The Bank of Victoria was located at 7a Liebig Street, Warrnambool. The building still exists in 2023 as a part of the Quest apartments. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute was formed in 1859 and the first reading room opened in 1884. Responsibility for all activities of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute activities were formally handed over to the Warrnambool city Council on 27th July 1911. This Bank of Victoria Limited passbook documents credits and debits of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute & Free Library from December 1904 until 30th June 1911 just prior to the transfer to the Warrnambool City Council. This passbook is an example of how banking records were kept in the early 20th century. W'Bool. Mech. Inst. in Account with the Bank of Victoria Limited. Page 742 783warrnambool mechanics’ institute library, bank of victoria, warrnambool

The original Mechanics Institute Hall burn down on 28/8/1965 and this book contains the minutes for the this hall.Standard Minute Book used by the Emerald Mechanic Institute in 1942minute book mechanics institute emerald

Black and white photograph (2 copies- 1 large, 1 small postcard)Typed below large photograph: "St. Vincent's de Paul band at opening of Mechanics Institute, Main St. Cnr. Adelaide St. 1909"

Instruction - 5 pages - duplicated foolscap sheets - headed "MMTB Engineering Department - Workshops and Running Shed Branch" - titled "Duties of Electrical Mechanics - Runningsheds" Details electrical work to be done on tramcars at the 100 hours service; trolley pole, electrical equipment, controllers, switches, resistance boxes, line breakers, RC units, motors, governor, compressor, lighting, buzzers, door engines, wipers, brake cylinders and general body eg handrails. Dated May 1970.trams, tramways, depot, safety, workshops, electrical equipment, instructions, procedures

Marion Blythman, Jenny Haymes in blue working on the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute stall at Clunes Book town. Dorothy Wickham is pictured in the black coat.clunes, book town, ballarat mecahnics' institute

Interior of Library at Mechanics Institute c1955. Female is Miss Anne Carroll Librarian. The male standing on the right holding the book is Walter (Jim) Fleetwood Smith.stawell

This publication brings together major primary sources relating to mechanics' institutes in Victoria, as well as information about institutes in other States found in the Statistical Registers of each State.H 29.7 cm; 696 p; soft covermechanics' institutes

Poster on cardboard.The University Room The candle of learning was lit in this city and district by many who have been ling dead. It was lit by teachers who taught beneath bark roofs in the gold rush days, but editors of newspapers who wrote angry editorials about grievances long forgotten. the candle was lit by those who founded mechanics' institutes and their valuable libraries, but the founders of art galleries and museums, and by those who erected statues in Sturt Street. [Extract from an occasional address by Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Blainey AO, inaugural Chancellor of the University of Ballarat, at a University Graduation Ceremony on 13 May 1994.] The University of Ballarat traces its origin to the foundation of the Ballarat School of Mines in 1870, just a decade after the building of the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute. The University is committed to keeping the candle of learning burning brightly i this city and beyond. It is fitting that the University join with the Mechanics' Institute to establish its city presence in this building. The University Room at the Mechanics' Institute is dedicated to the past, present and future scholars, teachers, artists and writers of Ballarat and district. [The University Room was officially opened on 2 June 1995 by Professor BLainey in the presence of members of the University Council, members of the Mechanics' Institute COmmittee and invited guests.]university of ballarat, university room, ballarat mechanics' institute, geoffrey blainey

Black and white photograph"Written on front of photograph" Lady Stall Holders- Mechanics Institute Bazaar Refer also to identical image located in NWD 02-09-05 ,Reg No ce0003(a) . This image lists some names on back.

