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. Votes and Proceedings of the Legislative Assembly 1888 Vol 1 Publisher: Government Printer Melbourne Date: 1888 Further Information: Robt. S. Brain, Government PrinterPaste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, 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, votes and proceedings of the legislative assembly 1888 vol 1

The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. Four typed pages of notes for a vote of thanks speech. Stapled. Undated, however the vote of thanks is for the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress of Bendigo, Cr and Mrs Robert Poulston, and it appears that Oliver is to succeed him. This would date the speech to 1950. Poulston was Mayor 1949-50 and 1954-55.bendigo, council, speech notes, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. councillor robert poulston. mayor of bendigo.

A book titled ' The Great Reform Bill of 1832. The story of a National Victory. A great Crisis in England's life, when the people won their right to vote for members of parliament.' London : Ward, lock & Co., Salisbury Square, E.C. New York : 10 Bond Street. 337 - 351 pgs. (ill.) This booklet is one of a series of 37 ' Ward & Lock's Penny Books for the People.' ' Historical Series.' Price one penny. There are also advertisements of note.books, biography, english history, lydia chancellor, collection, ward & lock's penny biographies, biographies, ward & lock's penny books for the people, historical series, english history, history, 1832 reform bill, politics, british politics, english politics, elections, the right to vote, voting, book, books, advertisements, penny books

white matte finish CD-rom on which is a visual presentation of the history of Women's participation in democracy in Victoriavideos, sufferage, feminist movement, voting

Black and white photograph of Ringwood Cool Stores. Photographs shows wooden buildings with gently sloping peaked corrugated iron roofing. Picket fence at front of building with "Vote NO" painted.Typed below photograph, "Ringwood Cool Stores. Present site of Ringwood Clock Tower, 1958". Written on backing sheet, "Cool Store 1958. Corner Main St. and Wantirna Rd. Now site of Clock Tower".

Bendigo City Council Election - Sutton Ward - Vote: 1 Shadforth, Roy Polling day: Saturday, 30th August, 1952. On the back personal facts about Roy Shadforthbendigo, council, elections

Newspaper format. 12 pages, black and white, some illustrations. Headline reads "Media bias, asylum seekers and politics: things you should know before you vote."williamstown high school, student newspapers, 2019

View of an inbound tram in Sturt St with the Town Hall in the background. From the Rose series P4627, photograph of a postcard. Shows tram with a "Vote No" banner - about a local vote on prohibition in Ballarat. See item 3582 for a negative of this photograph. Demonstrates a "Vote No" message about prohibition in Ballarat using a tram.Postcard - or photograph of a Rose Series postcard - printed on plain paper. sturt street, ballarat, tramways, esco, prohibition, town hall

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A voters' roll listing all those eligible to vote for the Commercial Licensees Representative to the Falls Creek Area Management Committee. 35 Voters are listed on the roll. The information includes the Site number occupied, names and contact details, and in some cases the name of the person to cast the vote if there was more than one holder of the lease or licence. Bob Hymans is listed as the licensee for SIte 4 - Four Seasons Lodge and Site 4A - Southern Cross Flats. falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans

Diggers & mining. The gold era. The next year, voting by ballot was introduced, and in 1857 manhood suffrage was adopted for the Legislative Assembly. Markings 38 994.031 GOL:5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Printed "How to Vote" or notice sheet titled "Tramway Union Elections - Thursday Nov. 20, 1952, Work and Vote for the Endorsed Candidates" giving a list of candidates for the various positions, with messages with photos from Dr. Evatt, Federal Labor Leader and John Cain, State Labor Party, appealing to Union Members to vote for men who supported Labor Principles and practices. Has supporting statements and photos for Vice President J. C. McDonald, Vice President Frank Cooney, President J. R. Brown and Treasurer Alec Watson. Has a statement of "What a State Labor Government Could Mean to You and Your Union". Made by the Tramway Labor Party Group, and printed by Industrial Print Carlton with their logo.hand written informationtrams, tramways, unions, alp, labor party, elections

Notices to electors of Blackwood Ward. Includes city map with defined wards, list of polling places, candidate photographs and statements, voter eligibility and conditions for voting, Ward profile List of Streets and Results.city of whitehorse, seedsman, don, local government elections, white, david, way, kaele, van der heyde, sidney, athanasapoulos, michael, mckittrick, macdonald, terry, pierscionek, barbara, dixon, beverley

Notices of electors of Morack Ward. Includes city map with defined wards, list of polling places, candidate photographs and statements, voter eligibility and conditions for voting, Ward profile List of Streets and Resultscity of whitehorse, local government elections, dowey, robert, spurr, noel richard, bowie, bill, criddle, barbara, bhavnagri, nina, cooper, gary, chockalingam, karuppan

The theme of the day was the centenary of granting of he vote for women in Victoria in 1908.7 coloured photographs (a-g) of Heritage Open Day 2008 showing various activities and entertainment.whitehorse historical society inc, heritage open day 2008, womens' suffrage

Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans die on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A voters' roll listing all those eligible to vote for the Commercial Licensees Representative to the Falls Creek Area Management Committee. The information includes the Site number occupied, names and contact details, and in some cases the name of the person to cast the vote if there was more than one holder of the lease or licence. Bob Hymans is listed as the licensee for SIte 4 - Four Seasons Lodge and Site 4A - Grand Coeur Flats. Orest Frueauf was listed at Site 71 - Motel Unitsfalls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, bob hymans

News item titled " Public vote will choose the 2023 Pride tram" discussing the process for voting for the 2023 Pride tram, the prize money and timing. Quotes Yarra Trams CEO Julien Dehornoy. Has a photo of the current tram "AllAboard", a D Class tram. Written by Carol Saffer.Yields information about the selection of a wrap for the 2023 Pride Tram.Newspaper sheet - full colour - from "The Voice of Postcode 3008" - page 9 - October 2022transporting art, pride tram, yarra trams, decoarated trams

Strip of advertisements used to advertise referendum for conscription. "Shall Australia Quit?" "The Kaiser Votes No" "Australians will be there" etc. Advertisements are joined in a serrated tear off strip. Each edged in dark blue with red writing.National Referendum Council.person, individual, gilbert rule

Letter from the Auditors, dated Jany 8th 1868. Financial position is mentioned, the number of members and they proposed a vote of thanks to the Secretary. Signed by Geo. Jas. Murray, Joseph French and Joseph King Smith.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, geo jasw murray, joseph french, joseph king smith

Yields information the appearance of Sturt St from Doveton St looking east and ESCo including the possibility of a horse tram being towed.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of Rose Series postcard No. 4627, of looking east from Doveton St along Sturt St with the Town Hall in the background. Two ESCo trams are in the photograph, the one nearest the camera with a "Vote No" advertisement on the back of the tram. The second tram, the furthermost from the camera appears to be towing a horse tram trailer. See image i3. Alan Bradley advised 22/12/11 - "The picture appears to be taken in 1930, which was the year of a local option referendum. There are several pics showing ESCo trams with "VOTE NO"on the ends. In my research someone noted a tram with "VOTE YES "on one end and "VOTE NO"on the other! A black car on the south side appears to be a late 1920s model. If the front tram is towing a horse tram trailer, it would be for the bicycle carrying service. Many employees on the morning shift rode to the depot to sign on, and signed off in the city so their bikes needed to be transported." Published by Rose Stereograph Co., Armadale Victoria. For rear of postcard - see image i2.trams, tramways, sturt st, esco, trailers

2 x Handwritten notes to Cohn's from Geo H Watson Jnr, and B Watson Forest St Bendigo dated 8th December 1896. Re authorising W C Vahland to vote for thembendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery