Showing 4812 items matching "1905-1912"
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Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - Correspondence re Joseph Teague
Joseph Edward Teague (1859 -1925) Son of John and Annie Ellison, Joseph was born at Heathcote. Joined the police force in 1890 and had the number 4324. He served at several stations including Elmore and Strathfieldsaye. During his career he received several commendations for arrests and convictions. He left the Police Force in 1912 and died 112/11/1925. He is buried at Fawkner cemetery Two documents. A letter providing the Police Service record of Joseph Teague (1890 - 1912) from Victorian Police to Joseph's sister (Sister Mary Teague) and recollection of his granddaughter sister Mary Smith 25th March 1998 for the Strathfieldsaye 125th Anniversary 1998 recollections of Sister Mary Teague following the 125th Anniversary celebrations of StrathfieldsayeJoseph Teague served at Strathfieldsaye Police Station (26/09/1902 - 5/04/1911)police service record, joseph teague, police stations -
Upper Yarra Museum
Sepia Photograph, Mt Donna Buang, Warburton, 1912 (exact)
A large original print of the opening of the track to the summit of Mt Donna Buang. The party consists of horses with riders along with walkers.An original photo with the makers name at the bottom.The orgingal photograph of people on horses climbing the track to the summit of Mt Donna Buang for its opening. Unmounted photo by SearsInscription at bottom of photo "Mt Donna Buang, Warburton / Mr W.H.Edgar, Mrs Edgar, Mr Catani and Party / on the track to the Summit / 1912"original print, horses, mt donna buang, warburton, sears photo, mr w h edgar, mrs edgar, mr catani, track to mt donna buang, mr e a storey, damman, storey, catani, edgar, trees, track opening, mountain ash, eucalpytus regnans, 1912, hats -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Photograph - Framed photo, Unknown
WWII Historical significance with some information of the Dandenong area.Black and white framed photo of 408537 Sgt R.R.E. Swords 23 Sep 1912 - 21 Jan 1943. This photograph is a tribute to the late Robert Richard Falkiner Swords. 'Bob' as he was known to his friends and most townsfolk of Dandenong and it's people. His older brother James, served in the First World War and later was a founding member of the Dandenong RSL Sub-Branch, formed in 1919, was its second President and also served a term as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. James was the Editor of Dandenong's first newspaper, the Dandenong Advertiser. 'Bob' Swords was also a member of the Dandenong Advertiser newspaper and was a driving force in Dandenong getting it's own Hospital. For many years his photo hung over the entrance to the old building, which was demolished some years back. Regrettably this photo was lost. Bob enlisted into the Royal Australian Air Force to train as a pilot on 26 April 1941 and after initial training embarked to Southern Rhodesia. After completion of initial flight training he then moved to England for advanced training, prior to postings onto an OTU. He was tragically killed during this phase of training on 21 January 1943. The gentleman with in this photo is believed to be his South African Flying Instructor 'Panda' Watkins. His grave in England has a lovely headstone and the inscription: 'Service Above Self'. (As advised by Robert Richard Kudyba OAM).Brass plaque stating 4085537 Sgt R.R.F. Swords 23 Sept 1912 - 21 Jan 1943. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, MUSKETRY REGULATIONS PART ONE, 1909, His Majesty's Stationery Office/ Harrison & Sons, 1912
This is the UK 1909 version, Amendments to 1912.This is a pocket size book. The covers are red buckram. Inside are 312 pages of photos, drawings and instructions on how to shoot the .303 Mk III and Mk IV Rifles.passchendaele barracks trust, cat 73r, ww1, aif -
Clunes Museum
Photograph, HORNBY - CLUNES, 22/01/1912
MOUNT BECKWORTH JANUARY 22ND 1912.BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH, MOUNTED ON FADED GREEN MATT BOARD, GROUP OF PEOPLE CAMPING AT MOUNT BECKWORTH, UNDER A TREE, BICYCLE ON LEFT OF PICTURE. WITH INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING VIOLIN, ORGAN ETC..On Reverse: Written in pencil K Patience, written in black ink "Mount Beckworth" Jan 22/12local history, events and celebrations, mount beckworth -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Trophy, Tea and Coffee Set (Cycle Trophy), Early 20th century
