Showing 1864 items
matching catalogued items
-
Orbost & District Historical Society
catalogue, Important Art d'Afrique et d'Oceanie, 2008
Sotheby's is a British multinational corporation headquartered in New York City. It is one of the world's largest brokers of fine and decorative art, jewelry, real estate, and collectibles. The catalogue was prepared for a Sotheby's auction in Paris. On page 36 of this catalogue is a description, photograph and detailed provenance of the Morton mask sold by Orbost & District Historical society in 2008. (details in the Newsletter, July 2008) NEWSLETTER JULY, 2008This item reflects a significant event in the history of the Orbost Historical Society.A thick glossy catalogue. The front cover has a glossy black backround with the title " Important Art d'Afrique et d'Oceanie" in white print at the top. Under this is "Paris 11 Juin 2008'. There is a large coloured photograph of an early wooden tribal mask and "Sotheby's" beneath that. The catalogue contains photographs, descriptions and provenance of artwork for sale by Sotheby's.morton-mask sotheby's-catalogue -
Cheese World Museum
Photograph, Unknown photographer, The first mechanical milking machine public demonstration in Allansford district, 1905
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This photograph is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No. Photograph tells the story of a special celebration marking the occssion of the demonstration of the first mechanical milking machine on the Ernst Uebergang property Briarwood at Cudgee Victoria. Ernst Uebergang is inside the shed. Reported in Warrnambool Standard 5 June 1905.Photo on badly damaged brown mount board. Image depicts LKG milking machine demonstration. Dignitories, farmers and children present. Two men are inside the shed with two cows. Written on back of photo 'LKG Milking Machine Lawrence Kennedy 1902/ Mr Ernst Uebergang inside shed.'uebergang, dairy industry, rural industry, food manufacture, machinery, lkg, cudgee, briarwood, milking machine, children, cows, dignitories, farmers, bucket -
Cheese World Museum
Retailing equipment, Hamilton Beach Mfg Co, Milkshake mixer
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This milkshake maker is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.N42 A single beater electric commercial milkshake maker with black lead, mounted on a white 'artificial marble' base with four rubber stops; and straight-sided aluminium mixing container. An extendable metal column (to H44cm) with a side clip attached is used to hold the container. The electric motor is housed in a slotted round metal casing.Hamilton Beach Mfg Co. Builders, Racine, Wisc. Made in USA. Pats Pending. Volts 220-50c. No.4N14412Aallansford, hamilton beach manufacturing company, usa, milkshake maker, milk, retailing equipment -
Cheese World Museum
Jug, Royal Doulton
... . Uebergang catalogue No.H553 domestic items food & drink ...The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. The jug was part of the collection of kitchen items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.H553Royal Doulton china jug with a shallow pouring lip and cream handle. The outside is fully decorated in brown and green colours with a leaf pattern around the neck and below is a wooden building among trees with figures dancing around.Royal Doulton/D2780/England/H553domestic items, food & drink consumption, allansford, uebergang, royal doulton, jugs, crockery -
Cheese World Museum
Book, Under Bayard's Banner, 1894
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This bookis part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.K51 This book was school prize donated to Percy Uebergang in 1899 whilst a pupil at Cudgee State School.Green cloth hardbound book with gold print title 'Under Bayards Banner: a Story of the Days of Chivalry' and a in black print picture of two knights. On the spine the title is in gold print, the author's name Henry Frith, in black and a picture of a couple. On the back cover there is a black spray of leaves. The book includes eight illustrations by E Blair Leighton. There is an ornate book plate on the fly leaf which has a border of pink flowers on three sides.Presented to Percy Uebergang/ Class IV/ SS No.105 Cudgee/ 23-6-99allansford, uebergang, frith, henry, cassell & co ltd, children's books -
Cheese World Museum
Book, Merry and Bright, c1933
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. This book is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.M1704 The book was given to Joyce Uebergang as a Christmas present from her aunt. Children's picture book with full colour cover featuring a yellow border. The front cover shows two Negro children sitting on a gate; the girl is dressed in blue with a yellow headscarf, the boy is dressed in yellow striped trousers, red and white spotted shirt and is playing a banjo. The title 'Merry and Bright' is red with yellow shadowing. The back cover shows two boys in a bedroom boxing one another, together with a wee black and tan dog.To Joyce from Auntie Aggie Xmas 1933/This book belongs to Joyce Uebergangallansford, uebergang, joyce uebergang, children's literature, books, merry and bright -
