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Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, 1970s
Rick Morris established Markwood Estate in 1971 with a philosophy for making wine of very high quality using chemical-free, traditional methods, both in the vineyard and also in the winery. The vineyard is deliberately not irrigated in order to induce more intense flavour into the fruit. The wines have a very long ageing potential if cellared under the correct conditions.Black and white photograph of a vineyard and winery buildings, with a windmill.On back of photo: "95% [upper case D in small circle] Markwood"wineries, north east victoria, wine industry, vineyards, markwood winery, rick morris, winemaker -
Mont De Lancey
Furniture - Rocking Chair, Unknown
It was owned by Wandin Sebire. It is thought that early rocking chairs were designed as a means of helping busy mothers rock their babies on their laps while keeping their hands free for other household chores such as knitting or sewing chores. They could use their legs and back to create the rocking motion instead o holding them and swaying side to side. An elaborate turned wooden framed rocking chair with spring 'rockers'. It has a brown and cream swirled patterned fabric seat and back panel as well as on the turned arm rests. This is attached with antique upholstery tacks.There is a castor on each of the four legs for manoeuvrability. It is an unusual rocking chair in that the rockers and the seat, sit on top of the wooden frame with the legs on castors below.rocking chairs, chairs, furniture -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Medal, 1919 Children's Peace Medal (silver replica medallion attached to card), 2014
This object was part of various pieces enclosed in a folio entitled "ANZAC centenary : 2014-2018 sharing Victoria's stories & making connections : their journey is our story" produced by the Victorian State Government which was distributed as a free resource in 2014 at the beginning of the Anzac Centenary. Original condition would have included a clear cellophane enclosure. One side of the medal appears on the card. This features a symbolic female figure of Peace, holding a sword and standing on a plinth marked 'PEACE 1919'. Behind her flies a dove, and at her left and right feet are two figures freed from their shackles. (AWM description). The medals were originally suspended from a narrow piece of red, white and blue striped cotton ribbon which appears as illustration on the card. In 1919, Australian children under 16 received a silver-coated medallion – a special reminder of the service and sacrifice of Australians at war. Round medal stuck on coloured card with text on back and front. Card Front: Between 1914 and 1918, men and women from the State of Victoria volunteered their service in the First World War. Between 2014 and 2018, Victorians honour their service and sacrifice. Lest We Forget. Anzac Centenary 2014-2018 Sharing Victoria's stories & making connections Card Back: 1919 Children's Peace Medal In 1919, Australian children aged 16 and under received a silver coated medallion. For such a small object, it carried a large responsibility - to remind a generation of the service and sacrifice of Australians throughout the First World War. The Children's Peace Medal was a reminder that peace had been achieved, but at great cost. Now, 100 years on, this replica medallion serves to connect Victorians to the Anzac Centenary, teach them about our service history and encourage them to share their stories with future generations. Learn more at https://anzaccentenary.vic.gov.au/ Anzac Centenary 2014-2018 Sharing Victoria's stories & making connections Medal : Peace 1919 Australiamedallion, medal, medalet, anzac centenary, commemoration -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph (black & White), Major-General Sir Archibald Hunter - South Africa
At the outbreak of the Second Boer War, Major General Hunter was on the staff of Sir George White's Natal Field Force during the Battle of Ladysmith in Natal. He led a small raid against some of the Boers' guns, disabled them and relieved the town. Promotion followed and he became General Officer Commanding 10th Division. The Division was sent to join Lord Roberts' army camped at the captured Orange Free State capital. Hunter led them in the march on Pretoria. Once Pretoria was captured they still had to deal with Guerrilla Warfare and Hunter was sent south as overall commander of five columns that converged on the Free State army camped at Brandwater Basin, forcing the surrender of 4,314 Boers led by Marthinus Prinsloo. He was awarded Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, Territorial Decoration Legion of Honour (France)Individual image taken from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cardssecond boer war, major generl, archibald hunter, natal field force, battle of ladysmith, general officer commanding, sir george white, guerrilla warfare, orange free state, brandwater basin, marthinus prinsloo, knight grand cross of the order of the bath, knight grand crossof the royal victorian order, legion of honour (france) -
Orbost & District Historical Society
box camera, 1924-1929
