Showing 5869 items
matching ex-directors
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Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - Digital image, Wal Jack, 14/02/1953 12:00:00 AM
Yields information about the appearance of no. 37 in 1953 and the Sturt St south end buildings.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of a photograph of No 37 in the parking loop at Sturt St, 14-2-1953. Wal Jack Photo. In the background is the Camp Hotel, with the name Alan Hood under the hotel name. See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeOn rear of photograph in ink "SEC, Ballarat (1st) No. 37 ex No. 22 bogie ex MMTB 117 Sturt St loop 14-2-53" and in top right hand corner, Wal Jack stamp with "T153" written in.trams, tramways, bogie trams, sturt st, tram 37 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Pamphlet - CATALOGUE, BELGIUM, Copyright 'De'pose', post WW1
Folded card, pale cream colour with blue printing & illustrated colour prints of wreaths, suitable for placing on soldier's graves. BRITISH ASSOCIATION YPRES SALIENT BELGIUM (An Association of Ex-Soldiers) Cataloguecommerce - advertising, military history, passchendaele barracks trust, belgium, ypres -
Federation University Historical Collection
Magazine - Book, Extra Muros, 1930, 1930
Ballarat Teachers’ College commenced at Ballarat East Library in 1926 and stayed at that location until temporary closure in December 1931. In 1926 Sixty one students enrolled, and the staff consisted of Mr W.H. Ellwood, Miss A. Bouchier, Mr A.B. Jones. (The Flag, Nov 1997; The Flag, Nov 1996; BTC Handbook 1965)Blue soft cover booklet with gold titles relating to the Ballarat Teachers College, 62 pages with illustrations and advertisements. Includes information on current and ex students. Staff and student activities throughout the year.On the first page written in red pencil "M Miller" [Monica Miller]btc, ballarat teachers college, j weir, v bellingham, em smith, c cox, g rosehain, cm hall, m ocallaghan, m giles, d roscoe, o hateley, c inglis, a curtis, g bolster, joyce thomas, c cummins, j conway, r row, w augustini, n prendergast, d carroll, n larkan, m fogarty, m murray, a vickers, e forster, c mccullough, k curley, m bainbridge, t stuart, mollie quinn, mildred graham, hazel henderson, norman cocks, george carey, colin hall, jessie higgins, r bowman, a coto, v mckenzie, g dunstan, thomas alexander maclean, j mckerbery, r warriner, edna jones, ina dickman, wi young, jh mcnaughton, re moosman, f hickey, q kerby, r watson, c goltz, ab jones, ballarat east library, physical culture -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Newspaper - Newspaper clipping, Unilever fined by EPA, Emerald Hill, Sandridge and St Kilda Times, The Emerald Hill, Sandridge and St Kilda Times, 25 May 1994
Photocopy of small article about Unilever (ex Kitchens) in Port Melbourne being fined by the Environment Protection Authority. From the Emerald Hill, Sandridge and St Kilda Times 25 May 1994industry - manufacturing, business and traders - soaps/candles, natural environment, environmental issues, j kitchen & sons pty ltd, unilever australia (holdings) ltd, environment protection authority -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Demolitions, Port Melbourne, Ron Laing, 1998 - 1999
Up date contribution of Ron LAING's collection of photographs taken around Port Melbourne over a 13 year (and longer) period, and donated to the PMH&PS by the photographer23 colour photographs of various sites in Port Melbourne being, or due to be, demolished: 398 Graham Street, ex milk bar corner of Graham and Albert Streets, and the TEAC building in Bay Streetdemolitions, ron laing, teac -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Purchell Frank, The Prison on the Bay. Victorian Training Ship ''John Murray.''
The story of the Victorian Government training ship John Murray ex barque Loch Ryan from commissioning in 1910 to 1917 when this project to train buys for life in the navy was abandoned indexed illustrated168/300 Frank Purchellnaval history -
Ballarat RSL Sub-Branch Inc.
