Showing 1192 items
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Robin Boyd Foundation
Slide, Robin Boyd, 1950
Penleigh Boyd, Robin and Patricia Boyd's son, writes “Prior to 1950 Robin, like most other amateur or hobby photographers, took black and white printed photographs. The oldest slides date from 1950 when Robin and Patricia travelled to Europe on Robin’s Robert Haddon Travelling Scholarship.” In 1948 Robin Boyd was awarded ‘joint first place’ in the Robert Haddon competition for his design of Mildura art gallery. The scholarship helped fund their first overseas trip. Robin and Patricia were passengers on the Greek ship “Cyrenia” departing in May 1950, passing through the Suez Canal and landing in Genoa five weeks later. For six months, they travelled extensively throughout Europe (predominantly driving themselves) - France, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.Colour slide in a mount. Governor Arthur Philiip House, 19 Bennett St, Bath, EnglandBath / Ad. Phillips' HSE (All Handwritten)haddon travelling scholarship, haddon, robin boyd, slide -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CONNELLY, TATCHELL, DUNLOP COLLECTION: LEGAL DOCUMENTS, 1886
Documents. Connelly, Tatchell & Dunlop - Legal Documents. 1 - 1886 - Post Office Telegraph from Bennett & Co re Sterry & Trestrail. 2 - 1886 - Post Office Telegraph from Bennett & Co re Sterry & Trestrail. 3 - 1886 - Letter from Bennett, Attenborough, Wilks & Nunn, Solicitors, Melbourne. Kilbride re Brown & Ellison. 4 - 1886 - Letter from Bennett, Attenborough, Wilks & Nunn, 102 Collins Street West, Melbourne re Hawthorne & Brady. 5 - 1886 - Letter from Lamont Herbert, Solicitor, Inglewood re Gibbins.cottage, miners, connelly, tatchell & dunlop, bennett & co, sterry, trestrail, bennett attenborough wilks & nunn, kilbride, brown, ellison, hawthorne, brady, lamont herbert, gibbins. -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Black lace evening dress, 1930s
Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Long black lace, floor-length evening dress extending to a short train at the back. The dress has a belt at the waist that is joined by two white metal clasps studded with diamentes. With the dress there is also a matching lace square (2017.00921) that might have been used as a mantilla or as a shawl. The dress was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. women's clothing, evening wear, evening dresses, doris bennett (nee wilmott) -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - HARRY BIGGS COLLECTION: BENNETTS ARCADE, c1940,s
Photograph. Harry Biggs Collection. People walking through &andshopping in Bennetts Arcade. Commercial signs are Taubmans Paints, the best procurable, Bennetts Arcade, Stores. Along the side are words including Stationary, Fancy goods. Items are in front of the shops for purchase. A woman & 3 children are shopping. A group of adults are walking through. The roofing is clear to allow for light. The building is very ornate. There is a clock built into the wall of the Bennetts sign.place, building, commercial, harry biggs collection, bennetts arcade, taubmans paints -
St Kilda Historical Society
Photograph, Lieut. James Mallett Bennett Memorial - images collection, c. 1991?
Plaque on the James Mallet Bennett memorial in O'Donnell Gardens, Built in 1926-7 by H B Corbett & Sons and designed by William H Lacey. Accompanied as engineer Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith on the first flight from England to Australia 1919. Killed in aeroplane crash at Hendon England, 13th April 1922.colour photograph, unmountedIn Honoured Memory of Liet J.M. Bennett MSM AFM, of the Australian Flying Corps who accompanied as engineer Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith on the first flight from England to Australia 1919. Killed in aeroplane crach at Hendon, England, 3 April 1922.aviators -
Bendigo Military Museum
Headwear - CAP, FORAGE, RAAF, Australian Air Force, 1944
RAAF blue forage hat without badge. x two blackened RAAF buttons of 11mm dia at front.“36088 Bennetts. RG.” “Made in Aust 1944.”uniforms - airforce, costume - male, headwear, metalcraft, raaf -
Grey Street Primary School, Traralgon
Trophy, Annual House Competition Trophy
Donated by the Bennett, Eenjes & Webley Families 2014 -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Archive - Laboratory Books, Work Simplification, The Australian Institute of Management
From Dye Laborataory AUNDE / Norwellan North Western Woolen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDELight Grey with red Writing and red wire spine.Issued to Graeme Bennett 7/12/1957manufacturing -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Laboratory Reference Book, Mellor's Modern Inorganic Chemistry. Parkes & Mellor
Textbook. Lab Reference - Norwellan & AUNDE North Western Woolen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDEDark Blue Cover with Title on Spine. Repaired with Blue Cloth TapeJohn M Bennett Manifold House LV1manufacturing -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Postcard, River Yarra, Kew, 1918-1930
The Kew Historical Society's postcard collection includes views of Kew, Melbourne and Greater Melbourne as well as those including overseas scenes sent or received from Europe or the Middle East. They date from the 1890s to the 2000s. These postcards may or may not include the name of the publisher or printer. A number of the cards were published as parts of popular series. A way of dating early postcards is to identify whether the reverse was divided by a central line which became the norm after 1902 in the United Kingdom. However, other postcards produced after this date do not always conform to this print layout.The item forms part of the Laurie Bennett collection of thirty-six postcards and photographs of Kew and early Melbourne, donated to the Kew Historical Society in 1980. The postcards in the Bennett collection, like other images in the Society's holdings date from the 1890s to the present and comprehensively indicate points-of-view or scenes considered historically, aesthetically or socially significant in the period in which they were produced.Colour-tinted postcard of the River Yarra at Kew, showing the Kew Lunatic Asylum in the distance.KH-395 .Donated by L. Bennett, 1980river yarra - kew -
Kew Historical Society Inc
Clothing - Evening Wear, Black and Silver Sequin Capelet, 1930s, 1930s
Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Black silk chiffon or georgette fitted evening cape,let entirely covered in silver metal rectangles and black sequins. The cape gives the appearance of being joined at the front, however it is made in one piece. The cape has open scalloped sections bordering the lower band of silver metal rectangles. The cape was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. evening wear, capelets, doris bennett (nee wilmott), women's clothing -
Federation University Historical Collection
Receipts, Receipts from Ballarat Teachers College Reunions, 2008/2009
Ballarat Teachers' College is a predecessor to Federation UniversityNumerous receipts kept by Margaret Bennett during her time organizing the Ballarat Teachers' College reunions. ballarat teachers' college, reunion, receipts, margaret bennett -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Old Wives Tale Vol 2
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Old Wives Tale Vol 2 Author: Arnold Bennett Publisher: Jonathan Cape Date: 1931 The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT FIC BEN Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute. flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the old wives tale vol 2, arnold bennett -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - LEN BENNETTS COLLECTION: PRESENTATION TRANSRIPT, 2022
Transcript of talk given to BHS monthly meeting with PowerPoint presentation.2022. The l Life of Len Bennetts.Isobel Gillperson, individual, leonard bennetts -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CONNELLY, TATCHELL, DUNLOP COLLECTION: LEGAL PAPERS, 1886
Documents. Connelly, Tatchell & Dunlop - Legal papers. 1 - 1886 - Post card from Langtree C W, Secretary for Mines and Water Supply addressed to Bennett, Attenborough, Wilks & Connelly, Solicitors, Sandhurst. 2 - 1886 - Letter from Bennett, Attenborough, Wilks & Nunn, 102 Collins Street West Melbourne to Messrs Bennett & Co re Lazarus v Lazarus. 3 - 1886 - Post card from Inspector of Accounts addressed to Messrs Bennett, Attenborough, Wilks & Connelly re Geugnagel. 4 - 1886 - Letter from Crawford W H, Ballarat to Connelly T J Esq, Solicitor, Sandhurst.cottage, miners, connelly, tatchell & dunlop, langtree c w, mines & water supply, bennett attenborough wilks & nunn, bennett & co, lazarus, bennett attenborough wilks & connelly, martin wm, geugnagel, crawford w h, connelly t j esq. -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - LEN BENNETTS COLLECTION: FOLDER OF PHILATELIC ITEMS, 1996
Folder of First day covers, envelopes, cancelling stamps. History of the Bendigo Post Office. Name Len Bennetts on a piece of paper. Item found amongst items within the CoGB Civic Collection. Research found that the folder was part of the BHS collection donated by Len Bennetts.person, individual, leonard bennetts -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BENNETTS ARCADE STORES RECEIPT, 1949
Bennett's Arcade Stores Receipt: Mustard in colour with Bennett's Arcade Stores (GEO BENNETTS, Prop) Crockery, Glassware, Ironmongery, Stationery. Toys. Hargreaves Street, Bendigo. Box 3 Phone 295. It was a Cash sale on August 23rd 1949 of one Spitfire two pounds one shilling and fine cents. There is a 2d mustard Stamp Duty stamp with Rec Cash 23.8.49 and a signature hand written in pencil on the front. Receipt no 4. Box 625.business, retail, general, bennett's arcade stores. bendigo. hargreaves street -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Deep Lead School Restoration
Colour Photograph of Deep Lead School and two people working in the garden. Laurie Bennett & Kevin Dallinger 1993deep lead school, education -
Clunes Museum
Document - DOCUMENTS, Unknown
.1 Postcard addressed to W. Bennett, dated 13th November 1891 advising time and place of the engine driver's exam .2 Certificate of Marriage for W. Bennett and Esther Richards .3 Handwritten reference by the directors of Sharpe & Barry company .4 Handwritten reference by Avon Davies, Engineermarriage certificate, employment reference, postcard -
