This image was taken of the diggings at Spring Creek. In February 1852 gold was discovered at Spring Creek, Beechworth. Within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: BMM6926 / BEECHWORTH FROM SPRING CREEK 1865 spring creek, beechworth, burke museum, 1865, gold rush

This was taken in 1865 of Spring Creek, Beechworth. Gold was discovered in this area in 1852 and within eleven months of this discovery, over 8000 hopeful prospectors had descended on the region, transforming the seemingly undisturbed land into what a visiting journalist in 1880s referred to as; "A Titan's Field". Huge mounds of earth were churned by hundreds of miners in search for gold, almost every available resource the land had to offer was used for something; even the bark off the gums were stripped to line huts and shafts. By 1857 more than 20,000 people lived in Beechworth, and with this influx the town prospered with the building of numerous churches, banks, schools, shops and hotels along with a prison and hospital.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper and is mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Revese: 97.22.95 / 7772 / 25/1 / beechworth, burke museum, gold rush, 1865

Taken in Beechworth 1859, this photograph depicts the south side of Ford street looking towards the Methodist Church. The Methodist Church was built in 1857, and was the first permanent church building on the Ovens goldfields. It was one of the first permanent churches built on the Victorian goldfields, and the first on the Ovens goldfield. It demonstrates the rapid development which occurred in the goldfield towns following the discovery of gold in the early 1850s. It reflects the importance of Methodism in Victoria at this time, and the early activities of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in taking their religious message to the gold miners. [https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/104] The buildings ceased being used as a church in 1966 when the Methodist and Congregational churches in Beechworth amalgamated.Black and white rectangular photograph. Image is printed on matte photographic paper. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: 7775 Ford St Looking Southwest 1859 Burke Museum Beechworth beechworth, ford street, methodist church, 1859

Taken in Beechworth 1928, this photograph depicts Camp Street with an array of cars lined up and and people walking among them with a row of flags hung up across the street. The Back to Beechworth celebrations were held from Thursday 5th April 1928 until the following Wednesday. An estimate 750 people returned to Beechworth for the events that included church services, a ball, a picture show, cricket march, special dinner and a band recital. The event was planned to celebrate Beechworth winning the Sun News Pictorial Ideal Town Competition. Black and white rectangular photograph. Obverse: Back to Beechworth 1928 Reverse: BMM7782 56 burke museum, camp street, 1928, beechworth

Taken in Beechworth, this photograph depicts Albert Road looking towards the Ovens and Murray Benevolent Asylum. In the center of the image are figures standing of a bridge. The Ovens Benevolent Asylum (or the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged) was constructed in 1862 on an elevated site overlooking the township of Beechworth. This Asylum was built in response to boom in population due to the discovery of Gold in Beechworth in 1852. This period also saw the development of additional administration buildings such as; the Court house, the Town Hall, and offices. The original Benevolent Asylum building was designed in an unusual Flemish Gothic Revival style. The single storey building is of red brick on a dressed granite base, and the main facade is dominated by four curved, Flemish gable ends, those at the extremities being added to the original central section in 1867. This facade incorporates paired windows of pointed Gothic form and dark brick diaperwork patterning. The adjacent J. A. Wallace Wing of 1899 was designed by Donald Fiddes as a separate building. Also constructed of red brick, Fiddes adopted a conservative approach, designing a simple domestic scale building with central projecting gable porch and flanking bull nosed verandahs. The Benevolent Asylum was renamed the Ovens Benevolent Home in 1935 and The Ovens and Murray Home in 1954. Many buildings have been added to this site, particularly since the 1960s, including a poorly sited addition to the front of the original building. Extensive internal renovations have also been made to the original buildings. [https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/118]Black and white rectangular photograph. The image is printed on matte photographic paper. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: BMM7590 1997.2848 AO2848 beechworth, albert road, benevolent, asylum, burke museum, photograph, black and white

