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Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, The Earl of Birkenhead, Famous trials, 19??
A history of famous trials in Britain from Mary, Queen of Scots to LandruIll, p.567.A history of famous trials in Britain from Mary, Queen of Scots to Landrugreat britain - trials, great britain - criminals -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Hutchinson & co. ltd, Storm centres of the Near East : Personal memories 1879-1929, 1933
A study of geostrategic issue in the near east and the BalkansIndex, ill, p.362.A study of geostrategic issue in the near east and the Balkansbalkan peninsula - history, world war one - causes -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Hutchinson, Persia and the powers : an account of diplomatic relations, 1941-1946, 1946
The foreign relations of Persia during the war yearsMaps, p.125.non-fictionThe foreign relations of Persia during the war yearsiran - foreign relations - 1941-1946, iran - diplomatic history - 20th century -
Mrs Aeneas Gunn Memorial Library
Book, Hutchinson, His Majesty, King George VI : a study, 1952
The life and times of King George VIIll, p.110.non-fictionThe life and times of King George VIgreat britain - royal family, great britain - monarchy - history -
Canterbury History Group
Book, Hutchinson, John, Reminiscences of St. John's Home for Boys
A history of the St John's Home for Boys with contributions from the children and staff. Includes many black and white photographs.canterbury, balwyn road, st johns home for boys and girls, childrens services, child care, anglican church, anglicare victoria, hutchinson> john, dann> robert> archbishop, thornton> eric> rev., molloy> neale> canon, eyers> laurence> father, shrublands -
Kilmore Historical Society
The Dictionary of Australian Biography, Philip Mennell, F.R.G.S, 1892
Comprising notices of eminent Colonists from the inauguration of responsible Government down to the present time (1855-1892.Dark green hardcover book with cloth covers and leather spin. Cover faded with loss of colour. Leather on spine torn , repaired with sticky tape. Internal hinges sound, binding tight. Pages clean and intact. 542 pp. Cover poor condition, body good cond.Inside front cover & front flyleaf, 'Nesta McKellar'.biography, eminent australian colonists. -
The Celtic Club
Book, Brian Behan, Mother of all the Behans, 1984
The life story of Kathleen Behan as told to her son, Brian BehanPlates, p.138.non-fictionThe life story of Kathleen Behan as told to her son, Brian Behankathleen behan - biography, ireland - social life and customs -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Pritchard, Martyn J, The Other Man by Martyn J. Pritchard
Green and brown hardcover book. 317 pages.fictionmartin j. pritchard, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Hewlett, Dorothy, The Flowing Tide by Dorothy Hewlett, 1956
Heroine Elinor Munro survives a shipwreck and is given a chance to make good.Hardcover book with a red fabric cover. 320 pages.fictionHeroine Elinor Munro survives a shipwreck and is given a chance to make good.dorothy hewlett, shipwrecks, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Benson, Robert Hugh, The Conventionalists by Robert Hugh Benson, 1908
343 p. : Hardcover book. Red cover with gold embossed lettering.fictionrobert hugh benson, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Campbell, R. W, Winnie McLeod, [n.d.]
286 p. ; embossed red coverfictionfiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Ramsey, Rina et al, Long Odds by Rina Ramsey & J. Otho Paget, [1920?]
Romance novel.Hardcover book, 288 pages. Book has a green cover with gold embossed text and extensive patterning. Title page missing. Information for catalogue record from cover and spine.fictionRomance novel.rina ramsey, j. otho paget, romance, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Le Voleur ( pseudonym of Rosa Nouchette Carey) et al, In the Tsar's dominions, 1899
408 p. ; with illustrations by Ernest Dyerfictionle voleur, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Gibbs, Philip (Philip Armand Hamilton Gibbs), The age of reason, [n.d.] [1928?]
288 p. : section of original dust jacket pasted to front cover, with image of a man engrossed by scientific instruments while a woman dances in the background.fictionfiction, philip gibbs -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Hepple, Anne (Anne Hepple Dickinson, nee Batty), Sigh no more, First published in Australia 1944
168 p. : brown cover. Section cut from dust jacket of an unrelated title pasted to front cover, probably by mistake. Title and name of author handwritten on spine, however author's name 'Lewis Cox' is incorrect. fictionfiction, anne hepple -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Kennedy, Joan, Down Kensington Way by Joan Kennedy, 1948
Story about 3 women running a guest house.Hardcover book, 287 pages. Front cover of book has a colour image of a woman wearing a brown suit standing at the top of a set of stairs leading to the front door of a building.fictionStory about 3 women running a guest house.joan kennedy, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Le Queux, William, Secrets of the Foreign Office : describing the doings of Duckworth Drew, of the Secret Service, 1903
Spy novel.Hardcover book, 319 pages. Book has a dark red cover with gold embossed text.fictionSpy novel.william le queux, spy, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Rhodes, Kathlyn, Silver Morning by Kathlyn Rhodes, [n.d.] [1937?]
