This album was presented to the Earl of Stradbroke by the Fathers of Soldiers and Returned Soldiers 16/02/1923. Photo of rocky cliff at Cape Woolamai with Bass Strait in background.Photograph of rocky cliff at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island.Rose Series P 3439. The Rocky Cliff, Cape Woolamai, Phillip Is., Vic.phillip island, cape woolamai, rocky cliffs at cape woolamai, earl of stradbroke

This album was presented to the Earl of Stradbroke by the Fathers of Soldiers & Returned Soldiers 16/2/1923. Photo of the rocks at Kitty Millers Bay, Phillip IslandPhotograph of the rocks on the shore at Kitty Millers Bay, Phillip Island, at low tide. Rose Series P 3429. Kitty Miller's Bay, Cowes, Phillip Is., Vic.phillip island, kitty millers bay, earl of stradbroke

This album was presented to the Earl of Stradbroke by the Fathers of Soldiers and Returned Soldiers 16/2/1923. Photo shows rugged rocks with wavers breaking around the shoreline.Photograph of the rugged coastline at Cape WoolamaiThe Rose Series P. 681. The rugged coast, Cape Woolamai, Phillip is., Victoriaphillip island, cape woolamai, rugged coastline, earl of stradbroke

George Cox was in Gibraltar with the British Navy when he heard about "gold" in Australia. In his latter days, as the mailman, he was granted a fisherman's license which enabled him to build a hut on the foreshore below the Isle of Wight and eastward of the Jetty. This is shown in the photograph.Scene of beach and tongue of land leading to the beach. The Jetty shed is mostly obscured by trees. George Cox's hut is tucked into the sweep of corner on the foreshore, large trees behind it.The Rose Series P 673 Near the pier Cowes, Phillip Island, Victorialocal history, photographs, george cox's hut, cowes foreshore, sepia photograph, betty kus collection, george cox, mailman, foreshore hut, phillip island, bruce bennett

From Jessie Smith's collection. The S.S. Genista was an early steamer running between Stony Point, Cowes, Rhyll and San Remo c.1880's.Sepia Photograph - close-p of S.S.Genista with stern in line with pier. Man leaning over edge of pier at middle left.The Rose series P655 - S.S. Genista leaving the pier, Cowes Victoria. Copyright.local history, photographs, shipping, maritime technology, ferries, cowes, phillip island, sepia photograph, water transport cowes, jessie smith collection, stan mcfee

Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden. 1975View down Main Street to Bay and newly planted Cypresses within tree guards approx 1911-1912Main Street, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria. The Rose Series P 3413local history, documents, postcards, cowes, phillip island, sepia postcard, cypresses

Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden. 1975Postcard showing unmade road through trees leading to Back Beach, Phillip Island. (Thompson Avenue)Road to the Back Beach, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria. The Rose Series P662local history, documents, postcards, phillip island, black & white postcard, back beach road phillip island, bernard grayden

Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden. 1975View of Cliffs and seaBack Beach, near The Pyramid, Phillip Island, Victoria. The Rose Series P668local history, documents, postcards, cliffs, sea, phillip island, sepia postcard, the back beach near pyramid rock, bernard grayden

Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden 1975Postcard of rocks near Forrest Caves, Phillip Island. Eight male & female figures standing on top.Near Forest Caves, Cowes, Phillip Island. The Rose Series P 3435local history, documents, postcards, rocks, forest caves, phillip island, sepia postcard, people, bernard grayden

Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden 1975Postcard of The Pinnacles and rocks at Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island."The Pinnacles", Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, Victoria. The Rose Series P 678local history, documents, postcards, the pinnacles, cape woolamai, phillip island, sepia postcard., bernard grayden

Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden. 1975Postcard of track known as Lover's Walk through trees along foreshore at Cowes, Phillip Island."The Lover's Walk, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria". The Rose Series. P 3403local history, documents, postcards, walking track, cowes, phillip island, sepia postcard, lover's walk cowes, bernard grayden

Part of collection donated to the Museum by Mr. Bernard Grayden. 1975Postcard showing unmade Beach Road, Cowes, with fences and Pine trees.The Beach Road, Cowes, Phillip Island, Victoria. The Rose Series P 674local history, documents, postcards, beach road, cowes, phillip island, sepia postcard, beach road cowes, bernard grayden

St Kilda Beach, with Sea Baths on left and Pier on rightblack and white postcard, unmounted, original, good conditionA View From the Yacht Club.St Kilda. Vic.The Rose series P13333. Copyright

