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Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - School Reader for Infants, John and Betty, 1951
This "first reader" for children in a Victorian Primary school was fashioned by the period that it was printed in (1951), and the associated educational principles was applied by the Victorian Educators. It defines the role play of young children, at this point, in their educational development and contained within the(1950's) "society's" mores and expectations. This book was widely used by state schools in Victoria including Mt Beauty and Tawonga Primary Schools.This reader is significant to the Kiewa Valley because it demonstrates that there was still a very marked "one book" fits all school environmental approach by State educators which the local schools were apart of. This book is one of the KVHS children's school book collection, which many were donated by local families whose children went to Mt Beauty Primary School. Therefore this reader represents a social history significance for the period from 1950's and 60's. The book is in good condition, consequently making it suitable for exhibitions, and highlighting schools in the Kiewa Valley along with what local children read in these schools. This primary school reader has an orange cover with "John and Betty" printed in green. Below this is the green outline of a young boy leading his dog(Scottish Terrier) on a lead. Behind him is the red outline of a young girl (bow tied waist belt) in front of a cat(tail up). A thick green line is situated below the figures. The cover is 180 gsm thick. Inside the book are colored sketches of a boy and a girl playing well defined "boy" and "girl" activities (gender specific for the period of print 1951) Below these activities are simple descriptive words for the above activities.On the front page "John and Betty" below this "The earliest Reader for the Little Ones". Below this "Illustrations by Marjorie Howden" Further down the page and in smaller print is "Education Department of Victoria 1951". Below this and under a fine line "A.C. Brookes, Government Printer, Melbourne"first grader reader, primary education 1950's style -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Official Record of The Debates of The Australasian Federal Convention Victoria 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 1942 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. Official Record of The Debates of The Australasian Federal Convention Victoria Vol 1 Third Session. Melbourne 20th January to 17th March 1898 Publisher: Jonathan Cape Date: 1898Label on spine is unreadable Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, official record of the debates of the australasian federal convention victoria vol 1 -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Book, Deaton & Spencer Pty. Ltd, The Local Government Handbook (Victoria) - Second Edition 1948, 1948
Blue hard cover reference book by F.H. Lonie of Maddock, Lonie and Chisholm, solicitors to the Municipal Association of Victoria. A concise explanation of the Local Government Act and procedure at Council meetings.Dedication (by Leigh Blackburn) - To my son Peter James Blackburn 1945-1991 who shared with me my association with the Stokes company. Foreword by F.A. Jenkins, Secretary, Municipal Association. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Proceedings of The Royal Society of Victoria Vol 22
Proceedings of The Royal Society of Victoria Vol 22 Containing Papers read before the Society during the months of March to July 1909 Publisher: Royal Societys Hall Date: 1909Label on spine cover with typed text R.A. 506 ROY Pastedown end page has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, proceedings of the royal society of victoria vol 22, the royal society of victoria -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Proceedings of The Royal Society of Victoria Vol 23
Proceedings of The Royal Society of Victoria Vol 23 Containing Papers read before the Society during the months of October to December 1910 Publisher: Royal Societys Hall Date: 1911Label on spine cover with typed text R.A. 506 ROY Pastedown end page has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, proceedings of the royal society of victoria vol 23, the royal society of victoria -
Federation University Historical Collection
Map, Robert Brough Smyth, Sketch Map of the Colony of Victoria, c1871, c1872
This map includes the population of each County in Victoria according to the 1871 Census, as well as the population of each Australian colony and New Zealand. Telegraph Route is given in a detail at the top right. victoria, victorian counties, robert brough-smyth, telegraph, population, bourke, rodney, dalhousie, evelyn, mornington, buln-buln, tanjil, dargo, delatite, moira, bogong, bendigo, gunbower, grant, talbot, hampden, heytesbury, polwarth, ripon, kara-kara, gladstone, grenville, croajingolong, tambo, benambra -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Book, Edcation Department, The Education Department's Record Of War Service, Victoria - 1914-1919, Circa 1920s
Tan hard cover book with gold embossed title, compiled as a record of the work done by the schools of the Education Department of Victoria to assist the national cause during the years of the Great War.This book, published to keep before teachers and children examples of service and sacrifice in a great cause, is presented to the Ringwood School. It should be kept in an honored place as a source of guidance and inspiration for successive generations. -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book, Edward M Curr, Recollections of squatting in Victoria : then called the Port Phillip district, from 1841 to 1851, 1965
