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Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Wisteria Garden Party 1994
8 coloured photographs (a-h) of a 'Teddy Day' at the Wisteria festival in 1994nunawading historical society inc, wisteria garden party 1994 -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Accessory - Irish lace jabot, 1890-1910
One of a group of items including lace and crochet collars, a chid's dress and a wedding dress donated by KHS member, Kathryn (Kate) Gwynne Reeve (nee Marx) that belonged to members of her family. A jabot is a pleated frill of cloth or lace attached down the centre front of a woman's blouse or dress.Irish lace jabot. H 31.5 cm / W 35 cmjabots, lace -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Realia, 1870
Part of Pocket Watch no case & Key. Engraved H McGibbony Stawellstawell -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Realia, 1923
Share Certificate Stawell Woollen Mills. Issued to Edmund H Ghrimesstawell, manufacture -
Lilydale RSL Sub Branch
Certificate
Issued to Cpl CH Pooley VX120306 who served in CMF 1941-1942 and AIF 1942-1946Certificate of Discharge Australian Army - Cpl C H Pooley VX120306 -
University of Melbourne, School of Chemistry
Discharge Tubes
5 discharge tubes in a black box, one is Ar, two are H. -
Surrey Hills Historical Society Collection
Book - Prime Ministers' wives
Since Federation Australia has had twenty-four prime ministers. This book delves into the lives of the wives of ten of these men revealing how they survived the rigours of marriage to Australia's most powerful men. As well as describing these women's public activities, the author explores their private lives: their romances with the men who were to become prime ministers, their marriages, the joys and anxieties of childbirth and family life, the losses and infidelities. Taking us from the early days of Federation, these revealing portraits hold up a mirror to a changing Australia.23 cm H, 342 p; index; notes: 1 sourcesnon-fictionSince Federation Australia has had twenty-four prime ministers. This book delves into the lives of the wives of ten of these men revealing how they survived the rigours of marriage to Australia's most powerful men. As well as describing these women's public activities, the author explores their private lives: their romances with the men who were to become prime ministers, their marriages, the joys and anxieties of childbirth and family life, the losses and infidelities. Taking us from the early days of Federation, these revealing portraits hold up a mirror to a changing Australia.prime ministers' spouses -- australia -- biography, pattie deakin, elizabeth and mary hughes, enid lyons, elsie curtin, elizabeth chifley, pattie menzies, zara holt, margaret whitlam, tamie fraser, hazel hawke -
Clunes Museum
Photograph, ROGER PURCELL, COPY 1997
THIS COPY OF PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN FROM COLLAGE OF CLUNES GUN CLUB. JANUARY 1903. REG. NO. OF COLLAGE 1001.1.2.3COPY OF PHOTOGRAPH OF MR. H. SAMPSON. MEMBER OF CLUNES GUN CLUBlocal history, photography, photographs, gun club -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Postcard, J. Summerscales and Ballarat, "Sturt Sreet - Centre of Ballarat", c1908
Postcard from the publisher's office, next door to the Post Office Ballarat at the intersection of Sturt and Lydiard Streets. ESCo No. 3 is eastbound, the tram has a small roof advertisement. In the view are the National Mutual building, the Post Office, and Snows. On the left is the Robbie Burns Statue. Possilby not tram No. 3 (an ex Sydney C class tram) as it does not have the centre window vertical mullion - maybe No. 13 - see item 1647 showing this.Yields information about Sturt St Ballarat and ESCo tram No. 3.Postcard black and white, divided back, unused, H J Summerscales,tramways, trams, esco, sturt st, tram 3 -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Document (item) - Programme, City of Kew, Mayoral Dinner, 1937
