A black and whitePhotograph in black frame with white matting of Captain Noel Sproles departing FSB Coral 6 Mayphotograph, capt noel sproles, battle of coral-balmoral

Pattison Collection This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in the book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to the library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Warrnambool Public Library 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally, the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Dick Sands The Boy Captain Author: Jules Verne Publisher: Sampson Low Marston Searle and Livington Date: 1882 The label on the spine with typed text PAT 843 VER Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, 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, dick sands the boy captain., jules verne

The Journal of Post Captain Nicolas Baudin Author: Nicolas Baudin Publisher: Libraries Board of South Australia Date: 1974flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, captain nicolas baudin, journal, book

Line image of two Aborigines standing on the coastline opposing the landing of a boat from Captain Joseph Cook's vessel, 'The Endeavour'.aborigines, captain james cook, endeavour, exploration, sailing ships, ships, sydney

William (1872-1941) and Annie May Partington (1884-1966) lived at Willis Vale in Greensborough with their family. They were active in all aspects of community life. (RIP 26/02/1965 Annie May)The Partingtons and Medhursts are pioneering families in the Greensborough district.Obituary articles and death notices for William James Partington and Annie May (nee Medhurst) Partington. Mounted on white card.partington family, medhurst family, william james partington, annie may medhurst, annie may partington

William Lambie was one of two war correspondents riding behind the Australians patrol when they left Rensburg Base. The objective was to determine the strength of the Boers south of Rensburg Siding. The group split in two. The group the journalists were with went on ahead. They were ambushed and surrounded by Boer horsemen and told to surrender. They ignored this and made a dash for the safety of the British lines. Lambie was shot in the head and died instantly. The other journalist was wounded and taken to the Boer's camp and tended, then later sent to hospital. Lambie was buried by the Boers on the farm Jasfontein owned by Hendrik Kotze.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".war correspondent, rensburg base, rensburg siding, boer, horsemen, jasfontein, hendrik kotze, william lambie

Portrait of William Henry Rees Senior. One time ships Carpenter. Worked as a builder in Stawell. 1830-1918stawell

Portrait - Harvey Family c1900 William Harveystawell

Harris. WM. & Jane – Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Coloured photo in oval frame.Coloured Oval Photo of Mr and Mrs Harris: Mrs Harris is wearing fromal black with dress. Black jacet has a corsage pink . Mrs Harris is wearing clear bead neckl;ace pink brooch at top of dress. Mr Harris is wearing a blak siuit black tie stand up collar white shirt . coat lapel has corsage.stawell

Buggy & Pair - William Major Roughstawell

Cranston. William (Bill)stawell

Portrait - William Dubbin Harvey & Mary Harvey 1900stawell

Holmes. William & Lucy & Family c1940stawell

Portrait William Archibald Julian Hamiltonstawell

Portrait in Great Western Memorial Card (William Blanden) 1907stawell

Portrait of William Tangeystawell

William & Mary Ann Currie in front of Slab Home c1910stawell house

Memorial Card - William Charles Goldsworthy 1907stawell

Grave of William McLachlan. Two Photosstawell

Portrait - William K. Thomas and Family 1898stawell

William Raitt beside his horse and dog in rural scene. They are standing in front of what looks to be a bridge on the left and a house to the right in background. Possible taken in the Grampians. William Raitt is Thelma Phillips nee Raitt grandfather.Sepia photograph of William Raitt standing beside his horse and dog. Young William Raitt Grand father to Thelma'sstawell portrait

Bandsman William Gray A. I. F. 1914 –1918 The Gray Family respected residents of StawellPortrait photograph of a World War 1 soldier in uniform on an oval shaped image on a post card.No 1301 Bandsman Wm. Gray, B. Company A.I.F. 39th Battalion 10th Infantry Brigade. On Active Service Abroad Grammond Gordon Studios, Stawell.stawell ww1

Great WesternWilliam Harris seated in garden beside birthday cake. Beside Great Western Hall c1900Grandfather Harris Aged 83 Years

Five coloured photographs of grave of William McLachland in Stawell Cemetery 1806-1889 with new headstone. He discovered the first Gold in Stawell in May 1853. Taken 9/3/2018.

William Derrick was an early landowner in Kew, and with James Venn Morgan and James Dannock the purchaser of the parcel of land bounded by Cotham Road, High Street and Mary Street. Derrick Street in Kew is named after him.Map mounted under perspex. ‘Plan of Mr Willia Derrick's Land, Kew being Subdivision of Part of Section 86, Parish of Boroondara, County of Bourke’. This is a copy of the plan held in the State Library of Victoria.kew subdivision plan, john derrick, subdivision plans -- kew (vic.)

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.A photographic reproduction of a plan in the Vale Collection of the State Library of Victoria showing William Derricks land in the area bordered by Bulleen Road (High Street); Cotham Road and Union Street. The plan dates from 1872.william derrick, subdivision plans -- kew (vic.)

William Gilbert Currie Married Catherine Hannah Cameron at Landsborough in 1937 stawell portrait wedding

Three Soldiers. Stuart Kingsley Mitchell. William A Syme and Thomas 'Clem' Phillips in uniform standing in doorway. WW1.stawell world war 1