Cheese World Museum
Book, Dean & Son Ltd, Away We Go, c1930
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Their children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 and lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. This children's picture book is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. The book belonged to Joyce Uebergang, daughter of Percy and Myrtle Uebergang. Uebergang catalogue No.M7 This children's book has a red cardboard cover with a picture of a boy and girl on a tricycle and the title Away We Go in beige and green print. The back cover has an advertisement for Brown & Polson's Corn Flour.Joyce Uebergang [on back cover]allansford, uebergang, children's literature, brown & polson, dean & son ltd, books -
Cheese World Museum
Book, Queen City Printers Pty Ltd, Collins Street Directoryand Publice Guide: 8th Edition
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. This booklet was part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No. -not listed White hard cover pocket-sized street directory book with red cloth spine. The front cover has a blue and yellow background with title, contents, edition listed and a policeman in a blue uniform. The back cover has information in black print. Melbourne and suburbs maps throughout. 439 pages.COLLINS' STREET DIRECTORY/AND/PUBLIC GUIDE/8th Edition/2/6 each/CONTENTS/ Suburban Maps/Street Indices/Public Buildings/Tourist Information and Holiday Notes/Weights and Measures/Postal Rates/Calendar/Conversion Tables/Justices of the Peace/And other useful and up-to-date matterallansford, uebergang, street directory, public guide, collins, melbourne, maps, tourist information, queen city printers pty ltd, almanacs, local history -
Cheese World Museum
Photograph, Faragher family -4 generations, c1910?
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This photograph is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.A220 Four generations of the Faragher family -great grandmother Jane Trigg (seated right), grandmother Sarah Wright (seated left), mother Elsie Faragher (standing at back) and baby Stan Faragher (seated centre front). Elsie Wright is Myrtle Uebergang's sister. There are two copies of the photograph -one a loose mounted copy (pictured), the other was framed. The wooden frame cost 3/9. A duplicate copy in the frame is on display. Black and white photograph of three women and a child. The old lady seated on the right is wearing a long sleeved dress/jacket with beaded bodice and a brooch at the neck. She has a white lace cap and net mittens. The woman on the right is wearing a tailored suit. The jacket has four buttons closure and two buttons on the turned back cuffs. A white blouse with wide pointed collar completes the outfit. The young woman at the back has her hair parted in the centre with plaited buns over the ears. Her frock has a self-fabric sash at the waist, six covered buttons down the front and decorative panels at each shoulder edged with beads. The wide white pointed collar sits on the shoulders. A white insert at the neck has a brooch attached. the child has long hair and wears a one piece outfit with short legs and buttons at the shoulder. His long sleeved shirt has a wide collar. He wears dark socks and button-up shoes.allansford, koroit, four generations, photographs, jane trigg, elsie faragher, stan faragher, sarah wright, myrtle uebergang -
Cheese World Museum
Photograph, Jordan Studio, Ray and Joyce Uebergang c1929, c1929
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This photograph is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.K14Photograph of twins Ray and Joyce Uebergang at approximately 3 years of age. Ray is standing beside a table and Joyce stands next to him. Ray is dressed in dark shorts and a light coloured shirt, tie and tiepin, long white socks and button-up shoes. Joyce is wearing a white embroidered frock with a scalloped hemline and short sleeves. She has short socks with garters and button-up shoes.allansford, uebergang, tooram park, ray uebergang, joyce uebergang, jordan studio, warrnambool, liebig street, photographs, children's costume, photography -
Cheese World Museum
Bottle, Stone hot water bottle
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This hot water bottle is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.F61 Brown stoneware cylindrical hot water bottle with dark brown knob at one end used as a handle; a round hole in dark brown on top used to fill the bottle, stopper missing; slightly flattened base to prevent rolling.Uebergang No. F61 (on base) -
Cheese World Museum
Bowl, Colgate's shaving soap
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This shaving soap dish iis part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.F33 Round black Bakelite shaving soap dish with screw-top lid and three small legs; paper label on lid.Colgate's (on centre of lid); COLGATE'S SHAVING BOWL (on base) -
Cheese World Museum
Jar, Pottery cream jar
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. The cream jar was part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.O 30 Carrick's Cumberland Dairy is a UK firm located at Low Row near Brampton.Small urn-shaped stoneware cream jar with blue shield-shaped label printed on the front, featuring a logo of a cow's head in a circle with double line around it.CARRICKS CUMBERLAND/ DAIRY CO LTD/PURE/THICK CREAM/ FRESH DAILY/ LOW ROW/ ASPATRIAdairying, domestic items, food storage & preservation, rural industry agriculture, allansford, uebergang, bottles, food technology, jars, carricks cumberland dairy co ltd, cream food storage, stoneware -
Cheese World Museum
Tin, Griffith's tea tin 7lb
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This tea tin is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.A16.1 Squat square base Griffith's tea tin. The front has a label printed with a dark blue background and silver writing. A small label is affixed at the bottom. Remnants of a white stick-on label at the bottom. A round push-on lid with lip is on top. Full of pink dairy rubbers.CHOICE TEA 7LB net/GRIFFITH'S BROS LTD/Tea, coffee, cocoa & General Merchants/MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE & BRISBANE/ Trade mark 'SIGNAL' [includes sketch of signal tower]; EXTRA PEKOE FLAVOURD [label on base] Uebergang No.A16.1 -
Cheese World Museum
Kitchenalia, Knife sharpener
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This knife sharpener is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.F 24 A metal device with two sharpening discs enclosed attached to a brown wooden circular base. A U-shaped metal handle angles up from the base. The base has a paper label which has deteriorated and is unreadable. The knife is sharpened by drawing the blade across the central slot.allansford, uebergang, kitchen utensils -
Cheese World Museum
Jug, Willow pattern milk jug
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This milk jug is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.H557 Tall white round china jug with a 'Blue Willow' pattern. The handle has a 'twisted rope' design.H557allansford, uebergang, jugs, food and drink consumption, containers, willow pattern -
Cheese World Museum
Cooler, Dairy cream cooler
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This cream cooler is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. See reference in Chandler catalogue p.167 Uebergang catalogue No.N17 A steel cream cooler with a trough mounted on top of a rippled rectangular section. The trough has 10 small holes in the base, which allows the cream to filter over the rippled faces. Water ran through the centre of the washboard to cool the cream. There are two outlets at the side, one to attach the to the water source, the other to an outlet.Joyce [in raised lettering on both sides at the top. Uebergang No. N17]allansford, uebergang, joyce dairy utensils, cream coolers, coolers, dairying -
Cheese World Museum
Stencil, Bag stencil 'P W Uebergang Allansford'
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This stencil is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. It was used to mark bags of produce leaving the Tooram property. Uebergang catalogue No.A27 Rectangular tin stencil with cut out Uebergang name and address. The front is blackened through use and the top section has been whitened afterwards. A square hole in the top corner is used for hanging the stencil on the wall.P W UEBERGANG/ ALLANSFORD A27 [Uebergang No.]allansford, uebergang, stencils, labelling, uebergang, p w -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Treadle Scroll Saw, Hobbies Ltd, Manufactured by Hobbies in England from 1928- 1965
Since 1895, Hobbies Ltd have been supplying model makers and enthusiasts throughout the world with a wide range of quality model kits, accessories, tools, components and handbooks. The Hobbies Company began life in Dereham, Norfolk in 1881 with a London Office opened later (1922) at 65 New Oxford Street, WC1. In 1895 Hobbies began supplying model makers with their products and in 1897 were incorporated into a Public company. In 1922 at a British Industries Fair the company had a stand advertising their products as "The All-British Firm with a World reputation". Fretwork Outfits. Fretwork Machines. Carpentry Outfits. Strip work Outfits. Also manufactures of Fretwork Tools and Benches, Wood, Circular Saws, Lathes, Picture Framing Outfits, Tools, etc. In 1947 the company had expanded and was still making tools and materials for the amateur craftsman in wood. They had acquired a reputation as manufacturers of quality Fretwork Outfits, Tools, Treadle Machines, Model Maker's Tool Kits. The company also publishers of ‘Hobbies Weekly magazine’ and also sold plans for fretwork, model making and wooden toys. In 1961 they were still manufacturers and