They were made from 1913 and they probably weren't very expensive cameras. The Hawk-Eye No. 2 model C of 1913 was a simpler model with just one viewfinder, and no choice of aperture. This version was reissued in 1930 for Kodak's 50th anniversary: For this, the company offered a free Hawk-eye camera to any child of 12 in that year. Approximately 550,000 of these were issued.[A box camera is a simple type of camera, the most common form being a cardboard or plastic box with a lens in one end and film at the other. They were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The earliest Kodak's were simple box cameras which were sent to a local dealer after all the shots on the film inside were taken. The dealer developed the film and sent the photographs and the reloaded camera back to the photographer. While introducing a wide range of innovative features two designs dominated Kodak's cameras. The most famous of these was the Box Brownie, designed by Frank Brownell, and introduced at the cost of one dollar in 1900. Brownie's were produced in one form or another up until the 1960s when the Kodak Instamatic was introduced. A Cartridge Hawkeye No. 2 Box Camera. It i has a cardboard body and the body is covered in black leatherette. The camera is designed to be used with Kodak No 120 film. It is a rectangular box with a hole at the front (no lens). The shutter control is on the right side. The film winder is below the latch. The film window is at the back and there is a leather carrying handle at the top. Back - Made in Great Britain Use Kodak No.120 film Kodak Handle - No. 2 Cartridge Hawk-Eye Model Cphotography kodak camera box-camera -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document - Document - Letter, Ballarat Junior Technical School: Letter from Mr Garner to Head Master re Kevin Maxwell Onn, 1958
Letter from Mr Garner to the Head Master of school Kevin Maxwell Onn if transferring to before the end of the year. Lists subjects he has been studying while at Ballarat Junior Technical School for Form I JTS - English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Solid Geometry, Modelling, Free Drawing, Woodwork, Sheetmetal Work and Music.1 cream coloured page, typedballarat junior technical school, head master, l garner, kevin maxwell onn, transferring, english, social studies, mathematics, science, solid geometry, modelling, free drawing, woodwork, sheetmetal, music -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing, Embroidered Silk & Cotton Apron, 1950s
The Matyó region of Hungary, which includes Mezökövesd is known for its rich costume traditions, specifically embroidery. Matyó embroidery is a densely-patterned style of free-hand work in rich and colorful floral motifs. Its prime era was the 1860s and 1870s when the folk arts thrived. This example characterizes the dynamic color combinations and flower varieties of the Matyó tradition.The textile is part of a large and significant collection of items donated by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith, past member and office-bearer of the Kew Historical Society. between 2005-12. The collection includes costumes, scrapbooks, autograph books, artworks and objects.Rectangular apron worked in three panels, the lower two of which are backed. The waist tie is of a floral fabric. The tape is attached to both vertical sides. There is a black fringe attached to the bottom panel over floral printed fabric. The needlework techniques employed in the embroidery include flat stitch which is used to create the effect of quilting and creating large brightly coloured flowers in the middle section. mezökövesd, aprons - hungarian, matyo embroidery, migration -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Rev. John Chambers [identification not confirmed]
John Chambers was employed as Reader at St Paul's Church of England, Linton between 1866-1867. He was involved in the 'Free Church of England' movement and was accused by mainstream church leaders of attempting to set up a schismatic congregation in Linton. After the termination of his appointment in 1867 he moved to Ballarat. Photograph is part of Old Lintonian Collection ; No. 38.Sepia photograph of an older bearded gentleman wearing suit, standing with left hand holding a book forward and right arm resting on balustrade in front of him.On back: "Mr C Linton Kind Regards". old lintonian collection, rev.chambers, john chambers -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - BELT - SAM BROWNE, c1930-1960
Item in the collection re “MAJ. JOHN BALSILLIE MBE” Refer to Cat No 118.5 for his service details, RSL and Council history.Brown leather Sam Browne Belt fitted with double clawed brass buckle. A brass stud and leather loop secured the free end of the belt tongue. The shoulder strap, 32 mm wide, is connected by a similar loop and brass stud arrangement. A pair of "D" shaped rings are mounted at the bottom of the belt (for the sword). The belt also has a flat brass hook mounted against the belt, between the “D” rings. The belt is double layered on the back and left side section.Stamped inside the shoulder strap are the letters "HQEC"uniform, ceremonial, maj john balsillie -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - AUSTRALIA TWICE TRAVERSED, 1889
Australia Twice Traversed the romance of exploration being a narrative compiled from the journals of five exploring expeditions into and through Central South Australia and Western Australia from 1872 to 1876 by Ernest Giles, published by Sampson Low Marston Searle & Rivington London. Contains 320 pages with black and white illustrations in a blue/green hard cover with gold lettering & illustrations of camels, sticker inside front cover Sandhurst Free Library Temperance Hall View Street.Ernest Gilesbooks, natural history, exploration -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - NORMAN OLIVER COLLECTION: BENDIGO MUNICIPAL FREE LIBRARY REPORT APRIL 1953
