This historic bronze nail dates back to 1840s when the ship Grange was built. Nails such as this one were used for boat building, as deck fasteners and many other uses. This nail was made at a time when the shanks of nails were usually machine cut but the heads were hand formed by blacksmiths. The nail was recovered from the shipwreck of the Grange in around 1968, 110 years after the Grange was wrecked (see below for further details on the Grange). It is part of the John Chance Collection. THE GRANGE, 1840-1858- The wooden barque ’Grange’ was a three-masted ship built in Scotland in 1840 for international and coastal trade. On March 22, 1858, the Grange set sail from Melbourne under Captain A. Alexander, carrying a cargo of ballast. The barque had left the Heads of Phillip Bay and was heading west along the Victorian coast towards Cape Otway. The ship struck Little Haley’s Reef at Apollo Bay due to a navigational error and was stuck on the rocks. The crew left the ship carrying whatever they could onto the beach. Eventually, the remains of the hull, sails and fittings were salvaged before the wreck of the Grange broke up about a month later. About 110 years later, in 1968, the wreck of the Grange was found by divers from the Underwater Explorers Club of Victoria. They were amazed to find a unique, six to nine pound carronade (type of small cannon) and a cannonball on the site. There have been no other similar carronades recorded. In that same year the anchor of the Grange was recovered by diver John Chance and Mal Brown. The nail is significant historically as an example of hardware used when building wooden ships in the early to mid-19th century. The nail is historically significant as an example of the work and trade of blacksmith. The nail also has significant as it was recovered by John Chance, a diver from the wreck of the Grange in the 1968. Items that come from several wrecks along Victoria's coast have since been donated to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village’s museum collection by his family, illustrating this item’s level of historical value. The nail is historically significant for its association with the 1840s wooden barque, the Grange. The Grange is an historical example of a Scottish built vessel used for international and coastal trader of both cargo and passengers in the mid-19th century. The Grange is an example of an early ship, designed with a wooden hull. It is significant as a ship still available to divers along the south coast of Victoria, for research and education purposes. The Grange is an example of a mid-19th century vessel that carried a weapon of defence onboard.Nail, bronze, oval head, four-sided shank, tip flattened to a rounded wedge shape. The surface is pitted and rough. There is orange and blue concretion on the shank. The nail is bent. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, west coast trader, apollo bay, mid-19th century shipwreck, the grange, scottish barque, little henty reef, captain a alexander, underwater explorers club of victoria, 1840s carronade, vhr 5297, coastal trader, wooden shipwreck, john chance, fastener, nail, square nail, machine cut mail, blacksmith, historic nail, bronze nail, carronade, mal brown

Group photo of Briar Hill State School 1987 School CaptainsDigital copy of colour school photobriar hill primary school, briar hill state school

Group photo of Briar Hill State School 1992 School CaptainsDigital copy of colour school photobriar hill primary school, briar hill state school

World War Two Army uniform|Worn by Captain Noel WestWorld War two|Australian War Graves UnitOne khaki woolen army great coat, wide lapels wide cuffs, double breasted, four sets of medal buttons. Wide pocket cuffs on two external pockets. Epaulets on each shoulder with Australian badge and 3 pips and one button. Badge on right hand shoulder- blue with crown '' British Commonwealth Forces''. Collar with neck flaps with four bakelite buttons. Pleat on top of coat with belt with three metal buttons. Vent on skirt of coat with two bakelite buttons.Back of coat is lined to the vent, sides are fully lined with cotton fabric, sleeves are fully lined. One deep pocket on left side with one bakelite button. Fabric hook on back of collar''MTS'' N.WEST. British Commonwealth Forcescostume, male uniform, military

Framed photograph of Thomas Henderson (Officer). Upper body facing forwardOn back of frame "Photo Mrs Joan Hope HENDERSON" On the back "Thomas Hope HENDERSON 1833-1899 Captain commanding Sandhurst Troop PW VV Light Horse 28/04/1888"photography - photographs, frame accessories, sandhurst troop

George Clarke was the father of Jimmy & Jack Clarke, twins, and Violet Clarke. Photograph one of a collection of photographs donated by Arthur Woodley, friend of the Clarke brothers.Black & white photograph of holiday makers on the San Remo Pier.Inscription written by Arthur Woodley - donor. "Probably Federation Day 1901. Captain George Clarke can be seen standing directly under single boat mast with flag. He died 1904"san remo pier, cpt george clarke, arthur woodley

Colour photograph - 2nd Cricket, 1979."Attached to photograph" Back Row-L to R: ?, James Patterson, ?, Dean Morton. Front Row-L to R: Martin Phillips, ?, Darren De Jersey (Captain), David Rigg, Peter Booth.