The Warrnambool to Melbourne/ Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycle Race is an annual event which is nationally known and attracts today international cyclists and riders from around Australia. In 1912 the ladies of Warrnambool under the direction of Mrs Younger, the Lady Mayoress, arranged to have this tea and coffee service engraved with the town crest and the relevant details so that it could be presented to the winner of the 1912 Warrnambool to Melbourne Cycle Race. But the race was not run because of a dispute between the League of Wheelmen and the race sponsor. The trophy was kept for the following year but again the race was not held. Then again in 1914 the race was cancelled because of the outbreak of World War One. So it was decided to raffle the trophy to recoup the costs. The raffle was won by Mrs Herriot and eventually the trophy ended up in Queensland with a daughter of the winner. In 197… the trophy was donated to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society. This is one of the most attractive and interesting items in our collection. It is well provenanced and is of great importance in: 1. the history of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycle Race. This race, of prime importance in Warrnambool’s sporting calendar and history, is the second oldest one race cycle race in the world and one of the longest one day cycle events in the world. 2. demonstrating the way the women of Warrnambool in 1912 banded together to support a premier event in the Warrnambool’s annual sporting calendar.1 Silver-soldered oval tray with fluted inside edge (has inscription) .2 Silver-soldered oval-shaped coffee pot with handle and spout .3 Silver-soldered oval-shaped tea pot with hinged lid .4 Silver-soldered bowl-shaped sugar basin with two handles and concave-shaped lid and ridged on sides .5 Silver-soldered milk jug with lid and concave-shaped handle The five items are engraved with the Town of Warrnambool crest and all have the maker’s marks on the base of the item. Tray: ‘1912 1st Prize Warrnambool to Melbourne Bicycle Race Presented by the Ladies of Warrnambool’ Base of items: ‘F HP. W. & M. 53515A, Walker and Hall, Sheffield England, Warranted Hard & Silver Soldered’. warrnambool to melbourne cycle race, melbourne to warrnambool/ -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - McLean's store and President Lincoln Hotel, Bay Street, Port Melbourne, 1912
The McLean's store was sold in 1919 and became Faram Bros ironmongery (hardware)Series of A4 copy photos given to the collection by Judy Faram, Illustrating the evolution of the 1856 building (see also #1516, 1522). The prints have been marked with dates. .01 McLean's and the former President Lincoln Hotel approx 1912. SepiaIn ink, various information dates etc on surface of prints.business and traders - hardware, built environment - commercial, faram brothers hardware, judy faram, margaret mclean, minnie mclean -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, Thalma Studios, 1912 (Approximate)
Associated with Rutherglen Premiers football teamPhotograph of Rutherglen Football team, circa 1912, mounted & framed, glass cracked down centre. Group with cup, members of team in club colours. Black & white photograph on dark green card mount, carved timber frame, painted green.On bottom of mount: "Thalmas / Opp. P.O. /Rutherglen". On cup in photo: "Rutherglen Premiers".football, rutherglen premiers -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - OWEN WILLIAMS COLLECTION: FIDLER & AYRES (LONDON) INVOICE, 10/02/1905
Document. The Owen Williams collection. Fidler & Ayres (London) invoice for Mr Owen Williams, dated Feb 10th 1905, for cheeks, loose cutters, and glass pliers. Total cost 3 pounds, 6 shillings.bendigo, industry, owen williams & co. -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - MTT Petition to Victorian Parliament, Melbourne Tramways Trust (MTT), August 1905
Details a Petition to the Parliament of Victoria, Legislative Council from the Melbourne Tramways Trust, the owners of the cable tram infrastructure. The Municipalities that formed the Trust were concerned that the construction of electric tramways within their Municipalities would be in contrary to the Act that set up the cable trams and reduced revenue received from the cable tram operator, the MTOCo. They sought that Parliament would not sanction such tramways without the consent of the Trust's municipalities or members. Yields information about the concerns of the MTT about new electric tramways in 1905.Folded double foolscap sheet and then folded into four for presentation to the Victorian Parliament by the Melbourne Tramways Trust dated 16-8-1905. Paper has a MCC (Melbourne City Council) watermark - see image 3.mtt, cable tramways, petitions, parliament, electric tramways, melbourne tramways trust -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, Australian Sketch Book of drawings by Ossie Underdown
The Underdown family were early settlers on the Island, possibly in the 1890s. They lived in Reid Street, Rhyll. Name of donor is Ossie or Oswald Underdown.HistoricalLarge, pale green sketch book with scale and freehand drawings of plants, flowers. Completed in 1912Australian Sketch Book. Oswald Underdown.drawing, oswald underdown, drawing book -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, James Nasmyth
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. James Nasmyth Engineer. An Autobiography Author: Samuel Smiles Publisher: John Murray Date: 1912 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 NAS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free 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 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, james nasmyth, samuel smiles -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - PEARCE COLLECTION: ELDRIDGE & BURNET - ACCOUNT OF J CAVAGNA
Pearce Collection; Eldridge & Burnet - 1912 Account of J Cavagna, General Blacksmith, Williamson St.cottage, miners -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - PEARCE COLLECTION: ELDRIDGE & BURNET ACCOUNT- BOLTON BROS
