Wycheproof Historical Society has the Charlton Independent newspaper report Clip of Friday, November 27,1885 of the Opening of ANA Branch Number 45, Wycheproof, in Supplementary file box,Room 1,also ANA Display folder in Upper Level Room 4,Cabinet 2B Many Australian Natives' Association subscribers' details are found in our collection of old A.N.A. books.These record books give names, occupations,locations and transfer information.The formation of the Wycheproof Branch made this historical data possible. This is an original charter dated 1885 - an old historical document. In 1993 Austalian Natives' Association(ANA)joined forces with Manchester Unity to create Australian Unity. A.N.A. Charter signed by chief President and General secretary; seal of A.N.A. 24-11-1885. Wycheproof Branch Opening Number 45 for Australian Natives' Association. Contents of 24 lines, commercially printed documentation - wooden ornate frame.On back: Donated to the Wycheproof/ Historical Society 6.8. 2008/ by Eddie Molloy.australian natives association, a.n.a., wycheproof, charter, 1885

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. Country Houses and Villas Comprising 'Country Cottages' & 'The House Beautiful' illustrated with plans and interior decorations by well known Architects Author: J H Elder-Duncan Editorial secretary of "The Architectural Review" Publisher: Cassell & Co Date: 1908Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 728 ELD Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, country houses and villas, j h elder-duncan, the architectural review

Letter from Gavan Glen, Secretary (Bendigo Easter Fair committee?) to L.E. Edwards, Printers, Appleton St. Richmond. Letter sets out requirements for fire brigade lucky ticket printing. Mr. Peter Huthnance donor of prizes.bendigo, bendigo easter fair, lucky envelope tickets

Victorian Railways Institute Memo dated 25.1.1928 from A Galbraith General Secretary to J Badham informing him of his winning first prize in the 'Peter Alexander Memorial ' relating to Education Class Prizes. Small paper memo - torn.document, memo, railway, victorian railway institute memo dated 25.1.1928. a galbraith. 'peter alexander memorial ' education class prizes.

List of complete set of Commemoration Buttons issued by the Commonwealth Button Fund. Conditions of use, Country Applicants, incomplete set of Buttons. National Mutual Chambers, 395 Collins Street, Melbourne, September 1919. S. Greig Smith, Secretary.organisation, government, official, commonwealth button fund, national mutual chambers, commemoration buttons

Handwritten letter from the Stawell Branch of the Australian Natives' Association, Branch No. 10, dated July 27 1909. Letter congratulates Mr. Davis on his rescue of Mr. Allen. Letter has letterhead and is signed by H. Hodder, Secretary.H. Hoddermine, gold, joseph davies, joseph davies collection - letter of congratulations, australian natives' association stawell branch, joseph davis

Letter written on paper with printed letterhead and emblem, dated June 22 1866. Letter is from G. Emerson, Sec. to Mr. J. T. Holl, Secretary of Court King of the Forest, Long Gully, in reference to the account of Brother Salter.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court foresters home no 4278, royal hotel moonta, bro salter, g emerson, j t holl, court king of the forest

Blue coupon, dated April 4 1877 asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer to pay Wilson the sum of 2/6 for Flag pole rope. Signed by G. Murray, C.R. and Wm. Rowe, Secretary. Also signed by William Wilson.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, a.o.f., b.u.d., mr lewis, wm wilson, g murray, wm rowe

Blue coupon, dated April 4 1877 asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer to pay Ths. Warren the sum of 43/4 for Sick Pay. Signed by G. Murray, C.R. and Wm. Rowe, Secretary. Also signed by Elizabeth Warren.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, a.o.f., b.u.d., mr lewis, ths warren, g murray, wm rowe, elizabeth warren

Blue coupon, dated April 18 1877 asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer to pay T. T. Leonhardt the sum of 26/8 for 8 Days Sick Pay. Signed by Wm Rowe, Secretary. Also signed by William Salter.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, a.o.f., b.u.d., mr lewis, t t leonhardt, wm rowe, william salter

Blue coupon, dated April 18 1877 asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer to pay Th. Wills the sum of 40/- for Return Contribution. Signed by Wm Rowe, Secretary. Also signed by John Miller and dated 4/4?/1877.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, a.o.f., b.u.d., mr lewis, th wills, wm rowe, john miller

Blue coupon, dated May 16 1877, asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer to pay Ab. Lake the sum of 20/- for 12 Days Sick Pay. Signed by Wm Rowe, Secretary. Also signed by Wm. H. Nicholas. G.W..societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, a.o.f., b.u.d., mr lewis, ab lake, wm rowe, wm h nicholas