Folder - War Memorials Ballarat
Memorials - Boer War; Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour; Memorial Cairn & Cross of Remembrance; Rotunda & Roll of Honour WWI; Memorial Wall; Cenotaph; South-East Asia; Australian Ex-POWliterature, ballarat rsl, ballarat -
Wangaratta High School
WAHS Badges, 1909
1x Wangaratta Agricultural High School badge 1x Wangaratta Agricultural High School Ex Students association badge 1x Wangaratta Agricultural High School Senior Athletic Champion badge -
Tennis Australia
Book, Circa 1993
Book: 'DAYS OF GRACE: A MEMOIR'. Hardcover with dust jacket and plastic covering . Copyrighted 1993. Ex-library book - Spokane Library stamps and labels throughout. Materials: Paper, Ink, Cardboard, Plastictennis -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Railroad to Burma, 1991
Stamp - Thailand Hellfire Pass. (Ex POW project fund. See John W. Toon OAM, 11 LLoyd Ave Narre Warren 3805 - 7046866 John W Tooen VX 30397 Ex POW "D" force Thailand 1943. Soft cardboard cover. Illustrated, sepia photographs, black print, green print beige colour cover. Pages 198. Black and White photos.books-military-history, burma railroad -
Bendigo Military Museum
Booklet - 1 COMMANDO ASSOC. REGISTER 1977, 1977
This booklet lists ex members of 1Commando, spouses and contact details.This is a "local" made booklet. Hard white cardboard cover with Badge of Commando's on front "STRIKE SWIFTLY" . Word are in black ink - "1 COMMANDO ASSOCIATION REGISTER 1977" . Inside are 41 glossy pages with black printing. The booklet is bound with two staples.cmf, commandos, sydney -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Book - Book - Dante and Collected Verse, Dante and Collected Verse, 1916
Dark blue covers and spine. Gold text on spine and front cover. Label inside front cover - 'Portland Free Library Museum and Literary Institute'. -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - "Susso" workers, Port Melbourne, 1930s
Percy MAY is the father of John MAY (ex Pres of PMHPS)Sepia copy photograph of "susso" workers in the 1930s in Port Melbourne. Hatless man in back row is Percy MAY. There are two large wheelbarrows at front of photo - road building. Also a policeman on right.workers, engineering - roads streets lanes and footpaths, police, percy allan may -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Whistle
Survival whistle former possession of WW2 ex RAAF serviceman.Silver whistle with key ring attached and small unattached ball housed in body.The Acme Thunderer. Made in Englandwhistle, acme thunderer -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Camp 13 Reunion
Camp 13 Murchison Reunion of ex guards and pow's in 1974 1 Black and white photograph of Gerhard Kruger, wearing a tartan tie check shirt, pen in right hand. gerhard kruger, murchison, camp 13 murchison, camp reunions -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Identity Form for Hans Muehlhaus
Identity Form for Hans Muehlhaus.|Camp 1, ex Dunera.photograph, people -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Wood cut print, Woodcuts by Hirschfeld Mack
Woodcuts by Hirschfeld Mack, ex Dunera.|Camp 2|Tatura -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - MCCOLL, RANKIN AND STANISTREET COLLECTION: SOUTH NELL GWYNNE
Two circulars from the South Nell Gwynne Gold Mining Company NL. 1. Notice of a Half Yearly General Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Company's Office, Charing Cross on Friday 5th November 1954 at 2.15 pm. And a Directors Report for the term ended 31st August 1954. 2. Notice of a Half Yearly meeting of shareholders on Friday 28th May 1954. Directors Report for the year ended 31st March 1954.gold, mining, shareholders meeting, bendigo gold mines, south nell gwynne, nell gwynne line of reef -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white prints and negatives, Information Branch Victorian Department of Agriculture, Official Opening of Student Amenities Building, 1973