Black and white photograph"Written on front of photograph" Mechanics Hall - now Town Hall. November 6th, 1926. Attached to photograph - Two newspaper clippings of proposed Town Hall - Dated 1st September -1936. (mhc 146a)

A Mechanics Institute in Bacchus Marsh dates from sometime in the 1850s. The foundation stone for this hall dates from 1858. The hall was located on the corner of Young Street and Bennett Street on land donated by James Young. In 1883 a new and larger Mechanics Institute Hall was built in Main Street. The old hall was purchased by Thomas Anderson and for some years was a private residence. It was later bought by the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) and became a Lodge for that order. In its later years it was known locally as 'The Buff's Hall'. It was eventually demolished in the late 20th century. Built in Young Street on land owned by James Young, a prominent citizen of Bacchus Marsh, this Hall was the venue for the commencement of the political campaign of Alfred Deakin, and later for the campaign of Peter Lalor, a leader of the Eureka Rebellion.Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by the photographers Stevenson and McNicoll. The photo is of a single-storey brick building. The front has a gabled entrance with a central doorway and two windows, one on either side of the door. A plaque has been inset in the gable above the door. The hip roof is shingled. Three windows run along the side of the building. A picket fence on very uneven footage runs along the front. The entrance gateway has two steps up to the entry and is decorated with an ornate lantern supported by a slim metal framework. Another lantern is fixed to the left of the front door.Printed On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE. stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, mechanics institutes, halls, bacchus marsh mechanics institute

Printed onto photograph, 'Bush drama. Ringwood Carnival, 1909. Emu attacking settler's camp.' Typed below enlargement, 'Carnival for opening of Mechanics Institute held on Old Ringwood Reserve (later developed as Eastland site) - 1909'.

In 2018 GHS members visited Turner's Bakery in Mernda for lunch and continued on to visit historic sites remaining in the Mernda area. This photograph shows the Mernda Mechanics Institute, established 1888. It was sited to the rear of the Bridge Inn Hotel on land donated by the hotel's owner. Today the Mechanic's institute is a small hall available to rent.Mernda is an area of rapid modern growth with a few remaining historic buildings dating from the 19th century.Digital copy of colour photographsmernda, mernda historic sites, mernda mechanics institute, mechanics institutes victoria, bridge inn hotel mernda

"A map on the wall of his parent's shop in country Victoria is what got Frank Hutchinson interested in the geography and early settlement of Victoria. He later moved to Ballarat where he spent most of his working life. Whilst there his interest in the early explorers continued until about ten years ago he began to compile the listing which developed into the present publication." (ref.Port Phillip Pioneers Group) When he commenced the research and writing of Beginnings, it was not intended for publication. It was a project of personal interest. A soft covered 122 pp book title Beginnings a brief account of the first Europeans to explore or settle in Victoria. On the glossy front cover is a rough map of Port Phillip Bay. Print is black. a chronological list of the earliest visits to Victoria and attempts to settle. The book contains: brief notes on the exploration and earliest settlement of the state, region by region and a summary of the early Murray River paddle steamer industry.hutchinson-frank history-victoria prahran-mechanics-institute

Presented "In Appreciation of Service/ rendered in the/ Second World War 1939-45".Certificate - appears to be an original certificate on thick paper which has been laminated. Red and dark blue print on beige background surrounded by colour illustrations - red, white, and blue flag, the Australian Coat of Arms; Navy, Army and Air Force badges, laurel leaves and scroll work.Certificate presented to "LAC E.R. Bassett" by the "Citizens of California Gully".certificate, ww2, raaf, lac e.r. bassett

207 p., illus., colour map.non-fictionAn outline of the history of Wattle Park (Vic).urban parks - melbourne, wattle park (vic.), parks - melbourne - history

School of Mines Ballarat was a predecessor of Federation University. Chief Electrical Inspector, Victoria letter to The Registrar, School of Mines Ballarat informing of candidates for the written exam.C.955 top right hand corner. [illegible] advised school of mines ballarat, chief electrical inspector, a.a. jones, correspondence

Black and white photograph (2 copies- 1 large, 1 small) Typed below large photograph: "Old Mechanics Institute on Maroondah Hwy. Cnr. Melbourne St. - 1919." Written on back of small photograph: "Opened at 4 pm. on 22nd Sept. 1909 by the Premier, the Hon. J. Murray". Stamp indicating that the photograph was produced by "T.R.G.Williams, photographer, Ringwood".