The Norman Oliver collection. Norman Oliver was three times Mayor of Bendigo - 1950-51, 1964-65, 1970-71. One typed paged titled 'Bendigo Municipal Free Library Report for the month of April 1953'. Norman J. Oliver is stamped in the top right hand corner. The report is signed : (SGD) T.H. Woodrow Librarian. There are some number calculations jotted in pencil at the bottom of the page. The report covers membership, books issued, and general remarks on adult and juvenile issues.bendigo, institutions, mechanics institute and free librar, norman joseph oliver , councillor norman oliver. mayor of bendigo. bendigo municipal free library. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS NO. 3770 COLLECTION: CORRESPONDENCE
Printed declaration from John Brogey of New Chum Gully declaring that he is under the age of 33 years and that his wife does not exceed 28 years and that they do not have any infirmity likely to shorten the natural duration of life. Also signed by H. L. Atkinson that he has examined the Candidate and to the best of his belief, he is quite free of any infirmity which would tend to shorten the natural duration of life. Dated 13 Feb 1864.societies, aof, correspondence, ancient order of foresters no. 3770 collection - correspondence, court king of the forest, john brogey, h l atkinson -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Ephemera - Ticket, City of Ballaarat, 1998 Begonia Festival - "Child's tram ride, Feb. 1998
Yields information about the type of ticket provided to visitors for the Begonia Festival in 1998 - along with an Adult ticket, child free.Set of five preprinted tickets for use in the 1998 Begonia Festival - "Child's tram ride - for child to travel free on the tram when accompanied by fee paying adult". .1 - printed on yellow paper .2 - ditto on blue .3 - ditto on pink and over stamped "Complimentary" .4 - printed on green and "Vermont Diamonds" written on top. .5 - ditto on green paper. Were incorporated into ticket books for the Begonia Festival - see Reg Item 5466.3 for the 2000 example of the type of ticket book.trams, tramways, visitors, btm, tickets, begonia festival -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - LODGE COLLECTION: ZENITH LODGE DIAMOND JUBILEE SOUVENIR 1926, 30th June, 1926
Buff coloured booklet, embossed with Greek columns and Masonic star. On front of document ''Diamond Jubilee Souvenir Zenith Lodge, Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Victoria 1866 1926, No. 1133, No. 52, Bendigo''. Inside, front page,Officers of the Lodge at consecration 1866: Bro Edward Garsed, Samuel Hogg, Richard Andrews, William Webb, John Davies, G. Chaasand, Thos. O'Neill, J. Duncan. Pages contain lists of members for each year from 11889 through to 1926.Cambridge Press, Bendigobendigo, clubs, lodge -
Federation University Art Collection
Artwork, other, Kristin McFarlane, 'Wings to Learning' by Kristin McFarlane, 2007, 2007
Kristin McFARLANE An Australian artist who combines graphic design, glass, botanical specimens, photography, encaustic painting, print and typography to explore fragility, nature and beauty. Kristin studied graphic design followed by a Graduate Diploma and Master of Fine Arts in glass at Monash University, Melbourne. Since graduating in 2004 she has undertaken public and private commissions and exhibitions including works for the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash University and Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan. Kristin designed and created the trophies for the Australian of The Year Awards from 2005-2014. These glass panels celebrate the history of the Monash University site; its early days as Berwick showgrounds and Casey Arifield to its current use as a state of the art educational centre. Images sourced from: Berwick Nostalgia, Early days o Berwick and its surrounding ditricts, Beaconsfield, Upper Beaconsfield, Harkaway, Narre Warren North, Berwick Mechanics Institute and Free Library and Monassh University archives. Federation University Australia took on the Berwick campus after Monash departed from the campusmonash university, casey airfield, berwick showgrounds, federation university berwick campus, berwick, fused glass -
City of Kingston
Photograph - Black and white, c.1943
This photograph shows members of the community outside the Moorabbin Council Offices, handing over a brand-new utility truck for use by the Australian Comforts Fund, in support of the war effort. It was purchased with funds raised by contestants in Moorabbin's 'Popular Girl Quest'. Contestants received a vote for each penny they collected. The winner was Gladys Mariott, pictured centre wearing a sash, who raised £528 10s, earning her 126,800 votes. In total, the contestants raised more than a thousand pounds, which enabled the purchasing of the new utility truck.Members of the Moorabbin community were keen to play their part in supporting the war effort. A black and white photograph of a group of men and women standing in front of and behind a utility vehicle with the license plate FA 341. There are two buildings in the background, one of which has a sign out the front that reads "Moorabbin Free Library & Mechanics Institute". The photograph was taken outside Moorabbin Council offices to illustrate the handing over of utility truck for use by Australian Comforts Fund. Money for the truck was raised by the 'Popular Girl Quest' won by Gladys Marriott (centre wearing sash)Handwritten in red ink: A 600 / 72% Handwritten in black ink: CHAP 6. / WITH SUB-STORY / Spy base -- / OR general pix / in Chap 6 / referring to warworld war ii, australian comforts fund, popular girl quest, fundraising, war efforts, vehicles -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - LANDS OFFICE - INDEX OF CORRESPONDENCE 1964 - 1974, 1964-74
