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Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Goulburn Weir Sign, 1970s
Taken by photographer for State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.Medium sized black and white photograph. Sign describing Goulburn Weir - "State rivers and Water Supply Commission/Goulburn Weir/Diversion Headworks for Goulburn Irrigation System/Designed and Constructed by Victorian Water Supply Department 1891./Full Supply Level is 408 Feet Above Sea Level/Stuart Murray M.I.C.E Chief Engineer/William Henderson A.M.I.C.E Supervising Engineer."goulburn weir, victorian state rivers and supply commission -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Stewart & Co, Ann and Elizabeth Shillinglaw, c.1885
Twins Elizabeth and Ann Shillinglaw were born March 26, 1861 at Plenty, Victoria. Ann never married but Elizabeth married John Docherty in 1894. Both Ann and Elizabeth as well as John Docherty were members of the Salvation Army. The Dochertys settled in Brisbane, Queensland and Elizabeth died there on December 30, 1942. Ann died in Castlemaine, Victoria in 1940. Stewart & Co operated from 217-219 Bourke St., East from 1877 to 1889 CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 1, 1880-1889, ann shillinglaw (1861-1940), elizabeth docherty (nee shillinglaw 1861-1942), 1885, stewart & co photographers 217 & 219 bourke st east melbourne -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Thomas Wright, Believed to be Samuel Shillinglaw, c.1867
Samuel Shillinglaw Born 27 Sep 1848, Merri Creek, Victoria Died 13 Sep 1925, Prahran, Victoria Thomas Wright, Artist, 52 & 236 Bourke Street East, Melbourne. According to Sands McDougall Melbourne Directory, Thomas Wright operated from 52 Bourke Street East from 1867-1870 and from 236 Bourke Street East from 1865-1870. He was operating from both addresse for the period 1867-1870. CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, samuel shillinglaw (1848-1925), shillinglaw family photo album 2, thomas wright photographer 52 & 236 bourke street east, 1867, 1867-1870 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Charles Nettleton, Believed to be Sarah Shillinglaw, c.1868
Sarah Shillinglaw was born at River Plenty on November 9, 1854. She married Charles Aldous on June 9, 1880 and died in Prahran, Victoria on August 3, 1925. Photographer Charles Nettleton operated from 1 Madeline St, North Melbourne (later known as Carlton) from 1867-1874.. This photo shows the address as North Melbourne. Sands McDogall Directory listing was revised to Carlton in 1869. This would date photo as 1867-1868 though could be later if printed on on paper stock. CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 2, 1867-1874, 1868, c. nettleton photographer 1 madeline st north melbourne, sarah aldous (nee shillinglaw 1854-1925), unknown -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tin, J Millhoff, 1925-1940
Édouard de Reszke was born into a well-to-do and cultured Polish family in Warsaw, where he first learned to sing. He spent four years in Italy, studying singing first with Stella and Alba in Milan and later the retired baritone Filippo Coletti. He later went to Paris to study with Giovanni Sbriglia, who was also his brother's teacher. Initially, he did not want to become an operatic performer but at the urging of his younger sister, Josephine (Józefina), he accepted an engagement with the Paris Opera. He was chosen by the composer Giuseppe Verdi to make his debut in the first Paris performance of Aida on April the 22nd 1876, appearing under the composer's baton as the King of Egypt. De Reszke's older brother was the renowned lyric dramatic tenor Jean de Reszke (1850–1925), with whom he would sing often in Paris, London and New York City during the next two decades. In 1887, for example, the brothers performed together in the 500th performance of Gounod's Faust at the Paris Opera. Josephine, Eduardo and Jean's sister, also embarked on a career as an opera singer in Paris but she retired early from the stage after marrying an aristocrat while at the height of her powers. Between the start of 1880 and the end of 1900, Édouard de Reszke appeared on more than 300 occasions at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, performing a wide range of roles in French, German and Italian operas, including works by Wagner, Verdi, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Ponchielli, Verdi, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Mozart. He was a huge favourite, too, with audiences at New York's Metropolitan Opera during the same era. He also sang in Chicago in 1891 and, in 1879–1881, at La Scala, Milan. In 1903, he retired from the stage after his once superlative voice developed technical difficulties and went into a swift decline. De Reszke taught singing for a while in London before returning to his estate in Poland, where he was adversely affected by the outbreak of World War I in 1914. He was cut off from his brother by the fighting, and died on 25 May 1917 at a house in Garnek, near Częstochowa, Poland. Édouard de Reszke, was a Polish bass singer from Warsaw, born with an impressive natural voice and equipped with compelling histrionic skills, he became one of the most illustrious opera singers active in Europe and America during the late-Victorian era. De Reszke cigarettes are named after Édouard de Reszke and were advertised as ‘the Aristocrat of Cigarettes’. They were produced by J Millhoff, a Russian cigarette maker living in London. He created a special blend of tobacco that it was believed would not damage the famous singer's voice. In gratitude, Millhoff was allowed to sell the blend as 'De Reszke' cigarettes. Cigarette tin, small square, pale aqua color.Marked on lid with two coats of arms in gold, and text in dark blue underneath. 'De Reszke Virginia ‘The Aristocrat of Cigarettes'.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, aristocrat of cigarettes, j millhoff, opera singer -
Charlton Golden Grains Museum Inc
Photograph, Ian Cameron, 1973 Flood W. Fitzpatrick's House on Calder Highway, Feb 1973
1973 flood. W. Fitzpatrick's house on Calder Hwy, surrounded by flood water from Yeungroon Creek.B/W photograph of 1973 flood. W Fitzpatrick's house on Calder Highway surrounded by flood water from flooded Yeungroon Creek.flood, charlton, calder highway, yeungroon -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, 1957
This photograph was taken for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission - for display purposes.Large sepia photograph dry mounted to cream board. Sign board with Engineer Ron Dickson looking at sign on left of photographState Rivers and Water Supply Commission / Goulburn Irrigation System / Enlargement and Remodelling Project / Design and Construction Depot / Enquiries at General Office.irrigation, victoria state rivers and water supply commission, ron dickson -
Otway Districts Historical Society
Book, Steam in the Otways, November 2005
Engineman and historian Norman De Pomeroy took photographs in first half of 1962 of the Garratt engine and its rolling stock running on the narrow gauge line between Colac and Weeaproinah until its closure on 30 June 1962.Steam in the Otways from the collection of Norman W. De Pomeroy. A photographic profile. Neville Gee (ed.); John Sargent (ed.). 2005; Train Hobby Publications; Studfield (Vic). ii, 48 p.; illus. Soft cover. ISBN 1 921122 02 1colac; beech forest; weeaproinah; norman w. de pomeroy; narrow gauge; victorian railways; -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Rodney Irrigation (A Diary of a Water Guard), 1891
Booik used as a diary for work as a channel and water guardMaroon and red mottled coloured book with maroon spine binding. Blue paper inside book. Handwritten in pen and inkInside back page :- Rodney Irrigation & Water Supply Trust overseer in charge of Girgarre & Girgarre East of Mt. Scobie channels. Memorandum book.rodney irrigation, diary of a water guard, irrigation, payten r, tatura, books, history, local -
Clunes Museum
Document
CLUNES WATER COMMISSIONERS WILLIAM PRICE, RALPH COUNDON, THOMAS LEGAY HOLTHOUSE, THOMAS DRUMMOND. WANLISS AND PETER LALOR WERE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON 25TH FEBRUARY, 1874PHOTOCOPY OF A DOCUMENT TO APPOINT COMMISSIONERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING WORKS FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO CLUNES SUPREME COURT DOCUMENT NO 4831local history, local government, council -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Stewart & Co, Possibly Jane Shillinglaw, c.1878
Jane Shillinglaw was born 14 Jun 1846. She had a a son, Joseph Shillinglaw in 1863 and a daughter Jane Davidson in 1870 prior to her marriage to William James Sommerville in 1887. Jane's younger sister Catherine Shillinglaw was born 13 Nov 1852 at Coburg, Victoria. She married Edward Henry Bottle in 1897 This photo shows fashion and hairstyles typical of the later 1870s. Photographer Stewart & Co operated from various addresses in Bourke Street East Melbourne from 1874 through 1905. The photo is estimated to have been taken c.1878 which would make Jane 32 years of age and Catherine 26 years. There is another photo of who is believed to be Catherine Shillinglaw with Edward Henry Bottle. There are visual differences with the eyes so it is presumed this photo is of Jane. A duplicate photo is contained in Album 2 (05664) Stewart & Co operated from 217 Bourke St., East from 1871 to 1876 and from 217-219 from 1877 to 1889. Other locations included 42, 284 and 286. Overall, they operated in Melbourne from 1871 through at least 1910 though Carte-de-Visite photos were superseded by 1890. CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 1, 1871-1890, 1878, jane shillinglaw (1846-1893), jane sommerville (nee shillinglaw 1846-1893), shillinglaw family photo album 2, stewart & co photographers melbourne, unknown -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Trophy, Simpson Hall Miller and Co, Water Jug, Linton Fire Brigade, 1885, 1885
Won by Linton Fire Brigade in 1885. (3rd prize NFBAD Ballarat). Found on Linton tip by James Wishart in the 1960s. Mr Wishart donated the water jug to LDHS shortly before his death in 1982.Large, silver-plated water jug, with hinged lid. Flower pattern etched on front and back, with inscriptions."N.F.B.A.D-Ballarat 1885-3rd Prize-Engine practice for 8 men / Won by Linton Fire Brigade / P Wishart D Cornish S Ball J Chung". "Simpson, Hall, Miller and Co. Plate 26".linton fire brigade, p. wishart, d. cornish, s. ball, j. chung, trophies, water jugs -
Friends of Westgarthtown
Water filter
Glazed earthernware white cylindrical water filter with brass tap at base and blue writing printed on front above tap. Filter has two pieces- outer cylinder with tap and internal cylinder with two filters inside.Printed on front "Delphin Filter assures absolutely germfree Drinking Water". Circular trademark reads, "Delphin Filter Company, Vienna, Made in Austria."domestic items, food and drink consumption, water, delphin, vienna, austria, germfree, filter, drinking water. -
Charlton Golden Grains Museum Inc
Photograph, Ian Cameron, Road Transport run off road in flood water 1971, 12/11/1971
Road transport run off Calder Highway in 1971 flood water. Shire grader trying to remove truck. Used in Charlton Tribune Nov 12th, 1971.B/W photo of road transport run off Highway in flood water. Shire grader trying to remove truck.flood, calder highway, charlton -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Goulburn Weir, 1890
Taken by photographer for State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.Medium sized black and white photograph. Water flowing through opened weir gates - over spillway - weir structure mid-distance. Trees beyond on far bank.goulburn weir, victorian state rivers and supply commission -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Irrigation: Trash Rack, 1957
Taken by photographer for State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.Large, black and white photograph. Body of water in foreground, man on platform using equipment, concrete cylinders either side of Trash Rack. Trees beyond and along horizonOn back: "Trash Rack on Outlet."victoria state rivers and water supply commission, waranga basin, irrigation -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Stewart & Co, Possibly Florence May Aldous, first born child of Sarah (Shillinglaw) and Charles Aldous, c.1884
Stewart & Co Photographers operated from various addresses Bourke St., East Melbourne from 1874 through 1905 They were at 217 Bourke Street from 1874 through 1889. By 1890 they had moved to 42 Bourke Street. Possible date range is 1874-1889. The girl appears to be about 1 years of age. If she is Sarah and Charles's first child, Florence May Aldous then the date would be c.1884. Another copy of the same photo in Album 2 (05664) is grouped in the album with several others featuring Sarah Shillinglaw. CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 1, 1874-1889, 1884, florence may aldous, stewart & co photographers 217 & 219 bourke st east melbourne -
National Wool Museum
Photograph - Sheep in Shearing Shed Yards, 1960s
One of fifty one photographs originally in a photo album found in the National Wool Museum’s office. The album was water damaged and the images were removed for conservation. The images follow the process of wool. Beginning in a sheep paddock and finishing as a folded fabric. It includes all the steps in between in this process, including shearing, transporting, selling, washing and the many different steps in the process of turning a single thread of wool into fabric.Black and white image showing sheep in stockyards with water tank in foreground.W43 / AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL [?] / ASSOCIATION / FLINDERS STREET [?] / MELBOURNE / Ya[?] Shearing shed / [?]nooke Stationwool industry, working life, women, boonoke station, farming, sheep farming, agriculture, sheep stations, transport, wool processing, shearing, textile industry, wool -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - Article, Belgians here to settle, 13/03/1952
Photocopy of article on the arrival of the de Stoop family joining Roger de Stoop, proprietor of a textile factory in North Blackburn.de stoop, roger, belgians in australia, weaving mills -
Dutch Australian Heritage Centre Victoria
Brass Wall Plates
Two heavy round brass wall plates depicting traditional occupations - one of a chairmaker, the other a blacksmith.(a) De Stoelemaaker (the chairmaker) (b) De Smidt (the smith) -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - Fan
From a collection donated by Mary McGowan. Brought to Australia by Mary Russell in 1934, a relative of donorWide fan with Spanish scene painted on gold paper backgroundA la Feria de Sevilla de Vigo Recuerdocostume accessories, female -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Photographs, Fuji Film, Gullifers Garage, 1950's & 60's
Two of a collection of photographs donated by Bernie De Le Haye.350-09: Colour photograph of Phillip Island Garage. Cnr Thompson Avenue and Chapel Street - now where Gullivers Restaurant is located (2017). Loaded truck and people outside the building. Printed on the front: "Sales Ford Service" "Cars Trucks Tractors" Phone (8). Shell bowsers. 350-10: Colour photograph of the De La Haye Bros. Self Service store in Thompson Avenue, Cowes on the left hand side. Three people and two cars in front.As on the buildings.phillip island garage, de le haye bros self service cowes, bernie de la haye, gullifer family -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - BOOKS, POSTCARD WW1, c.1916 -1919
Refer Cat No 2380 for details re Frank Barnes service.7 books of collected postcards from Belgium and France from FRANK BARNES to UNA FRANKLING of Harcourt. .1) Covers loose, dated 7.4.17 Albert (Somme) after the bombardment. .2) Card loose, Cathedrale de Reims after the bombardment dated 17.1.19. .3) Dated 18.3.1919, cover loose, Zeebrugge. .4) 2 loose cards undated, Ypres after the war. .5) Charleroi dated 12.2.1919, 3 loose pages. .6) Chateau la Malmaison dated 15.11.1918. .7) Amiens undated, 1 card loose.Photographs of Albert, Reimes Zeebrugge, Ypres, Charleroi, Chateau de la Malmaison and Amiens, Handwriting.military history, documents - photographs, photography-photographs -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, 8/10/1919
Taken by photographer for State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.Medium sized black and white photograph. Sugarloaf Reservoir spillway (concrete) under construction right of centre / Rail track on left of picture / water left of foreground / hills in backgroundvictorian state rivers and supply commission, sugarloaf reservoir -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Alan Whiting, 1924
Taken for the Victorian State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.Mounted medium sized black and white photograph. Waranga Basin inlet structure of concrete across water / Man on horseback centre of bridge / Rock wall bottom left corner.irrigation, victorian state rivers and water supply commission, waranga basin -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, McCullough Rotary Scythe, 1957
Taken by photographer for State Rivers and Water Supply Commission.Large, black and white photograph. Employee using rotary scythe - long grass foreground - water in shallow channel in mid-distance - fruit trees in rows going towards the horizon.below photo: "Commission Employee Using McCullough Rotary Scythe"victoria state rivers and water supply commission, agriculture, rotary scythe, mccullough -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Burman's Photographic Rooms, Possibly Jane Shillinglaw, c.1880
Jane Shillinglaw was born at Merri Creek, Victoria, June 14, 1846. She had a son, Joseph Shillinglaw (1863-1865) with an unknown partner. Joseph died as a toddler. She subsequently had a second child, a duaghter, Jane Davidson born 1870 She married William James Sommerville, ten years her junior at hawthorn on June 2, 1887. Jane died at Balwyn, Victoria on June 26, 1893. According to Sands & McDougall Melbourne Directory, Burman's were operating from 209 Bourke St. East and St George's Hall (73 Bourke St. East) from 1879-1885 CARTE-DE-VISITE (cdv) 1857-1890 Cartes-de-visite (cdv's) are the most common form of photograph from the nineteenth century, generally measuring two and a half inches by four and an eighth inches (6.3 x 10.5 cm) when mounted, sepia toned, mounted on a card which was generally printed with the photographer's name and address on the back or beneath the portrait. - Frost, Lenore; Dating Family Photos 1850-1920; Valiant Press Pty. Ltd., Berwick, Victoria 1991marg ball collection, shillinglaw family photo album 1, 1879-1885, 1880, burman's photographer 209 bourke st east and st georges hall melbourne, jane sommerville (nee shillinglaw 1846-1893), unknown -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Baptist Church photo by McDonald & Field
McDonald and Field photo of Baptist Church showing picket fence in front of church and water tank at side.Photo of Stawell Baptist Church taken by MacDonald & Field. The photo of the church shows a picket fence out the front of the church and a water tank on the side of the church.MacDonald & Field Photo stawell -
Greensborough Historical Society
Card - Invitation, Invitation to the official opening of Greensborough Centre ... 1978, 13/11/1978
Invitation to the official opening of Greensborough Centre, from the directors of Roxham Investments to Mr and Mrs John de Man (misspelt Mann). Opening date Monday November 13th 1978. A primary source related to the opening of Greensborough Plaza in 1978.Invitation on cream paper. Cover has copy of 1889 painting of the Village of GreensboroughInvitation to the official opening of Greensborough Centre from the directors of Roxham Investments to Mr and Mrs J De Man (misspelt Mann). Opening date Monday November 13th 1978.greensborough plaza, roxham investments, john de mann -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, A Village Commune
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower 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 it's 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 has 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. A Village Commune Author: Ouida Publisher: George Robertson Ouida was the pseudonym of the English novelist Maria Louise Ramé (although she preferred to be known as Marie Louise de la Ramée). 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 The Flyleaf has the name "Louise De La Ranie" written in blue ink. book, a village commune, ouida, maria louise ramé, marie louise de la ramée, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road