This ledger was used in Orbost as many of the names written inside are locals. It may have been used at a haberdashery store or by a local person who made items in a private business.This appears to be a record of a small commercial enterprise conducted by an Orbost local. It would have been used in a time when the needlework / knitting skills of women were important for the economy of the family.A buff coloured cardboard covered ledger book. On the front cover is a white rectangular sticker with "LEDGER" in black print. It contains accounts for sewing and knitting items. The hand - written entries are in pencil and blue pen.On front cover - hand -written is "...ANNE MUM's WORK BOOK FOR SEWING & KNITTING". There are some calculations in pen.haberdashery sewing knitting

Used by President of Nunawading Historical Society, Valda Arrowsmith, during her term of Office as Mayor of City of Nunawading 5/8/1987 to 3/8/1988. Badge was worn on social occasions when representing the City of NunawadingGold plated Mayoral Badge of Office for City of Nunawading. 'City of Nunawading' and 'Mayor' on dark blue background and Coat of Arms in centre. Badge hangs from dark blue grograin ribbon.(on reverse) Cr. Valda Louise Anne Arrowsmith JP/5th August, 1987/to 3rd August 1988.numismatics, badges

Eva Fisher was a valued member of the AFB and wished to commission a sculpture for the grounds in the front of Paterson Hall. Noted sculptor Ian Bow was commissioned and created Urban Cycle, a six panel metal sculpture that follows the development of the local area. This plaque was placed near the sculpture and removed when Paterson Hall was renovated.Digital image of metal plaqueUrban Cycle Sculptor: Ian Bow Gift from Evangeline Anne Fisher 17th September, 1975.association for the blind, eva fisher, ian bow

Death notice from Ringwood Mail 9/3/1927 for former Ringwood residentCatherine, beloved wife of John Wilson, loving mother of Rosanna, Kate (deceased), Anne, Honora and Leslie.

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Hardback book with green buckram covering. Title on front in black type. Black coloured crest underneath title showing letters I.N.T.S. Damaged spine. 620 cream coloured pages with cut edges. Inscriptions on end papers front and back. Handwritten on top of closed book pages; 'A. BENNETTS'. Handwritten in black ink on front end paper: VFX128835, 7/12/45, Pte A.M. Bennetts, Inter Services Medical Wing, A.M.F. Discharge Depot, Redbank, Queensland'. Handwritten in pencil on back end paper: 'Adriadna, 10 Clyde St. St Kilda Beach, Stuckenschmidt, Junck, 19118791.' Handwritten in black ink on title page: 'VFX128835, Pte A. Bennetts. 128 AGM.' bennetts collection, alva bennetts, dictionary

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. to 3. Blackened Rising Sun collar badge with Kings Crown. two loops on back of each. Fastening pins attached.Stamped on badges: "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces".bennetts collection, alva bennetts, rising sun badge

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Rank insignia consisting of two cream and light khaki chevrons on a khaki background.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, rank insignia corporal

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for Alva Marie Bennetts.1. Black and white photograph of four men in uniform seated in front of a building. Photo has a white border. 2. Black and white photograph of two men in uniform standing in front of a building. Building has signs on it suggesting it is a bar. Photo has a white border.1. handwritten on back in blue ink. 'Male Staff - Inter Services Med Wing Redbank'.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photographs, bcof

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. Black and white photograph of four men in partial uniform holding a snake. Photo has a white border. 2. Black and white photograph of a group of soldiers in uniform. Soldier at back is playing an accordion. Photograph has a white border.1. Handwritten in blue ink along bottom border" "ALEX, JACK, MAURIE, ARTHUR CONWAY". handwritten in blue and black ink on back: 'Python caught behind our tent. received 27/9/43." 2. Handwritten in blue ink on back: 'This one was spoilt. Taken on the trip from Palestine to Egypt, prior to embarking for home. handwritten in blue ink as an address: 'For VX40693 L/Cpl Len Payne, Hdqrs Company, 24th Batt, 9th Division A.I.F.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, ww2, palestine, army, photograph

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts"Black and white photograph of a large propellor powered aeroplane. Aircraft ground crew visible on tarmac. Four jeeps visible in background. Photograph has a white border which has been trimmed with pinking shears.handwritten on back in black ink: American "Flying Fortress".bennetts collection, alva bennetts, flying fortress, boeing b17.