Charlton Golden Grains Museum Inc
Photograph - Wooroonook East School c. 1906
Sepia photograph of a group of students standing outside Wooroonook East State School c. 1906. Back row: J O'Connor, D Gretgrix, H Roberts, B Bennett, M Heenan, C O'Connor, A O'Connor, M O'Connor, J Giles, E Giles, M Gretgrix. Front row: J O'Connor, B Gretgrix, F Roberts, G Loughnan, M Bennett, F Giles, A Bennett, K O'Connor, L O"Connor, A Gretgrix, M O'Connorwooroonook, school -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Laboratory Reference Book, An Introduction to Textile Bleaching, Marsh
Textbook. Lab Reference - Norwellan & AUNDE North Western Woolen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDEDark Green Cover with Title on SpineJohn T Bennett Lydon Hall Leeds 27.10.1970manufacturing -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Laboratory Reference Book, Textile Microscopy by L.G. Lawrie
Textbook. Lab Reference - Norwellan & AUNDE North Western Woolen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDEBlue hardcover with title on spineJohn T Bennett Lydon Hall Leeds 27.10.1970manufacturing -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Laboratory Text Book, Chemistry: Principles and Properties, Sienko and Plane
Textbook, Lab Reference - Norwellan & AUNDE North Western Woolen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDERed soft cover book with Chemical Apparatus Diagram in Black on coverJohn T. Bennett, Lyddon Hall, Leeds 2manufacturing -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Laboratory Reference Book, Modern College Physics, Richards Sears Wehr Zemansky
Laboratory Reference Book - Norwellan & AUNDE North Western Woolen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDERed hard cover book with Green Cream and Black DustcoverJohn T. Bennett Lyddon Hall, Leeds 2manufacturing -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Book - Laboratory Reference Book, Textile Scouring and Bleaching
Textbook. Lab Reference - Norwellan & AUNDE North Western Woolen Mills became Norwellan Textiles then AUNDEBlack hardcover with grey dust JacketJohn T Bennett Lydon Hall Leeds 27.10.1970manufacturing -
Christ Church Anglican Parish of Warrnambool
Memorial Window: John Edward BENNETT, Crucifixion "I, if I be lifted up from the earth/ will draw all men unto me"
John Edward Bennett was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, 1862. He was devoted to his family and his church, being a churchwarden and a verstryman of this Parish. He was a lay preacher for 40 years in the Dioceses of Melbourne and Ballarat. He was the first Manager of the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. He died on Nov 10th 1928.He was the first manager of Warrnambool Woollen Mill.Stained glass memorial lancet window, central light, west wall, north nave, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus.To the Glory of God and in loving memory of/John Edward Bennett/ sometime Churchwarden and Vestryman of this Parish, and for/40 years a Lay Reader in the Dioceses of Melbourne and/ Ballarat, born in Leeds, Yorkshire, 1862, entered into rest Nov 10th, 1928/ A devoted husband and father,/ a faithful servant of God and His Church/Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.memorial stained glass window lancet window bennett je bennett john edward bennett warrnambool woollen mill -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph - slide transparency, Ballarat Ladies' Highland Pipe Band Photograph, 1957
"After the war Pipe-Major Duncan McLennan, moved to Ballarat and took up a position as cadet instructor and leader of the Ballarat Highland Pipe Band and the Ballarat Ladies Pipe Band. " (Victorian Historical Journal Vol. 85, No. 1, June 2014)Coloured photograph of the Ballarat Ladies' Highland Pipe Band Photograph taken from a slide. Gift of Margaret Bennett, 2019Written on slide - Dandenong Nov 57pipe band, ballarat, ladies, ladies pipe band, highland pipe band, photograph, coloured photograph, slide -
Federation University Historical Collection
Card, Card to Margaret Bennett from Dana Street Primary School Principal, 1999
Card sent to Ms Margaret Bennett thanking her for attending their assembly and mentioning the reunion to be held on 17/02/1999.dana street primary school, margaret bennett, wendy baker, principal, ballarat teachers' college -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Old Wives Tale Vol 1
This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Old Wives Tale Vol 1 Author: Arnold Bennett Publisher: Jonathan Cape Date: 1931 Further Information:The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT FIC BEN Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose end paper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the old wives tale vol 1, arnold bennett -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Mary Ann Bennett McCormack (Ma McCormack), 1930s
Image of Mary Ann nee BENNETT ("ma"MCCORMACK) with some friends as featured in "Women of Port Melbourne: Guide to the Exhibition"families, mary ann 'ma' mccormack nee bennett