Showing 3008 items matching "williams"
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Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
Photograph of John Williams an Australian Army serviceman, this is one of a set of four (refer to item 00150). Williams is accompanied by five other servicemen of the 32nd Battery, 23rd Field Artillery Brigade. A note on the reverse of the photograph states "the other chaps are from Brims, the last place I was at in Victoria" and is dated 2/8/1916. This photograph was taken at Amesbury, Salisbury Plains, England. Printed from a digitally scanned file copied from the original photograph. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BENDIGO SALEYARDS COLLECTION: LETTER TO MR WILLIAMS
Letter to Mr Williams from C K Beamish, Town Clerk acknowledging receipt of his letter dated 21/12/1978 advising that the Superintendent of the Saleyards, Mr Harris has been instructed to attend to the matters raised in the letter. The second letter dated 25/1/1979 to TH Williams from C K Beamish, Town Clerk advising that Council has resolved to seek further information on the matter before a decision is made.bendigo, council, cattle markets, bendigo saleyards collection - letter to mr williams, city of bendigo, federated municipal and shire council employees' union, mr harris, c k beamish, t h williams -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Colour Print, Lilian Butler, 20/08/1971 12:00:00 AM
Possibly has a strong association with Mr. R. Williams and D. Powell, Ballarat tram crews.Colour print of R. Williams (Motorman) and D. Powell (badge 30) standing in front of a tram at Victoria St. The tram has the destination of Gardens via Sturt St West. Item was placed in an envelope marked "Mr. R. Williams" - retained with photograph in storage folder. Photo printed on Kodak Paper. Photograph by Lilian Butler? See also Reg Item 6520.1 for a slide of the same photograph. See Crew photo - Reg Item 1861.in ink on rear "With my compliments Lilian Butler - 20th August 1971"trams, tramways, victoria st, crews, drivers, conductors -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Margetson, Elisabeth, Now Yours - Now Mine by Elisabeth Margetson, 1945
Romance novel.Hardcover book, 224 pages. Cover of book is red with a paper image adhered to front. Title and author's name written in black ink on spine,fictionRomance novel.elisabeth margetson, romance, fiction -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Photograph
Photograph of John Williams an Australian Army serviceman, this is one of a set of four (refer to item 00150). This portrait was taken for a passport. Printed from a digitally scanned file copied from the original photograph. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Historians History of The World Vol 25
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. 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 Historians History of The World Vol 25 Index A comprehensive narrative of the rise and development of Nations as recorded by the great writers of all ages Edited by Henry Smith Williams Publisher: The Times Date: 1912Front loose endpaper has 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, 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 historians history of the world vol 25 -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Letter - Letter - Mr Williams to his daughter Eleanor Rebecca Jones, William Jones, 17/10/1854
These letters came to Portland on the 'City of Sydney' under Captain Henderson. This ship was owned by the Henty brothers. Captain James Fawthrop was the harbour master at Portland and also captain of the Portland Lifeboat crew at the time of the wrecking of the Admella in 1859.Hand-written letter in glass bottle. Letter written by Mr Williams Jones, Launceston, to his daughter Eleanor Rebecca Jones who was staying with Captain James Fawthrop at Windsor Cottage, Portland.captain james fawthrop, letter, bottle, windsor cottage -
Victoria Police Museum
Photograph (police car), Kodak
1948 Ford Mercury, registration number KM-701, with three men standing in front - left to right: I/C Wright, Supt Jackson, I/C Tom Williams, circa 1948police vehicles; transport branch; wireless patrol; motor police branch; motor traffic section; ford mercury car -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - DISPLAY CARD (MUSEUM) - BENDIGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY?