Black and white photocopy of Herald, 1932 newspaper clipping, mounted on board.The Parker Cup, won by the Dingoes House of Williamstown High School in school sports during the last season, was presented yesterday to the House Captain, Laurie Parker and Jean Baxter, by Mr. Lemmon , M.L.A.the herald, williamstown high school, parker cup, school sports

Wooden stereoscopic viewer with wire clips to hold double photograph of two men seated outside a tent. Photo-stand slides forwards and backwards. Screws hold face viewer to base. Includes an additional 14 Stereoscopic Views' cards/photographs.On side of photograph: "Rose's Stereoscopic Views Copyright" On bottom of photograph: "2243 The Bushman's Contingent, Colonel Otter and Captain Patterson" On other side of photograph: "Sold only by George Rose Publisher Melbourne"stereoscopes, stereo photographs

The Ballarat School of Mines traditionally had a strong Australian Rules Football team. The 1982 team included Tony Lockett who went on to play at the highest level becoming the highest goal scorer in the history of the VFL/AFL with 1,360 goals in a career of 281 games, that commenced in 1983 with the St Kilda Football Club, and finished in 2002 with the Sydney Swans. Lockett is the only full-forward ever to win the coveted Brownlow Medal, in 1987, a season in which he was decorated with several honours. He is a four-time Coleman Medallist, kicked more than 100 goals in a season on six occasions (an AFL record), and is a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame. (Wikipedia) In 2015 Tony Lockett was elevated to the state of Legend in the Australian Football League Hall of Fame.Photograph of the Ballarat School of Mines Australian Rules Football team taken at the Ballarat School of Mines. The football team wears the gold and green colours of the school team. Standing left to right: T. Gough (Team Manager), Anthony Cook, Mark Simpson, John Clifton, E. Vidaic, Andrew McMaster, R. Dunne, A. Leddick, Bruce Gee, P. Scott, B. Eyers. Sitting left to right: N. Rowe (Runner), Paul Drohan, Jeff Colbourne, A. Bell, Tony Lockett, Colin McCurry (Coach), Damian Ryan (Captain), J. O'Brien. Front left to right: Barrie Lock, S. Gleeson. Absent: C. Edwards, S. Gordon, B. Griffin (Vice-Captain), Damien Murnane. ballarat school of mines, football, australian rules footballl, herald shield, mccurry, lockett, tony lockett, t. gough, anthony cook, mark simpson, john clifton, e. vidaic, andrew mcmaster, r. dunne, a. leddick, bruce gee, p. scott, b. eyers., n. rowe, paul drohan, jeff colbourne, a. bell, colin mccurry, damian ryan, j. o'brien., barrie lock, s. gleeson., c. edwards, s. gordon, b. griffin, damien murnane., afl, vfl

The Ballarat School of Mines traditionally had a strong Australian Rules Football team. The 1982 team included Tony Lockett who went on to play at the highest level becoming the highest goal scorer in the history of the VFL/AFL with 1,360 goals in a career of 281 games, that commenced in 1983 with the St Kilda Football Club, and finished in 2002 with the Sydney Swans. Lockett is the only full-forward ever to win the coveted Brownlow Medal, in 1987, a season in which he was decorated with several honours. He is a four-time Coleman Medallist, kicked more than 100 goals in a season on six occasions (an AFL record), and is a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame. (Wikipedia) In 2015 Tony Lockett was elevated to the state of Legend in the Australian Football League Hall of Fame.Photograph of the Ballarat School of Mines Australian Rules Football team taken at the Ballarat School of Mines. The football team wears the gold and green colours of the school team. Standing left to right: T. Gough (Team Manager), Anthony Cook, Mark Simpson, John Clifton, E. Vidaic, Andrew McMaster, R. Dunne, A. Leddick, Bruce Gee, P. Scott, B. Eyers. Sitting left to right: N. Rowe (Runner), Paul Drohan, Jeff Colbourne, A. Bell, Tony Lockett, Colin McCurry (Coach), Damian Ryan (Captain), J. O'Brien. Front left to right: Barrie Lock, S. Gleeson. Absent: C. Edwards, S. Gordon, B. Griffin (Vice-Captain), Damien Murnane. ballarat school of mines, football, australian rules footballl, herald shield, mccurry, lockett. tony lockett, vfl, afl

