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Orbost & District Historical Society
books, Gilbert, Mary, Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District, 1981?
This is the second edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community.This is a useful research tool on the history of Orbost.Two copies of a 141 pp soft covered book titled "Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District". It has a light brown cover and is stapled. On the front cover below the title is a sketch of the Orbost Bean Factory in dark brown print. It contains personal reminiscences of early Orbost. There are also some b/w photographs and sketches.2267.1 - "Len and Mary Best Wishes Mary Gilbert" hand-written in blue pen. 2267.2 - in pencil on front cover "Ron Cameron".history-orbost gilbert-mary book-personalities-and-stories-of-early-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District, 1993
This is the third edition of "Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost which was collected and compiled by Mary Isabelle Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert. She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community This edition was organised by the Orbost & District Tourist Association. Extra photographs in this edition were supplied by the Orbost Historical Society and the Orbost Shire lent money towards the project.This is a significant reference book on the history of the Orbost district.A 141 pp soft-covered bound book with a pale blue cover. On the cover is a b/w photograph of the main street of Orbost, Nicholson Street, in approximately 1890 below the title, "Personalities and Stories of the Orbost District". This is inside a black line frame. On the back cover is a photograph of Mary Isabelle Gilbert (1905-1989). It contains obituaries, newspaper reports, sketches and b/w photographs.orbost-history gilbert-mary -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, The Bridge, 1930's
This book was written by Dr J. J. C. Bradfield, (John Job Crew), 1867-1943. Dr JJC Bradfield was a visionary Australian engineer who worked with enormous energy and vision to build the infrastructure which he foresaw that Sydney would need as it grew. As early as 1903 Bradfield was making the case for the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in his presidential address as President of the Sydney University Engineering Society. Bradfield’s proposal — at that stage for a cantilever bridge between Dawes Point and Milsons Point — won the committee’s support and they recommended it be accepted. However, the First World War put a stop to these plans. While a bill to authorise the project passed the lower house of the NSW parliament in 1916, it failed to pass the upper house, on the grounds that funds should not be diverted from the war effort. With the war over, in 1922 the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act was passed by the NSW Parliament. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was officially opened in 1932 after Museum and St James railway stations were built. This book was written from the story broadcast by Dr. J.J.C. Bradfield. This item is a useful reference tool.A staple soft cover 16 pp booklet with a buff coloured cover. It has a sketch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind the title "The Bridge" in dark brown print. It contains information and photographs of the history and construction of Sydney Harbour Bridge.sydney-harbour-bridge bradfield-dr-j-j-c -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, New Life Publication, Before You Came, 1972
This book is a history of Diamond Creek from earliest records of white visitors (1836) to the 1970s. John Ryan was born in Diamond Creek and lived there all of his life. (ref. Greensborough Hist. Society)This item is a useful research tool on the history of the Diamond Creek area, Melbourne, and its early pioneers.A thin soft cover book of 55 pp with a light brown cover with the title "Before You Came" in black print. Beneath this is a b?w copy of an early drawing of Diamond Creek. On the back cover is a photo of the same area in 1972. It contains a brief history and anecdote of the early days of Diamond Creek, Victoria.diamond-creek-history ryan-john-l. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, John Sands Pty Ltd, Australia - a land of things to do, 1974
... . Australia - a land of things to do book John Sands Pty Ltd ...This item is a useful reference tool as a contemporary tourism guide for the mid 1970's.A 234 pp book titled, "australia a land of things to do" in bright red print. Below is a coloured photograph of a group of people in a small motor boat. It is a tour guide for travellers in Australia.on back - "Bairnsdale Tourist Bureau 211-213 Main Street Bairnsdale Vic 3875"tourism travel-guide book-australia-a-land-of-things-to-do -
Orbost & District Historical Society
receipt docket, November 30, 1910
Mr Fred Lay, along with his father and brothers, owned the local carrier business with Mr Charlie Joiner as a business partner. They used a horse and cart to transport goods from the railway station into Orbost . In about 1907-08 Mr. Charles Joiner and Mr. Alf Lay came together and conducted a regular service — Mr. Lay at Lakes with a five horse team (because he had to travel the beach at Lake Tyers) and Mr. Joiner, at Orbost, with four horses. The two met half way and changed wagons. Asked why they did this it was said they met every boat and were at the jetty every day. This was why they cornered most of the inward loadings. (ref. River Trading on the Snowy, John Phillips) Later the business was sold to Mr David Williams. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of a book keeping document used by an early Orbost Business. It is a useful research item.A white receipt docket with black lines and print from Lay & Joiner, General Carriers to R. Cameron.on front - "Paid by Cash"cameron-robert-pullar lay-&-joiner-carriers transport document-receipt -
Orbost & District Historical Society
account, 1st February, 1914
Saunders General Store was opened in 1900, overlapping part of the Mensland and Coultons stores. It was called "The ―Melbourne Store" which referred to it being a branch of their Melbourne store.The shop was burnt down in the early 1930‘s. Arthur Scott Saunders was born in 1864 and died 3-12-1913 (49) in Orbost. He was the son of Thomas Frederick Saunders and Lucy Beard Scott. He was a Storekeeper at Orbost, a member of the early Show Committees, a Rechabite in 1893, and was a member of the Board of Guardians of the Church of England from 1894 to 1913 where he served as secretary and treasurer of the Board. He was married to Agnes Louisa Stuart Morris. She sold the business in 1919 to Mr J. H. V. Dale and left Orbost with her two daughters for East Malvern in April 1927. ( more info. on the Saunders family in In Times Gone By by Deborah Hall; Orbost & District Historical Society Newsletter by John Phillips) Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. This item is an example of a hand-written account from an Orbost business of the early 20th century. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with red lines, hand-written black print. There is a yellow duty stamp and a green receipt from A.S. Saunders, Drapers, Grocer and Ironmonger, to R.P. Cameron.account saunders-family cameron-r.p. book-keeping -
Orbost & District Historical Society
account, 1st November, 1927
Herman Wehner, had learned his trade as a blacksmith and coach builder in Germany before coming to Australia in about 1884. After working for some time in Melbourne and at Wallan he came to Orbost in 1889 and bought John William Borland‟s wheelwright and blacksmithing business in Nicholson Street. At the time there were two blacksmithing and wheelwright businesses in Orbost, the other one, also in Nicholson Street, was owned by Mr John Russell. (ref, John Phillips Newsletter July 2015) Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex. The Wehner family is/ was a prominent family in Orbost from the late 19th century. Herman Wehner founded Wehner's Blacksmith's at Orbost in 1889. Oswald Wehner began working in 1910 with his father. In 1947 Ossie's son Tom started blacksmithing, retiring in 1991 and closing the business, The building remains in Nicholson Street. This item is an example of book-keeping in the early 20th century. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account with blue print, red lines. At top left is a blue illustration of a horse. The account is from H. Wehner, General Blacksmith and Wheelwright to R. P. Cameron.wehner-blacksmith account book-keeping cameron-r.p. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
account, 1912-1913
The Orbost Coach Factory was in Wolseley Street OIrbsot, opposite the police station and was owned by Thomas John McCoy. Its business was coach-building, undertaking, blacksmithing and as a farrier. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of the early 20th century book-keeping of a business in Orbost. It is a useful research tool.A white paper account from T. McCoy to Mr R. Cameron. It has black print and handwritten details. In the top left-hand corner is a black drawing of a carriage and in the top right-hand corner is a black drawing of workers shoeing a horse. a green duty stamp is attached.account-book-keeping mccoy cameron -
Orbost & District Historical Society
account, 1911
... account-book-keeping russell-john blacksmith cameron-r.p.... gippsland John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer ...John Russell Senior was a blacksmith, wheelwright, farmer and later chairman of the Orbost Butter Factory, makers of Sunny South Butter (today part of Murray Goulburn Co Ltd). His blacksmith business was in Nicholson Street, Orbost. Robert Pullar Cameron was a Shire Councillor for many years. He married Penuel Hossack and had a family of James, Flora, Penuel and Alex.This item is an example of the book-keeping of an early 20th century Orbost business and is a useful research tool.A white paper account with red lines and black print. Details are hand-written in blue ink. It is from J. Russell to R. P. Cameron.account-book-keeping russell-john blacksmith cameron-r.p. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Macmillan St Martins Press, Australian Nature Studies, 1965
A book with a dust cover covered in plastic. On the cover is the title and coloured drawings of a butterfly, penguin, seahorses, magpie and dog. Kangaroos on the back cover. Written by J.A. Leach D.ScOn the fly leaf in pen - Sandra Holmes in pencil - 5.60 (cost)australian-nature-studies leach-dr-john-albert science ornithology -
Orbost & District Historical Society
books, First Aid to the Injured ; Home Nursing, 1918-1919
These books were owned and used by sisters, Hilda and Elsa Wehner who were the daughters of Hermann Wehner, early Orbost blacksmith. Sir James Cantlie was a Scottish physician who was a pioneer of First Aid.These first aid guides produced by the St John Ambulance, the largest teacher of first aid in Australia, were an important addition to the home library and used regularly. Two small books on first aid. Both books are published by St John Ambulance Association. 1829.1 is First Aid to the Injured - a small book with a black cover. It is the 37th edition. 227pp. It was written by Colonel Sir James Cantlie. 1829.2 is Home Nursing - a small book with a brown cover. 272pp. It was written by Mildred Heather-Bigg. The title and spine printing is white on both books.1829.1 has Hilda Wehner written inside the front cover. 1829.2 has Elsa Wehner written inside the front cover. -