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. Colour photograph of multi-story Japanese style building. Group of dancers in traditional costume on forecourt. 2. Colour photograph of Japanese Wrestlers in ring. Crowd of spectators in background. 3. Colour photograph of two Japanese ladies kneeling in front of an altar. 4. Colour photograph of a group of Japanese ladies seated around a table eating lunch. 5. Colour photograph of a Japanese bride in traditional costume at her wedding ceremony. Two other ladies featured. 6. Colour photograph of a Japanese housewife in traditional costume. Lady sitting in front of a tub,bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photographs, japan

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. Colour postcard featuring a span of a wooden bridge. Stone pillar supporting span. Caption in Japanese. 2. Colour postcard featuring a view of four spans of a wooden bridge. River visible. Caption in Japanese. 3. Colour postcard featuring three spans of a wooden bridge. River in flood. Caption in Japanese.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, postcards, japan

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Medal ribbon bar with brass fastener on back. Ribbon has vertical red, blue and white stripes representing the WW2 British War Service Medal.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, medal ribbon, british war service medal.

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No.9726P for details of service for 'Alva Marie Bennetts'.1. Sepia toned photograph featuring buildings and open grassland. White border on photograph. 2. Black and white photograph of two women in uniform leaning on a fence. Building and water tank in background. White border on photograph. 3. Black and white photograph of a group of five women and one man, all in uniform. Group is standing in front of a weatherboard building. Photograph has white border. 4. Black and white photograph of three women in uniform standing in front of a truck. Four women in uniform sitting in the back of the truck. Photograph has white border.1. Handwritten in black ink on back: '112 (Bris) Mil. Hosp, Greenslopes, AAMWS Quarters in foreground; note the fence we jump! 2. Handwritten in black ink on back: 'Gwen & J. Caloundra '46' 3. Handwritten in black ink on back: 'From left to right:- E. Dougherty, M.Porter, G.Robertson, Yours truly (Alva Bennetts), Marj Maher (At back) Capt. Adams. 4. Handwritten on back in black ink: 'In front of truck:- Capt. Betts, O.C. AAMWS, Lieut Wheller 2IC AAMWS.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photograph, aamws

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Black and white photograph of three couples seated. men are in uniform and the women in ball gowns.Handwritten on the back in black ink: 'Taken at Commonwealth O.R.'s Club Ball, held on Princess Elizabeth wedding day. From left:- Junior Ward, Dulcie Kerr, Frances Richman, Max Mercier, Alva Bennetts, Bill Napier. Eta Jima 19/12/47'.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photograph, bcof

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. Rectangular adhesive transfer on paper. Transfer features a King's Crown above a red and black coloured ribbon with white lettering. Letters B.C.O.F. ASSOCIATION in white type. All on a blue background. 2. Rectangular cream coloured paper sheet with text in black type.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, bcof, souvenir

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. to 8. Eight large round Army buttons featuring an outline of Australia below a Kings Crown. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES in raised lettering around edge. loop on back with clip for fastening. Buttons have been blackened. 9. to 19. Eleven small round Army buttons featuring an outline of Australia below a Kings Crown. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES in raised lettering around edge. loop on back with clip for fastening. Buttons have been blackened.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, uniform, buttons, army

Part of the Bennetts Collection See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts" 1. & 2. "Australia" badge on cloth loop for wearing on an epaulette. Badge has cream coloured lettering on a khaki background. Cloth loop is khaki in colour.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, cloth badges

Part of the Bennetts Collection See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. & 2. Khaki coloured cloth shoulder badge with "AUSTRALIA" embroidered on in cream coloured thread.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, cloth shoulder badge

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. Embroidered red cross badge with white and khaki edging. 2. Embroidered red cross badge with white edging.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, badge, red cross, medical corps

