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matching 26/07/1895
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Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Grave of Thomas E Silk, Greensborough Cemetery, 07/08/1924
Grave of Thomas E. Silk (died 07/08/1924) in Plot#J7 Greensborough Cemetery.Greensborough Cemetery was created when land was given for the cemetery by Mr William Poulter, a local settler, about 1864. The cemetery holds the graves of many of the early settlers in the district. The cemetery holds approximately 250 grave sites with 350 people buried there. Digital copy of colour photograph of grave/headstone.thomas silk, greensborough cemetery -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Pocket Knife
Ref: LA/07 HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. Handle of a pocket knife, wood and metal. Badly encrusted Length 3". Recovered from the wreck of the Loch Ard. Artefact Reg No LA/07. Handle is in 2 piecesflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, pocket knife -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Slide - 35mm slide/s, 11/04/1971 12:00:00 AM
Yields information about trams in Wendouree Parade near the SEC Depot.Agfa blue/white mount, colour slide of trams 26 and 33? near the SEC depot junction in Wendouree Parade. 33? has a destination of Victoria St and 26, Mt Pleasant. 26 has a "Bliss Bombs" roof advert."11-4-71" in ink.tramways, trams, victoria st, mt pleasant, depot, wendouree parade, tram 26, tram 33 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph, March 1895
Loch Ard was bound for Melbourne in 1878 loaded with passengers and cargo when it ran into a rocky reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: an apprentice, Tom Pearce and a young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. The wreck of Loch Ard still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island and much of the cargo has been salvaged. Some was washed up into what is now known as Loch Ard Gorge following the shipwreck. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. The photograph is significant for its association with the wreck of the Loch Ard. This wreck has been protected as a Historic Shipwreck since 11 March 1982, under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976) Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from Loch Ard is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register. The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Loch Ard. The Loch Ard collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The Loch Ard collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the Loch Ard, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. The Loch Ard collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history. Photograph of Miss Eva Carmichaels Cave at Loch Ard Gorge where the survivors found shelter. Reverse has four areas of torn surface, perhaps were photo had been mounted. Hand written text in pencil and in ink.Reverse of photograph Hand written in pencil “ … refuge … which he … offer words … Miss Carmichael. He then … on the …“ Hand written in ink “Loch Ard Gorge / Miss Carmichael’s cave” and “ Mr J Swinton / Warrnambool / March 1895” flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, loch ard shipwreck, 1878 shipwreck, loch ard gorge, miss eva carmichael -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CURNOW COLLECTION: WEDDING CARD, 1895
a. Wedding Card (Invitation) in form of folded (fold-out) card. Front: Mr & Mrs J H C Curnow, James H Curnow, 'Eumnana', Wills St, Bendigo. Inscribed on back : married on March 27th 1895; Cyril James Curnow born February 17th 1896; Vera Curnow born March 31st 1898; Born ?? 1869; b: envelope for a.person, individual, curnow collection -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - FAVALORO COLLECTION: THE FAVALORO FAMILY OF BENDIGO, 1895 - 1942
Hard covered book, The Favaloro Family Of Bendigo, The Early Years 1895 - 1942, 324 pages with black & white photographs, coloured photographs and maps, printed 7 bound in Australia by Focus print Group Keysborough Vic. Bound in reddish brown leather look with a group photograph of the Favaloro family 1908 on front, a thank you note from the Author enclosed.Robert McWilliamsbook, bendigo, favaloro, bendigo-history-favaloro-buildings-cafes -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CONNELLY, TATCHELL, DUNLOP COLLECTION: ACCOUNTS ESTATE OF ESTHER ISABELLE CANNING, 1894 - 1896
Document. Various legal documents. 1 - 1894 - Agreement to Let for house and land in Golden Square between Stone Henry of Sheepwash Road, Bendigo, Eucalyptus Manufacturer, Tatchell George Henry of Bendigo and Roberts George of High St, Golden Square. 2 - 1895 - The Estate of Canning J N. Accounts for 1895 to 1896. 3 - 1896 - Probate Jurisdiction, Administration of the Estate of Canning Esther Isabell, late of Golden Square, Hotel Keeper, by Executors - Stone Henry Sheepwash Road, Eucalyptus Manufactuter and Tatchell George Henry, Williamson Street, Bendigo. Mentions properties still as yet undistributed. Mentions Canning Jas Nisbett. 4 - 1895 - Handwritten Will and Instructions of Canning Thomas, Engine Driver, Garsed St, Bendigo. Mentions desire to be buried at Kangaroo Flat Cemetry next to his Mother. Mentions brother - Canning James Nesbitt, wife - Canning Elizabeth Theresa. 5 - 1895 - Canning J N & Co (Complainant) Hutchens P? H (Defendant). Court Summons contains envelope addressed to Messrs Canning & Co, Produce Merchants, High St. Bendigo, and letter dated 9 Aug 1895 from Stoddart? Police Department informing Defendants address - 3 Lydia St Brunswick. 6 - 1895 - Account to Canning J N, Produce Merchants, High St, Bendigo dated Apr 1 1895. Re Canning J N & Co. v Hutchens. 7 - 1895 - Letter from Canning James Nisbett and Canning Thomas Re the Will of Canning Esther Isabell to Stone Henry and Tatchell George Henry, Executors of the Will.cottage, miners -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - DIGGERS & MINING. THE GOLD LICENCE, 26 Mar 1856