Photocopy of Postcard "Elouera"The Rose Series p3642 "ELOUREA" Warburton Vic. Honeymoon Venue for Jack And Madge

Colour Photograph: 5 females in period dress c 1900Tracy Walker, Lyn Seng Pha, Rose Altman, Rachel & Jan Bishopstawell historial society

Alfred Benjamin Lokan Born 2/12/1894. Died Stawell 10/5/1981. Married to Ottilie Meta with four children. In Identities Index. Resident of 14 Shirreff StreetSix draft horses in harness with wagon piled high with Mallee Roots. Alfred Benjamin Lokan standing beside cart.Horses Names : Rose Lofty Bess Prince Boxer Kate A B Lokantransport

River scene of the wharf and the buildings lining the street behind. Black and white photograph taken from Battery Hill looking across Moyne river at Merrijig Inn, Customs House and Courthouse The Rose Series P.1142 copyright- The Moyne River and Port Fairy Victoriastreet, town, moyne, river, couta boat, courthouse, merrijig

Black and white Photograph of East beach looking East South East with dunes in the foreground and the bay and Griffith Island in the background taken for use as a postcardThe Rose Series P.1144. Copyright East Beach Port Fairy Victoriaeast beach, dunes, sea, ocean, griffith island

The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Black and white Photograph of the path running along the river side of the gardens with trees overhanging the walkThe Rose Series P 1139 The Lovers Walk in the Gardens, Port Fairy, Vic.lovers walk - gardens, path, botanical, trees

M.J.Horan's post office and general store with the mail car out the frontBlack & white photograph of a weatherboard building (shop) with a verandah and a large lantern in front and carMail car Orford Real Photo Post card, the "Rose" series deluemail, car, orford, m.j.horan, post office, store

Post card of the Moyne River BridgeBlack and white photograph of the Moyne river and Bridgehe Rose Series P. 10810 The Moyne River and Bridge, Port Fairybridge, moyne river, traffic, road

Hardcover publication with a dust cover featuring a black and white photograph "threshing at Oakley in 1907. John Donaldson's machine, Andrew James Donaldson operating. Title lettering in Green and white.non-fictionwilliam donaldson, rose donaldson, cheryl elliot, temora, tatura, donaldson, harston

One box of assorted stereoscopic sepia photos. A pile of loose cards - assorted scenes.On lid-"The Rose Stereographs". On photos-Copywright -1914 by Geo. Rose. Back of some cards-handwritten J. McDonald. Each card is numbered. Stamped -Herodotus Studio - Hawthorne G.C. Greenham photographersteregraph postcards audio-visual rose-stereograph

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

Royal Princess Theatre, Bendigo. Programme ''Iolanthe'' or the Peer and the Pearl. Main actors: Mr. Alex Hamilton, Mr. S. Horwood, Mr. W. Cahill, Mr. E. Allen Bindley, Mr. R. Eddy, Mr. Tom Pritchard, Miss Eva Crowther, Miss Rose O'Mahoney, Miss Addie Campbell, Miss Lillian Orchad, Miss Rose Spargo, Miss Addie Keating and Miss Florence Quinn.program, theatre, concert

Document. Greeting Cards. Small whitish card, bookmark size with 2 holes at the top and a piece of pink cord tied in them. At the top and printed in red with gold edge is: Mizpah. Below this is a pale pink rose, a darker pink rose, some yellow flowers and some violet buds. At the bottom, printed in brown is: The Lord watch between Me and Thee. Gen. 31.49. Embossed in the bottom left corner is: Made in Germany.person, greeting cards, malone collection, malone collection, greeting cards

Three people a grouped around a computer monitor. The man wearing a tie is John Mildren M.P., standing next to him is Peter Kellock, and student Rose Douglas sits at the computer. computer, john mildren, peter kellock, rose douglas, avr centre

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 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 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. The Life of Napoleon 1 Vol 1 Including new material from the British Official Records Author: John Holland Rose Publisher: George Bell and Sons Date: 1902Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 NAP Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, 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, great ocean road, the life of napoleon vol 1, john holland rose

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 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 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. The Life of Napoleon 1 Vol 2 Including new material from the British Official Records Author: John Holland Rose Publisher: George Bell and Sons Date: 1902Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 NAP Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, 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, great ocean road, the life of napoleon vol 2, john holland rose