This object was issued to William Donald Alsop for his service in the 2/10 Commando Squadron during the Second World War.This object displays Historic Significance through its connection with William Donald Alsop, his service in the 2/10 Command Squadron and World War Two.The War Medal 1939-45 is cupro-nickel with the crowned effigy of King George VI on the obverse. The reverse has a lion standing on a fallen dragon. The top of the reverse shows the dates 1939 and 1945. The riband is 32 millimetres wide with a 5½ millimetres wide Army red band, a 3 millimetres wide navy blue band, a 6 millimetres wide dark green band, a 3 millimetres wide yellow band, a 6 millimetres wide dark green band, a 3 millimetres wide Royal Air Force blue band and a 5½ millimetres wide Army red band. The forests and beaches of the Pacific are represented by the dark green and yellow bands respectively, while the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy, the Armies and the Air Forces are represented by the dark blue, red and light blue bands respectively.On front of medal, above the lion: 1939/1945 On reverse of medal, in a circle around the outside: GEORGIVS VI G. BR. OMN. REX ET INDIAE IMP:alsop, second world war, ww2, wwii, world war two, australian commando

In the photograph are the Rice family, Billy Nixon' family and Charlie Johnston. William Nixon, son of James Nixon and Alice (Roberts) Nixon was married to Ilma Muriel (Cadwallader) Nixon on 2 Apr 1902 in Orbost. They had six children - Llewella Adele (Nixon) King, Sydney William Columbo Nixon, Arthur Harry Nixon, Jack Warton Nixon, Claudine Frances (Nixon) Taylor and Daphne Joyce (Nixon) Menz Damage estimated at £500,000 was caused by the 1934 floods in the Orbost district. This 1934 flood was devastating, destroying a section of the 1922 Orbost bridge, wrecking fences, bridges and roads, dumping silt and debris on the rich river flats and drowning cattle. Note: although this card has the date 1934 written onto the rear, the flood incident depicted most likely dates from 1920 (ref. Weekly Times, Saturday 6 March 1920 p 41 when this photo was printed).This item is a pictorial record of a flood in 1920 (ref. Weekly Times, Saturday 6 March 1920 p41). Snowy River flood are a feature of the Orbost area. These floods cover the rich agricultural land. A black / white photograph / postcard of a group of people standing in floodwaters outside a timber building. Included are young children and babies being held by women. Two boys are holding dogs in front of them.on back - "Billy Nixon's house (now Downys 1991)"orbost - floods - nixon - 1920

Bibles given as gifts to siblings or prizes from Sunday SchoolBibles belonging to various members of the Maggs Family. 1 . Jean 1908. 2 Evelyn victoria Maggs 1910. 3 David Maggs 21st. birthday. 4 Eva Maggs 1911. 5 Eva Maggs 1914. 6 Chrissie Maggs 1934. 26272-1 Jean with Mr. and Mrs. Dimants good wishes Nov 1908. 26272-2 To my Dear Sister Evelyn Victoria Maggs with fond love and best wishes for her 13th. birthday from her loving sister Jane E. Maggs. Proverbs 3.6. 26272-3 To my beloved brother David J Maggs as a gift of sincere love for his 21st. Birthday of the 31st. January 1908 from his affectionate sister Jean E. Maggs &. Proverbs 3.6 26272-4 Eva Maggs 2nd class Special Prize May 1911 26272-5 Eva Maggs Presented by her S.S. Super H. L Smythe 25-12-14 also to my dear Alison from Mother Armistice Day 11-11 30 26272-6 Presented to Chrissie Maggs from Mother 24-5-34

Black and white photographSE & D Vagg - 6 Valda Ave

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1951"Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Rex ?, Alan ?, Cliff Jones, Geoff Mathews, Robyn Pratt, ?, ?, Robert Clarke, Don ?, David Crouch, Don McKie, Malcolm Powell. 2nd Row - L to R: Valda Peterson, Glenys Bouvard, Les Lloyd, Les Fordham, Robert Pryor, Alan Hampson, Les Hager, George Patterson, Ron Hager, Joyce Williams, Annette DeClifford. 3rd Row - L to R: Helen Ingram, ? Jenkins, Valerie Weist, Margaret Mc Dermott, Ellen Mead, Nancy Dyson, ?, Judith Huxley, ? Goodwin, Beverley Wigley. 4th Row - L to R: Fay Staphensen, Glenys Sanders, Lynette Rackham, Margaret Davidson, Joan Chiltern, Louise Ritch, Janice Shepherd, Kay Decini, Jeennifer Stirrup, Roberta Burns, Lynette Koefod, Betty Sumner. Front Row - Don Jones, ?, ?, ?, Graeme Sanders, Keith taylor, ?, Robert Foster. Teacher: Mr Davis