This photograph was taken of an avenuw of acacias on Sydney Rd, Beechworth. Picture on the left hand-side is a row of Liquidamber trees also known as American storax, hazel pine, bilsted, redgum, satin-walnut, star-leaved gum, alligatorwood, or simply sweetgum. On the right is a row of English Oak trees commonly known as common oak, pedunculate oak, or European oak. Behind the English oaks is Old Beechworth Goal. Many of the trees in the Beechworth township were planted in the 1860's and today have exceptional historical, botanical or cultural value. Their place within the built environment reflects the importance in the Victorian era of town planning for a community, wealthy in gold and civic pride.Black and white rectangular photograph. The image is printed on gloss photographic paper and mounted on cardboard. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: 7760 The old Acacia Avenue alongside the jail. Sydney Road Beechworth Gardens & Parks beechworth, acacia avenue, gaol, sydney road, burke museum, photograph, post card, english oak, liquidambar

Taken in Beechworth 1876, this panoramic photograph depicts Ford Street looking North. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on gloss photographic paper. Obverse: NO INSCRIPTION Reverse: 84-215-1 Panorama Streets Beechworth 1876 Town viewsbeechworth, ford street, town views, panorama

Taken in Beechworth, this photograph was taken from from close to Church Street intersection with Ford.Black and white rectangular post card.Obverse: F & V Series No 4 FORD ST BEECHWORTH, LOOKING.S Reverse: 1997.2753 AO2753 POST CARDbeechworth, ford street, town views

Taken in 1924, depicted are eleven young men dressed in school uniform attire standing in the playground of Beechworth State School. This group of young men were part of a farcical play titled "School Days" as part of Beechworth State School Concert series. Beechworth Primary School (formally known as Beechworth State School) was constructed in 1875 by architect Henry Bastow (1839 - 1920). Bastow was the chief architect and surveyor for the Victorian Government’s Department of Education. During his chiefship, over six-hundred schools were constructed across the state which was in response to the Victoria’s Education Act of 1872 legislating free, compulsory, and secular education. Performances such as this “School Days” play were common forms of entertainment within Beechworth up into the early twentieth century. This stems from the goldrush period in Beechworth (1852-1866) when travelling entertainers would tour the goldfields offering performances in singing, acting and circus tricks. These were usually held in a local pub or designated concert spaces, such as the Star Theatre in Beechworth. Entertainment offerings begun to slow down mid-twentieth century when the population begun to dwindle. Many locals took up this responsibility and put on their own plays and shows across the town. This photograph is historically significant as it provides insight into the types of entertainment activities held at the Beechworth School during the early twentieth century. It also demonstrates how students engaged with their school outside of their regular schoolwork. Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper mounted on board. Obverse: W.Howes / Beechworth Concert Party 1924 / State School / Beechworth Cyril Smith (Squidgy) / Keith Prowse / Bill Howes / J. Warde / J. Heatherly (Jumbo) / Gea Foster / B. Shallard (Shinky) / A. Foster / Ernie Smith / Jerry Burns / Ted Warden / School Master / Geo Foster in a Farscial Play “School Days” / Reverse: A03065 / 1997.2520 / 79.19.1 / school uniform, beechworth school, school days", concert series., henry bastow, beechworth primary school, victorian government’s department of education, education, victoria’s education act of 1872, beechworth state school

The photograph is a reproduction of a lantern slide produced in 1880. The image depicts a circus arriving in town. The wagons are being pulled by an elephant.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 3291 / A03291 /entertainment album, circus, beechworth, 1800s, lantern slide, elephants, animals, performance, entertainment