Incorporated the original canteen built in 1961, using funds raised by the College Ladies Committee under the leadership of Mrs. T.H. Kneen. Building designed by the Investigation and Development Group of the PW.D. with Des Bloink as Supervising Architect, Mackenzies Constructions Pty. Ltd. was the builder. Financed by funds provided through the State Grants (Advanced Education) Act 1969.Note by T.H. Kneen "At rear, partly obscured is C.E. Cole Deputy Director of Agriculture."3 copies black and white photograph. A group of men and a student, Brian Ward, Dux, with Hon. Rupert Hamer standing outside the Student Amenities BuildingOn reverse of 1 copy, " Official Opening of Student Amenities Building L-R Dr David Wishart Director-General Dept Agr, Dux of College, Hon. R.J. Hamer Premier, Victoria, Hon. Ian Smith Minister for Agriculture, C. Pymble Cook Chief of Division of Agric Edn., Eric Littlejohn Principal, BHC." and on all copies, "Photograph by Information Branch Victorian Department of Agriculture Ref. No. E206(4).opening, student amenities building, dr david wishart, director-general, hon. r.j. hamer, premier of victoria, hon. ian smith, minister for agriculture, e.b. littlejohn, principal, burnley horticultural college, ladies committee, des bloink, supervising architect, mackenzies constructions pty. ltd., c.e. cole, deputy director of agriculture, canteen, dux, publicity -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Photograph - Norm Maddock - Ballarat War Memorial, 6/10/2009
Photo of Norm Maddock, an ex Prisoner of War visiting the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial on 6/10/2009 and another photo of the memorial looking the other way. Date from Ballarat Tramway Museum item No 4498. Not known who took the photo.Has a close association with Norm Maddock and his visit to Ballarat ex-Prisioner's of War Memorial.Set of two colour prints on Kodak Xtralife paper.trams, tramways, norm maddock, ballarat -
Orbost & District Historical Society
certificates, 1909, 1911, 1912
These four certificates belonged to William Hunter. William Hunter (1893-1971) was a resident of Tatura and Mallacoota. He was a soldier, surveyor and amateur naturalist. The certificates include two first prizes for surveying, a technical scholarship for full day courses and a certificate for Applied Mechanics. William received his Surveying Certificate in April 1916. In June 1887, the Working Men's College opened after Francis Ormond, a noted Victorian philanthropist and member of parliament, suggested that a technical institute be built in Melbourne, offering further education for working men and women. He had offered to match the sum raised through public subscription if the government could provide a site for the College. William Hunter made valuable contributions to our knowledge of far East Gippsland plants. His records were meticulous. These certificates are part of his history.Four card certificates of merit for "Annual Examinations" from the Working Men's College, The Technical College and School of Mines for the Metropolitan District.All four certificates awarded to "William Hunter" and signed by Mordaunt Arundel Hall (accountant & chief clerk WMC) as the Acting Director.hunter-william-surveyor -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Booklet - australain Military Forces, Storage In The Tropics 1966, 30 April 1968
1966 Australian Military forces - Director of Ordnance Services. 1966- BooletGreen Cardboard cover and rear with paper molded and thread binding for edge reinforcement Dark green in color. With off white pages inside.7610-66-024-4972 30/4/1968 Restricted Prepared and issued under the direction of Director of Ordnance Services. 1966australian army ordnance services - storage in te tropics -
Mission to Seafarers Victoria
Book, Melbourne Books, Wharves To The World: The Development Of Melbourne's World Trade Centre, 2011
Wharves to the World: The Development of Melbourne's World Trade Centre is a photographic chronicle of the history of the World Trade Centre and its surrounds. The book traces the journey of land and the buildings that occupied it - from its beginnings with the Wurundjeri people to its role as a trading hub in early Melbourne, then as the site of the modern-day World Trade Centre, and now as part of a flourishing residential and commercial Precinct. As with any major project The World Trade Centre has face its share of fêlures, but despite thèse it has become an integral part of the City. So it goes that was once home to swampland and the City morgue has been transformer into a Diamond of the Yarra River.A 128-page book of printed matter, photographs, engravings and drawings. The hard cover is white with the title in gold lettering on the front. The dust-cover is also white with black lettering. Along the lower half of the cover, front and back, is a strip of six photos, three coloured and three black and white. 