retailers of craft tools and materials, timber merchants, light engineers and Government contractors with around 500 employees. A vintage tool made for hobbyists and distributed throughout the world by a British company that is still in existence today. The item is significant as it catalogues the manufactures history at a specific time in the company's development.Foot operated treadle Fret saw called "GEM" subject item is a short saw , the stand in the background is the base for a Delta Q3 model scroll saw. Gem inscription cast into the cast iron frameworkflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, saw, treadle saw, fret saw, pedal saw, the gem, tool, hobbies ltd, treadle, foot operated -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Chain Drill Attachment, Millers Falls Co, 1900-1931
An auxiliary tool for use with a breast drill or bit brace, when extra power is needed, or where pressure cannot be easily applied. The drill is automatically fed into the work by an adjustable friction feed which is automatically regulated by the resistance the drill encounters. These were made to fit on breast drills, and used for drilling metal, particularly round sections like a pipe. The chain is run around the object being drilled and gradually tightens as the hole is drilled, maintaining pressure while being a bit easier on the operator. Millers Falls Co. is a tool manufacturing company originally based in Millers Falls, Massachusetts, USA. It was established in Greenfield, Massachusetts in 1868 as Gunn & Amidon by Levi J. Gunn and Charles H. Amidon. Gunn and Amidon, along with a third partner, Henry L. Pratt built a factory in the north of Greenfield. After the Greenfield factory burned down, the company was reorganized as the Millers Falls Manufacturing Co. It merged with Backus Vise Co. in 1872 to form Millers Falls Co. In 1931 Millers Falls tools purchased the majority of the shares of Goodell-Pratt tools and merged with that manufacturer in 1932. In 1962 the company was acquired by Ingersoll Rand. In 1982, Ingersoll Rand sold the Millers Falls business to the newly created Millers Falls Tool Co. The company was head quartered in Alpha, New Jersey. Since 2002 the company trademark has belonged to Hangzhou Great Star Industrial, of Hangzhou, China. The item is associated with a tool manufacturing company established in the mid-19th century that pioneered the development of many types of tools used in many differing trades. The company grew to become a major supplier of tools around the world and today its tools that were produced during the mid-19th and early 20th centuries are now collectable items. Drill attachment with chain No 717 from 1925 catalogue 1/2 socket hole Millers Falls, Massachusettsflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chain drill, mast drill, millers falls, drilling attachment, drilling tools -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Tool - Smoothing Wood Plane, John Welsh & Co, 1845-1850
A vintage tool made by a obscure early 19th century woodworking Scottish tool maker. This item would have been made commercially for firms and individuals that worked in wood and needed a tool that could produce a flat smooth finish to timber. These tools were used before routers and spindle moulders came into use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before this time to produce a decorative moulding or to smooth a piece of furniture timber, door trims etc. had to be accomplished using hand tools and in particular one of these types of planes. The subject item is a smoothing plane Known as a Coffin Plane due to its shape. Traditionally wood planes were blocks of wear resistant hardwood, often beech or maple, which were worked to the shape of the intended moulding or had a flat blade use for achieving a flat and smooth finish to timber. The blade, or iron was likewise formed to the intended moulding profile or for smoothing and secured in the body of the plane with a wooden wedge. A traditional cabinetmakers shop might have many, perhaps hundreds, of moulding and flat bladed planes for a full range of work to be performed. Large crown mouldings required planes of six or more inches in width, which demanded great strength to push and often had additional peg handles on the sides, allowing the craftsman's apprentice or other worker to pull the plane ahead of the master who guided it. All we known about John Welsh is that he was a tool maker and possibly a retailer that operated a business in Dundee Scotland between 1845-1850. This is the only record we have to date that he existed and is from the Master Catalogue of Scottish woodworking tool makers. His tools in particular moulding planes are well sought after by collectors of vintage tools due to their rarity. A significant tool from the mid to late 19th century that today is quite rare and sought after by collectors. It gives us a snapshot of how furniture and other decorative finishes were created on timber by the use of hand tools. Tools that were themselves handmade shows the craftsmanship used during this time not only to make a tool such as the subject item but also the craftsmanship needed to produce a decorative finish that was needed to be made for any timber item. Wood Plane Rounded base, blade attached. Owner J Huband Marked J Welsh, Dundee maker and "J Huband" (Owner)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, plane, compass plane, j welsh, j huband -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Plant Stand, Late 19th Century (1898)