Depicted is James Ashton (also known as Jim Ashton), a circus proprietor, crouched beside a seated small girl (or a lady with dwarfism). The two are dressed in formal attire, James is wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and together with the girl holding a small bouquet of flowers.James Ashton was the son of James Henry Ashton. James Henry Ashton founded Ashton Circus in the early 1800s, well before Federation. For over 160 years Ashton Circus has travelled to both regional towns and big cities, bringing joy to the people of Australia. Generations of the Ashtons crossed desserts and flooded rivers, drove over snow-covered mountains, fended off bushrangers, and even ventured where there were no roads to reach the communities that have loved and inspired our family of performers for over a century. People came from all around to enjoy Ashton Circus. In the 1800s, Ned Kelly watched our show on a number of occasions and even enjoyed tea with the performers after the show. The Ashton Family has grown and changed over eight generations since James Henry Ashton started his circus. Our family continues this great tradition, proud that we still bring affordable family entertainment to our fellow Australians. Today, the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th generations of the Ashton family are still on tour, operating three individual circuses throughout Australia- each of having grown from the same roots.Black and white oval reproduced photograph printed on rectangular paper mounted on cardboardObverse: Jim Ashton was the first generation in Aus-/ tralia. His father came out in the 1840's and/ established a circus that toured the country. (printed)/ Reverse: 1997.2560 (in pencil)/ about 1860 (in blue pen)/ A02560 (in pencil)/entertainment album, burke museum, beechworth, circus, ashton circus, james ashton, jim ashton

Depicted are five unidentified performers. Two of them are guiding a prop. One of the male performers is wearing a mask. A sign in the background reads "Rayner Myrtleford", referring to Rayner St in Myrtleford; a town located approximately 28km south of Beechworth.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5667 /entertainment, entertainment album, performance, arts, theatre, play, theatrical group, myrtleford, beechworth, rayner st

Taken in c. 1912-13, depicted are fifteen young men dressed in suits and hats. They are posing around a park bench located in the Town Hall Gardens, Beechworth.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on card.Reverse: Beechworth boys / 97.2333 / POST CARD / KODAK CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / AUSTRAL / BR / - / - / - / 4 George Alexander / KODAK / 1912 - 13? /entertainment album, entertainment, beechworth, town hall gardens, postcard, 1910s

The postcard depicts a large group of young men and women posing inside the Beechworth Town Hall. They are attending the Back to Childhood Ball in Beechworth on 3 November 1937. Joining them is a small goat in the front row.The postcard provides insight into entertainment, leisure and recreation in Beechworth during the 1930s. It enriches the community's understanding of how entertainment has developed in Beechworth since the early twentieth century.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Obverse: a memento of the Back To Childhood Ball "Beechworth" / 3.11.37 / Reverse: 3708 / POST CARD / KODAK / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / AUSTRAL / A / AUSTRAL / KODAK / N. R. McGEEHAN, (Flashlight Specialist.) / 154 HOTHAM ST., ST. KILDA. S. 2. /entertainment, entertainment album, beechworth, 1930s, goat, recreation, performance, leisure, back to childhood ball, social

Printed in the late 1880s, the postcard features a photograph of Charles Sherwood Stratton (professionally known as General Tom Thumb) and his wife, Lavinia Warren Stratton. Accompanying this image are a pair of black calf boots. Charles Sherwood Stratton and Lavinia Warren Stratton were American performers who traveled with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, founded by Phineas Taylor (P. T.) Barnum. They each participated in various acts including singing, dancing, miming, and celebrity impersonations. Both Charles and Lavinia gained international fame for their successful careers and small physical stature. Charles and Lavinia performed in Australia in August 1870. The duo were joined by their touring party as part of the Barnum & Bailey Circus "Round the World" tour. They performed at three evening events and two matinees in Beechworth during this time. Charles, Lavinia, P. T. Barnum and the circus inspired the musical drama film, "The Greatest Showman" (2017).The postcard is historically significant due to Charles Sherwood Stratton's status as an internationally renowned performer. It also provides insight into the arts in Victoria during the late nineteenth century, illustrating the type of entertainment that was enjoyed by the public during this time.Black and white rectangular postcard printed on card.Obverse: A pair of General Tom Thumb's boots presented to / the town of Beechworth, where he and three other / dwarfs gave 3 night & 2 matinee performances 1870 / General Tom Thumb toured Europe as the star of / Barnum's famous circus giving impersonation acts / He was a great favourite of Queen Victoria / He was then 34 years old and 31 inches high / His wife was 34 inches / Reverse: 3706 / POST / CARD / KODA / CORRESPONDENCE / ADDRESS ONLY / KODAK / KODAK / A02450 /entertainment album, general tom thumb, charles sherwood stratton, lavinia stratton, circus, p.t. barnum, barnum and bailey circus, arts, performance, recreation, entertainment

