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 areas 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 from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Old Days Old Ways A Book of Recollections Author: Mary Gilmore Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1934The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 GIL Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library 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, old days old ways, mary gilmore

The hall of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat was opened in 1887.Colour photograph with the double storey building built by the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, old colonists' hall, lydiard street

The Old Lintonians' Association organised annual reunions from 1914.Black and white photograph of a large group of people posed in front of a tree in rural setting."Old Lintonians Flagstaff Hill S E Surman (3)".old lintonians association, events, reunions

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.university of melbourne, old physics building

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.university of melbourne, old physics building

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.university of melbourne, old physics building

An aerial photograph of the Heidelberg Golf Course, around 1966 (this date is taken from the road work to build the new bridge over the Plenty River). Known as the 'old course' it was designed by Harry Alexander and was in play until a redesign of the course in 1968. The clubhouse is in top centre of photograph.One of several aerial photogrphs showing the layout of the Heidelberg Golf CourseLarge Black and white aerial photograph, timber frame. Brass plaque top and bottom."Heidelberg Golf Club" "The old course"heidelberg golf club, old course

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the flagstones at the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.university of melbourne, old physics building, flagstones

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the windows of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.university of melbourne, old physics building

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the windows of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.A plaque on the wall of this building states: In April, 1856 stonemasons woking on this building downed tools, marched to the city and inaugrated a movement which win the Eight Hour Day for building workers in Victoria. The victory became an international landmark in the history of the labour movement. university of melbourne, old law building, eight hour day, stonemasons

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the windows of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.A plaque on the wall of this building states: In April, 1856 stonemasons woking on this building downed tools, marched to the city and inaugrated a movement which win the Eight Hour Day for building workers in Victoria. The victory became an international landmark in the history of the labour movement. university of melbourne, old law building, eight hour day, stonemasons

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the windows of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.A plaque on the wall of this building states: In April, 1856 stonemasons woking on this building downed tools, marched to the city and inaugrated a movement which win the Eight Hour Day for building workers in Victoria. The victory became an international landmark in the history of the labour movement. university of melbourne, old law building, eight hour day, stonemasons

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the windows of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.A plaque on the wall of this building states: In April, 1856 stonemasons woking on this building downed tools, marched to the city and inaugrated a movement which win the Eight Hour Day for building workers in Victoria. The victory became an international landmark in the history of the labour movement. Another plaque reads: This, the original building of the University was built of Tasmanian freestone between 1854 and 1857 to the design of F.M. White, architect. It was for many years the University's administrative centre, library, lecture rooms, and professorial residences. The east and west wings were extended in 1930 to the design of J.S. Gawler. In 1969, the quadrangle was completed by the addition of the southern wing which contains the council chamber, designed by R.E. Featherstone. university of melbourne, old law building, eight hour day, stonemasons, tasmanian freestone, f.m. white, j.s. gawler, r.e. featherstone

Melbourne University Old Physics Building (1889) was designed by Reed, Henderson and Smart. It later house the Univesity's Centre for Indigenous Education and a conference centre (2010).Colour photograph of the windows of the Melbourne University Old Physics Building.A plaque on the wall of this building states: In April, 1856 stonemasons woking on this building downed tools, marched to the city and inaugrated a movement which win the Eight Hour Day for building workers in Victoria. The victory became an international landmark in the history of the labour movement. Another plaque reads: This, the original building of the University was built of Tasmanian freestone between 1854 and 1857 to the design of F.M. White, architect. It was for many years the University's administrative centre, library, lecture rooms, and professorial residences. The east and west wings were extended in 1930 to the design of J.S. Gawler. In 1969, the quadrangle was completed by the addition of the southern wing which contains the council chamber, designed by R.E. Featherstone. A third plaque states: These cloisters, commenced in 1853 and extended in 1930 nd 1969 were completed in 1981 through the generosity of the late Edward Stevens, a member of Council from 1926 until 1939. The work was also supported by the Wilson Trust and Sir Wilfred Brookes.university of melbourne, old law building, eight hour day, stonemasons, tasmanian freestone, cloisters, edward stevens, wilson trust, wildred brookes

The Old Boys' Association was inaugurated in 1923. Its objects were to foster continued interest in the old school, and scholars, and to provide amenities, scholarships and other forms of assistance wherever possible. In 1957 the most recent project was the 30 acre Nerrina pine plantation. A printed invitation to the 1957 reunion of the Ballarat Junior Technical School Old Boys' Association.ballarat junior technical school, the ballarat junior technical school old boys' association, nerrina plantation, keith rash, nerrina pine plantation, ray mccahon, white flat

Colour photograph of Old Buninyong Police House in Buninyong State School grounds taken in 1991The Police House was situated near the police camp and Court House and played an important role in maintaining law and order in the community in the 19th century Colour photograph of Old Buninyong Police House in grounds of Buninyong State Schoolbuninyong state school, buildings, police house

Metal sickle knife Guard bar for an old horse drawn mower Historic - Farming Equipment - sickle knife Guard bar Metal - wrought iron sickle knife Guard bar for an old horse drawn mower puffing billy, sickle knife guard bar