During the years 1869-1935 there were well over 250 registered bamboo furniture producers in Britain. The earliest recorded firm was Hubert Bill of 14 Little Camden St, London N.W., who claimed to have been established in (1869) while Daniel Jacobs & Sons of Hackney Road, London, were still in business in 1915, after 45 years of production. Design, quality, price and methods of construction were fairly consistent throughout the whole period, but it was the imaginative and often eccentric choice of subject matter that marked differentiation between the various firms. While most produced standard tables, stands and fire-screens, the more adventurous offered for sale items such as corner shelve units, charcoal barbecue grills and musical tea tables. Shelves were often covered with embossed leather paper designs, at first imported from Japan and then later produced in England. Some firms incorporated the knobbly roots of the bamboo stems into their designs, generally to form feet. Occasionally handles to drawers and cupboards were made with these roots although they were more commonly carved as imitations. Handles were mostly of cheap metal or brass. The ends of the bamboo canes were capped with stamped metal or turned bone, ivory or wooden discs. Methods of construction fell into three categories. First and most common is that of pegging. Bamboo stems being hollow, thick dowels can easily be glued into the joints. Some firms farmed out this work of `plugging' the ends of the canes to part-time workers at home. The second method, that of pinning, was far less satisfactory as bamboo tends to split lengthwise and therefore the jointed pieces eventually disintegrated. The most efficient method was that patented in 1888 (patent No 2383) by the firm of W. F. Needham in Birmingham. It consisted of metal shoes and covers for all joints which were made by wrapping a metal strip around the stems and soldering the overlapping ends. Some joints were further strengthened by a small pin or screw. Needham was by far the largest and most successful manufacturer and their individual and superior method of construction undoubtedly gained them their reputation. A. Englander & Searle of 34 Gt Eastern St and 31 Mare St, Hackney, London, were a firm particularly concerned with methods of construction. Although they seem to have entered the bamboo furniture market at a comparatively late date, about 1898, they produced inexpensive' bamboo, aimed particularly at the export trade. Stating in their catalogue that bamboo furniture “can be exported in one piece or it can be exported in pieces and put together again. The fixing up is much facilitated by a system of marking and numbering. Further, no glue is required for putting together as the screw system only is applied”. This method of construction best fits the Etagere and this item in the flagstaff collection and it is believed to have been made by A Englander & Searle, exported in a knock down form to Australia, purchased in kit form from a dealer here and put together by the purchaser. The bamboo plant stand is a significant item as it highlight furniture fashion of the late Victorian era. This item was highly sort after in its time and although mass produced, not many examples remain because the item is so fragile so this example is a valuable addition to the Flagstaff collection. It is believed,the construction method used is by a notable and respected maker in England of bamboo furniture that was aimed specifically at the export market and probably came to Australia in kit form to be assembled by the purchaser.Bamboo plant stand with octagonal top edged with tortoise shell bamboo the top is of wood and supported by four tortoise shell bamboo legs joined at the base by a square cane covered shelf. The tortoise shell appearance is brown lacquer. Item is part of the Giles Collection. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, furniture, plant stand, bamboo furniture, etagere, victorian furniture, simulated bamboo, tortise shell, a englander & searle, domestic furniture, giles collection, henry giles, cooramook, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century household goods -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Fire grate, William Stephens, 1900 to 1910