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1950"Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: No names 2nd Row - L to R: No names 3rd Row - L to R: No names Front Row- L to R: No names Teacher:

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1933"Attached to photograph" Back Row - L to R: ?, ?, Ted Dufty, Dave Hill, ?, Jimmy Steer, 2nd Row -- L to R: Norm Bissett, Doug Jamieson, ?, ?, ?, Keith Norris, ?, ?. 3rd Row - L to R: ?, Doris Aird, Barbara Harris, Lilian Cope, Kath Jackson, Jean Ward, ?, Lucy Howship, Una (?), ?. 4th Row- L to R: Marjorie Clegg, ?, Doris Rutter, Jenny Rowe, ?, Rosemary Jenkins, ?, Joyce Muller, (?) Wheeler, Natalie Moulder. Front Row - L to R: ?, ?, John Anderson, ?, ?, Geoff Williams, ?, ?. Teacher:

Black and white photograph - Grade 5-6, 1920"Attached to photograph" Back Row - L to R: D.Pickett, E.Tait, E.Clarke, E.Peacock, G.Evans, L.Greenwood, H.Pickett, E.Franks, ?, G.Barber, E.Martin. 2nd Row - L to R: R.Joseph, M.Flowers, ?, L.Pratt, ?, M.Pratt, C.Stock, ?, J.Madden, E.Luscombe, (?).Ellis, (?) Madden. 3rd Row - L to R: R.Bonsack, E.Hamilton, E.Wigley, R.Bradshaw, A.Dickson, J.Davidson, A.Pickett, L.Hunt, D.Skurrie, E.Thomas, T.Watson, (?) Luscombe, E.Black, S.Kay. 4th Row - L Maggs, J.Barry, W.Allen, W.Kraefft, W.Pump, A.White, A.Blood, W.Ginn, S.Clarke, C.Nelson. Front Row - H.FrankW.O'Brien, A.Holmes, H.Hunt, J.Stock, T.Murray, ? Von Horn, G.Eastwood, C.Whitechurch, E.Lane, G.Dickson, L.Pratt, W.Meyland, C.Burns, J.Pratt, W.Fisher, T.Rymers, ?, N.Bonsack, H.Little. ---- And Written on backing sheet of one of the enlargements, "Ringwood S. School 5th & 6th Grade, approx. 1918. Back row - D. Pickett, E. Tait, E. Clarke, E. Peacock, G. Evans, L. Greenswood, H. Pickett, E. Frank, x, G. Barvber, E. Martin. 4th row - R. Josephs, M. Flowers, x, L. Pratt, x, M. Pratt, C. Sto??, x, F. Madden, E. Luscombe, x, Ellis, Madden. 3rd row - R. Bensack, E. Hamilton, Evan Wigley, R. Bradshaw, A. Dickson, F. Davidson, A. Pickett, L. Hunt, D. Skurrie, E. Thomas, V. Watson (Wigley), Luscombe, E. Black, S. Kay. 2nd row - L. Maggs, F. Barry, W. Allen, W. Kraefft, W. Pump, A. White, A. Blood, W. Ginn, S. Clarke, C. Nelson. 1st row - H. Franks, W. O'Brien, A. Holmes, H. Hunt, J. Stock, T. Murray, x, Von Horan, G. Eastwood, C. Whitechurch, E. Lane, G. Dickson, L. Pratt, W. Mayland, C. Burns, J. Pratt, W. Fisher, F. Rymers, x, V. Bonsack, H. Little". 4th Row - L to R: L.Maggs, J.Barry, W.Allen, W.Kraefft, W.Pump, A.White, A.Blood, W.Ginn, S.Clarke, C.Nelson. Front Row - L to R: H.Franks, W.O'Brien, A.Holmes, H.Hunt, J.Stock, T.Murray, (?) VonHorn, G.Eastwood, C.Whitechurch, E.Lane, G.Dickson, L.Pratt, W.Meyland, C.Burns, J.Pratt, W.Fisher, T.Rymers, ?, N.Bonsack, H.Little. Teacher:

Black and white photograph - Grade 6(?), 1905"Attached to photograph" Back Row - L to R: Hilda Aird, Anastasia Smith, Clara Aird, Flo Blood, Edith Blood. 2nd Row - L to R: ?, Olive Porteous, Alice Blood, Evelyn Blood, Floss Hocking, Elvie Hill, ruby Saunders, Mr Hocking (Headmaster). 3rd Row - L to R: Miss Geraghty, Winnie Thomas, Vera Edgar, G McAlpin, Lena Williams, Alice Hodgetts, Ethel Colcott, Doris Oates, Miss Predeaux. Front Row - L to R: Mary Graham, Olive Burchett. Teacher:

Black and white photograph - Football Team, 1898. In original Database entry: Ringwood State School Football Club, c1900. Back row - 1. Geraghty, 2. Hedley Chenhall, 3. Neil O'Meara, 4. --, 5. Bert Hocking, 6. Stan French, 7. Leo Hunt, 8. --, 9 Bert Hardridge. Middle row - 1. Mike Blook, 2. Stan Blood, 3. Harry Mackinley, 4. Alf Hocking, 5. W. Grant, 6. --. Front row - 1. --, 2. --, 3. Eddie Wookey, 4. Cecil Chenhall.Typed below photograph, "The Maroondah Highway Ringwood State School Football team, c1900" and written on backing paper, "Back row - 1. Geraghty, 2. Hedley Chen Hall, 3. Neil O'Meara, 4. Stan French, 5. Bert Hocking". The second copy is dated 1898.

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1946"Attached to photograph" Back Row - L to R: Ian Lynton, Glen Hubbard, ?, ?, ?, ?. 2nd Row - L to R: Neil Dark, Robert Mathieson, Jeanette Burnside, Merinda Turner, ?, ?, Judith Pellow. 3rd Row - L to R: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Jill McLean, ?, ?. 4th Row- L to R: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Barry Young. Front Row - L to R: ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Ralph Vincent. Teacher:

Colour photograph - Grade 6, 1978."Attached to photograph" Back Row-L to R: Shane Kerr, Chris Piat, Greg Smith, Jeff Crane, Colin Doherty, Greg Jenkinson, Tony Denick, Matthew Kane, Dirk Thompson, David Hill. Middle Row- L to R: Sharon Fraser, Karen Josht, Jeanie Baker, Paula (?), Janet Willis, Andrea Rush, Jill Baker, Debbie Hopgood, Lisa Downey, Lorraine Morton, Kelly Greenwood. Front Row- L to R: Caroline Pebbles, Margaret Kane, Louise Atkins, Leanne Postlethwaite, Julie Walton, Tracey Miller, Lesley Bonney, Karen Handreck, Aliki Pavaalou, Julie Booth. Front Boys: Peter Johnson, Peter Nanos. Teacher: Mrs Turner.

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1983."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Steven Harris, Sofita Tanalii, Mary Ellis, Deanna Dinic, Robert Neave, Chris McEwan, Natania (?), Michelle (?), Mathew Rooks, Dean Mavroudis. 2nd Row- L to R: Mark McDougall, Des Rowley, Melissa Beard, Kelly Wynne, Christine (?), Cindy Pitman, Talitha Crawford, Nicole Yendle, Mark Ulrich, Anthony Day. Front Row- L to R: Bridget Watkins, Tina Gould, Penny Billingsley, Frances (?), Kylie Beath, Narelle Whiteley, Frances Berlingeri, Sharyn Paspa, Pauline Eldridge, Pauline Kane. Teacher: Mrs M.Irvine

Black and white photograph - Grade 6/5M, 1983."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Chris Barnes, Darren Post, Jamie Hayes, Sean Cawley, Peter Rigg, Jason Ulrich, Greggan Boots, Sebastian Calvi, Mac Tanalii. 2nd Row- L to R: Stuart Adamson, Nick Constellis, Nathan Harris, Malcolm Peebles, Belinda McEwan, Sarah Horsey, Denis Leadbetter, Stephen Bringoff, Michael Papadopoulos, Marc Cianci. Front Row- L to R: Melinda Jessop, Amanda Charlton, Cindy Berlingeri, Anthoula Ignatiadis, Tina Phillips, Natasha Haggar, Donna Nicholson, Carmen Barbato, Sandy Quon. Teacher:

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1981."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Dale Franklin, Nigel Mason, Hue Quin, Roger Graham, David Postlethwaite, Mathew Jobling, Nick Grey, Robert McDougall, Craig (?). 2nd Row- L to R: Kerryn Hopgood, ?, Karen (?), Rachel McEwan, Lexie Jenkinson, Leslie Gallager, Nicole Mathieson, Sari Beattie, Julie Rigg. 3rd Row- L to R: Steven Davis, Johnnie Tomado, Robbie (?), James Edith, Simon Ignatious, Mark Yost, George Dallas, ?. Front Row- L to R: Ellen Hodgeson, Karen Evans, Anthoula (?), Lori Mays, Jenny Murray, Katrina de Jersey, Tania Alhouse, Olga Houritid, Tracey Williams. Teacher: Steven Gough

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1964."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Meg Flowers, Barbara Donald, Rosemary Weaver, Anne Downey, Ross Anisbett, Carl Gibson, Janet Conlon, Wilhelmina Coenders, Elizabeth Clarke, Christine Schruhn. 2nd Row- L to R: John Tann, Ian Carrington, Gary McCubbin, Ian McCall, Russell Paine, Craig Austin, John Moon, Russell Bourke, Stephen Foster, David Kimberley, Gary Fowler. 3rd Row- L to R: Alan McLean, Leslie Read, Michael Thwaites, Harry Parker, Malcolm Kerr, Howard Archer, Grant Nichol, Ian Jones, Rodney Hason, Peter Ockinghaus. Front Row- L to R: Christine Smith, Kay Langford, Jennyn Flarherty, Linda Jusland, Karen Williamson, Janne Thompson, Janet Guinn, Annette Smeeton, Christine Radford, Diana Hack, Lynette Milne. On Ground: Alan Foley, Daryl Anderson, Chris McDonald, Mark Kulbeak, Peter Maher, David Grant. Absent: Alvina Crawford, Philip Stoker. Teacher: Mr Warriner.

Black and white photograph - Grade 6, 1963."Attached to photograph" Back Row- L to R: Ian Anderson, Garry Simpson, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Graham Pratten. 2nd Row- L to R: Robert Hearn, Robert Pratt, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?. 3rd Row- L to R: ?, ?, Anne Joyce, Jeanette Goodchild, Virginia Mynott, Fay Beasley, Karen Bibby, ?, Gabriela Iwanowicz, Vivienne, Upstill, ?. Front Row- L to R: Maureen (?), Ailsa Radford, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Dawn Bracken, Susan Deuter. Teacher: Mr Anderson

Orbost Bowling Club was founded in 1929 and still operates in Orbost today. The Bowling Club was founded by a group of farmers and businessmen. They set about providing a sporting icon for the town. Six rinks were constructed on the current site using horse drawn scoops and drags. The "Back to Orbost” 1937 book, describes the greens as "a bit rough for the first two seasons but now compare favourably with most country greens". Funds for the construction were raised by the issue of debentures at £5 each, and subscriptions were £1/1s/0d ($2.10). (info. Margaret Smith) This menu suggests that dinners for members were held regularly - at least annually and were fairly formal events. This item represents an era when formal dinners were important as a community event. Local clubs were significant in providing recreation and companionship by bringing people together and providing opportunities for social interaction.A green card dinner menu for the Orbost Bowling Club. It is dated 16/6/38 and is black print on a green background. It has 6 courses for choice.orbost-bowling-club recreation bowling

Written on back of photograph, "Ringwood Cricket 1st Team - 1955/6".

Two views of Target Square shopping complex building under construction.Written on back of photographs - V134a "29-6-81 View from Verstegen's no - New St across Brambles lot at the centre of Target building cnr of Charters-New St on right below Target." - V134b "30-6-81. Looking south from Brambles across Charter St. west end of Target. New St. just out of picture right".

3 sepia and 1 black & white copies, two mounted on heavy cardboard. Laying foundation stone, Ringwood Town Hall, by Cr. A.T. Miles, Mayor - 27/6/1936.

A porter illegally in the signal box moved the points under a train coming into the south platform from a siding. The 5th carriage took two lines as shown, and brought down the overhead stanchions over both the passenger and goods lines. For about 36 hours, the service beyond Mitcham was maintained by steam trains connecting with electrics at Mitcham. Men are pictured putting up temporary overhead stanchions over the passenger lines around 10 a.m. on Saturday 22/6/1945 and another photograph shows the steam crane near the signal box lifting the Melbourne end of the derailed carriage. The other picture is on the same day 22/6/1945 of A2 engine at Box Hill. See also Item 11003 for another photo of the derailment. Accompanying typed sheet reads, "...shows the steam crane about outside the signal box lifting the Melbourne end of the derailed carriage".

Written on back of photograph, "Dr. Hewitt's old home after alterations, 6 Warrandyte Rd." Same house as in item no. 166 but taken from a different angle.

These glass churns came in several different sizes. A 3 and 1/2 pint vessel could churn 2 pints of cream into butter. A similar glass churn is advertised in the mail order catalogue for D & W Chandler Ltd, Melbourne. Issue No.49, page 168. Listed as 'Butter machines (Glass) Makes butter equal to the best wooden churn, and quicker. Prices-2 qts, 9/6; 3 quts, 13/3; 4 qts, 14/6 each.'Taco butter churn with square clear glass jar with round mouth and round green painted metal lid with a small wedge of airholes. The lid has a round turning mechanism with attached wooden handle. A shaft with a metal paddle goes down into the jar to beat the cream. A paper label is attached to the bottom.'Taco Burnley England' on turning mechanism on lid, 'British Foreign Pats Pending' on reverse. 'Made in England' imprinted on base. Paper label attached to base 'Kraft Foods Ltd' 'M.G.'butter, allansford, dairy industry, dairy utensils, butter churns, kraft foods ltd, taco

This is a free surf magazine for all that love surfing. Available 6 times a year. www.smorgasboarder.com.au This issue contains a reference to China Gilberts'memorial paddle out at Torquay and the SurfWorld Revolution exhibition (pg 17)Free full colour surf magazine: SMORGASBOARDER issue #2 Nov/Dec 2010. For all that love surfing. Available from Noosa to Warnambool. 6 times a year. www.smorgasboarder.com.au surfing, smorgasboarder

An envelope with 12 black and white photographs of scenic attractions taken in and around Marysville in Victoria. The photographs were used for a series of photographs and postcards published by the Rose Stereograph Company in Armadale, Victoria.An envelope with photographs of scenic attractions taken in and around Marysville in Victoria.12 Real Photographs/ For Your Snapshot Album PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA/ BY The Rose/ Stereograph Company PRINTERS & PHOTOGRAPHIC/ PUBLISHERS/ Armadale, Victoria PRICE/ 1/6keppel falls (image 1), cumberland falls (image 2), track to cora lynn falls (image 3), nichol's lookout (image 4), cameron cascades (image 5), stevenson falls (image 6), taggerty river (image 7), main street (image 8), glover walk (image 9), from murray pass (image 10), cora lynn falls (image 11), taggerty river (image 12), rose series postcard, rose stereograph company, souvenir

Fold out postcard which encloses 6 black and white photographs of attractions in and around Marysville in Victoria.Fold out postcard which encloses 6 black and white photographs of attractions in and around Marysville in Victoria.POSTAGE/ 1D/ PRINTED MATTER/ ONLY From If any correspondence is included, full letter rates of postage will apply.marysville, victoria, taggery river (image 1), cora lynn falls (image 2), talbot drive (image 3), steavenson's falls (image 4), main street from bridge (image 5), the log cabin (image 6), postcard, souvenir

This collection of photographs shows various scenes around Marysville and surrounds such as waterfalls and rivers. Valentines snapshots were done of many places world wide, and packaged in a convenient size to be posted.An envelope with 6 black and white photographs of scenic attractions taken in and around Marysville in Victoria.VALENTINE'S/ SNAPSHOTS/ 6 REAL PHOTOGRAPHS/ FOR YOUR/ ALBUM/ MARYSVILLE, Victoria/ Published by The VALENTINE PUBLISHING CO.,/ PTY., LTD., Melbourne. To From Design 539/ PRINTED IN GT BRITAINtaggerty river (image 1), acheron way (image 2), nicholl's lookout (image 3), main street marysville (image 4), stevensons falls (image 5), cora lynn falls (image 6), valentine publishing co, marysville, victoria, souvenir

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Chambers Encyclopædia Vol 6 Publisher: William and Robert Chambers Date: 1904 Further Information: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge - Illustrated Edition Humber to MaltaThe label on the spine cover with typed text H 030 CHA Front loose end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service.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, william and robert chambers, chambers encyclopædia vol 6

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 Vol 6 Author: C.E.W. Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Ltd Date: 1942 Further Information: During The Allied Offensive 1919The label on the spine cover with typed text H 940.40994 OFF Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service.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, official history of australia in the war of 1914-1918 vol 6, c.e.w. bean