The Foundation Stone was laid in 1887.Colour photograph of a bluestone foundation stone with gold writing. It is the foundation Stone of the Old Colonists' Association Ballarat building in Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.This stone was laid on Jubilee Day A.D. 21st June, 1887, by J.P. Murray esq J.P. President of the Old Colonsts Association. Ballaratold colonists' association ballarat, ballarat old colonists; club, j.p. murray, architecture, foundation stone

Plaque commemoting the centenary of the Old COlonists' Hall in Lyduard Street North, Ballarat,Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat This plaque was unveiled by Cr. J.E. Reeves, Mayor of the City of Ballaarat, on 21st June, 1987, to comemorate the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Old Colonists' Hall B.R. Drennan J.E. Crocker President Secretaryold colonists' hall, j.e. reeves, b.r. drennan, j.e. crocker, centenary

This home was the second cottage built by the Old Colonists' Association, and was the gift of Sydney W.J. Clark. It was completed in 1925. From the minute books: "Mr and Mrs F.J. Williams, both natives of Ballarat, offered to build a cottage on the Association's ground at PErry Park [now Charles Anderson Grove] something after a style of the Hassell Homes. That Offer was immediately followed by another from Mr S.W.J. Clark, a member of the Council. Both offers were promOne of the first objectives of the Association was "to provide the shelter of a hose for those Pioneers of the Goldfields whom the reverses of fortune have deprived of the means of procuring the comforts of life in their declining years." The first home at Charles Anderson Grove was built in 1925. Before that time the Association provided relief for needy pioneers. relief included monthly monetary payments, loads of firewood, medical assistance and distribution of Christmas bosed of groceries to deserving pensioners, and in some cases payment of burial costs. ::a) The dominant purpose of the Association is to give public benevolent relief as a charity, but providing independent living accommodation in our Retirement Village for person in need who are over 65. ::b) To raise funds by membership subscription, commercial and residential rents, donations, gifts and voluntary work, for the purpose of providing direct relief of poverty, distress, misfortune or helplessness. ::c) To maintain the important heritage and ongoing viability of the Old Colonists' Association. (Revised Rules of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat Inc., 2016) Colour photograph of The Old Colonists' Association Cottage at The Old Colonists' Assiation of Ballarat Inc retirement village at Charles Anderson Grove, Ballarat.ballarat old colonists' club, charles anderson grove, sydney w.j. clark, s.w.j. clark

Shield-shaped, burgundy-coloured member's ticket for use at Old Lintonians Association reunion held on April 11th 1936. Gold ribbon.Texet: "Old Lintonians Association / Reunion, April 11th 1936 / MEMBER'S TICKET / 2/6 / President, Cr H.P.Bennett. G.Hall, Hon. Sec.".old lintonian's association/g.h. bennett

Unusually heavy snow in the side garden of the old Police Station/House. Building constructed by Rennie (rare example of his work).Rare photo of old police station/house in Scott St, under snow. Building is representative of Rennie's construction style.Snow in front yard of Old Police House/Station in Scott St, 1951Reverse is stamped Police Station Buninyong, date stamped 19 Jul 1951, handwritten inscription SNOWING AT BUNINYONGbuninyong, police station, garden, snow, scott st, police house, rennie

The Clarendon Old Collegians Association existed from very early times in the school history and was a singificant controbutor to school socail capacity and infrastructure. The OC's regularly donated funds and purchases to special projects. Sections of the society met in different geographic areas, such as Melbourne or the Wimmera. Three circular enamel brooches featuring outer circle in royal blue with lettering enclosing features of school crest - open book in white with gold border, royal blue lamp with gold flame at base of book and gold star at top of bookLettering around border: CLARENDON OLD COLLEGIANSclarendon-presbyterian-ladies-college, clarendon-old-collegians

Hugh Brady was involved with the Ballarat Reform League, and was a member of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Club.Descendants of Hugh Brady stand in from of a replica Eureka Flag at the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall.hugh brady, ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' association, ballarat, eureka flag, ballarat reform league

The Old Colonists' Association Hall opened in 1887.Photograph of the Ballarat Old Colonists' Hall taken on Christmas Day when there were no cars parked out the front. old colonists' association ballarat, old colonists' club ballarat, ballarat old colonists' hall, lydiard street, shopfront, r.f. scott and son

An advertising brochure for Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor. The lolly shop premises were destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.marysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, advertising brochure, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires

An advertising brochure for Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Uncle Fred & Aunty Val's Old Style Lolly Shop in Marysville in Victoria. This popular shop in Marysville was originally opened in the old Barton house by Frank and Val Pryor in 1995. The lolly shop premises were destroyed, along with most of the buildings in Marysville, in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The then owner, Julia Harris, reopened the lolly shop in an old shipping container until the premises was rebuilt. It is a popular shop in Marysville to this day.marysville, victoria, uncle fred & aunty val's old style lolly shop, marysville lolly shop, advertising brochure, frank pryor, val pryor, 2009 black saturday bushfires