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. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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. Vanity Fair A Novel without a Hero Author: W M Thackeray Edited by George Saintsbury Publisher: Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Date: 1864Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC THA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Pastedown front endpaper has sticker 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, vanity fair, w m thackeray, george saintsbury

Article from a collection of newspaper clippings from October 1968 to July 1971Article about novel signs in the form of a poem to be placed on the Cowes foreshore by the shire of Phillip Island to encourage people to keep the picnic areas free from litter.phillip island, cowes foreshore

The title refers to a phrase used in the Australian Gambling game of two-up. "Come in spinner" is the call given by the game manager when all bets have been placed and the coins are ready to be tossed.This novel, set in Sydney, Australia at the end of the second World War was an outstanding best seller in its time and was an honest portrayal of society at that time. It is regarded as one of the best Australian novels ever written.A hardback novel with a red cloth cover. The title is printed in gold at the top of the front cover. Written by Dymphna Cusack and Florence James. Published by William Heinemann Ltd. Melbourne.literature come-in-spinner cusack-dymphna james-florence sydney-1950's

Fawn cloth hardcover religious family saga novel, The caravan Returns by Australian author Eileen Finlay. Has black writing of title, author and publisher on spine only.fictionA third in a series - Australian family religious saga about the le Maires and Macdonalds portraying both the elderly and modern young people with tenderness and sympathy.religious fiction, family stories, family saga, australian fiction

Leather bound spine and corners with blue marble book board cover Gold writing on spine 'My Novel 1' 7 unnumbered pages ; 375 pages ; 18 cmHandwritten inscription on page 1 '79' Stamp on various pages 'Kilmore Mechanics Institute' Dedication to 'Right Hon Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer'adult fiction

Book prize awarded to David Wilson (1885) for excellence in conduct and general proficiency. Book donated back to school after purchase in a junk shop. Handwritten inscription reveals details of family tree. Significant to the school social history because it was awarded by F J Thomas who led the school for a brief period during 1874 - 1875 and left under undignified circumstances (see Mein's history p. 19). Small calf bound novel with gold detailing on covers and spine; college crest embossed on front cover; marbled endpapers; colour frontispiece with interleave; book plate on front cover verso.Book plate inside front cover: College crest / Prize / for / Good conduct and general proficiency / awarded to / D Wilson / Second class / Chrostmas 1874 / F J Thomas BA, Principal. Handwritten inscription on back of title page: To Alexander (Lal) Wilson (my Godson) from your Uncle Alex Wilson as a keepsake from your father David Wilson, who pressed me to take a book from the first collection of books acquired from your grandfather David Wilson of the (?) Hall Hotel, Armstrong St Ballarat. But as (?) knew he had attended this school and that it was his own merited book received as a prize. I took it in preference to any other of the (?) books he offered me. This gift (/) just previous to his passing away and it was the last time I was priveledged (sic) to see him alive. It might interest you and yours to know that he died as a Christian Gentleman. I have that on the word of the Rev Frank (Menzies?), presbyterian Minister. Being sent by favour of Stewart Wilson. f-j-thomas, ballarat-college. book-prize, 1874, david-wilson

A navy blue hardcover novel, The Old Helmet by Elizabeth Wetherell. The gold title is printed in a recessed rectangle on the front cover with Cole's Favourite Library embossed at the bottom. The title and publisher are in gold on the spine.fictionA story of Eleanor a lost soul seeking her creator. She finds love and her faith.fiction, books, religious stories

brown hardcover novel with an ornate blue linear design on the front cover and spine and the title Amos Truelove by C.R. Parsons. Author of 'The man with the White Hat', etc. The publisher Kelly is on the spine. 240p.fictionA story of a young woman who comes into a significant inheritance and is met with suitors whom she is not too interested in apart from Amos Truelove. Religious themes throughout.religious stories, friendship stories, romance

Three pages handwritten document of what looks like an early draft of a short story or novel set in the Australian bush. Probably written by John Ellison in the 1940s. Part of the Aileen and John Ellison collection.australiana, native bush, draft, short story

This certificate, drawn in a very elegant hand, contains the biographical information of Wilfred Busse. It is assumed to be a funeral or memorial card. Born in Chiltern in 1898, Wilfred Clarence Busse was educted at Wesley College and then the University of Melbourne. He became a barrister and through his time at the University of Melbourne studied with future Chief Justice and Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Arthur Winneke (1908–1985), as well as spending time in the chanbers of Sir Leo Finn Bernard Cussen (1859-1933), who was a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Busse also wrote two novels, 'The Blue Beyond' and 'The Golden Plague'. In 1931, 'The Golden Plague' was awarded the T. E. Rofe gold medal by the Henry Lawson Literary Society for its ''its vivid scenes of the Ovens River [gold] rushes, in the early [eighteen] fifties".Ivory rectangular certificate with rounded corners made of thick paper with inked writing and two small photographs mountedObverse: Wilfred Clarence Busse/ 1898 – 1960 / Barrister and Author / Born in Chiltern. Educated at Melbourne / University. Studied Law with former Governor / of Victoria Sir Henry Winneke. In 1928 / published his first novel, “The Blue Beyond”. / In 1930 published “The Golden Plague” for / Which he was awarded the Henry Lawson / Literary Society’s Gold Medal. / Wilfred Busse was a member of the Chiltern / Athenaeum. He valued the historical works / In the library. / wilfred busse, wilfred clarence busse, wilfred c. busse, busse, w.c. busse, "the golden plague: a romance of the early fifties.", "the blue beyond, henry lawson society, chiltern, chiltern athenaeum, chiltern athenaeum museum, sir henry arthur winneke, sir leo finn bernard cussen, funeral card, memorial card

Pamphlet advertising a book written by Brigid George (J B Rowley) for a Dusty Kent detective mystery titled "Murder on a Melbourne Tram". The Museum via Mal Rowe provided the photo for the book cover. Book published early 2022. Yields information about a murder mystery based around a Melbourne tramPamphlet - Murder on a Melbourne Tram - DL size - colour.novels, melbourne, detective stories, books

Tan coloured floral fabric hardcover novel, Mildred's Boys and Girls by Martha Finley (Martha Farquharson) with black lettering for title and author. Spine has title, author and publisher in black lettering and a coloured flower.fictionA family story of Mildred's life with her children and husband set in the time of the Civil War in America. The Landreths harbour a family of fugitive slaves and fear the possibility of sending fathers, sons brothers and cousins off to fight. Strong religious themes throughout.family life fiction, civil war united states, children's fiction, religious fiction

Novel based on facts surrounding the author's grandparents, Ringwood residents Gordon and Cherry Parker, focusing on their marriage in post-war Japan and social and beauratic difficulties surrounding their move to Australia as a family, with Cherry as Australia's first Japanese war bride.

Schoolgirls' novelHardback, 238 p., col. frontispiece, with dust jacket."Shirley Black, Hillboro' Park, Grimshaw Street, Bundoora. 1952." "Methodist Sunday School, Greensborough. Awarded to Shirley Black for Second prize. R. Willett Supt., R. WhitbournSec. 1952."shirley black

Victorian novel Brown & green marbelled board cover hardback book. Black leather spine & corners. Corners worn through to board, leather spine torn and detached from body of book. Back cover completely detached. Five illustrations. 274 pp. Poor condition.On flyleaf, '24' crossed out. '96' handwritten in red ink and underlined. '54' stamped.adult fiction, kilmore mechanics institute library.

Republication of a novel first published by Hurst & Blackett, London, 1864. The novel is of interest in its depiction of Victorian society of the time, in particular the rights of impoverished young female immigrants.420 p., paperback.Ownership label: M.L. & L. J. Guenther on preliminary page.australian literature

Schoolgirl's novel of the 1950sHardback, 221 p., illus."Shirley M. Black, "Hillboro' Park", Grimshaw Street, Bundoora. From: Mum 20.4.1954.shirley black

Novel. Colonial Edition.Green cloth-covered hardback book. Title & author printed in gilt on front cover & spine. Decorative embossed design on rear cover. Cover worn at corners with some staining on front. Binding loose, front cover has detached from body. 270 pp. Fair condition.'1214' underlined on flyleaf.adult fiction, kilmore mechanics institute library.

331 p. : col. ill. Black cover, title and original creator's name embossed in grey/silver.fictionwilliam gillette, cyrus townsend brady, fiction, american civil war

Thai novel was given to Alan Partington by his grandfather, David Medhurst at Christmas 1929. A review of the novel appears in News (Adelaide) Wednesday 21 December 1927, page 5.The inscription shows the relationship between the Medhurst and Partington families.314 pages. Hardback. Black cover embossed with title. Inside cover: "Grandfather (1855-1939) David Medhurst to Alan" On fly leaf: "Alan Partington. From Grandfather. Christmas 1929."alan partington, david medhurst