Blue coupon, dated August 9th 1876, asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer to pay District the sum of £22/10/0 for District Special Levy to ? ? 225 Members. Signed by R. G. Daniel, C.R., and Wm Rowe, Secretary.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, mr lewis, r g daniel, wm rowe

Blue coupon, dated March 21 1877, asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer, to pay Thos Exeter the sum of £1/6/8 for 8 Days Sick Pay. Signed by Wm Rowe, Secretary. Also signed by William Salter.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, lewis, thos exeter, wm rowe, william salter

Blue coupon, dated Sept 5 1877 asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer, to pay Court Pride of Forest the sum of 20/- for Doctor fees for Mr. J Long. Signed by James W. Long, C.R. and Wm. Rowe, Secretary.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, lewis, court pride of forest, james w long, wm rowe

Blue coupon, asking Mr. J. A. Lewis, Treasurer, to pay Bro. John Adams, the sum of 5/- for a donation. Signed by Thomas Exeter, C.R. and W. B. Evans?, Secretary. Signed across the coupon - Paid to ?, W. b. Evans.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, j a lewis, bro john adams, thomas exeter, w b evans

Blue coupon, dated Oct 20 1875, asking Mr. W. Philpot, Treasurer, to pay Bro. Jas Dancy the sum of £1/11/- for ? Signed by W. B. Evans?, Secretary. Also signed across coupon by W. G. ?societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, w philpot, bro jas dancy, w b evans

Blue coupon, dated June 13th 1877 asking Mr. Lewis, Treasurer to pay Ed. Le Lever the sum of 6/8 for 2 Days Sick Pay. Signed by Wm. Rowe, Secretary. Also signed by William Salter.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no 3770 collection - to pay, court king of the forest, a.o.f., b.u.d., mr lewis, ed le lever, wm rowe, william salter

The Centenary Committee on behalf of the Trustees and Members of Long Gully Methodist Church request the pleasure of the company of miss L. M. Prout at the Centenary Celebrations, 28th September to 6th October, 1957. J.C. Adamthwaite, Pastor - W.J. Werry, Secretary.ephemera, mementoes, centenary celebrations

Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat This plaque was unveiled by Cr. J.E. Reeves, Mayor of the City of Ballaarat, on 21st June, 1987, to comemorate the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Old Colonists' Hall B.R. Drennan J.E. Crocker President Secretaryold colonists' hall, j.e. reeves, b.r. drennan, j.e. crocker, centenary

Colour photographs of Jamie Sleep as President of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc conducting his final meeting as President.. To his left is Andrew Robson (Secretary) and the the right is Steve Carter (Treasurer). The photograph was taken in the Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' association, jamie sleep, andrew robson, steve carter, ballarat old colonists' hall

Newspaper cutting from The Courier, 29/7/1968, titled "Save the Trams Committee" about a meeting that night to discuss the saving Ballarat Trams. Notes the formation of the Committee, the Secretary Mr. R. Courtney and the President Cr. W. Roff.closure, ballarat, publicity

White folded paper for an auction sale at Panmure, near Warrnambool for a sale of Complete Drillers' Camp Buildings Under Instructions from The Secretary for Mines on 21st April 1964. J. H. Curnow & Son Pty. Ltd. Were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - complete drillers' camp buildings, the secretary for mines, j h curnow & son pty ltd

Murray Comrie Collection. A small printed booklet with maroon cover with title 'Rules of the Tarnagulla Public Hall'. Outlines rules of the governing committee and has a list of hire rates. President is J.G. Ramm, Secretary is H.Chambers. Adopted at Committee meeting 27th June, 1924.tarnagulla, hall, public hall, victoria hotel, victoria theatre, administration, governance, committees

Letter from HS Wootton, Town Clerk, City of Melbourne to Secretary MMTB about a procession through the city on Sunday 5th May, 1946. Memos from JM Harry, Dist Traffic Superintendent SS for tram requirements for the procession.Several handwritten notes on the letter, and dates underlined in red pencil.trams, tramways, tram services, parades, events

Poster or Notice - printed on heavy card, blank form, with the short title "This Office will be closed", advising the General Public of dates when MMTB Offices and depots would be closed for business. Signed W. Aird Secretary. 2 copies heldtrams, tramways, mmtb, head office, depots, notices and information

Letter, Bendigo Easter Fair Society letterhead, dated April 28th. 1972. Letter details cheques, totalling $138.00 , being prizes won by the Sandhurst Boys Centre in the 1972 Bendigo Easter Fair. Signed H.A. Sutton, Secretary.bendigo, institutions, sandhurst boys centre