It is believed that the photograph was taken between 1899 - 1903. Depicted is a group of fourteen unidentified young men dressed in Australian military uniforms. A few of them are holding swords. This group were part of the Beechworth Mounted Rifles; a voluntary detachment of the Australian Light Horse Militia. This unit consisted of soldiers from the Euroa, Longwood, Violet Town, Benalla, Thoona, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, and Beechworth Detachments of Victorian Rifles, and subsequently formed into the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment (Victorian Mounted Rifles). The Victorian Mounted Rifles was gazetted as a volunteer formation on 2 December 1885 with the aim of consolidating all the disparate calvary units dispersed across Victoria into a coordinated and single administrative and military unit. Two contingents of the Victorian Mounted Rifles fought during the Second Boer War (11 October 1889 - 31 May 1902). This conflict was fought between the British Empire and two independent Boer states; the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, over the Empire's influence in South Africa.The photograph is historically significant due to its connection to the Second Boer War and Australian Light Horse Regiment. This significance is enhanced by Australia's involvement in this war, specifically of the Victorian Mounted Rifles. This unit retains a special significance within Victorian culture, as there is a memorial and monument - erected in 1903 - honouring their service on St. Kilda Road in Melbourne. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, and the ANZAC legend. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military and defence policies. Lastly, as the Victorian Mounted Rifles remain a largely unexplored topic in comparison to other military units and divisions, the record presents a unique opportunity for further and important study and research.Sepia rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: BMM2638 / 071 1NA211 22JAN98 FOTOSUPPLIES........ ........................................ /military album, beechworth mounted rifles, australian light horse militia, second boer war, victorian mounted rifles, australian light horse regiment, military, war, british empire, south africa, 1800s, 1900s, australian army

Taken in 1908, the photograph depicts a long line of Australian soldiers riding atop horses. They marching down Ford St, Beechworth. This group were part of the Beechworth Mounted Rifles; a voluntary detachment of the Australian Light Horse Militia. This unit consisted of soldiers from the Euroa, Longwood, Violet Town, Benalla, Thoona, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, and Beechworth Detachments of Victorian Rifles, and subsequently formed into the 8th Australian Light Horse Regiment (Victorian Mounted Rifles). The Victorian Mounted Rifles was gazetted as a volunteer formation on 2 December 1885 with the aim of consolidating all the disparate calvary units dispersed across Victoria into a coordinated and single administrative and military unit. The Victorian Mounted Rifles fought in the Second Boer War (1889 - 1902), although it is unknown if the group depicted in this image were involved in the conflict.The photograph is historically significant due to its connection to the Australian Light Horse Regiment, specifically of the Victorian Mounted Rifles. This unit retains a special significance within Victorian culture, as there is a memorial and monument - erected in 1903 - honouring their service on St. Kilda Road in Melbourne. The record has strong research potential. This is due to the ongoing scholarly and public interest in war, military history, and the ANZAC legend. The historic context of this record can provide insight into Australia's history, military and defence policies. Lastly, as the Victorian Mounted Rifles remain a largely unexplored topic in comparison to other military units and divisions, the record presents a unique opportunity for further and important study and research.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.military album, military, war, wwi, world war i, beechworth, ford st, parade, horses, mounted rifles, soldiers, victorian mounted rifles, australian light horse militia