E. M. Curr?s recollections of early life in country Victoria, with much reference to relations with Aboriginal people and their reactions to the white settlement. Abridged edition with notes by Henry Forster.maps, b&w illustrationsbangerang, edward m curr -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book, Properties and residential : Western District, Victoria : mid 1800s - 1990s : names, time and place, 1997
Lists properties, names of residents and addresses of properties and residences in Western District, Victoria from the mid 1800s to 1990s. Listed in alphabetical order according to the name of the property, residence or place.western district victoria, residential directory, real estate directory -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Book, Clements John, Shipswrecks bibliography Victoria, 2005
A compilation of information regarding the murder of the stores keeper and his wife at Bulumwaal Victoria, taken from newspaper reports Police records and local history publications. Illustrated with photographs and sketches.law, mines and mining, retail trade -
Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians in Victoria (C.H.A.R.M Vic)
Publication, Beyond the Postcard Image.....Mauritians and Rodriguans in Victoria
Beyond the postcard image...Mauritians & Rodriguans in Victoria - Souvenir Brochure produced by the Immigration Museum for the Exhibition held at their Community Gallery from 4 Nov 2006 to 18 March 2007.Immigration Museum Project - Immigration Museum 2006. Sponsored by the Victorian Government, Victorian Multicultural Commission, Scanlon Foundation and C.H.A.R.M. Vic. -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Letter - Correspondence, Victoria Police - Police Historical Unit, 1992
Letter from Victoria Police in answer to inquiry about the establishment of Mitcham Police Station and a lies of the first constables in charge, plus a description of this stationLetter from Victoria Police in answer to inquiry about the establishment of Mitcham Police Station and a lies of the first constables in charge, plus a description of this station, opened in 1888 and closed in 1972.Letter from Victoria Police in answer to inquiry about the establishment of Mitcham Police Station and a lies of the first constables in charge, plus a description of this stationmitcham police station, police stations, gordon, william james, whitehorse road, mitcham, no 494, whitehorse road, mitcham, n0 508 -
Federation University Historical Collection
Correspondence, Education Department, Victoria: Examination and Classification of Teachers - 1901 - A W Steane, 22/03/1901
Report form on pale green paper with hand written comments. List of subjects of examination and results achieved.Official stamp of the Education Department Victoria. Signature A James representing the Secretary. Purple stamp "Passed" beside subjects examined. Date of examination. Dated of report. Initials on top left corner.albert a w steane, a james, education department of victoria, bendigo, certificate of competency, steane -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Colour, Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria, opens the University of Ballarat Arts Academy, Camp Street, 22/07/2008
The University of Ballarat inherited the Camp Street Arts Precinct. As the functions of the former public buildings were moved elsewhere, the Victorian Government of the time recognised the importance of maintaining the heritage buildings and the opportunity to create a cultural precinct extending from the Art Gallery. The 19th century architecture along Lydiard Street and the dogleg bend of Camp Street define the precinct. With substantial financial assistance from both State and Commonwealth Governments, the Art Gallery Ballarat has been extended through to include the 1884 Police Station on Camp Street. The Post Office building (1864-1887) was acquired for the University. The 1904 and 1941 Courthouses and the c1900 Public Library building were also included. Two new buildings have been constructed. These six buildings will house the University's Visual and Performing Arts Programs.3 Panorama photograph of the opening of the University of Ballarat Arts Academy, Camp Street. .2 Poster .1) L to R Kerry Cox (Vice Chancellor); Brendan Nelson (Federal Minister - Education); Chancellor David Caro; Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria. Photographer Ian Reiduniversity of ballarat, camp street, victorian government, commonwealth government, ballarat fine art gallery, police station, courthouse, public library, post office, art gallery ballarat -
Tramways/East Melbourne RSL Sub Branch - RSL Victoria Listing id: 27511
Large book - 459 pages, The Victoria Cross - Australia Remembers - Michael Madden, 2018
Maroon and black front & back covers with a cut out on front cover to show the original Victoria Cross medal of Martin O'Meara on inside page. 459 colour pages bring together each unique story of Australia's 100 VC recipients and of their families and communities they come from. The third page is signed To combined East Melbourne/Tramways RSL Thank you and signed by the Author - Michael C.Madden 22/4/2018. The bottom of this page is signed by Glenn Read, who purchased the book at Box Hill RSL on 22/4/18 for $79.99. Glenn then donated the book to Combined East Melbourne/Tramways RSL on 22/05/2018. P.4 is the forward by Doug Baird Father of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG. Cameron was the 100th VC presented to an Australian Serviceman, for service in Afghanistan 2013 awarded posthumously. The back cover has a summary of the book contents and includes an acknowledgment of the contributions of Keith Payne VC AM KSJ in producing the book. Bottom of back cover is the Logo of Big Sky Publishing, TPI Association Badge who put the book together, A Bar code of ISBN 978-1-925520-98-9. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, The Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria 1905, 1905
