This knitting pattern book was produced by the Alexandria Spinning Mills in Sydney and contains knitting patterns for womens garments.Sun-glo / Knitting / Book / DESIGN No. / 3527 / PAGE 3 / 6d / SERIES 104handicrafts - history knitting, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by the Alexandria Mills, Sydney, during WWII and contains knitting patterns for womens bedjackets and undergarments.Sun-glo / Knitting / Book / DESIGN No. / 2666 / PAGE 3. / Series 61 / 7d.knitting handicrafts - history, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by the Alexandria Spinning Mills, Sydney, during WWII and contains knitting patterns for womens bed jackets and under garments.Series 71 / 7d. / Sun-glo / Knitting Book / DESIGN No. 2933 / PAGE 3knitting handicrafts - history, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by the Alexandria Spinning Mills, Sydney, and contains patterns for womens knitted tops and cardigans.Sun glo / Knitting / Book / SERIES / 97 / DESIGN No. 3365 / PAGE 3 / 7d.knitting handicrafts - history, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd f.w. hughes pty ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by the Alexandria Mills in Sydney and contains knitting patterns for womens bed jackets and undergarments.Sun-glo / Knitting / Book / Design No. / 3561 / Page 5 / Series 109 / 6d.knitting handicrafts - history, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd f.w. hughes pty ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

This book was owned by the late Dr Elizabeth Kerr and was donated to the Museum by the executor of her estate, Margaret Cameron. It was produced by Styleknit in c.1947 and contains knitting patterns for womens garments.Series 47-2 / STYLEKNIT / Price: Sixpence / 7 Garments Knitted in Wool or Cottonknitting handicrafts - history, styleknit, knitting, handicrafts - history

This knitting pattern book was published by the Alexandria Mills, Sydney and contains knitting patterns for womens garments.Sun-Glo / KNITTING / BOOK / SERIES 20 / BED JACKETS / AND / UNDERWEAR / PRICE / 6D.knitting handicrafts - history, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

This knitting pattern book was published by F.W. Hughes Industries Ltd (formerly the Alexandria Mills), Sydney and contains knitting patterns for womens garments.PRICE / 1'3 / Twin-Prufe / KNITTING BOOK / Series 162 / AN F.W. HUGHES PRODUCTIONknitting handicrafts - history, f.w. hughes industries ltd, knitting, handicrafts - history

List attached to one photograph reads, "Back row, A. Dwight, T. Wilkins, A. Paris, Mrs. G. Clark, N. Hargraves, B. Covell, E. Lane. Centre, ? Morris, V. Cooper, M. Clark, Miss Calahan, P. Bamford, Rose Whiter, J. Paine, D. Dare, E. Blood. Front, W. Dwight, C. Paris, L. Lane, R. Skerrett, ??"

Donated by S Serpell of Serpell & Reid families, Sandringham.Black & White postcard of a man in a horse drawn jinker on pathway looking out to The Nobbies, Phillip Island. Little dog in front of the horse.The Rose Series P 666. Looking to The Nobbies, Phillip Island, Victoria. Letter on back from Eileen to Dick describing her happy times on holiday and sending Christmas Greetings.the nobbies phillip island, nobbies road, horse & jinker, s serpell

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 International Scientific Series Vol 66 The Primitive Family in its Origin and Development Author: C N Starcke Publisher: Keegan Paul Trench & Co Date: 1889Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 572 STA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by 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, 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 international scientific series vol 66, c n starcke

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. The International Scientific Series Vol 31 The Natural Conditions of Existence as they affect Animal Life Author: Karl Semper Publisher: Keegan Paul Trench & Co Date: 1890 Label on spine with typed text PAT 575 SEM Inside front cover has a sticker that reads 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, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, karl semper, the international scientific series vol 31

Written on back of photograph, "Ringwood Tennis Club". Attached note reads as follows: "Tennis Club. Left Back Row - W. Dwight, Enid Connelly, Les Blood, Lance Lane, R. Skerritt, K. Storey. Standing - Vicki Cooper, Alex Kerford, Rose Storey, Nell Hargraves, Miss ? Bamford, Mrs. J. Jamieson. Sitting - Miss J. Payne and Miss Edith Blood"