Diggers & Mining. The gold licence. The Government Camp. Shows a copy of the 1 pound Miner's Right, issued in Sandhurst on 26 March 1856, issued to William Lunn, John Williamson and signed 26 March 1857. No attempt was made to police the diggings in order to apprehend diggers working without a current miner's right. (Note the discrepancy in the years) Markings: 42 994.LIF. 4. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Document, Australia Day Family Festival 1996, 26/01/1996 12:00:00 AM
The City of Whitehorse presents the Australia Day Family Festival, 26 Jan 1996 4 00 pm - 10.00 pm at the Nunawading Civic Centre Grounds - Program of events.The City of Whitehorse presents the Australia Day Family Festival, 26 Jan 1996 4 00 pm - 10.00 pm at the Nunawading Civic Centre Grounds - Program of events.The City of Whitehorse presents the Australia Day Family Festival, 26 Jan 1996 4 00 pm - 10.00 pm at the Nunawading Civic Centre Grounds - Program of events.city of whitehorse, australia day, festivals and celebrations -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital Image, Art at WaterMarc,GHS participation, July 2017, 22/07/2017
Photographs of GHS members supporting an art installation by Jessie Stanley at WaterMarc Greensborough on 22/07/2017. Greensborough Historical Society participating in community events.Digital photographs of GHS members at art installation.jessie stanley, watermarc, greensborough historical society -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Grave of Katherine Rose Clark, St Helena Cemetery, 17/07/1944
The Grave of Katherine Rose Clark (nee Beale) (died 17/07/1944) St Helena Cemetery.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photographst helena cemetery, katherine rose clark -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Grave of Karen Joel, St Helena Cemetery, 22/07/1994
The Grave of Karen Elizabeth Joel (nee Upton) (died 22/07/1994), St Helena Cemetery.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photograph (grave)st helena cemetery, joel family -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Black & White Photograph/s, David Clark, 17/02/1971 12:00:00 AM
Yields information about the Ballarat's tramcars in the early 1970's, the City Loop parking area and the Grenville St buildings.Black and white photograph of Ballarat No. 11 and 26 in the City Loop with the Grenville St buildings in the background. Photo by David Clark 17/2/1971. No. 11 and has the destination of "City". In the background are the Big W, Dickins store and Clifford and Young shops.On the rear in ink "Tram No. 1`1 & 26 in Sturt St at Lydiard St. looking to Bridge St. 17/2/71. Ballarat Tramways, Photo 27, Taken by David Clark", with David's address stamp "4 Adeney Ave Kew 3101" with "Melbourne" underneath.tramways, trams, sturt st, grenville st, bridge st, city loop, tram 26, tram 11 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Album - Photograph, J.A. McDonald, Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, 26 Jan. 1956
Watsons Creek Showing steel work 26/1/1956Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.infrastructure, road construction, shire of eltham, bridge construction, eltham-yarra glen road, w.e. wolf, watsons creek, 1956-01-26 -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, A noble life. 'By the author of 'John Halifax, Gentleman', 'Christian's Mistake', etc. etc.' (Known to be Dinah Maria Mulock Craik), [n.d.] [First published 1866, date of this edition c.1895]
314 p. Brown and red cover - leather overlaid by cloth. Title 'A Noble Life' and 'Smythesdale Mech. Institute' embossed in gold on spine.fictionfiction, dinah maria mulock craik -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Pamphlet, Drill for Foot Guards and Infantry of the Line Pamhlet No 18 1939, 1939/40
Soft cover booklet of 31 pages and Amdt 1 of 194026/G.S Pubns/92 -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Book, Manual of Map Reading, Photo Reading and Field Sketching 1929, 1948
Hard cardboard covered book, covering map reading, field sketching and air photo reading for use of officer candidates, officers and non-commissioned officers. Reprinted with amendments Nos 1 -4, 193926 GS Pubns 124manual, map reading, air photo interpretation, field sketching -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Slide - ALBERT RICHARDSON COLLECTION: BIG BLUE GOLD MINE BENDIGO
Slide. Big Blue Gold Mine, Bendigo. Mine situated off from Thistle and Houston Streets. Poppet head and tramway on LH side, engine room and brick chimney in centre of image.No. 26 printed on bottom of slide.mine, gold, big blue ( r.w.b.consolidated), bendigo mines-jack hattam collection -