The album tells the story of ports visited by Allan Charles Quinn during his service on board the M/S "Mongabarra". He signed on in San Francisco on December 1, 1949. Note this trip overlapped with the Album (00278) which documents the next trip Quinn made to Africa out of Gothenburg. The album preserves a 1950s perspective of a Merchant Seaman and his experience of the respective Ports at that time. The Collection is especially useful when viewed along with contemporary Quinn family correspondence.Album with metal Metal binder rings at spine and beige fabric cover with gouache printed colour design featuring scandinavian buildings. The album contains 25 pages of b/w mounted photographs. Some are missing. The cover is illustrated with colour screenprinted pictures of a white tower on the left and a brown Barn-like building on the right. There are stylised canoe boats containing rowers in the foreground.. On the inside front cover is a handwritten itinerary of the places visited.On front cover possible designer printed signature in black: "Grane"; On inside front cover on adhered sheet of paper in aqua ink lists intinerary/ index of 20 Ports visited: Title (see above) / "Signed on in San Francisco December 1st 1949 / " then a header line for 4 columns: " PORT COUNTRY ARRIVED DEPARTED / 1. San Francisco U.S.A 10-10-49 4-12-49 / ... / 10. ADELAIDE ... 11-4-50 19-4-50 / .../ 20. HALDEN NORWAY 23-7 - 50 25-7-50" ; Most of the photographs in the Album also annotated and dated ; inside back cover has an embossed letter R.album, photograph, ms mongbarra, san francisco, dunkirk, voyages, allan quinn, barbara quinn, seafaring life, ww2, seafarer, melbourne, sydney, brisbane, san pedro, newcastle, adelaide, port pirie, port lincoln, cape town, las palmas, australia, south africa, canary islands, usa, united states, france, antwerp, belgium, hull, england, hamburg, germany, copenhagen, denmark, gothenburg, norway, sweden, halden, malmö

This pennant was donated to the Mission by June Muirhead (nee Richardson) who visited the Mission on two occasions: on the 13 November 2014 and then in 2016. She lived from age 3 to 8, with her parents, Cuthbert (Bert) Richardson and Jane (Jenny) Richardson, and her sister, Edna, in the Cottage at 717 Flinders Street. Her father, was the caretaker of the Flinders Street building between 1943-1949. . In 1943 her father was hired to work at the Mission as a caretaker. The family moved from Wonthaggi. When she lived in the Mission, she would sometimes sneak into the club to look at books and pictures. Some seafarers would give her badges, tokens. One of them gave her this felt pennant. In 1949, the family moved back to Wonthaggi and June started year 5 over there.A number of souvenir gifts and small boxes were apparently available through the Mission To Seamen in the 1940s. This acquisition adds to the small collection of items from the period which could be used to form the core of an informative exhibition. Similar flags were made in other countries depicting an animal (kiwi bird in New Zealand, springbox in South Africa) and other Australian towns.A triangular felted, dark blue pennant with printed cursive inscription and motifs including: the Mission to Seamen Flying Angel flag, an outline of Australia; a Koala wearing a captain's hat; an insignia emblem for the Merchant Navy. A looped cotton binding along left edge of the triangle to thread the flag on a stick or cord support. The printed inscription reads: Greetings from Australia.pennant, flags, koala, flying angel club, merchant navy, d. june muirhead, marketing, caretaker, cottage, bert richardson, june muirhead nee richardson, edna richardson, ww2

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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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. They Seek a Country Author: Francis Brett Young Publisher: John Murray Date: 1935 The label on the 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 Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, they seek a country, francis brett young

This photograph shows the show ring at the Orbost Annual Agricultural Show in 1907. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. A black / white photograph of a large group of riders on horseback. They are in a paddock. In the background is a wooden building.on back - "Orbost Agric. Show Ring, 1907, Mrs A M Marshal East Bairnsdale"orbost-agricultural-show-event