The Municipality of Kew (1860-1863), the Borough of Kew (1863-1910), the Town of Kew (1910-1921) and the City of Kew (1921-1994) were local government instrumentalities in the State of Victoria. In 1994, the City of Kew was amalgamated, together with the former Cities of Camberwell and Hawthorn, into the new City of Boroondara (1994- ). Like other local government entities of the period, Kew was administered by town clerks. The two notable town clerks in Kew's history were H. H. (Henry Hirst) Harrison (1868-1955) and W. D. (William Dickie) Birrell (1899-1974). Harrison was appointed to the position in 1901 and retired in 1938 after 37 years. Birrell, appointed Acting Town Clerk in 1921, became Town Clerk in 1938, following Harrison's retirement. He continued in this role until his retirement in 1966.This card is part of an historically significant civic collection, containing hundreds of separate invitations, documents, greeting cards, programmes and tickets issued and/or collected by successive town clerks. Items in the collection illuminate the political, social and cultural history of the district. As a continuous record, ranging across most decades of the Twentieth Century, they reveal changing tastes in design, values and relationships in the history of local government in Victoria.MAYORAL DINNER/ ON THE OCCASION OF THE / ANNUAL INSPECTION / OF THE / CITY OF KEW / TOWN HALL, KEW / 14TH OCTOBER, 1937 / CR W D VAUGHAN / MAYOR Dates and names later changed in 1939 to 13TH OCTOBER, 1939 / CR H F MOGGcivic invitations -- kew (vic), mayoral dinners -- kew (vic.), w d vaughan -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - LONG GULLY HISTORY GROUP COLLECTION: LONG GULLY FOOTBALL CLUB 1926
Black and white photo of the Long Gully Football Club 1926. Gurnseys have vertical stripes and horizontal striped sleeves. Names are: C Rowe, J Steele, H Metcalf, T Paynting, W Trewarne, W Boucher, J Hoskin, Pat Kelly, Potter, H Salter, T Craig, J Martin, R Rosewarne, A Palmer, A Waterson, R Grenfell, B Whitford, H Beckensall, H Boucher, J Casley, B Bodilly, P Wellington and R Rowe.bendigo, history, long gully history group, the long gully history group - long gully football club 1926, c rowe, j steele, h metcalf, t paynting, w trewarne, w boucher, j hoskin, pat kelly, potter, h salter, t craig, j martin, r rosewarne, a palmer, a waterson, r grenfell, b whitford, h beckensall, h boucher, j casley, b bodilly, p wellington, r rowe, bartlett bros -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Ephemera - Leighton Collection: Theatrical Scrapbook
Herbert A. Leighton was an actor and elocution teacher known widely in the eastern states of Australia where he perforomed with his wife, Tracy Hamilton. However all was not as it seemed. In 1903 he was arrested in Perth after suspicions were raised when he purchased expensive clothes and jewellery for his wife. Subsequently, six thousand pounds in banknotes was found under his bed. Another fellow from his theatre group was also arrested and charged with bank robbery. Leighton was charged with receiving money knowing it was stolen. Investigations by the Perth police showed that Leighton was really Norman Campbell, born in Gippsland. He had worked as a bank clerk in the Victorian Savings Bank in Melbourne and in the same role at the Sydney Savings bank in NSW. During this time he amassed large sums of money by forgery, a crime he spent 7 years in prison for. He then emerged as the newly minted H. A. Leighton, actor and elocution teacher in Bendigo.Large format scrapbook collated by H.A. Leighton. Contains photographs, flyers, ribbons, banners, programs, invitations, newspaper clippings, posters, promotional photos of performers between 1901 and 1904. The material includes items from theatrical performances and programs from Bendigo and other cities. Includes information about Bendigo performers including Alex J Hamilton. Includes information about performers who visited Bendigo. Many of the items overlap others. The scrapbook has a heavy brown cover with black tape binding on the spine and the corners with brown paper pages. Written on the front cover Musical & Dramatic Notes in red and black ink plus a drawing of a standing woman in a long black dress with arms outstretched. Paper items have been glued onto the pages with several loose items. H A L. Fecit. In One Day. 29.11.00. Bendigo. Written inside the front cover on a drawing of an artist's palette.leighton, theatres, performers, music -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
World War 2 War Graves of Lara Men, Photograph of Head Stone of grave site Pte. A. Bowler at Bomana War Cementary, New Guinea and Grave Site of Flight Lieutenant J.S. Austin DFC grave site Adelaide River, N. T