... and domestic items that were decorative in design and used ...W Stephens operated a foundry in south Melbourne around 1900 the company made many cast iron architectural and domestic items that were decorative in design and used in the building industry of the time. Stephens Excelsior Foundry specialised in making decorative cast iron balustrades and brackets with intricate lacework used on verandas in the late Victorian period found in Australian homes. The company also made many other items of cast iron including fire grates down to wheel barrow wheels as their 1901 and 1908 catalogues describe. A domestic item made by one of Melbourne's early foundries that specialised in making decorative architectural cast iron items of all types that can be seen in many building still in use today throughout Australia.Fire grate cast iron with four legs and back support. Embossed "W.STEPHENS REGISTERED" on the back.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, fire grate -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Artwork, other - Card, 1890s
Quote is from the Bible John 6:20, these cards were often sent as gifts or used in bible studies at Sunday schools around the 1890s to teach religion. They were produced by various companies at this time and known as "Heidelberg cards" from the Heidelberger Druckmaschinen company in Germany that produces catalogues, calendars, posters, and labels to this day.Item is significant as it shows an early example of religious teaching aid from the late Victorian era and gives a snapshot into social life of the time.Card with Bible quotation 'It Is I' Be Not Afraid' with a picture of a roseflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, card, bible verse -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Container - Tin, Fred Walker Cresco Foods, 1910
... . A significant item that catalogues the start of dehydrated food ...Fred Walker 1884 – 1935 was an Australian businessman and founder of Fred Walker & Co. first in Hong Kong, then in Melbourne as the Fred Walker Company. He also set up Kraft Walker Cheese Co. in partnership with American businessman James L. Kraft in 1926, to market Kraft's patented method of processing cheese in Australia. Fred Walker & Co. is best known for creating Vegemite, a yeast extract-based food spread and Australian cultural icon. Kraft Walker Cheese Co. Is best known for manufacturing a cheese known as Red Coon around 1931, which later became known as Coon cheese. He founded the Fred Walker Company at 54 William Street and later moving to Flinders Street in 1911. This company specialised in canned foods, especially dairy products, exporting them to Asia. It manufactured Red Feather canned foods including butter and cheese from around 1910. He also went on to created Cresco Food Co. for his younger brother, which was the first factory to manufacture "flaked food" or dehydrated food products in Australia.A significant item that catalogues the start of dehydrated food production and sale in Australia was initiated by an Australian businessman and well-known entrepreneur. The history of Fred Walker gives insight into how many food brands in Australia now that we take for granted had his involvement in their early beginnings. Large cylindrical tin with push on lid, painted label on the sides in maroon, black gold and dark fawn colours with text.Palm Flaked Rice manufactured by the Cresco Co. Limited Melbourne Australiaflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, container, food container, kitchen ware, flaked rice, cresco, palm flaked rice, tin, fred walker, dehydrated food -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Shelves, A. Englander & Searle, Late 19th Century (1898)
This music stand set of shelves is one of many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with the Giles Family and are known as the “Giles Collection”. Many of the items of furniture, linen and crockery in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the simple home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) whose photos are in the parlour. They married in 1880. Henry, born at Tower Hill in 1858, was a labourer on the construction of the Breakwater before leaving in 1895 to build bridges in N.S.W. for about seven years. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook. She attended Mailor’s Flat State School where she was also a student teacher before, as family legend has it, she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family of six, some of whom were born at Mailor’s Flat and later children at Wangoom, lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940. THE SHELVES During the years 1869-1935 there were well over 250 registered bamboo furniture producers in Britain. The earliest recorded firm was Hubert Bill of 14 Little Camden St, London N.W., who claimed to have been established in (1869 the first bamboo furniture maker), while Daniel Jacobs & Sons of Hackney Road, London, were still in business in 1915, after 45 years of production. Design, quality, price and methods of construction were fairly consistent throughout the whole period, but it was the imaginative and often eccentric choice of subject matter that marked the