Journal: LANDS OFFICE - INDEX OF CORRESPONDENCE 1964 - 1974 Blue hard cover with red spine and corners. Contains blue lined pages with details of correspondence received/sent. Details include serial number, local number, correspond. Number, name, locality, type, date received, f/book, marking, precis. On spine of book 'ZZ' on white sticker. Written in front page in biro 'walking down the street so fancy free with another guy that could be me'Lands Officeplace, lands office, bendigo, sandhurst, land sales, correspondence -
Falls Creek Historical Society
Document - Disposal Of Garbage - Letter From S.E.C
Bob (Herman) Hymans (a former member of the Royal Netherlands Navy) was born in Bloemendaal, Holland on 30th September 1922. During World War II he fought against the Japanese in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and was imprisoned in Changi and on the Burma Railway. After gaining qualifications as a Ski Instructor, Bob arrived in Falls Creek in July 1950. Working as an Instructor and Supervisor at Bogong Lodge, Bob decided his future was in accommodation. He was successful in negotiating an indenture for land from the State Electricity Commission (SEC). It took Bob two years to build his Grand Coeur Chalet but, tragically, it was burned down in August 1961. Bob also built the first Chairlift in Australia. This was a single chairlift and the structure was built from wooden electricity poles. He was constantly full of new ideas and proposals for the village. Bob Hymans died on 7th July 2007. This Collection of documents and letters tells the story of Bob's endeavours to develop Falls Creek into the ski village it is today.This item is significant because it documents actions taken by the Falls Creek Tourist Area Management Committee in their role overseeing the Tourist Area.A letter from the Management Committee containing information from the SEC regarding ongoing concerns with garbage collection in the Falls Creek Village Area. The major concern related to perishable items not being removed when lessees depart their premises and not attending to it until their return. Unless the situation was remedied immediately the SEC intended to withdraw its free service on 1st May 1965. If this occurred, the Management Committee would have to organise a different service and pass the full costs on to licensees.falls creek tourist area management committee, falls creek administration, falls creek garbage disposal -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Notice, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), "A Special message to all members of the Traffic Staff on the occasion of the XVIth Olympiad at Melbourne", Original 1956
Set of three colour photocopies on A4 sheets of documents issued to MMTB Traffic staff at the time of the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. Titled "A Special message to all members of the Traffic Staff on the occasion of the XVIth Olympiad at Melbourne" - title page - General information page - about welcoming visitors to the city, information location, recognition of visitors - Ticket or passes - including an illustration and details of free travel badges. Also includes information on bus services to the Olympic village and sight seeing trips.trams, tramways, olympics, mmtb, tickets, passes, badges, buses -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Administrative record - Correspondence, Tramway Board, "Employee Passes", 12/1919 to 10/1920
Set of correspondence pinned together with a brass clip from Dec 1919 to October 1920 regarding the issuing of free passes to employees. Written on early MMTB, Tramway Board, MMTB Eastern System, PMTT letterhead. Includes samples of the tickets and also a solicitors letter regarding the issuing of them. Includes instructions regarding their use and who may issue them with a list of names. Includes letters and memos to Mr Strangward, Mr Dix, Only sample pages scanned to the pdf file.trams, tramways, employees, tickets, passes, pmtt, mmtb, tramway board, eastern system -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, BUCHAN, John, Salute to adventurers
Stamped 'Cowes Free Public Library', Stamped John Fitzgerald, Bookseller, Stationer and Newsagent, 80 George St., Launceston. Labelled 'Phillip Island Historical Society, Cleeland Bequest'. -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, ARLETT, Vera I. [et al], Mixed bill : seven varied one-act plays, 1948
Labelled 'Himmer Bequest', 'F.W. Cheshire Pty Ltd., 338 Little Collins St., Melbourne'. Stamped 'Cowes Free Public Library', 'Public Library of Victoria, Travelling Libraries'. -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Dr. W. H. Embling - Public Vaccinator