Flt Lt J S Austin DFC, 400363. No 608 Sqn RAF, Nos 32, 13 & 2 Sqns. Stock agent of Lara, Vic; b Melbourne 15 May 1918. Died of illness 9 Nov 1943. Timor was the target for the night of 6 July, when Flight Lieutenant "Bunny" Austin (A16-207) led five Hudsons to bomb Koepang town. The next night he led back seven aircraft against the airfield at Penfoei, attacking before dawn on the 8th prior to United States Liberators bombing the runways and barracks. 75 Austin's aircraft was caught by Penfoei's master defensive searchlight, and Austin used violent evasion and switching on and off of his IFF equipment, a tactic used in Europe. The radar-controlled searchlights went out. Flying Officer Mick Helsham (A16-160) attacked first to act as a pathfinder and mark the target for the other Hudsons and Liberators:Full service records of J. S. Austin held by Lara R.S.L.Plain Sheet A4 paper with 2 photographs 1. A. Bowler W. 9.8 cm H. 13.8 cm photograph 2. J.S. Austin W. 1`5.9 cm H. 10.0 cmA4 sheet heading as: W.W. 2 War Graves of Lara Men. Note on photograph 1. Grave of A. Bowler, Bomana War Cemetery.r.a.f., graves, lara -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Trophy, Parkwood Secondary College - Four Quarters Cup 2005-2011, 2005
Presentation Cup awarded annuallyPresentation cup 28cm (h) x 30cm (w) Diam. at rim 18cm. The cup is mounted on a brown wooden base 22cm (sq) and 9 cm (h) +Additional Keywords: Parkwood Secondary CollegeParkwood Secondary College FOUR QUARTERS CUP -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - KELLY AND ALLSOP COLLECTION: DENTISTS' ACCOUNTS (UNUSED FORMS), 1910 - 1915
Dentists' Accounts (Unused forms)a. Account - Dr. to John Lay & Son, Eaglehawk Dental Surgery; G H Fetherston, Dentist, Manager , Lay's Pharmacy. B. To Mr G H Fetherston, Dentist.organization, business, bendigo businesses -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO. 3770 COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
Note from William H. Nicholas to Court King of the Forest giving notice that he has removed his residence to the White Hills. Signed by Wiliam H. Nicholas and dated October 9/66.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, william h nicholas -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Uniform - Naval Tally Bands
Naval Hat Bands ribbon with tied knot on side. Black ribbon with gold lettering.Ribbon one - H M A S CERBERUS. Ribbon two - H M A S QUEENBOROUGH. Ribbon three - H M A S NIRIMBA. -
St Kilda Historical Society
Photograph, St Kilda Rifle Team, winners of trophy in Sir George Turner's competition 1903
Photograph taken in garden of Ripponlea, home of Mr B Nathan in summer of 1914 (donated by M Vivian)Black and white photograph, very good condition.Original mounted, framed photograph. A Rowley, G Darling, G M Mitton, H Greenwell, H M Knox. H Bunn, H McQuade, J E LeGriffon, J H O Myers, J King, J Vivian, Sep. Wilson, V Kelly, W H Mills, W J Bayley -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Instrument - Weights and Measures, Troy Weight Set, c 1865
Troy weight is a system of units of mass from an unknown origin. While the name Troi is believed to have come from Troyes in the north east of France the system used primarily in the precious metals industry and adopted in Australia originated in 15th century England. Troy weight units are the 'grain' and 'pennyweight' (24 grains), the troy ounce (20 pennyweights), and the troy pound (12 troy ounces). One troy ounce equals 31.1034768 grams. The troy ounce and grain were also part of the apothecaries' system and was long used in medicine, but has now been largely replaced by the metric system (milligrams). When the Weights and Measures Act was passed in Victoria in 1862 local inspectors were established throughout the colony to ensure accuracy particularly in the weighing of gold. By the 1870's each local council had a set of standards that were used to test the scales, weights and measures of local merchants and businesses. This set would have been de commissioned some time after 1947 and was offered back to the Borough of Eaglehawk in 1989. Hinged, lockable wooden box with brass handle, hinges, latches and lock. Remnant wax on front face of box above and below lock. Interior of box is lined with purple velvet which is worn in several places. Box houses nine troy weights ranging in size from 100oz Troy to 2oz Troy. 1oz Troy is missing. Accompanying set is a two page letter from Weights and Measures Branch of Consumer Affairs offering set back to the Borough of Eaglehawk in 1989. Troy Weights: Part a) 100oz Weight, 68 mm Diameter at base x 113 mm H b) 50 oz Weight, 53 mm D x 90 mm H c) 30 oz Weight, 45 mm D x 77 mm H d) 20 oz Weight, 39 mm D x 65 mm H e) 16 oz Weight, 