differentiation between the various firms. While most produced standard tables, stands and fire-screens, the more adventurous offered for sale items such as Corner shelve units, charcoal barbecue grills and musical tea tables. Shelves were often covered with embossed leather paper designs, at first imported from Japan and then later produced in England. Some firms incorporated the knobbly roots of the bamboo stems into their designs, generally to form feet. Occasionally handles to drawers and cupboards were made with these roots although they were more commonly carved as imitations. Handles were mostly of cheap metal or brass. The ends of the bamboo canes were capped with stamped metal or turned bone, ivory or wooden discs. Methods of construction fell into three categories. First and most common is that of pegging. Bamboo stems being hollow, thick dowels can easily be glued into the joints. Some firms farmed out this work of `plugging' the ends of the canes to part-time workers at home. The second method, that of pinning, was far less satisfactory as bamboo tends to split lengthwise and therefore the jointed pieces eventually disintegrated. The most efficient method was that patented in 1888 (patent No 2383) by the firm of W. F. Needham in Birmingham. It consisted of metal shoes and covers for all joints which were made by wrapping a metal strip around the stems and soldering the overlapping ends. Some joints were further strengthened by a small pin or screw. Needham was by far the largest and most successful manufacturer and their individual and superior method of construction undoubtedly gained them their reputation. A. Englander & Searle of 34 Gt Eastern St and 31 Mare St, Hackney, London, were a firm particularly concerned with methods of construction. Although they seem to have entered the bamboo furniture market at a comparatively late date, about 1898, they produced inexpensive bamboo, aimed particularly at the export trade. The company stated in their catalogue that bamboo furniture “can be exported in one piece or it can be exported in pieces and put together again. The fixing up is much facilitated by a system of marking and numbering. Further, no glue is required for putting together as the screw system only is applied”. This method of construction best fits the Etagere in the Flagstaff collection and it is believed to have been made by A Englander & Searle, exported in a knock down form to Australia, purchased in kit form from a dealer hear and put together by the owner. The Etagere is a significant item as it highlight furniture fashion of the late Victorian era. This item was highly sort after in its time and although mass produced, not many examples remain, so this example is a valuable addition to the Flagstaff collection. It is believed that the construction method used is by a notable and respected maker of bamboo furniture and that its production was aimed at the export market and probably came to Australia in kit form.Bamboo shelves: decorative free standing Etagere comprising three large shelves and one small shelf. Shelves are made of wood used to store either orange or bacon boxes (as there are no knots in the wood, imported from South America and cheap to recycle). Shelves are covered with embossed leather paper. Frame is made from tortoise shell bamboo (brown lacquer applied to simulate tortoise shell appearance). Ends of bamboo canes are covered with metal shoes and fixed with a pin. Other bamboo joints are fixed with round head steel screws. This item is part of the Giles Collection.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, bamboo shelves, bamboo etagere, victorian furniture, furniture, bamboo furniture, embossed leather paper, simulated bamboo, tortise shell, a englander & searle, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, warrnambool breakwater, mailor’s flat, wangoom, 19th century furniture -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Religious Book, Novello and Company Limited, The Australian Psalter, Early 20th century
This book, The Australian Psalter, was part of the furniture and furnishings from the St Nicholas Church, Williamstown. It was used in the worship service there until the church closed. The items from the church and the Missions to Seamen were then donated to Flagstaff Hill and are known as the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection. The publisher, Novello & Co., of London, published the book in 1903. One reference noted that "It was printed in response to a desire expressed by the Diocesan Synod of Sydney in 1903" (National Library of Australia Catalogue). THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN (Brief History: for more, see our Reg. No. 611, Set of Pews) The Missions to Seamen was an Anglican charity that served seafarers of the world since 1856 in Great Britain. It symbol is a Flying Angel, inspired by a Bible verse. Today there are centres in over 200 ports worldwide where seamen of all backgrounds are offered a warm welcome and