Typed Display Card (museum) - Bendigo Historical Society? Re collection item - door to (illiam) Lewis Williams' pharmacy. Relevant details on card. 'we are grateful that it has been preserved for such an occasion as this'organization, business, pharmacies -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - COHN BROTHERS COLLECTION: 1895 MEMORANDUM HANDWRITTEN NOTE
Cohns Bros printed memorandum dated 6th February 1895 handwritten note addressed to Mrs R. A. Williams per E. P. Hastings re: mortgage disharge signed Magnus Cohnbendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - EVA WILSON COLLECTION: HARGREAVES MALL CONSTRUCTION 1982
Image shows Hargreaves Mall under construction. Williams the Shoemen and Thomas Jewellers in photo. Cars in foreground of site.On back : Monday 1/3/82 a.m. looking towards Allan's Walk.'place, bendigo, hargreaves mall, bendigo, hargreaves mall -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Mitcham Methodist history, 1977
Historical notes on Mitcham Methodist, Mitcham Presbyterian and Mountview Uniting Church, by Eric Randles, B. Fabb and John Williams, with program 'Back to Mitcham' Pleasant Sunday Afternoon 5 June 1977Historical notes on Mitcham Methodist, Mitcham Presbyterian and Mountview Uniting Church, by Eric Randles, B. Fabb and John Williams, with program 'Back to Mitcham' Pleasant Sunday Afternoon 5 June 1977Historical notes on Mitcham Methodist, Mitcham Presbyterian and Mountview Uniting Church, by Eric Randles, B. Fabb and John Williams, with program 'Back to Mitcham' Pleasant Sunday Afternoon 5 June 1977mountview uniting church, mitcham, mountview presbyterian church, mitcham, methodist church mitcham, mitcham presbyterian church -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - OWEN WILLIAMS COLLECTION: SHARRATT & NEWTH CATALOGUES
Document. The Owen Williams collection. Two small abridged catalogues of Sharratt & Newth, glaziers' diamond and Lead Vice manufacturers. Products sold by Brooks, Robinson & Co., Ltd. Elizabeth St, Melbourne.bendigo, industry, glaziers, owen williams & co. glaziers -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - PETER ELLIS COLLECTION: GROUP OF MEN
Colour Photograph. Men under portable gazebo. Sausage making. Back of photo reads: Bullboar sausage making at Nariel ff. Ron Lewis John Williams Peter Ellis Wayne Blandford.photo, group, male -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Audio - Gramophone Record
Bakelite record by Zonophone Record England X-3-42137. "I shall have to ask my mother if she'll let me" sung by Billy Williams Size: 10 inch recordflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Detail, Cottage Entrance, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographDetail Cottage Entrance Williams Cottage Yarra Glen Rd Panton Hill Aug 1969 Photo - G.W.Bhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Detail, Front Wall, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographDetail of Front Wall Williams Cottage Yarra Glen Rd Panton Hill Aug 1969 Photo - G.W.Bhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Detail, Shed Wall, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Smiths Gully, Aug 1969, Aug 1969
EDHS Newsletter No. 182, September 2008 In the late 1970s when our Society was the Shire of Eltham Historical Society, an offer was made to the Society regarding use of an old cottage at Christmas Hills. For various reasons the offer ultimately lapsed The cottage sat beside Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham but following municipal restructuring it now lies within the Shire of Nillumbik. At that time some research on the cottage was carried out for the Society by Keith Chappel as part of a larger research project that he was doing. Keith's notes were taken from Lands Department records and showed that house is the subject of a permissive occupancy of Crown land comprising the creek reserve. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The documents show that the house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure that it is preserved. It included a video presentation on the history of the cottage under the title of "This Old House- Birch Cottage". Black and white photographDetail of Shed Wall Williams Cottage Yarra Glen Rd Panton Hill Aug 1969 Photo - G.W.Bhouses, cottage, early settlers, yarra glen road, smiths gully, williams cottage, watsons creek, christmas hills, birch cottage, edwin samuel birch, honor mary birch -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, No.9 Oban Road, Ringwood - 1981
Written on back of photograph, "E624, N15, 1981. No.9 Oban Road. North Ringwood Produce Store (Williams)". -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Mantel clock
19th century French marble and gilt drumhead mantel clock on brass adjustable feet. Blue and white enamel face with black Roman numerals. On a wooden base with a glass dome cover. Silver plate on the base: "Presented by the Hobart Town Wesleyan Christian Association to the Reveerand S. Williams their President 1866"hobart town wesleyan christiam association, williams, s. [rev] -
Bendigo Military Museum
Clothing - BOW TIE, Lido
Part of the Reverend Chaplain Major T.B. Williams No 556101 Collection.Black polycotton bow tie in its original priced packaging. Brand and cleaning instructions are printed on white backing card. Tie is fastened to the card with a pin. Tie and card are contained in a clear plastic bag.Price label on plastic bag: '660958478 FOR $4.60 EA'mess dress, uniform, clothing, major thomas b. williams -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph - original, Tatura Museum, 1988
Brian Williams, Ian Glover and James Crawford, working at Museum.Colour photograph of 3 Historical Society Members at working bee. 1988on back: working bee Museumtatura museum -
Malmsbury Historical Society
Photograph (Item), "Memorabilia Display, Horse Drawn Scarifyer", Malmsbury ca1988
Buildings - Town Hall People - "Slimmon Family,Len Williams" -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Costume - Motif
Owned by Patrice's Grandmother Elsie Doris Witten (nee Williams)Beaded motif. Gold, grey and pink beads fashioned into two daisies with two leaves beneath.beading, motif -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Costume - Needle package (needle)
Owned by Patrice's grandmother, Elsie Doris Whitten nee Williams.Needle package containing 5 needles with information on cover.Superior egg eyed double long No.2. Manufactured by A Shrimpton & Son Redditch Englandsewing, needle -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Decorative object - Lace, Beaded Lace Motif