37 mm D x 60 mm H f) 8 oz Weight, 30 mm D x 47 mm H g) 4 oz Weight, 24mm D x 36 mm H h) 2 oz Weight, 19mm D x 28 mm H i) 1oz missing Hinged Wooden Box: Part j)171 mm H x 300mm W x 196 mm D Typed two page letter: Part k) 295 mm H x 210 mm W x 1 mm Top Troy: Each Troy weight stamped with small symbol made up of the number 5, an image of a crown and the word STANDARD. Side Troy : Each Troy weight stamped with small symbol made up of the number 5, an image of a crown and the word STANDARD above a series of date stamps recording every time the weight was tested. Date stamps: 30.4.1866; 16.9.81, 30 12.86; 1.2.92; 10.5.97; 15.1.04; 10.2.09; 17.12.14; 20.4.20; 29.9.25; 23.1.31; 18.6.36; 14.7.41: 11.7.47 Exterior Top of Box: Remnant of paper pasted to wood. Faint printed text 'ON HIS MAJESTY'S SERVICE'.borough of eaglehawk, making a nation exhibition, city of greater bendigo commerce -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Rule Book, Malvern Electric Tramways Club, "Malvern Electric Tramways Club - Rules and Constitution", Feb. 1941
Booklet - 16 pages centre stapled with in a purple red stippled cover outlining the "Malvern Electric Tramways Club - Rules and Constitution", dated 27/2/1941. Note on page 3, that the club was to consist and limited MMTB male employees. One its aims was to promote and maintain a sick, accident and funeral fund. Rule 42 has been amended by a paste over section over the rule itself and rule 50 amended by another paste in section on the inside of the rear page. .1 - Second copy - undated with different cover, but similar rules, no amendments, issue to "Bounds E. H Conductor" in ink on the first page..1 - Has "Bevis 1189" in pencil on first page. .2 - Has "Bounds E. H. Conductor" in ink on second page.trams, tramways, rules, social club, sickness, welfare, malvern depot -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Grapefruit Soda
Slight Rust on the lid on the label there is a picture of a woman drinking from a grapefruit through a strawThis Bottle can not legally be used by others person H. Taylor H. Taylor Melbourne -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard
Postcards sent by "R.H. Baron" from his deployment in France and Belgium post the end of WW1. Part of the Robert H. Baron (No.3596) and Cooper Collections. See catalogue No. 1981P for details of Baron's service.1. & 2. Each has the same illustration on the front. Illustration in colour features a French soldier in uniform and a woman. In the background are trees, buildings and a church. Text is in French. 3. Coloured hand drawn illustration featuring a farm scene. Horse and wagon full of hay in foreground. Trees and farmhouse in background. 4. Colour illustration features pansies and a swallow. Text in French.1. Handwritten in pencil on back: 'Letter from R.H. Baron to his mother'. 2. Handwritten in pencil on back: 'Letter from R.H. Baron to Elsie'. 3. Handwritten in pencil on back: 'Letter from R.H. Baron to his Aunty' - dated 1/3/1919. 4. Handwritten in pencil on back: 'Letter from R. H. Baron to Myrtle'.robert h. baron, cooper collection, ww1, postcard -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Document - Invoice for furniture, H Turner, 10 Apr 1913
Ken Turner kept these invoices. They were from when his parents moved into 298 Nott Street, Port Melbourne in 1913. They lived the rest of their lives in this house, which later became 190.Photocopies of two page invoice for furniture purchased by H. Turner, with list of items purchased when furnishing a new home 10.4.1913. Furniture purchased from H Ackman Pty Ltd, Smith St Fitzroydomestic life, herbert turner, h ackman -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Poster, Guardian Print, Tatura and Kyabram, Gala Dance, 1950's
Associated with the Kindergarten, Francis Street, Tatura building appeal of early 1950's. Dancing and Euchre.Poster advertising "Gala Dance" and euchre party in aid of Tatura Kindergarten building appeal. Printed by The Guardian with red ink. Admission 7/6. Advertisements from L. H. Collison and H. E. Blake.tatura kindergarten -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Fiction, H Rider Haggard, author, Montezumas Daughter, 1893