This photograph shows an early Orbost Agricultural Show committee. Included in the photograph are: Phil Nixon; John Johnston; Percy Morris; Harry Richardson; Arthur Saunders; Archie Rodwell; Geo. Nixon; J. Warren; John Draffin; W. Fisher; D.R. Norris; Paul Hocking; Waller; JasHossack; Jim Cameron; John Cameron. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. A large black / white photograph of a large group of men outside a wooden building. There is a tank on the left side. Some men are standing, some sitting and the man if front is lying , leaning on his elbow. There is a smaller copy of same photograph.on front - "show committee"orbost-agricultural-show-committee

The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall) This frame was made by Mary Lynch, wife of Matt Lynch. Pictured in the photograph are: Back: W. Fisher, Archie Rodwell, Mat Lynch, Rupert Mosley, George Granter, Arthur Saunders, Arther Pardew, John Bird, John Gilbert. Front: Bill Ginning, George Perry (secretary) John Johnston (president), Carl Dreverman.This item is associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. It is also an example of the craft skills of women in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of a group of thirteen men, some standing, some sitting in front of a wooden shed. The photograph is in an ornate frame made of dried seeds.on front - "Orbost Agricultural Show Committee probably 1904"orbost-agricultural-society lynch-mary orbost-show

Alan Richardson was born in 1853 and died in 1936. He was a sawmiller at Tabbara who built and held the ticket for the Paddle Steamer Curlip. PS Curlip was registered in 1893 and the Passenger Certificate issued on 30th January 1903 to Captain Alan Richardson by the Marine Board of Victoria entitled her to carry 25 passengers and only 10 passengers when engaged in towage service. Two children under 12 years of age to be reckoned as one passenger. He had the first horseless motor buggy in Orbost. Alan Richardson was married to Emily Dawson and had two children - Alan Jnr and Ruth.Before the First World War, few people in Australia owned or knew how to drive cars before they bought them. This International auto buggy was promoted as a useful vehicle for station owners, farmers, doctors, and town and country salesmen. It was said to be the cheapest automobile in Australia (at one third the cost of a conventional car), required much less maintenance, had durable solid rubber tyres rather than troublesome pneumatic ones, and didn’t need a chauffeur. This is a pictorial record of a "horseless buggy" which would have been a novelty in the early 20th century in Orbost. The item is associated with the Richardson family, early Orbost settlers.A small black / white photograph of a motor vehicle with a man seated at the steering wheel. The vehicle has large buggy wheels with mud guards. It is open with no windows.transport motor-vehicle horseless-buggy richardson-alan

These photographs were taken at the 1980 annual Orbost Show. The first photograph is of Mr Frank Rourke congratulating Combienbar rider, Gavin Chester, East Gippsland Olympian ( a member of the 1980 Australian team which did not compete in Moscow). He won the title of Champion Show Jumper riding his mount "Blue Trick" on Monday March 10 1980. The second photograph shows Mr Frank Rourke placing the winning ribbon around the neck of Gavin Chester's winning mount, "Blue Trick" The third photograph is the winner of the coveted R.L.Fisher Memorial Plate won by Eric Musgrave being congratulated by Mr Frank Rourke. Frank Rourke was the Gippsland and Northern manager. G. & N. sponsored the event which carried a prize of $500. On the left in this photograph is Mr J. Horstman, ring four judge.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in Orbost. This item is also associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.Three black / white photographs of a rider on horseback receiving congratulations. There are details on labels on the back of each photograph.orbost-show equestrian chester-gavin musgrave-eric show-jumping

3084.1 is titled "Ready For Launching" and is of Mr Lachlan Macalaster on the left and Mr Jim Holden preparing to release two roosters for a competition - The Rooster Chase,. 3084.2 was taken at the 1978 annual Orbost Show in a new division for goats. the photograph was taken during the judging. Linda and Val Donald are in the photograph' 3084.3 and 3084.4 are of the new pavillion at Newmerella Recreation Ground,This is a pictorial record associated with the annual Orbost Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.Four black / white photographs. 3084.1 shows two men each holding a rooster. 3084.2 shows a group of five people standing near some goats. 3084.3 and 3084.4 are of the construction of a large metal shed.Each photograph has a label on the back with detailed information.orbost-show macalaster-lachlan holden-jim donald-val agriculture