This journal has been produced in 1905 for the Government of Victoria under the direction of the Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. George Swinburne, M.L.A. It has articles on agriculture in Victoria, including an article on how to increase and improve our dairy products and an article on the Grasmere Butter Factory. This journal produced in 1905 is of considerable interest because it has an article on the inspection of the Grasmere Butter Factory and the resultant erection of a new building on the site. Dairying is a major industry in the Warrnambool area and this journal contains important historical information and photographs.This is a soft cover journal of 68 pages (pages 482 to 550 in Part 7 of a journal). The front cover has a black and white photograph of a wheat harvesting scene. The back cover is missing. The first two pages have advertisements for insurance and banking firms. The journal contains black and white photographs and statistics tables. The pages show considerable silverfish damage. The journal is bound with cotton thread and rust marks show where metal staples may have been removed. grasmere butter factory, dairying in the western district, warrnambool history -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book - Hardback book, Mountain Gold-A History of the Baw Baw and Walhalla country of the Narracan Shire, Victoria, 1980
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 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - Army’s 3rd Military District Inter-Service Softball Team, Victoria, 1981
This is a photograph of Army’s Inter-Service Softball Team that competed in the 3rd Military District, Victoria against Navy and Air Force taken on the 26th of February 1981. The competition was held from the 23rd to the 27th of February 1981. A note on the back of the photo indicated Army’s team came second. It is not known who the winning team was and where the competition was held.This is a photograph of Army’s Team that competed in the 3rd Military District Inter-Service Softball competition against Navy and Air Force, taken in an unknown location in Victoria on the 26th of February 1981. The black and white photo is on photographic paper and was scanned at 300 dpi. It is part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. .1) - Photo, black and white, 1981. Back row L to R: PTE Karen Ball – DSU Broadmeadows, CPL Kay Melton – DSU Puckapunyal, SPR Scheryl Delforce – Army Survey Regiment Bendigo, WO2 Dizzy Dowsett – CARO, LT Jan McFarlane. Front row L to R: SPR Sharon Jones – Army Survey Regiment Bendigo, CPL Donna Sheldrick, CPL Di Chalmers – Army Survey Regiment Bendigo, PTE Karen ???, PTE Jackie Hubbard.Personnel and dates are identified on the back of the photo as well as on paper. royal australian survey corps, rasvy, army survey regiment, army svy regt, fortuna, asr -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Making tracks - celebrating 150 years of the Victorian railways 1854 - 2004, 2004_09
Brief comments on the development of railways in Victoria since their establishment in 1854, on the occasion of a travelling exhibition organised by the Royal HIstorical Society of Victoria2 p text with black and white photographsvictorian railways, public transport victoria, trains -
Orbost & District Historical Society
directory, H. Wise & Co, Victoria Post Office Commercial Directory, C1894
This is a directory of towns giving distances fro Melbourne, populations. There is an entry on Orbost listing the contemporary businesses.Directories are an effective way of researching businesses and trades in small trades. Many small businesses needed to ensure the public was aware of their activity and one of the better ways to do this (in an age before media dominated) was via a directory. Advertisements in the directories often provide extra valuable information . This item is a useful research tool for Orbost in the late 19th century.A heavy, thick, hard-covered book with a red cover and gold print. On the spine in gold print is the title, "Victoria Post Office Commercial Directory 1895 - 6" and some advertisements. There is an index at the front. Inside people are named with their addresses under: Alphabetical directory (colony-wide); Trade and professional directory Towns and districts directories;Other sections including names but usually not addresses:Commerce management, banking, insurance companies, exporters of English goods to Victoria Government, MPs, heads of departments, clergy, University of Melbourne academic staff, teachers in private schools medical practitioners, hospitals, dentists, pharmacists courts, judicial officers, barristers, solicitors, Justices of the Peace .on page edges - "TOWNS, ALPHABETICAL TRADES, ENGLISH SECTION"directory-post-office directory-commercial orbost-c19th-businesses -
Federation University Historical Collection
Correspondence, State Electricity Commission of Victoria to Ballarat School of Mines, 1937, 1937