R.H. Percy was a flight mechanic fitter on B-24 aircraft c1942-1945These course notes were used by all flight mechanics for B-24 aircraft.Foolscap size cardboard covered papers51067 Percy R.H. course 176 TFM, R.A.A.F. 4847 Fitters II.E, Flight Mechanics Course Notes, ENGINEERING SCHOOL, ISSUE 3-1941, This Book is R.A.A.F. Property and is NOT TO BE REPRODUCED without authority. By authority: Wilke & Co Pty. Ltd. Printers 19-47 Jeffcott Street, Melbourne.

3 copies of photographs (1 large, 2 small postcards of the same scene, one with a circular vignette). Written on the back of one Postcard: "Methodist Church in Ringwood opposite Railway Station and Mechanics Institute where Town Hall now stands c 1910. Photo by L.F.East" Written on back of other pstcard: "Ringwood 1910 from Railway Station looking across Whitehorse Roade. Photo L.F.East."

Showing vehicle sending up spray from flood waters beside hall, June 1998.Colour photograph of Mechanics Hall, Lakes Entrance VictoriaLakes Mechanics 1992halls, demolition, construction

Kurting. Mechanics' Hall OFFICIAL OPENING. SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. Favored by beautiful weather, the official opening ot the new Mechanics' Hall erected at Kurting proved an entire success. There was a large attendance ol local and district residents, and a sports meeting held during the afternoon in aid of Red Cross funds resulted in a substantial amount being netted. The hall, which stands on ground generously donated by Mr J. Hogan, between the school and the creek, is a substantialyvconcrete building of pleasing design, and was erected at a cost of about £330 by Mr J. H. Secombe, who also materially assisted the committee in the matter of finance. It is 48ft. long by 24ft. wide, with 12ft, walls, and should prove equal to the needs of the district for many years to come. It is well ventilated, and has large windows, these opening outwards on hinges. Doors at each side, and the back, as well as in front, give free means of access, while a fireplace in the back allows of provision being made for supper arrangements, water being laid on from a tank. Provi sion has been made for the partitioning off ot portion of the hall at any time this may be considered desirable. To provide a stage eight tables of a uniform size have been constructed to fit across the width of the hall. By these it will be possible, when euchre parties are being held, to use the full length of the hall. ... (Inglewod Advertiser, 19 July 1918) and also to convert tiie "stage" into card tables. The committee still has work ahead in the provision of a ceiling for the building and seating accomodation, but there is no doubt that the public support accorded them will be sufficient to enable these matters to be dealt with in the near future. A fine floor has been put down.Photographs of the former Kurting Hall, Victoria.kurting, kurting hall, john hogan, kurting mechanics' institute

Another version of this photo used in Weekly Times article - See Item 2844Lady Stall Holders, Mechanics Institute Bazaar . A number of names are written on backing sheet. They are: 'Ethel ?, Mrs. Hocking, Mrs. Grant, Nelly Falconer, Mrs. Unsw???, ?? Blood, Mrs. Bray, Mable Blood, Lilla Wilkins, Olive Hudson, Mrs. Greenwood, Mrs. Pithie, ?? Greenwood, Mrs. McAlpin, Floss Hocking, Mrs. Hunt, ?? Greenwood, Betty ??, Lena Williams, Maggie Grant, Mable Smith, Celia Smith, Dorothy Hocking, ?? Hunt, Pop Willia??'.