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Monday, September 16, 2002. Premiers: White Hills (14.15) beat Kennington (8.6) in the 1950 Bendigo Football Association grand final. Back row: J. Wright (trainer), C. Harrington, B. Frankel, A. Taig, C. Gooding, M. Hogan, G. Cowling, W. Atkinson, A. Moralli and N. Jenkins (trainer). Middle row: R. Westaway, N. Westaway, W. Muir (captain), H. Tobin (vice-captain), R. Hands and G. Body. Front row: G. Brown (trainer), J. Jones, R. Wee Hee, D. Spooner, P. Kane (mascot),E. Fisher, D. McKenzie and J. Sanderson. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

WARRNAMBOOL'S 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 November1884 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 fund raising 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 court house 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 historic 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 Historic 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 art works 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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 1850’s to the late 1950’s 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 Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Discoveries in Australia Vol 1 With an account of the Coasts and Rivers. Explored and Surveyed during the voyage of HMS Beagle. In the years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. A Narrative of Captain Owen Stanley's visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. Author: J Lort Stokes Publisher: T & W Boone Date: 1846 Label on spine cover with typed text 919.4 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Inside Fly paper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, discoveries in australia vol 1, captain owen stanley, j lort stokes, hms beagle

WARRNAMBOOL'S 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 November1884 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 fund raising 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 court house 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 historic 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 Historic 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 art works 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 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent 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 1850’s to the late 1950’s 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 Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, and to reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Discoveries in Australia Vol 2 With an account of the Coasts and Rivers. Explored and Surveyed during the voyage of HMS Beagle. In the years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43. A Narrative of Captain Owen Stanley's visits to the Islands in the Arafura Sea. Author: J Lort Stokes Publisher: T & W Boone Date: 1846Label on spine cover with typed text 919.4 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Inside Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institutewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, discoveries in australia vol 2, j lort stokes

Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Thursday, April 18, 2002. First prize: William Palmer, the captain of Sandhurst number one fire brigade, stands with a horse and dray (other man unknown). They were selling raffles in aid of the Worn Out Miners Art Union. Date unknown. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Photograph - black and white. Portrait of 2 girls, assuming they are sisters. Written on back - Georgie is 2yrs 9 mths and Lilly is 1 yr 3 mths. 'To _____, wishing you all a happy new year. We are at Waratah, Tasmania with Captain for Twelve months rest. Bob lives with us now, much love from ____.Mellia & Co. Melbourne.person, family, 2 girls portrait, unknown family. 2 sisters georgie and lilly.

[Adelaide : Libraries Board of South Australia, 1971] 2 v. : maps (part col.), plates (part col.) ; 28 cm. Facsimile of: London : T. Cadell jun. and W. Davies, 1798. Includes an account of a voyage performed by Captain Flinders and Mr. Bass abstracted from the journal of Mr. Bass. Volume 1non-fictionnew south wales - descriptions and travel, new zealand - descriptions and travel

The Light Horse Troop provided escort to VIPs, mounted drill display and tent pegging display.‘A’ Squadron 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles took part in Bicentennial Parade at Wodonga 2 January 1988. Parade included Light Horse Heritage Troop, Historical Vehicle Club and current armoured vehicles.Three colour photograph of 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles Heritage Troop preparing to participate in Bicentenial celebrations at Wodonga 2 January 1988.Troop members are : Captain Robert Morrison, Corporals Nigel Morris, Shane Welch, E. Touzel, Lance Corporal Russell Walsh, Troopers Adrian Younger and Chris Ellison.light horse, vmr