H. Rider Haggard (1856-1925), a British author, wrote fiction and non-fiction works and had letters and articles published in newspapers and journals. He referred to this adventure novel, Montezuma's Daughter, as the last of his best work. During his research in this book, in 1891, his only son passed away. The publisher firm, Longmans, Green & Co, was originally founded in 1724 in London by Thomas Longman under the name Longman. In August of that year, he bought the two shops and goods of William Taylor and set up his publishing house there at 39 Paternoster Row. The shops were called Black Swan and Ship, and it is said that the 'ship' sign was the inspiration for Longman's Logo. After many changes of name and management, the firm was incorporated in 1926 as Longmans, Green & Co. Pty Ltd. The firm was acquired by Pearson in 1968 and was known as Pearson Longman or Pearson PLC.The book is significant as being what the author considered was 'the last of his best work'. It is also important for its connection to the publisher Longmans, Green and Co., of London, a firm that has been established for over two centuries, renowned for publishing encyclopedias, dictionaries, books on English grammar, textbooks, poetry, reference books, novels, magazines and more. The book has additional importance for its connection to the Pattison Collection, which, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institutes’ Collection. 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.Montezumas Daughter Author: H Rider Haggard Publisher: Longmans Green Date: 1893 A novel in a red, hardcovered book with a reinforced spine with a handwritten title, front cover has gold embossed title. Inscriptions include stickers and a stamp. It is part of the Pattison Collection.The spine has no number but it is recorded as "PAT 823 HAG" The Pastedown front endpaper sticker "Warrnambool Public Library" Front loose endpaper sticker: "Corangamite Regional Library Service" Front loose endpaper stamp: "Corangamite Regional Library Service"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, montezumas daughter, h rider haggard, longmans green and co., thomas longman, paternoster row london, free library -
Orbost & District Historical Society
branding iron, Late 19th century - mid 20th century
Branding irons are used to print a burn an identifying marker on the hide of horses or cattle so that they may be later identified if they become lost or escape from their pasture. The irons were typically forged by blacksmiths using a toolset that included hammers, anvils and chisels. The branding irons were used by heating the end bearing the owner’s initials to a very high temperature in a furnace, and then burnishing it against the skin of the cow. Brands were registered with state governments as unique marks. This allowed for a state registry to be maintained. This branding iron was used in Orbost. This item is an example of an implement commonly used in the livestock industry in Orbost.A long-handled branding iron with J H at the end. There is a hanging loop at the top.branding-iron rural livestock-industry -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Postcard
Black and White postcard, General Gordon. (SH 110.1 Ships F - H).flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, general gordon, post card, postcard -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Postcard
Black and White Postcard, General Gordon. (SH 110.2 Ships F - H).flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, general gordon, post card, postcard -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Yonder
Pattison Collection 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 area 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 during 1942 to 1942 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 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. Yonder Author: E H Young Publisher: Jonathan Cape Date: 1931 Label on spine with typed text PAT FIC YOU Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Serviceyonder, e h young, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, warrnambool, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, 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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, An Englishman Looks At the World
Pattison Collection 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 have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. An Englishman Looks At the World Author: H G Wells Publisher: Cassell & Co The label on the spine with typed text PAT 824 WEL 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 warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, an englishman looks at the world, h g wells, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library