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. A History of Modern Europe Vol 1 Author: C A Fyffe Publisher: Cassell & Company Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 940.27 FYF Has hand writing on the front loose endpaper looks as if it reads " William Gilbert, Shepperton 1892" Then is son has written "Dad. Born ............ 1872. From eldest son George, Woodford, via Koriot 3282 30/10/1987."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, a history of modern europe vol 1, c a fyffe, william gilbert

"Narrative of the service history of the Fifth (Victorian) Infantry Battalion 1st AIF". "A remarkable testimony of their sacrifice in the First World War".Hard cover with dust cover. Hard cover, cardboard with black coloured buckraw, red print on front and spine. Front - illustrated - silhouette drawing of soldier in uniform Back - black and white photograph of 2 soldiers on camel back. Small black over red rectangular colour patch front and back 342 pages, cut, plain, white. Illustrated black and white photographs, portraits, maps and documents.Opposite Title Page - printed donation label - "Donated by 39th Australian Infantry Battalion (1941-1943) Association Inc. www.39battalion.com"books, military, history, wwi

A tribute to John Cain (1931-2019) by Brian Smiddy; published in Recorder, the official newsletter of the Melbourne Labour History SocietyMagazine clipping, black text and colour imagejohn cain, politicians, premier of victoria

Useful reference listed for further reading and research e.g.page 11. Many Corack names and almost all people in the group photos are named. Effectively relates to social and enviromental themes in local history that led to closed rural schools with the drift and decline in population.Green and cream cover A4 size 94 page book - a record of the Corack district with photographs and town map blocks featuring owners.Topics covered include,churches,sports,community organisations and buildings,mail runs,rabbits,war memorial, water,Lake Buloke,Corack Station.Top of introductory page:handwritten text-"Donated to the Wycheproof Historical Society by Mick Giddings of 'Willandra' Museum."corack, local history

Montrose Settlement in the Foothills - A History

History of Greenacres Golf Clubnon-fictiongreen acres golf club, golf clubs - kew (vic)

Pamphlet about Melton's historylandscapes of significance, council

Newspaper Clipping from Bendigo Advertiser, March 1, 2001, page 7, titled "Tram heads off to golden rival" with story and photo about Bendigo tram No. 18, being painted in a gold colour scheme for the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold and to operate for the Ballarat Tramway Museum. Photo features Central Deborah staff Norm Harris and Jason Dunstone as miners and Darren Hutchesson as the driver. Tram has number covered, destination of "GOLD" and numbers "1851 - 2001" on front dash with the "Bendigo Talking Tram Tour" sign under the driver. Photographed at the mine terminus on 28 Feb. 2001.gold tram, bendigo, btm, gold

Booklet produced for the 50th anniversary of the school (1924-1974) and sold for 20 cents. Contains lists of school principals and Departmental Inspectors. Photos are of first committee, first students, early and present teachers.Soft covered booklet 8 pages with pen and ink drawing of school building. Brief history compiled for 50th anniversary of the school, with Jubilee Celebrations programme on back cover. Front cover by "Nature Notes", and 4 pages of black and white photos. (5 copies)

History of the Freeland Family in AustraliaGrey Card with Black order Black Typed title underlined below a sailing ship and three harnessed hoses in a plowed field, Sub Title and AuthorFreeland Family History Stawell, Victoria (Underlined) Clipperships, Gold & Clydesdales. written & Researched by Audrey N.Steele. The Title Page Has a Different title Pioneering Freelands 1852 Henry & Sarah Ann On Inside Cover on white label To Stawell Historical Scy. With Compliments. From Audrey Steele 28/10/1991stawell, middleton, deep lead, freeland

This is a local history of the Tambo Shire in East Gippsland. Tambo Shire (1882-1994) was created on 6 January 1882, by severance from Bairnsdale shire with Bruthen as the head . It was named after the Tambo River. Orbost Shire was originally a part of this shire as was Lakes Entrance. In 1994 Tambo shire was united with Bairnsdale city, Orbost and Omeo shires, most of Bairnsdale shire and part of Rosedale shire to form East Gippsland Shire.This book is a useful reference book on the history of the Tambo district.A 448 pp book with a gold coloured dust jacket with black print and an illustration of the Tambo Shire emblem 1882. It is titled " The Tambo Shire Centenary History".tambo-shire-history

A copy of an address given at a Foundation Day Luncheon by a long standing Legatee and past President Legatee Rob Allison. He had joined Legacy in 1950, and he comments that only 5 members remain active that were with him in 1950. In 1950 they were all posted as member of various committees, he got Welfare and Friday night girls' classes. There were 9 boys' classes throughout Melbourne, and girls' twice a week at Legacy Headquarters at 24 Market St. There were 230 active members and each legatee had 4 or 5 families with children. He mentions that in 1950 the President was 62 years old but only 5 years after the end of the war, the tide had begun to turn towards the 39ers. (He called the older legatees '1914ers' or 'the Bow and Arrow boys'). He applauded the 'founding fathers' for limiting the numbers of members, in 1929 it was 230 and in 1959 a limit of 300. They used a classification method to classify the members so they had a diverse range of skills and community representation. Areas were: Production, Distribution, Services Public Authority, Services Other, and Board List. The President had a Secret Committee of 3, no one knew who was on the committee, even those members didn't know the identity of the other 2. This committee vetted the background and integrity of new members. In 1950 the budget was £27,000 plus a capital budget of £3,500. Legatee Allison tells a good story of his induction into Legacy, including his wife joining other Legatees wives in fundraising. In 1951 Comradeship meetings moved to Thursday nights at the instigation of Burt Nathan. 'Birthday boy' invitations started in 1958 when John Cooper was Chairman of the Comradeship. After some years of discussion the first paid Social Worker was employed in 1953 and as a result her efforts the first Senior Widows' Group got underway. Until the 1950s Legacy had always found the money it required, from big companies, wealthy members of the community, Estates, or Trusts. In 1951 it tried to copy a Sydney Legacy idea (Certificate of Adoption Plan) and called it 'The Endowment Scheme'. Other fundraisers included films, premiere showing and musicals were very much a part of the social life of Legatees. One premiere show in 1952, 'The Greatest Show on Earth' was sold at £100 a double. In 1959 Sir Frank and Lady Tait were kind enough for give us a premiere of 'My Fair Lady'. As the 50s progressed cash flow was not enough and it was decided in 1957 to have the first public appeal (he says 1957 but it was 1956). The first Badge day was 1958 (according to this account). He says it grossed £21,000 (net £17,000). And the Legacy story was becoming better known. 'Legacy has never been a one man band. The strength has been in the resourceful ability of those of its members.' He was well placed to tell the story of the donation towards Dureau House. BG Corporation in New York used 'Brown and Dureau' as agents in Melbourne for their spark plug manufacturing (for the American aircraft based in Australia during the war). A royalty of two shillings and sixpence was agreed. The entrepreneur President of BG Corporation was Richard Goldsmith. L/ Grat Grattan had a friend Mr Edwards who was managing director at Brown and Dureau and heard of the desire by Goldsmith to leave a permanent memorial to ex-servicemen in Australia (Children's Hospital was considered). Grat took Edwards to Market St and showed him the inadequacy of the building. It was agreed if Melbourne Legacy could come up with a purchased building in 10 days they would get the money needed. The property purchased was 'Storey Hall' in Swanston St (also called Hibernian Hall in other documents). After the war it turned out not to be suitable and a new building was required. The speaker is identified as Rob Allison based on two things; at one stage he refers to himself as 'Rob' and this copy of the speech has been faxed to Legacy from the offices of John Allison Monkhouse. Another copy of this address has been located with the date of September 1988 that was filed with information on Past Presidents and the lives prominent legatees. The notation H59 in black pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. A record of Legatee Rob Allison speaking at a Legacy luncheon about significant events since he joined in 1950. Speakers at Legacy luncheons were from very different walks of life and the subjects spoken on were many and varied. Foundation Day was celebrated with a special luncheon.White A4 photocopy with black type x 8 pages of an address about Legacy history written in 1987.Handwritten H59 in black pen. history, speech, foundation day, past presidents, dureau house, rob allison

Note by T.H. Kneen 20 February 1991, "Probably 1949 not long after occupation. Note frame housing bell from old Pavilion. It was later placed on building next to flag "tower." Until occupation of the building in 1949 the bell was used to signal lecture & work periods (on the hour.)" NB bell stolen in 2014.Black and white photograph. Newly constructed Administration Building. No planting around it.Main Building Burnleypavilion, bell, administration building, main building

Lance Corporal ARTHUR REGAN POWNALL (15th Field Ambulance A.A.M.C.) "A student from Marist Brothers College Bendigo/during the early 1900's, a highly decorated/soldier being awarded the Military Medal/ with bar, twice in one month". Folder with clear plastic binding comb. Cover - front clear plastic, Back - black coloured cardboard. Title page - paper, brown print on light brown background, with coloured small illustration of the "Military medal" top left. 36 pages, white, plain, facsimile collection containing printed items, documents and photographs. folder, war diaries, ww1

