was published by the Victorian Government Tourist Bureau.A tourist brochure showing information for travel to Marysville from Melbourne and accommodation venues in Marysville.marysville, victoria, australia, marysville hotel, the cumberland, kerami guest house, kooringa guest house, marylands guest house, mary-lyn guest house, marysville chalet guest house, marysville house guest house, mt kitchener guest house, lake mountain, mckenzie tourist services, melbourne, great dividing range, cumberland valley, white mountain ash, eildon weir, alexandra, acheron way, warburton, victorian government tourist bureau

Possibly Emma Smith (b Keys) and daughter Clara Emma Smith. Emma and her husband George Henry Smith emigrated to Australia and settled at Happy Valley near Linton (Victoria) on the invitation of her brother Edward who owned two houses there..1 Ambrotype of a woman and child .2 Photo taken off ambrotype. Woman and childambrotype

Emma was one of the first white children born in the Barrabool Hills (Geelong) to parents Richard and Elizabeth Phillips. Emma Eliza Jane Phillips was one of the first white children born in the Barrabool Hills (South Geelong) in the Port of New South Wales on 25/04/1844 and died at "Gracedale" Yendon 12/10/1925, age 81. Emma was the daughter of Richard Price Phillips and Elizabeth Anne Goodenough. Richard, originally a coach plater, was the licensee of "The Thistle Inn", a small hotel on the corner of Corio and Yarra Streets. Elizabeth appears to have had a dressmakers shop around the corner in Yarra Street. Emma married Thomas Watson in Ballarat in 18--? Thomas William Watson was born in Harston, Cambridge, England on10/11/1838 and died at "Gracedale", Yendon, Victoria, Australia 27/04/1920, age 81. He came to Australia seeking gold but instead of finding a fortune he worked for the Victorian Railways. After living in Sebastapol and Ballarat North they settled on a small farm at Yendon named "Gracedale" They were married in Ballarat at Saint Paul's Church of England in Ballarat East. Emma sang in the choir and was a member of the Ballarat Philharmonic Society. They first lived in Sebastapol, then Crompton Street, Ballarat North before building a house at Yendon. Thomas and Emma had 10 children, five boys and five girls, also rearing 3 grandchildren. Thomas and some of his sons ( including John Richard) helped to cut the original steps at Lal Lal to the bottom of the Lal Lal Falls.Photograph of a woman seated at a table with one elbow resting on books. Her jewllery has been hand painted in gold and the top book cover in green. C1860Front: Benson & Stevenson 108 Elizabeth Street Melbourne Copies can be obtained at any time Verso: Emma Eliza Jane (Phillips) Watson; 1844-1925; 81yrs; Died "Gracedale" Yendon, Vic; Born - South Geelong/Barrabool Hills; Dad's (John Richard Watson) motheremma eliza jane phillips, emma eliza jane watson, barrabool hills, yendon, thomas watson, richard price phillips, elizabeth goodenough, lal lal falls

E.Ashton joined the Victorian Police force in 1896;appointed a horse mounted constable in his first year of service and had a distinguished career that included arresting criminal "Squizzy Taylor in 1919 in Bourke Street, Melbourne. Ernest finished as Superintendent of Sale Police Station. His career is detailed in the Wycheproof family history section of our archive. He married Lucy May Webber at Wycheproof in 1898.Part of Victorian Police History and local Wycheproof History, Constable Ashton had a brilliant police career.In the framed black and white photo Constable Ernest Graham Ashton, in full mounted police uniform, which includes white helmet, sits astride his white steed, long sword hanging below the horses's right flank. Caption on photo: Mounted Constable Ernest Graham Ashton. The Court House Wycheproof.Mounted Constable ERNEST GRAHAM ASHTON THE COURT HOUSE WYCHEPROOF VICTORIA 1870 -1946victoria, ernest, mounted, wycheproof, police, graham, ashton

The Wycheproof Court House Opened 24-9-1890.The Law Department Closed the Court House during the 1980s. The building became the home of the Wycheproof Craft Group and then the Wycheproof And District Historical Society. Financial support from Heritage Victoria enabled interior renovations to be completed in 2007.This is the only known photo of the Opening of the Wycheproof Court House. It is fragile and precious.Early days photo of large group of men standing proudly in front of the just constructed Wycheproof Court House in 1890.wycheproof, court-house

When the local Wycheproof Masonic Lodge closed the Honour Roll was hung in the Wycheproof Court House. A unique plaque believed to be the only one for Wycheproof with these two servicemen's names being members of the Wycheproof Masonic Lodge.Large polished wooden Honour Roll WW11 with columns and arch surround named in gold leaf. Heading - A.F & A.MASONS OF VICTORIA. WYCHEPROOF LODGE NO. 181. Members who paid the Supreme Sacrifice WW11. Brothers: O.T. HETHERINGTON J.L. WARNEFOR GOD KING & COUNTRYmasons. honour roll ww11. supreme sacrifice.

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. 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. A House of Gentlefolk Author: Ivan Turgenev Translated from the Russian by Constance Garnett Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: 1951Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 891.73 TUR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library 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, ivan turgenev, a house of gentlefolk, constance garnett

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. 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 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. Smoke Author: Ivan Turgenev Translated from the Russian by Constance Garnett Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: 1951Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 891.73 TUR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library 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, smoke, ivan turgenev, constance garnett

This compass is the type used by an artillery unit of the Australian Military Forces during World War 2 and made by J W Handley. Although having owned the factory site since 1935 at 657 Victoria St J W Handley began to produce various items for the Australian Military forces after purchasing and expanding the factory to 655 Victoria St. It appears that he, or some one else may already have been occupying the site for industrial purposes, such as (Manufacturing, Foundry and Electroplating) since at least 1929. J W Handley Pty Ltd was actively producing items for the Military during the war years, a newspaper article from 1939 shows the factory in production and employing 420 people during 1939. J W Handley after the war moved into producing other non military items including a range of fishing reels. The company ceased trading in 1987 and was deregistered as J W Handley Pty Ltd in 1990.The item demonstrates the industrial capability of Australia at the start of World War 2. This item is actively sort by collectors of Australian Military memorabilia and represents a time in Australian history when the country was at war and the general population was concerned about an invasion from Japanese forces. It also therefor is of social significance as many Australians served in the Military forces at that time and the item is complete and in very good condition.A plane table compass, sometimes referred to as a trough compass, used by surveyors and artillery crew to accurately establish magnetic north. The compass is precision machined of brass material with a long needle to ensure accuracy. The compass scale is marked with a centre zero (for magnetic north) and graduations indicating plus and minus five degrees. The compass is housed in a protective wooden case with a sliding lid. The lid has a brass slide which locks the compass needle during periods when the compass is not in use.J.W.H./V Mark 11 D↑D. Made by J W Handley Richmond Melbourne, Victoria. Serial No 353flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, trough compass, navigation instrument, surveyor's instrument, j w handley, artillery, australian army, trough, plane compass, world war 2