Hardcover book, 288 pages. Book has a light brown covfictionkathlyn rhodes -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Morrison, Emmeline, Kind strangers : the tale of a family, [n.d.] [1950?]
Romance fiction272 p. Book has a plain red cover, with section of original dust jacket, showing head and face of a young woman, pasted to front. title and author's name hand written on spine.fictionRomance fictionfiction, emmeline morrison -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Clamp, Helen Mary Elizabeth (also wrote as Irina Karlova, Olivia Leigh), Waiting for Linnette, 1958
191 p. : plain red voverfictionhelen mary elizabeth clamp, fiction, romance -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Stacpoole, H. de Vere (Henry de Vere), The order of release, [n.d.] [First published 1912. Date of fourth edition unknown]
286 p. : red cover, decoration of leaves embossed on front cover and spine.fictionhenry de vere stacpoole, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Hepple, Anne (Anne Hepple Dickinson, nee Batty), Can I go there?, [n.d.] [1945?]
191 p. : plain blue cover. Original dust jacket has been removed, title and author's name hand printed on spine.fictionfiction, , anne hepple dickinson -
Canterbury History Group
Article, Hutchinson, John, The story of Shrublands
A brief history of Shrublands from 1864 when it was built for Ernest Carter, to its eventual use as St John's Home for Boys from 1924.canterbury, balwyn road, carter> dr.ernest, hindson> alice, st john's home for boys, st martin's home for boys -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Hepple, Anne (Anne Hepple Dickinson, nee Batty), The house of Gow, [n.d] [1948?]
Romantic fiction set in provincial Scotland.284 p. : dark green/black cover. Section of original dust jacket was pasted to front, but most of it has been removed. Title and author's name printed on spine, publisher's name embossed on lower rhs of front cover.fictionRomantic fiction set in provincial Scotland.fiction, romance, anne hepple -
Bendigo Military Museum
Certificate - APPRECIATION EAGLEHAWK RSL AUXILIARY, C. May 1946
This certificate was awarded by the Eaglehawk RSL Sub Branch to Miss H. Hutchinson (Hanna) on 17.5.1946 in Appreciation and loyalty to Service personnel as a Member of the Eaglehawk Ladies Auxiliary during the War years. The Auxiliaries efforts abled the furnishing of the Club rooms and raise 230.00 Pounds for the Returned Soldiers Distress Fund. Hanna was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal in 1978 Refer Cat No 8212.2 for her Sister Florrie and Photo Cat No 8200P. Certificate on cardboard cream coloured with ornate edging in red, blue and brown, all printed text in black & blue, covers the years 1939 - 45, dated at the bottom.Main points, "Eagle Hawk RSL Sub Branch", "Presented to Miss H Hutchinson"brsl, smirsl, auxiliary, certificate, ehrsl -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, With Lawrence in Arabia
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. With Lawrence in Arabia Author: Lowell Thomas Publisher: Hutchinson & Co Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 LAW Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library 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, with lawrence in arabia, lowell thomas -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Duchess of York
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 Duchess of York Author: Cynthia Asquith Publisher: Hutchinson & Co Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 YOR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institutewarrnambool, 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 duchess of york, cynthia asquith -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Book, Croydon Then and Now, 2012
Historic summary of Croydon comprised largely of early and contemporary photographs - Geoff Arnott, John Hutchinson, Les Hutchinson, Marjorie Meeuwsen, Croydon Historical Society Inc.Foreword by Cr. Les Willmott, J.P. - last mayor of the former City of Croydon. Acknowledgments: In the production of any book, many people play a part, be it financially or the giving of time with their knowledge and expertise in specialised areas, which concludes with a quality production - a book that is attractive, informative and accurate. We believe this book fits the description handsomely, and should bring joy and pleasant memories to many former and current residents of Croydon. To people who don't know very much about Croydon, this book will most certainly enlighten them. This has been a team effort, with many people playing important roles. With all this in mind, we would like to thank the following: The Maroondah City Council The Australian National Library Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Hutchinson Legal of Ringwood Sue Pitt, Alan Bennett and staff of the Croydon Library David and Ron Jewell Andrew Potts Adrian Arnott Elsie Bolwell Lyn Lynch Nick Anchen Cr Les Wilmott JP The Neville Family Bounty Print Dawn Gubb Photo courtesy of Leader Newspaper Press on pages 87, 90 and 113 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Three Brontes
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 Three Brontes Author: May Sinclair Publisher: Hutchinson & Co Date: 1911 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 929.2 SIN Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the three brontes, may sinclair -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Magic Garden
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 Magic Garden Auhtor: Gene Stratton - Porter Publisher: Hutchinson & Co Date: 1950Label on spine has typed text PAT FIC STR Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Children's Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, 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 magic garden, gene stratton - porter