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Soft brown coloured cardboard cover. Black print on front and back with Australian Coat of Arms. Black text inside on 40 pages with cut edges. Owner details on front cover and on pages 4 & 5. Black and white photograph of owner on page 5. Handwritten details in black and red ink on various pages. Metal staples on spine. Handwritten in black ink on front cover: 'VFX128835, PTE BENNETTS A M"bennetts collection, alva bennetts, bcof, record of service book

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Cream coloured foolscap sized page with text in black type. Spaces for handwritten details. Printing and handwriting on one side only.Handwritten in purple coloured pencil: 'Details of pay rates for Pte Alva Bennetts, VFX128835 up to 30.6.1947. Handwritten in purple coloured pencil at bottom of page: Two Signatures. Stamped on bottom LHS in purple ink: 'Office and date stamp'.staement of account, army pay rates, bennetts collection, alva bennetts

Part of the Bennettrs Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".Black and white photographic postcard of an Australian soldier in uniform. Soldiers unit colour patch and white lanyard are visible in the photograph. Postcard configuration in black visible on the back of photograph. Hand written details in blue ink on back. White border around photograph. Studio logo in black on bottom RH corner of photograph.Handwritten on back of photograph in blue ink: 'Beyrouth, Syria, Feb 24th 1942'.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, photograph, postcard, ww2, syria

One of 17 photographs donated by Olive Blamey. This is George Cox, a fisherman , who lived on the beach near the jetty.Sepia postcard of a fisherman looking for the boats at Cowes."Looking for the boats. Fisherman at Cowes. Real Photo Series M 2384" On back: A letter from Marie, Everton Cowes to Gertfisherman at cowes phillip island, phillip island, olive blamey, george cox

Inscribed on image "Michael & Marie Thanks for the support I will always remember you, Anthony Edwards Silver 2000 Bronze 1996.scull, rowing olympic games, ballarat, taffe.

Black and white photographs of plants in the GardensHandwritten on reverse, "Nov 1919." (1) "Ac. Binervata." (2) "Pillar Rose Marie Henrietta." (3) "Ulmus campestris, Huntingdonton."plants, roses, trees, elm, huntingdon elm, rosa maria henrietta, acacia binervata

Information of Chalmers family supplied by Judith Fry. Mostly photocopies of documents and printouts of family tree extracts. Dates of birth and death of John and Sarah and children. Death Certificate of Edward Ernest Chalmers, list of dates of birth and death of John and Anne Chalmers. Death Certificate of Frederick Thomas Chalmers. Marriage Certificate: Frederick and Hilda Chalmers. Birth and death dates of William and Mary Jane Chalmers. Death extract and other funeral documents re William Chalmers. Copy of photo of William Bertie Chalmers, Vicar of Christ Church, Mitcham 1907. Clerical Dictionary of William Bertie's career from Diocese of Melbourne.Information of Chalmers family supplied by Judith Fry. chalmers family, chalmers, john edward, chalmers, sarah, chalmers, edward ernest 1890, chalmers, john, chalmers, anne, chalmers, frederick thomas 1892, chalmers, hilda, chalmers, william, chalmers, mary jane, chalmers, william bertram 1882-1918, christ church anglican church mitcham, ann hopkins, george rathbone lee, margaret anderson, mary anderson, mary kathleen halsted, james baker, falck, mary jane knowles, elizabeth jane crebbin, mary jane smith, arthur runge, kathleen m clery, sydney w murray, ada rebecca rhodes, hilda hutchinson, martha gordon, henry gailbraith hall

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 areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL 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 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. Cecil Castlemaines Gage Author: Ouida Publisher: George Robertson Date: 1873 Ouida was the pseudonym of the English novelist Maria Louise Ramé (although she preferred to be known as Marie Louise de la Ramée). The label on the spine with typed text PAT 823 OUI 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 the name "Louise Ranie" written in blue ink book, cecil castlemaines gage, ouida, maria louise ramé, marie louise de la ramée), shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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

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 from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL 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. Under Two Flags Author: Ouida Publisher: Chatto and Windus Date: 1934 Ouida was the pseudonym of the English novelist Maria Louise Ramé (although she preferred to be known as Marie Louise de la Ramée).The label on the spine with typed text PAT 823 OUI 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 Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute The flypaper has the name Maria Ramé in handwriting book, under two flags, ouida, maria louise ramé, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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