This book was produced by the Alexandria Spinning Mills, Sydney. It was owned by Billie Rech, the aunt of the donor, who was a great knitter.Sun-glo / Knitting / Book / SERIES 85 / 7d. / DESIGN No. 3208 / Instructions on Page 5handicrafts - history knitting, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

This book was produced by the Alexandria Spinning Mills, Sydney. It was owned by Billie Rech, the aunt of the donor, who was a great knitter.Sun-glo / Knitting / Book / DESIGN No. 3401 / Instructions on Page 9 / 1'3 / Series 99handicrafts - history knitting, alexandria spinning mills pty ltd f.w. hughes pty ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

A collection of 6 postcards and 1 photograph taken around Phillip Island. Donated by Julie Barnett.Photograph 228-01. Black & White photograph of the Cowes Pier with vehicles and pedestrians. Rail tracks on pier. Isle of Wight Hotel in background. Sheds at end. Photograph 228-02. Black & White aerial photograph of "Broadwater" Guesthouse, Cowes. Photograph 228-03. Black & White photograph of Cowes Pier with Steamer coming in. Shed at end of Jetty and Cenotaph in the foreground. Looking north. Photograph 228-04. Black & White photograph of a Koala and her young. Photograph 228-05. Black & White photograph looking over the Cowes shoreline near Lover's Walk. Photograph 228-06. Black & White photograph of a group of penguins coming home at dusk at the "Penguin Parade". Photograph 228-07. Black & White photograph of Bert West holding a Shearwater (Mutton Bird) with it's wings outstretched.Photo 01. "Photo Shop Series". "Cowes from the Jetty". Photo 02. Aerial view of "Broadwater" Cowes, Phillip Island. No. 146 Photo 03. "Photo Shop Series". The Jetty. Cowes. Photo 04. "Photo Shop Series". "Koala Bear". Phillip Island Photo 05. "The Rose Series P3416". "Near the Lovers' Walk, Cowes, Phillip Is., Vic. Photo 06. "Penguins, Phillip Island." No. 82. Valentines Series. Photo 07. On Back: Mr West with Mutton bird at Phillip Island.wildlife - koalas, wildlife - penguins, penguin parade, bert west, wildlife - mutton birds, mutton birds, shearwaters, cowes pier phillip island, cowes jetty, lover's walk cowes, broadwater guesthouse cowes phillip island, guesthouses cowes phillip island, julie barnett

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 5 July, 1804 - August, 1806" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1915warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, book, historical records of australia series 1 vol 5

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 6 August, 1806 - December, 1808" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1916Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, book, historical records of australia series 1 vol 6

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 7 January, 1809 - June, 1813" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1916Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, book, historical records of australia series 1 vol 7

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 8 July, 1813 - December, 1815" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1916warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, book, historical records of australia series 1 vol 8

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 9 January, 1816 - December, 1818" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1917Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute, book, historical records of australia series 1 vol 9

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 10 January, 1819 - December, 1822" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1917warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute, book, historical records of australia series 1 vol 10

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 11 Janaury, 1823 - November, 1825" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1917Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute, historical records of australia series 1 vol 11

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 12 June, 1825 - December, 1826" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1919Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, historical records of australia series 1 vol 12

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 13 January, 1827 - February, 1828" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1920Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 14 March, 1828 - May, 1829" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1922Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 15 June, 1829 - December, 1830" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1922Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 24 October, 1844 - March, 1846" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1925Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute, historical records of australia series 1 vol 24

"Historical Records of Australia Series 1 Vol 26 October,1847 - December,1848" Governors Despatches to and from England Publisher: Library Committee of the Commonwealth Parliament Date: 1925Inside front cover has a sticker that reads Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute, historical records of australia series 1 vol 26

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. "The International Scientific Series Vol 33 Sight: An Exposition of the Principles of Monocular and Binocular Vision." Author: Joseph Le Conte Publisher: Keegan Paul Trench & Co Date: 1881Label on spine with typed text 595.789 Inside front cover has a sticker that reads 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, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, joseph le conte, the international scientific series vol 33