Group photograph with caption: Back Row: Gary Armstrong (Manager), Bruce Harding (President), Bill Garratt (Vice Captain), John Gonzales (Captain). Front: Peter Cassidy, Luke Young, Robert Gilderdale, Adam Smedley, Rian Gist, Dale Streeter, Ben Fraser, Andrew Spicer.Mounted colour team photograph, with caption golf teams, pennant golf

A modern detailed replica of Captain Bligh's ship later taken over by the mutineers.Gift to MTS seafarers leisure space and clubroomVery small model of three masted sailing ship with sails and string rigging,and Australian Federation flag in stern; cannon deck sections picked out in yellow paint ; model stands on polished wood plinth with paper labelpaper label : H.M.S. Bountymodel ships, bounty, david lumsden

In 1972 prefects of the Ballarat Technical School were dispensed of replaced by Form Captains,Blue soft covered magazine with numerous small portraits. ballarat school of mines, ballarat junior technical school, ballarat technical school, kevin murray, b. bogicevic, k. scull, j. hennessy, f. sordello, c. plumb, r. lawless, heather durant, b. scott, k. barry, r. mcfarlane, g. pike, a. pesart, r. hazlett, g. reeve, a. peart, f. bishop, g. campbell, t. mccue, g. snibson, s. bessan, george lewis, e. quillam, e. raker, m. palmer, b. knipe, bob sabo, g. petrie, f. reus, charles brown, j. llewellyn, g. hulston, g. murphy, h. niesler, s. wilson, brian hetherington, murray robertson, brad johns, ian murray, peter donald, ian cox, philip spiers, john stewart, smythesdale camp, peter elliott, hepburn springs, mount franklin, stephen sargent, alan strange, mark foord, wayne saunders, colin newitt, noel young, martin owen, robert pearce, david peverill, peter gallagher, greg giles, colin brown, dary; crawley, keit eastwell, ian eustice, craig bodey, greg eason, russel madin, trevor remington, glenn mcgregor, simon higgins, geoff wilson, colin young, ron taylor, joyce lewis, alex maksacheff, john bainbridge

In 1972 prefects of the Ballarat Technical School were dispensed of replaced by Form Captains,White soft covered magazine with numerous small portraits. ballarat school of mines, ballarat junior technical school, ballarat technical school, r.g. dunlop, p. birgin, j. hennessy, heather durant, m. beverlander, i. mitaxa, j. mcculloch, m. harlock, m. palmer, l. condon, d. drake, t. mccue, s. bressan, r. cairns, a. murdoch, c. plumb, n. stevens, russell creek, greg robertson, hepburn springs, rodney curnow, smythesdale, barry griffiths, m. flacknoe, daryl crawley, joyce lewis, mervyn atkinson, gary lugg

World War 2 Army uniform trousers worn by Captain Noel West.World War 2Khaki coloured Mens trousers with fly with 3 buttons, hook at top, 2 buttons at back and 22 either side of fly. Pocket either side.costume, male uniform, military

World War 2 Army uniform jacket worn by Captain Noel WestWorld War 2Army khaki tunic with cotton lining, sleeves have striped lining. Tunichas 2top pleated pockets with pointed flaps. Two more large expanding pockets with on bottom,4 buttons with Australia map and Aust Military Forces on front with one each on pocket. Shoulder strap has pips. One Australia badge and one AMF button on each side. Lapels have a rising sun badge on each lapel. Back has one pleat on bottom of jacket. Belt has rectangle buckle with 2bottom waist adjusters. Sleeve has a vee shape on cuff. Right sleeve has 2 vee stripes (long service) In pocket envelope with piece of ribbon from 1939/1945 Star, Pacific Star, and efficiency medalcostume, male uniform, military

Part of World War 2 army uniform worn by Captain Noel WestWord War 2|Australian War Graves UnitArmy Khaki officers peaked cap. Rising sun badge on front with narrow leather strap around front of cap. Small button on back end of strap which has a map of Australia engraved in the centre. Leather binding around inside of capLondon Stores Ltd. opp GPO Melb.costume, male uniform, military