provided with a wide range of facilities. In Victoria, the organisation began in Williamstown in 1857 as a Sailors’ Church, also known as ‘Bethel’ or the ‘Floating Church’ in an old hulk floating in Hobson’s Bay, Port of Melbourne. It soon became part of the Missions to Seamen, Victoria. In the year 2000 the organisation, now named Mission to Seafarers, still operated locally in Melbourne, Portland, Geelong and Hastings. The Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild was formed in 1906 to support the Missions to Seamen in Melbourne and other centres such as Williamstown. Two of the most significant ladies of the Guild were founder Ethel Augusta Godfrey and foundation member Alice Sibthorpe Tracy (who established a branch of the Guild in Warrnambool in 1920). The Guild continued its work until the 1960s. In 1943 a former Williamstown bank was purchased for the Missions to Seaman Club. The chapel was named St Nicholas’ Seamen’s Church and was supported by the Ladies’ Harbour Lights Guild, the Williamstown Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary and the League of Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Friends. It ceased operation in 1966. A Missions to Seamen Chapel and Recreation Room was a significant feature of ports during the late 1800s and into the 1900s. It seemed appropriate for Flagstaff Hill to include such a representation within the new Maritime Village, so the Melbourne Board of Management of Missions to Seamen Victoria gave its permission on 21st May 1979 for the entire furnishings of the Williamstown chapel to be transferred to Flagstaff Hill. The St Nicholas Seamen’s Church was officially opened on October 11, 1981, and closely resembles the Williamstown chapel. The Australian Psalter is historically significant for its connection to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary, an organisation of women, formed to support seafarers. It is an important part to the worship services held at the St Nicholas Seamen's Church in Williamstown. This book is significant historically for its origin in the St Nicholas Mission to Seamen's Church in Williamstown, established in 1857 to cater for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of seafarers. It originated in Bristol, England when a Seamen's Mission was formed in 1837. The connection of this book to the Mission to Seamen and to the Ladies Lightkeepers’ Auxiliary highlights the strong community awareness of the life of people at sea, their dangers and hardships, and their need for physical, financial, spiritual and moral support. The Book, The Australian Psalter, was published by Novello and Company, London. Blue fabric-covered book with gold-embossed text, two bands of seven stars, and an emblem of the sun surrounded by stars on the front cover. The book contains the Psalms of David and the Canticles and Proper Psalms Pointed for Chanting. It is stamped with the library stamp Missions and Seamen, Melbourne. The book is now part of the St Nicholas Seamen's Church Collection.Embossed text: "THE / AUSTRALIAN / PSALTER" Emblem: [six stars] around [sun] Stamp: "From the Missions to Seamen Melbourne"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, st nicholas seamen’s church, williamstown, missions to seamen victoria, psalter, hymn book, worship service, songs of worship, novello & co. london, worship music, the australian psalter -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Cyclopædia of English Literature Vol 2
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Cyclopædia of English Literature Vol 2 Edited by R Chambers Publisher: William and Robert Chambers Further Information: A history, critical and biographical, of British authors from the earliest to the present timesThe label on the spine cover with typed text H 820 CHA Front loose end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, cyclopædia of english literature vol 2 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Chambers Encyclopædia Vol 1
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Chambers Encyclopædia Vol 1 Publisher: William and Robert Chambers Date: 1904 Further Information: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge -Illustrated Edition A to Beaufort.The label on the spine cover with typed text flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, chambers encyclopædia vol 1, william and robert chambers -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Chambers Encyclopædia Vol 2
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the 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. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Chambers Encyclopædia Vol 2 Publisher: William and Robert Chambers Date: 1904 Further Information: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge - Illustrated Edition Beaufort to CataractThe label on the spine cover with typed text H 030 CHA Front loose end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, chambers encyclopædia vol 2, william and robert chambers