This photograph was found loose in the first of three albums compiled and owned by J W Allen, Secretary of New South Wales Grazier's, and is associated with the New South Wales Graziers Association world tour of sheep 1928-1929. The album contains photographs of travel, sheep, farms, stations, people and landscapes from around the world. Locations include Naples, Port Said, Suez, Birregurra (Vic), Alexandra (Vic), Ballangeich (Vic), Keith (SA), Mt Gambier (SA), Buckland Park (SA), Tasmania, Winton (QLD), Sydney Harbour, Canberra (ACT), Toowoomba (QLD), Rockhampton (QLD), Tocal (NSW), Deepwater (NSW), Glen Innes (NSW), Longreach (QLD), Moree (NSW), Barraba (NSW) and Mudgee (NSW). Properties depicted include Mooleric, Turkeith, Woolongoon, Minadale, Crower Station, Merrindie, Koomooloo Station, Cappeedee, Koonoona, Rathmore, Ellenthorpe, Camden Park Station, Glenlegh, Strathmore Station, Ilparran Station, Binneguy, Midkin, Terlings, Ashley, Bereen, Plumthorpe, Mayvale and Havilah. The album was found in a clean out at the Great Southern Agricultural Research Institute and donated to the National Wool Museum, along with other related material such as photographs, glass lantern slides and ephemera.Black and white photograph showing sheep in the foreground with sheds and trees in the background. back: [handwritten] D / Terlings Moree / Flock ewes / [printed] VELOXagriculture, sheep, farming, stations, research, breeding, photography, travel

The book is a bound volume containing the weekly publications of The Graphic, an illustrated newspaper. The volume, No. 23, includes newspapers from January to June 1881. It was published and printed in London, England. WARRNAMBOOL 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 November 1884 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 fundraising 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 courthouse 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 historical 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 Historical 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 artworks 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. 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 a 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 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. The Graphic, an Illustrated Newspaper, Vol 23 Publisher: Edward Joseph Mansfield, at The Strand, London Date: January to June, 1881 The bound book of newspaper editions has a hardcover with a leather spine and brown/orange/blue pattern on the covers. The spine has gold embossed lettering. Inscriptions; sticker on the front end paper from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library, and a purple, oval stamp on the fly from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library.Embossed in gold on the spine; "THE GRAPHIC", "VOL. XXIII", "JAN. TO JUNE. / 1881" Sticker [identifies the Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library] Stamp; concentric ovals with "WARRNAMBOOL" "MECHANICS'" "INSTITUTE" flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, the graphic illustrated newspaper vol 23, edward joseph mansfield, the graphic, illustrated newspaper, volume 23

473 p. Dark cloth and cardboard cover with burgundy trim. Gold lettering on spine. Text: 'BALLAARAT MECHANICS' INSTITUTE / HAVEN UNDER THE HILL / LINSKILL'.fictionfiction

Catalogue card reads, 'Opening Mechanics Institute - 1909. Veranda: Roy Thomas, Howard Falconer, W. Foreshaw, --, --, Harry Falconer, --, Rev. H. Greenwood, Mr. Tucker, Mr. R.W.M. Chalmers, Mr. Jack Pollard. Standing Steps: --, Rev. Schules, Mr. A.V. Greenwood. 3rd Row (standing from left): Mr. A. Loughnan, Cr. A.B. Taylor, Mr. W. Unsworth, Mr. Hockin, Mrs. Theo Anderson, Mr. J.B. McAlpin, Rev. J. Nicholson, Mr. Alf Hocking. 2nd Row (Standing from left): Cr. Tulley, Cr. A.B. Taylor, --, --, Mrs. E.E. Walker, Mrs. R.V. Greenwood, --, --, Miss Edgar, --, Capt. Ecklestein. Front Row (Sitting from left): Mr. Gwillam, Architect, Hon. D.E. McBryde, MLC, Mrs. J. Murray, Hon. S. Murray, Premier, Mr. J. Parker, President, Rev. D. Porteous, Hon. W.H. Edgar, MLC, Hon. W.J. Evans, MLC, Mr. T. Brown.'

Date made June 1952Black and white small format photograph of flood waters in Mechanics Street, Mechanics Hall and residences on opposite side of street surrounded by water. Glimpse of Princes Highway in distance. Lakes Entrance VictoriaFloods in Mechanics St, Lakes Ent. 1952halls, floods, township