Owned by Patrice's grandmother, Elsie Doris Whitten (ne Williams).Length of beaded motif. Black beading in the shape of flowers.beading, motif -
Tennis Australia
Racquet, Circa 1920
A wooden racquet with laminated concave throat, cloth tape shoulder reinforcements, with whipping, and deep grooved handle grip. Inscription across and along throat on obverse: DRIVA/WILLIAMS & CO. PARIS. Inscription across butt cover, in French: WILLIAMS & CO/1. RUE CAUMARTIN/PARIS/A GARDER SOUS PRESSE. Across throat on reverse is name and outlets of Swiss retailer, Och Freres. Materials: Wood, Gut, Cloth tape, Ink, Glue, Lacquer, Leather, Metal, Nylontennis -
Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens History Group
Work on paper - Robert Williams Blue Gum ?, Dedication Plaques in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, 7-9 January 1991
Director of Gardens M/s Claire Nailer nee Williams is asking for information about a Blue Gum dedicated to her Great Grandfather, Robert Williams. She is also asking whether a new plaque could be made also including her grandfather and father. This correspondence refers to the history of the Blue Gums in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens, the issue of dedication plaques missing and the lack of funds for replacements. Insight is also given into Philip Clingin's assiduous work. pp.1,3 & 4 are printed on City of Ballarat notepaper with City Logos and address in blue. p2 is a photocopied letter written in longhand.There is a note in longhand stapled to the right top corner of p.1.john garner, john garner collection, doctor, ballarat botanical gardens, curator, philip clingin, claire nailer nee williams, robert williams, major-general robert earnest williams, friends of ballarat botanical gardens, blue gums, williams family papers, weston bate, dedication plaques, director of gardens and parks, roy mosman, 1991, eucalyptus globulus, gardens, ballarat -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Mitre Saw Set, 1930-1955's
This Bodmann mitre saw set was used in the making of components for the ship model Sovereign of the Seas. It is part of a collection of objects used by Jim Williams, maker of fine ship models from about 1930-1955. Most of the components for the models, as well as many of the tools, were handmade by Jim Williams. Jim’s family has donated the ship model “Sovereign of the Seas” and many tools, accessories and documents used in the making of this and other ship models have been donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. ABOUT the BRAND NAME ON THE SAW - BODMANN and CO, Germany In 1927 the Brisbane Courier Mail described Bodmann and Co of Reinscheid, Germany as "manufacturers of guaranteed tools and hardware. It appears that at least the saw has been re-badges and sold by Bodmann because (1) there are remnants of a label on the saw blade similar in shape to the Bodmann label on the mitre set (2) the removed label reveals the name and logo of "ULMIA Schutz OTT Marke" (3) one of the "Bodmann" labels on the saw handle has been applied in a crooked manner, almost leaving off the last "N". ULMIA is a German manufacturer of high quality woodworking tools. A drawing of a very similar mitre bset with saw can be seen on the ULMIA website. In 2002 the long established company ANKE of Swabian Alb, Germany (makers of cut timber, workbenches and countertops) bought out the name and trademark rights of ULMIA. HISTORY OF SOVEREIGN OF THE SEA (brief) Ship model of HMS Sovereign of the Seas, scale model of 17th Century English war ship, was handmade and carved from plans, enclosed in airtight glass case. All components of that model, including even the smallest pulleys, were hand crafted using tools designed and made by Jim. Outstanding details include functional rigging and moving cannons. Please see our record 3732 of the mode Sovereign of the Seas for further details of the ship and the Jim Williams. This mitre saw set is connected with the hobby and skill of ship model making that has been crafted as a leisure activity for many generations. The hobby is often chosen by serving and retired mariners who appreciate the connection with maritime history. This mitre saw set was used by local Warrnambool man, Jim Williams, who was employed at Cramond and Dickson clothing store, and then at Fletcher Jones menswear for 27 years. It was used in making components for the model of the historic ship, the Sovereign of the Seas. The Sovereign of the Seas was a historic 17th century English war ship with important maritime heritage. Bodmann Mitre Saw set model 348, comprising metal, adjustable mitre saw on timber stand, and metal hand saw with Bakelite handle. The mitre saw is labelled with the trademark of Bodmann, Germany, and stamped with the model number 348. The saw has Bodmann trademark badges on each side of the handle; the text on one of these badges is not quite aligned. The saw blade has remnants of a label under which the stamped logo of ULMIA Schutz OTT Marke is clearly visible. Saw is fitted with two metal guides that slide onto vertical posts on the mitre saw. Metal measuring guide holds the wood job to the correct length. Saw has a protective brown paper wrapper. This mitre saw set is part of a collection of tools and accessories once used by Jim Williams, maker of a series of ship models 1930-1955 including “HMS Sovereign of the Seas”.On mitre saw- 2x logos "REGISTERED / BODMANN / TRADE MARK" and embedded stamp “348”. On saw - Remnant of logo on blade “ULMIA Schutz OTT Marke” with image of a church-like tall building, and 2x , "BEST QUALITY / BODMANN / MADE IN GERMANY” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, jim williams, james bernard williams, ship model hobby, ship model tools, ship model making equipment, ship model making accessories, wood working tool, model making tool, mitre box set, mitre saw, bodmann and co reinscheid, germany, ulna ott of of swabian alb, germany, anke of swabian alb, germany, sovereign of the sea, ship model, hobby, ship model tool, mitre saw set -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Historians History of The World Vol 1
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. 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 Historians History of The World Vol 1 set 3 A comprehensive narrative of the rise and development of Nations as recorded by the great writers of all ages Edited by Henry Smith Williams Publisher: The Times Date: 1908Front loose endpaper has 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, 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 historians history of the world vol 1, henry smith williams