The Ballarat School of Mines trained electricians.Correspondence on State Electricity Commission of Victoria letterhead between the State Electricity Commission of Victoria to Ballarat School of Mines in 1937. .1) Dated 16/01/1937 this item relates to the licensing of Electrical Mechanics Regulations 1935 and is signed by W.J. Price .2) Dated 24/08/1937 this item relates to the practical portion of examination 37/2 in connection with Licensing of Electrical Mechanics at Ballarat on 23 September 1937 and is signed by W.J. Price .3) Dates 18 October 1937 this three page foolscap letter relates to radio interference suppressors, and the increasing us of earth leakage circuit breakers for the protection of installations, and is signed by D. Dunhamstate electricity commission of victoria, ballarat school of mines, electricity, trades, electricians, w.j. price, d. dunham, sec -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and White, Ballarat Teachers' College: Girls of Victoria Street Hostel, 1951, 1951
!30 Victoria Street Ballarat was built for Joseph Phillips in 1888. It was originally named "Ellaville". It was a family home until it was sold to the Education Department in 1945/46 and became a hostel for young ladies, later becoming a residence for the Ballarat Teachers' College. When Ballarat Institute of Advanced Education and the Ballarat Teachers' College merged in 1976, the Victoria Street residence became availablefor use by the Ballarat School of Mines. Today 130 Victoria Street is used as a student residential facility attached to Federation University.Black and white photograph mounted on beige card. Photo information written in black with brown and blue highlightsPhotographers namevictoria street ballarat, joseph phillips, "ellaville", education department, hostel, ballarat teachers' college, ballarat institute of advanced education, ballarat school of mines, federation university, women -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Map, Department of Mines Victoria, Alluvial Map Stawell Region, 1870's
c1870 Coloured map showing Black Range North to Stawell and Illawarra. Shows geological layout.Department Mines Victoria 1952/G/2 mining, gold, map -
Federation University Historical Collection
Image, Drawing by Tommy Barnes, c1878, c1878
Copy of black and white line image of Aborigines, settlers, emus, trees, canoe, and coroboree. (from 'The Aborigines of Australia' by R. Brough Smithaboriginal, aborigine, bark canoe, canoe, emu, coroborree, tommy barns, g.h. poole -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Ephemera - Ticket/s, State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV), Set of 5 SEC tickets, 1950's to 1970
Demonstrates ticket printing and usage and has a strong association with the donor.Set of 5 SEC tickets. 1 - 3d - Aq 280640 - off white paper, light red printed ticket with price and letters in blue and the ticket number in black. Has a Bushells Pty Ltd advert on rear for a free booklet "How to read tea cups". 2 - 4d - X999320 - off white paper, with printing in brown and the ticket number in black. Has a brown lined back. 3 - Two (2) No.10c tickets, office white paper with printing in black - numbers D0116901 and D016902. Has a SEC "Electricity makes life easier" ad on rear. 4 - 13c ticket - B238948, off white paper with black printing - with a SEC "Electricity makes life easier" ad on rear and a hand written notation about its use - used on 21/8/1971, last day of Victoria St operation. last ticket See also Reg Items 259, 1950, 3464, 6140, 6977 for other "last tickets". on rear of 4, "Ballarat 21/8/71, last day of Victoria St line operation" in blue ink.trams, tramways, tickets, closure, victoria st -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Book, Place-Names of the Alexandra, Lake Eildon and Big River Area of Victoria, 2003
Place names of the Alexandra, Lake Eildon and Big River areas in VictoriaPaperback. Front cover has a colour photograph named: 'Sunrise, Brooks Cutting near Alexandra', by Robert Douglas (2002). Back cover has a colour photograph of the author, Nigel Sinnott at McKenzie's Pinch, Alexandra (Mount Torbreck in background) by Robert Douglas (2002).To George Edwards / with best wishes, / Nigel Sinnott / 15 March 2003 To the memory of / Gordon BEATON (1911-88) / of Eildon / mycologist and engineer Stamp of Marysville & District / Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779 geographical, victoria, big river region, eildon region, alexandra region, alexandra library, friends -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Book, Roger Franklin, Inferno: The Day Victoria Burned by Roger Franklin, 2009
Description of bush fires in Victoria on Black Saturday 7 February 2009267 p., [16] p. of plates : ill. (chiefly col.), maps, ports. ; 25 cm.ISBN black saturday, bush fires victoria -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Book, Irrigated Pastures in Victoria, 1951
Reprints from the Journal of The Department of Agriculture of Victoria. Reports on experiments in agricultureSoft cover - green. picture of grazing sheep on front. 1/6d in white circle. Illustrated"Stan Parfett" in blue ink in the right-hand cover of coverirrigation, pastures, morgan a, department of agriculture, parfett s, tatura, agriculture, books -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Pamphlet, Dept pf Agriculture, Victoria, Burnley Horticultural College, 1974-1983
prospectus, agricultural courses -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Official Record of The Debates of The Australasian Federal Convention Victoria 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 1942 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. Official Record of The Debates of The Australasian Federal Convention Victoria Vol 2 Third Session. Melbourne 20th January to 17th March 1898 Publisher: Government Printer Melb Date: 1898Label on spine is unreadable Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, official record of the debates of the australasian federal convention victoria vol 2