Pearce Collection: Eldridge & Burnet Account- Bolton Bros, Mitchell St., 1912. With attached receipt.business, retail, plumber, bolton bros. mitchell street. bendigo -
St Patrick's College
Gold Medal - Junior Handball, c1913
Gold medal awarded for Junior Handball in 1913.Decorative gold medal awarded for junior handball in 1913, to Geoffrey Coghlan (SPC 1912-1913)On back: SPC Jun H'ball 1913. G. Coghlan.gold medal, handball, 1913, g coghlan. -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Archive, McMurtrie Family Files
Family History Collated by Family Member USB Memory James McMurtrie Diary 1912 to 1949 James McMurtrie Scrapbook Letters & Photofamily history -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Charles & Edith Toogood
Black and white photo of Charles and Edith Toogood. Photo taken on their wedding day16/4/1912.toogood, charles rupert, edith, fithie, brocklesby, m.l. -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Badge - VMR
Following Federation mounted units in Victoria became Light Horse Regiments, all with territorial title 'VMR'.Brass shoulder title for Victorian Mounted Rifles group of Light Horse Regiments 1903 - 1912vmr, light horse, victoria -
Canterbury History Group
Photograph - Canterbury Bowling Club members, c1912
Sepia photograph of members of the Canterbury Bowling Club on the green c.1912. Possibly a pennant team.canterbury, canterbury bowling club, lawn bowls, kendall street, maling road -
Cinema and Theatre Historical Society of Australia Inc.
The Chocolate Soldier Poster
Framed advertising poster for The Chocolate Soldier at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne Saturday 17 February 1912 -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Archive - HEATHCOTE CEMETERY TRUST, 1853-2005
DVD. Heathcote Cemetery Trust, Cemetery Books. 1853-1887. 1888-1912. 1911-2005. -
Clunes Museum
Booklet - BOOK, WALLIS & GIDDINGS, "GUARDIAN" OFFICE, CLUNES, RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CLUNES LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, CIRCA 1905
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE CLUNES LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCIETY ADOPTED 15TH DECEMBER 1905, CONFIRMED 20TH DECEMBER 1905. THE SOCIETY WAS FORMED TO RELIEVE THE AGED, THE INFIRM AND THE DESTITUTEBOOK - RULES AND REGULATIONS OF CLUNES LADIES BENEVOLENT SOCIETYlocal history, book, reference -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Charles Smith, Conic Sections by C. Smith, 1902
Maroon bound hard cover book of 338 pages with appendix published by MacMillan and Co. Endpaper has 'School of Mines Ballarat 1905' handwritten in ink. ballarat school of mines, mathematics, charles smith -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Lapel Badge
Round badge. Brown with brown text and image."Brown Hill Methodist Church & S. School. 1905 Jubilee"brown hill methodist church, methodist church -
Clunes Museum
Photograph
BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN FROM BRICK HILL, FACING SOUTH, HORSE DRAWN HAY WAGON AT SIDE OF ROAD. GAS LAMP, POST AND RAIL FENCE. POST OFFICE, TOWN HALL, ES&A BANK,STATE BANKANGUS STREET LOOKING INTO TOWN, ABOUT 1900 TO 1905 CLUNESlocal history, photography, photographs, clunes township -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HAMILTON COLLECTION: ORDER OF SERVICE, 9 August 1905
Document. Order of Service for marriage of Minnie Morris and Mr F.G. Davey, Methodist Church, Long Gully, Wednesday 9th August 1905. Program printed inside. Two copies. Mr A.J.Hamilton included on Evening Program.performing arts, elocution, order of service -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - HAMILTON COLLECTION: CONCERT PROGRAM, 1905
Document. Brown paper flyer advertising ''Grand Operatic and Ballad Concert'', ANA St. Arnaud Branch No 27, Town Hall. By the Laureates of the Austral Competitions 1905. Mr Alex Hamilton directed the program. Two copies.performing arts, elocution, concert -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Cyclopedia of Victoria Vol 3-1
The Cyclopedia of Victoria Vol 3-1 Edited by James Smith Publisher The Cyclopedia Company Date 1905 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, the cyclopedia of victoria vol 3-1 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Voyage of The 'Discovery' Vol 2
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower 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 Voyage of The 'Discovery' Vol 2 Author: Robert F Scott Publisher: MacMillan and Co Date: 1905Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919.9 SCO Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, 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, the voyage of the 'discovery' vol 2, robert f scott -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Voyage of the 'Discovery' Vol 1
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Voyage of the 'Discovery' Vol 1 Author: Robert F Scott Publisher: MacMillan and Co Date: 1905Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 919.9 SCO Pastedown front endpaper has 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 warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the voyage of the 'discovery' vol 1, robert f scott