These photographs are of winners in the Orbost Agricultural Show's Show Boy and Show Girl competitions. The first photograph is of Peter? Joiner and Jarod Forrester in the Master Show Bow Competition. The second is of Pauline Bommer (Weston) and her daughter at the Nowa Nowa Gymkhana. The third has Chloe Kenny on the left. in the fourth photograph are Dianna Munn with Laura; Sharon Chambers with Jessica and Sharon Cook with Tayla. These photographs are pictorial records of a social event in Orbost. They are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Four black / white photographs related to the Orbost Show. 3086.1 is of three young boys wearing sashes. The middle boy is holding a trophy. 3086.2 shows a woman bending over a young girl wearing a sash. 3086.3 has three girls, one one right wearing a hat, one on left has a sash. 3086.4 is of three women holding babies. All babies have sashes and the one in the middle has a trophyOn the back of each photo are the details and names.

These photographs were probably published in the Snowy River Mail. Some of the Orbost identities in the photographs are: Jim Holden; Brian Morgan; Clarrie Ingram; Jeffrey Fecondo; David Holden; Brian Holden; Richard Morgan; Sue Joiner and Charlie Owen. They were taken in the Poultry Shed at the Orbost Show at the Newmerella Showground. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)These photographs are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history.Twenty-two black / white photographs and four coloured photographs. all are related to the Orbost Agricultural Show.poultry agriculture-show-orbost

These photographs were taken at the annual Orbost Agricultural Show at the Newmerella Showground. They were probably published in the Snowy River Mail newspaper. Some of the Orbost identities pictured include : Russell Crofts, Kevin McDonald, Brian McDonald, Gail & Lee Winchester, Julie & Lisa Drummond, Marion Russell, Sylvia MurrayRod Kleinitz, Rober Morgan, Trevor Perry, Brian Woodlands, anna light, Louella Brunt, Colin Weir, Wendy Pinnock, Raeleen Reed, Margaret Joiner and Jo-anne Mundy. The first meeting to form an Agricultural society in Orbost was convened by the then Orbost Progress Association and held in the Mechanics Hall on Saturday, 10th October 1891. Its first show was held on 3rd March 1904...on a site alongside the Bonang Road where the present Golf Club stands. It is currently held at the Recreation Reserve at Newmerella. (Ref: In Times Gone By-Deborah Hall)These photographs are associated with the Orbost Agricultural Society 's Annual Show which has been a major event in Orbost for over a century. Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns and the Orbost Show is an integral part of Orbost 's agricultural history. Seventeen black / white phootgraphs which were taken at the Orbost Agricultural Show.orbost-agricultural-show

This photograph was taken during the Country Week Cricket Team 1932-33 championships. This carnival was established in 1922. Back: L-R: Jack Ralston, Royce Andrews, Harry Perry, ? ? Middle:? Front: ? ? , Frank Meehan, Dr. Nettleton. Cricket has been played in Australia for over 210 years and is one of the most popular sports in Australia at international, domestic and local levels. Sport in small towns is an integral part of community life contributing to community identity, sense of place, social interaction and good health. This item is a pictorial record of cricketing in Orbost.A laminated black / white photograph of a cricket team. Five men are standing in the back row, one kneeling in the middle row and five seated on the grass at the front. All are dressed in cricket whites. The man in the middle front is wearing leg guards. In the background on the right is a score board.on back on a label - "Doc Nettleton"cricket-orbost sport-cricket country-week-cricket-team-1932-1933 ralston-jack andrews-royce perry-harry meehan-frank nettleton-dr