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. 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. Introduction To Botanic Teachings Author: Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller Publisher: Government Printer Melbourne Date: 1887 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 508.7 MUE Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker 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, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, introduction to botanic teachings, baron ferdinand von mueller

Ariel Square Fours escorting a vehicle through Botanic Gardens, possibly from Governor's residence. Circa 1956police vehicles; wireless patrol; motor transport branch; motor transport section; motor cycle patrol; police motorcycles; ariel square four motorcycle

Pine needles Basket and Lid, made from pine needles collected from the Warrnambool Botanical Gardens in 1925.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

In 1923 the Ballarat Zoo was open 2-5pm daily and 10-5 on Saturday. The entrance fee was 3 pence. When Ballarat pioneer citizen, Ben Jahan, died he left his fortune of nearly 11,000 pounds to the City of Ballarat for the purpose of establishing a zoo.Black and white image of the Ballarat zoo which was situated in the north-west corner of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Reserve.ballarat zoo, ballarat zoological gardens, ballarat botanical gardens, ben jahn, parks and gardens

Has a strong association with the formal opening day of the BTPS's Wendouree Parade tramway on 1/2/1975 and two of the volunteer workers.Colour photograph of Gavin Young and Graham Jordan standing in front of No. 26 on 1-2-1975, the day of the official opening of the BTPS tramway. Photo taken by Lilian Butler. See note re inscriptions. 2nd copy added 25/7/2010On rear in blue ink "With my compliments, Lilian Butler, 1st February 1975, Botanical Gardens Ballarat Victoria"btps, opening, ballarat tourist tramway, tram 26

This photograph is of historic interest because it shown some of the exotic plants favoured by nineteenth century gardeners.The photograph provides a different aspect of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and provides further information about the plantings in the nineteenth century. Photocopy of a black and white photograph of palm trees, succulents and lawn. The original photo has age marks. In pencil written bottom lefthand corner, "Scene in Botanical Gardens, Ballarat and in the lefthand corner, January 3, 1883.ballarat botanical gardens, friends of ballarat botanical gardens, john garner, doctor, history, scene, plantings victorian era, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat

Honda 900s in a V formation, with one back in the centre of the V, and riders seated on the bikes. In the Botanic Gardens. Circa 1981police vehicles; wireless patrol; motor transport branch; motor transport section; motor cycle patrol; police motorcycles; honda 900 motorcycles

Postcard with photoof botanical gardens, Adelaide, S. A. Addressed to Narrocott Dunraven 99 Epsom Road Ascot Vale Melbourne.

Colour photograph of Plaque on walls of old Buninyong BathsThe plaque outlines the history of the baths constructed in the 1870's as a water source, their redesign by C.C.P. Wilson and reconstruction by WW1 soldiers and their continuing role within the Buninyong Community.Colour photograph of the Plaque on the wall of old Buninyong Swimming Pool giving history of the Old Baths in Buninyong Botanical GardensOld swimming pool, Buninyong gardens built c 1918, restored 1993-94. Photo taken Jan 1995returned soldiers ww1, buninyong gardens, memorial gardens, buninyong baths, c.c.p. wilson

Detailed description of plants, one plant per page. Alphabetical listing according to botanical name, with common names provided.Maps, colour photographs, pronunciation guide, glossarygrassland, plants, south-eastern australia, botany, ecology

Tourist brochure describing parks and gardens in Melbourne produced and printed by the Victorian Railways in 1941. Mainly Botanic and Fitzroy Gardens. "A little gallery of pictures revealing the created loveliness of the city's open public spaces ; all on the fringe of the busy metropolis, and all possessing some particular quality - some favoured lawn, tree or flower effect - to hold the lover of growing things"melbourne (vic) -- parks and gardens, christian-washfold collection

Victor GREENHALGH (1900-1982) Born Ballarat, Victoria John Grey Gorton served as Prime Minister from 1968 to 1971. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia, and alienated many with his unorthodox style of leadership. In 1971 a party vote on a motion of confidence in his leadership was evenly split and Gorton resigned. Victor Greenhalgh was born and educated in Ballarat. He was a student, then a staff member of the Ballarat School of Mines Technical Art School. Greenhalgh was appointed head of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology's Att School in 1955. He died in 1983. This item is part of the Federation University Art Collection. The Art Collection features over 2000 works and was listed as a 'Ballarat Treasure' in 2007.Plaster marquette of the bust of Prime Minister John Gorton. The marquette was used for the bronze bust located in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.art, artwork, john gorton, john grey gorton, prime minister, prime minister's avenue, ballarat botanical gardens, victor greenhalgh, ballarat school of mines, ballarat technical art school