Vision Australia
Photograph - Image, Portrait of unknown man, 1983-1990
Professional portrait of unknown man wearing a pin striped suit, white shirt and tie. 1 B/W portrait of man in pin stripe suit, white shirt and tie26 2917 C.3association for the blind, elanora home (brighton) -
Wonga Park Community Cottage History Group
Unknown - Compact Disc of Photos, Compact Disc of Photos of Wonga Park
001488 26/9/2015 -
Trafalgar Holden Museum
Functional object - Strapped tool bag
Used in the 19th century to carry tools and manufactured by Holden and FrostManufactured and sold by Holden and FrostRectangular full leather bag, two straps all the way around bag. Missing shoulder strap26 1RAUL REAL HIDEleather, bag, tool bag -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Postcard - COHN BROTHERS COLLECTION: 1895 POSTCARD ADDRESSED TO E.P. HASTINGS
Victorian State Post card mailed on April 2 1895 to Mr E.P. Hastings 489 Collins Street Melbourne . Bendigo Post Office Duplex cancellation. Reverse. Post Office Stamped receival Melbourne same day. Pre printed Victoria Brewery with printed scroll options. Dated 1/4 1895. Please send some Transfers.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - The Bendigonian April 26, 1897. Pages 7-10. The Shamrock 1897 and new hotel structure under construction
The Bendigonian April 26, 1897. Pages 7-10 of the newspaper. Full page article covering The Shamrock in 1897 and new hotel structure under construction. Other pages cover: Messrs. Harkness and Co Victorian Foundry, The North Bendigo Football Team, The latest Parisian fashions and one page on "Social Gossip".The Bendigonian April 26, 1897. Pages 7-10 of the newspaper. Full page article covering The Shamrock in 1897 and new hotel structure under construction. Other pages cover: Messrs. Harkness and Co Victorian Foundry, The North Bendigo Football Team, The latest Parisian fashions and one page on "Social Gossip".full page article covering the shamrock in 1897 and new hotel structure under construction. other pages cover: messrs. harkness and co victorian foundry, the north bendigo football team, the latest parisian fashions and one page on "social gossip". -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - KELLY AND ALLSOP COLLECTION: SHARE CERTIFICATES - UNITED HUSTLER'S & REDAN COMPANY, 22/07/1912 to 26/10/1914
Document. KELLY & ALLSOP COLLECTION. 2 Share Certificates issued by the United Hustler's and Redan Company, Hustler's Reef, Bendigo. Each certificate represents 50 shares at One Pound each. Capital raised was 48,000 Pounds from 48,000 shares. Certificate No. 2848 issued to Arthur Allsop of Bendigo on 22 July 1912. Certificate No. 2620 issued to A.Allsop of Bendigo on 26 Oct 1914. Both certificates signed by Lea B.Birch, Legal Manager.United Hustler's & Redan Co.business, stockbroker, kelly & allsop, kelly & allsop collection, united hustler's & redan co., gold mining, share certificates, arthur allsop, lea b.birch -
Greensborough Historical Society
Audio - Audio Cassette, Winter Concert: performed by Diamond Valley Choral Society 1985, 21/07/1985
A recording of a Winter concert performance by the Diamond Valley Choral Society. Performed on 21/07/1985, venue unknown.1 audio cassette in clear plastic caseHandwritten on insert: "Winter concert 21.7.1985"diamond valley choral society, concerts -
Greensborough Historical Society
Map - Map (Copy), Electoral Boundaries Commission, Proposed electoral district: Bundoora, 01/07/2021
Proposed revised electoral boundaries for the electoral district of Bundoora (North-Eastern Metropolitan Region) as at 01/07/20211p. black and white copy of mapelectoral boundaries, bundoora - maps, victoria - parliament -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Grave of Anthony Beale, St Helena Cemetery, 24/07/1944
The grave of Anthony Beale (died 24/07/1944), husband of Ida Ellen. St Helena Cemetery, Greensborough.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photographanthony beale, st helena cemetery -
Greensborough Historical Society
Photograph - Digital image, Grave of Dorothy Oakley, St Helena Cemetery, 04/07/2006
The Grave of Dorothy Oakley (nee Forbes, descendant of Fielding) (died 04/07/2006), St Helena Cemetery.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photograph (grave)st helena cemetery, oakley family -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, St. Thomas The Apostle, 16/07/1972
Order of Service for the blessing of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Churchnon-fictionOrder of Service for the blessing of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Churchst. thomas the apostle catholic church blackburn, central road blackburn no 57 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Cambridge Natural History Vol 3
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Cambridge Natural History Vol 3 Molluscs and Brachiopods Edited by S F Harmer & A E Shiley Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1895 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 595.1 HAR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker 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, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the cambridge natural history vol 3, molluscs and brachiopods, s f harmer, a e shiley