William Henry Embling was born in London on September 25, 1840, and came to Victoria with his parents when he was about 9 years old. When still in his teens, William was sent to Germany, and afterwards to England, to study for the medical profession. Whilst in London he became involved with the British Legion which sailed for Italy and fought in the Garibaldian campaign. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant. After moving to Glasgow to study for the Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons, William returned to Australia in 1863 and set up practice in St. Kilda, Victoria. Embling was appointed resident surgeon at Melbourne Hospital, practiced in Ballarat from 1866-1873 and was an honorary physician at the Alfred Hospital in 1877 In 1878 he was appointed to the Central Board of Health, and in this role travelled to many rural areas including Wodonga as the Public Vaccinator. For some time, he was regularly in Wodonga on Fridays. He was also Chairman of the Police Medical Board and President of the Working Men's College in Melbourne. In 1892 William Embling was elected as a member of the Legislative Council. One of the many roles he filled as a politician was as a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways. In this role he also visited Wodonga when consultations were in progress for development of the new railways throughout Victoria. Dr. Embling died from pneumonia in St. Kilda, Victoria on 24 May 1912.This item is significant because it depicts a doctor who provided an important service to Wodonga and to the wider Victorian community.A black and white photograph of Dr. Embling standing in front of his consulting room in a house in Wodonga.Signs to left of door: Below Crown and Letters C. R. Dr Embling Public Vaccinator Vaccinations Every Friday Free Service To Right of Door: Dr Embling Surgeon dr. w. h. embling, wodonga medical services, public vaccinator wodonga -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book, Whyte-Melville, G. J, Black but comely : or, the advenures of Jane Lee : in three volumes : Vol. II, 1879
304 p.fictionfiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Benson, Robert Hugh, The Conventionalists by Robert Hugh Benson, 1908
343 p. : Hardcover book. Red cover with gold embossed lettering.fictionrobert hugh benson, fiction -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Grant, James, Jane Seton : or the King's Advocate : a Scottish historical romance, [n.d.] [First published 1851? This reprint c.1890]
430 p. : bound in calico which is printed with product advertisementsfictionhistorical fiction, james v (scotland), jane seton, t.craig [bookbinder], james grant -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Hewett, Hilda, Spring serenade : a novel, 1943
Romance fiction224 p. : blue-grey cover, with section of original dust jacket pasted to front.fictionRomance fictionfiction, hilda hewett -
Linton Mechanics Institute and Free Library Collection
Book - Novel, Riddell, Charlotte (Mrs J. H. Riddell), The mystery in Palace Gardens : Vol. 2, [n.d.] [1880?]
Volume 2 of 3(?) volumes. 307 p. : dark blue cover with brown leather trim. Title and volume number embossed in gold on spine. Title page missing, information from catalogue record from online sources and British Library catalogue.fictionfiction, charlotte riddell (mrs j. h. riddell) -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Stick Pins, Sydney Olympic Games Victorian Torch Relay, 1998
These stick pins were souvenirs of the Olympic Torch Relay in 2000. The summer Olympic Games were held in Sydney in 2000 and the Olympic Torch was brought from Olympia in Greece to Australia via Oceania. There were 13,400 torchbearers with 11,000 of these being in Australia. The Olympic Torch was carried on Day 43 (July 20th 2000) through the streets of Warrnambool. These stick pins are of minor interest as souvenirs of the Sydney Olympics 2000 Torch Relay, an event connected to Warrnambool’s history. .1 A metal stick pin attached to a card. The card has a blue background with coloured writing and background images. The pin is gold-coloured and designed in the shape of the State of Victoria with an image of a runner, a boomerang and ocean waves on the front and a metal clip at the back .2 as above Celebrate the Torch Relay with your Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay Free Vic Pin Presenting Partner AMP Herald Sun Not for sale TM C SOCOG 1998 sydney olympics 2000, olympic torch relay 2000 warrnambool, history of warrnambool -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Tales of Three Cities
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 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE 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 November 1884 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 1860s the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising 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 courthouse 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 historical 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 Historical 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 artworks 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. Tales of Three Cities Author: Henry James Publisher: MacMillian & Co Date: 1884 The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 813.4 JAM Pastedown front endpaper has a 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 Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, 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, tales of three cities, henry james