128 p. : ill. (some col.), ports. ; 22 x 25 cm.non-fictionWharves to the World: The Development of Melbourne's World Trade Centre is a photographic chronicle of the history of the World Trade Centre and its surrounds. The book traces the journey of land and the buildings that occupied it - from its beginnings with the Wurundjeri people to its role as a trading hub in early Melbourne, then as the site of the modern-day World Trade Centre, and now as part of a flourishing residential and commercial Precinct. As with any major project The World Trade Centre has face its share of fêlures, but despite thèse it has become an integral part of the City. So it goes that was once home to swampland and the City morgue has been transformer into a Diamond of the Yarra River.yarra yarra tribe, early melbourne, world trade centre, melbourne, southbank, northbank, australian wharf, siddeley street, waterfront, amy zurrer, wurundjeri, spencer street bridge, north wharf, riverlee, wtc, wharf, harbor trust, sir john coode, harbour trust, little dock, polly woodside, wharfies, divers -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Booklet, User Booklet For Centurion Mk.3
Grey hard covered booklet of refill type providing information required for crew to take over and operate a Centurion Mk 3 tank. First editionthis publication has been produced to the requirements of THE DIRECTOR, ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS, THE WAR OFFICE, to whom all communications should be addressed.booklet, centurion tank -
National Wool Museum
Tray
Tray presented to C.P. Harrison Esq on his completion of 60 Years Service at Godfrey Hirst, 16.11.56Tray presented to C.P. Harrison Esq on his completion of 60 Years Service 16.11.56From the Directors of Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd to C.P. Harrison Esq on his completion of 60 Years Service 16.11.56godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, harrison, mr c. p. -
National Wool Museum
Trophy, YWCA Night Basket Ball Association 1936
Acquired when "Classweave Industries" closed downYWCA/ NIGHT BASKET BALL ASSOCIATION/ WON BY/ FEDERAL MILL TEAM/ 1936//PRESENTED BY DIRECTORS/ BRIGHT & HITCHCOCK PTY LTDwoollen mills textile mills - sporting teams textile mills - staff sporting teams, classweave industries pty ltd federal woollen mills ltd, sport, woollen mills, textile mills - sporting teams, textile mills - staff, sporting teams -
National Wool Museum
Trophy, YWCA Night Basket Ball Association 1937
Acquired when "Classweave Industries" closed downYWCA/ NIGHT BASKET BALL ASSOCIATION/ Won by/ FEDERAL MILL TEAM/ 1937/ PRESENTED BY DIRECTORS/ BRIGHT & HITCHCOCK PTY LTDwoollen mills textile mills - sporting teams textile mills - staff sporting teams, classweave industries pty ltd federal woollen mills ltd, sport, woollen mills, textile mills - sporting teams, textile mills - staff, sporting teams -
National Wool Museum
Trophy, YWCA Night Basket Ball Association 1938
Acquired when "Classweave Industries" closed downYWCA/ NIGHT BASKET BALL ASSOCIATION/ PREMIERS 1938/ Won by/ FEDERAL MILL / Presented by the Directors/ BRIGHT & HITCHCOCK PTY LTDwoollen mills textile mills - sporting teams textile mills - staff sporting teams, classweave industries pty ltd federal woollen mills ltd, sport, woollen mills, textile mills - sporting teams, textile mills - staff, sporting teams -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Forest Flora of New South Wales Vol 1
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. Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Forest Flora of New South Wales Vol 1 Author: J. H. Maiden Government Botanist and Director of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney Publisher: Government Printer Sydney Date: 1904Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 581.9944 MAI Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Fly page has in handwriting “Purchased by Government Subsidy. Bound and Received June 27-‘14" 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, the forest flora of new south wales vol 1, j. h. maiden -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Forest Flora of New South Wales Vol 2
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. Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Forest Flora of New South Wales Vol 2 Author: J. H. Maiden Government Botanist and Director of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney Publisher: Government Printer Sydney Date:1907Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 581.9944 MAI Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Fly page has in handwriting “Purchased by Government Subsidy. Bound and Received June 27- ‘14” 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, the forest flora of new south wales vol 2, j. h. maiden