Soft, cardboard cover. Black / white print on front, spine & back. Yellow background illustrated with sketches of the Central Deborah Mine with a tram. 63 cut, white pages. Illustrated sketches in black on white background. Front & back flyleaf & end papers. Map of Bendigo. Inscriptions.Handwritten in blue ink on title page: “25.12.80. To Dad. Merry Xmas 1980” Handwritten in blue ink on contents page: “Rail to Bgo opened Oct 21 1962 to P Hill 12 Feb 1884 a period of 22 yrs”book, bendigo, golden age, retraced

Newspaper clipping from The Courier, Ballarat, 3/10/1968, of the defeat of the Bolte Governments proposals to scrap the trams in Ballarat and Bendigo. Labour and Country parties combined (16-14) to defeat the proposal in the Legislative Council. Bolte said the fares would have to be 30% higher as a result.In red ink in top right hand corner of the item - '3/10/68'trams, tramways, fares, closure, bolte, bendigo, ballarat

Letter from Margaret Cheevers to Desmond Lindsay referring to his work on the history of the site of the City of Ringwood Bowls Club.Letter from Margaret Cheevers to Desmond Lindsay referring to his work on the history of the site of the City of Ringwood Bowls Club. One page,white paper, printed on Ringwood Council letter head. +Additional Keywords: Cheevers, Margaret (Mayor) / Lindsay, Desmond44 Lyons Rd. North Croydon 3134 27th. June, 1994 City of Ringwood Civic Centre The Mayor Mrs. B. Cheevers Dear Madam, I am pleased to say to you and the Councillors of the City of Ringwood that our family residence on both sides of my family exceeds in excess of one hundred years and it was during a family get together that an interesting anecdote was revealed relating to the land occupied by the Ringwood Bowling Club soon to occupy new premises in Warrandyte Road. The land that became the home of the Bowling Green was given by Thomas Grant, the previous owner was Captain Miles, father of the long standing Councillor the late Temple Miles. The incident I refer to was during World War 1 when Captain Miles an English Loyalist publicly stated he would give a block of land to the widow of the first Ringwood man killed in action. That man was James Brain (refer to Clock Tower Memorial) who married my father’s wife’s sister. Captain Miles made good his offer and the land was the land still occupied by the Ringwood Bowling Club. The land at that time had a small creek running through the centre and the young War Widow suffering grief was advised by another snide councillor (no name) not to accept it, saying it would not be worth it. Ringwoods’ first casualty during World War 1 left a widow and two young sons, all who have passed to their eternal reward. I still do not know if the Council has an historian, but thought it worth telling even if only the Bowling Club were to learn and proud to say my brother Jack had become club Champion on Sacred Soil. Sincerely yours Desmond J Lindsay

Published history of the Kew Bowling Club to mark its centenary. [The item is part of the large historic Kew Bowling Club collection (1880-1988) gifted to the Kew Historical Society in 2020].non-fictionHistorykew bowling club - wellington street - kew (vic), clubs - lawn bowls - kew (vic), bowling clubs - kew bowling club - history, nixon nv

This demijohn was made by Bendigo Pottery for Sharpe Bros, brewers of non-alcoholic drinks such as Dandelion Ale, Ginger Beer and cordial. Sharpe Bros began in New Zealand and expanded to Australia in the early 20th century. The company was taken over by Cadbury Schweppes in 1972.An item made during the first half of the 20th century by a Bendigo pottery as a container made for the Sharpe's brewery in Victoria to contain their non alcoholic drinks for retail sale.Glazed stoneware bottle with dark brown glaze to top section, one gallon size, narrow neck glazed stoneware stopper and wire handle missing. SHARPE BROS. AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND Text printed in black on body: 'This bottle is the absolute property of and must be returned to Sharpe Bros. Australia and New Zealand.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, bottle, stoneware bottle, sharpe bros., drink, non alcoholic drinks, bendigo pottery, demihohn

Pamphlet - A4 size, printed on one side on gloss paper titled "Restoration of P&MTT 44 and P&MTT84", outlining the work done by Bendigo tramway depot on the reconstruction of PMTT trams for the centenary of the Malvern Tram Depot, May 2010. Gives an outline of the work done and the support of the RTBU, Yarra Trams and the State Government. Signed by Thomas Seddon, CEO of the Bendigo Trust. Two copies held.trams, tramways, malvern depot, centenary, pmtt, yarra trams, bendigo tramways, bendigo trust

A history of the Baw Baw and Walhalla country of the Narracan Shire, VictoriaHardback. Brown dust cover. Photograph on front cover looks out from the entry of a mine onto the front of a building which has a hill to the side of it. The back cover has a photograph of the side of a hill with some trees on it.G&V THOMAS Stamp of the Marysville & District Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779gold, gold field, gold miner, gold mining, gold town, walhalla, baw baw, gippsland, victoria, australia, history