Orbost & District Historical Society
scrap books, Gilbert, Mary, 1960's
Belonged to Mary Gilbert who was a passionate local historian. She was awarded a British Empire medal in recognition of her work for education and the community. .Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. Mary Gilbert was the first curator of the Orbost Museum, and a local teacher. These scrapbooks contain articles which describe historical events of the 1960's.Three scrapbooks containing clippings of newspaper articles of historical events. A list of contents is pasted on the front cover of each.Handwritten on the covers: 1842.1-Mary Gilbert Book1 ; 1842.2 - Mary Gilbert Book 2 ; 1842.3- Mary Gilbert Book 3gilbert-mary scrapbooks 1960's -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, 1850's
... . The book was authored by Rev. John Wesley. book J. Mason ...A very small book with a black leather cover. It contains Methodist hymns. The book was authored by Rev. John Wesley.In front - indecipherable - date only - 1858 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1919
Ian and Jean McDonald were the children of Mr and Mrs Norman McDonald of 42 Gladstone Street, Orbost. This photograph was taken in late January, 1919 on Jean's first day at school.. It was taken at the home of John Rowe, the former headmaster of Orbost Primary School. He was then living opposite the school. Norman Alexander McDonald was a book-keeper at Macarthur‟s and was very musical. He was proprietor of the Capitol Cafe, Nicholson Street, Orbost, selling the business to Mr Coad on 4th December 1947. This photograph record an important event in the life of an Orbost family in the early 20th century.A black / white photograph of two young children, a boy and a girl, sitting on the verandah of a house.mcdonald-ian mcdonald-jean education-orbost -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, 1919
Ian and Jean McDonald are the children of Mr and Mrs Norman McDonald of 42 Gladstone Street, Orbost. This photograph was taken in late January 1919 on the occasion of Jean's first day of school at the house of John Rowe, a former headmaster, who then lived opposite the school. Norman Alexander McDonald was a book-keeper at Macarthur‟s and was very musical. He was proprietor of the Capitol Cafe, Nicholson Street, Orbost, selling the business to Mr Coad on 4th December 1947.This is a pictorial record of a significant event in the life of the McDonald family of early Orbost.A black / white photograph of two children, holding their hats , standing in front of a tree outside a school fence. on back - "Ian & Jean McDonald opposite the school"mcdonald-ian mcdonald-jean orbost-education rowe-john -
Orbost & District Historical Society
black and white photograph, C1929
The Orbost Bowling Club was founded in 1929, by a group of farmers and businessmen. They set about providing a sporting icon for the town. Six rinks were constructed on the current site using horse drawn scoops and drags. The "Back to Orbost” 1937 book, describes the greens as "a bit rough for the first two seasons but now compare favourably with most country greens". Funds for the construction were raised by the issue of debentures at £5 each, and subscriptions were £1/1s/0d ($2.10). ( info. Margaret Smith) Included in the photograph are: Wm Kerr; D. Robinson; Lance Herbert; Fred McCoy; Jacob Perry; Ted Eaton; Jack McKeown; Wm Cumming; Harry Cameron; Dick Pardew; Wm Cowell; John Bird; Paul Spadaro; Carl Dreverman.Lawn bowling” is an outdoor game that has been popular for centuries. Bowling clubs play a significant role in community recreation needs. This is a pictorial record of this recreational activity in the first half of the 20th century.A black / white photograph of a large group of men playing bowls on a bowling green. Some are dressed in whites and others in suits.orbost-bowling-club sport recreation lawn-bowls -
Orbost & District Historical Society
catalogue, F.H. Booth, Rumsey's Seed Catalogue 1909, 1909
Herbert John Rumsey (1866-1956) started a nursery and seed business at Barbers Creek (Tallong) near Marulan in 1895. In 1901 he moved his operations to Dundas. From 1896 he regularly published seed catalogues. Some time before 1929 he set up a company, Herbert J. Rumsey & Sons Ltd, which later on (before 1937) changed its name to Rumsey Seeds Pty. Ltd.A small book with a cream cover which has colourful drawings of vegetables. The print is green and red. The book is titled "RUMSEY'S SEED CATALOGUE BEST SEEDS THAT GROW". It has 50 pp.agriculture horticulture catalogue seeds rumsey -
Orbost & District Historical Society
book, Newmerella Valley of Plenty, 2010
This is a 2nd edition of an earlier print, 1978. It has been revised and edited by John Phillips for the Orbost & District Historical Society in 2010. Harry Grosvenor was the headmaster at Newmerella School from 1962 to 1972. Harry was deeply involved in the 1978 publication by the Newmerella Progress Association called: Newmerella - Valley of Plenty. The book is a pictorial history of the early Newmerella district ( west of the Snowy River ).This is a local history book written by Harry Grosvenor a local author.A paperback book, titled Newmerella Valley of Plenty. The front cover is brown with white text and has three b/w photographs of the Snowy River flats as sen from the Newmerella hill. One is a photograph of the railway line with a steam train on the rail viaduct. newmerella-history -
Ballan Shire Historical Society
Book - Book. St John's Anglican Church, Ballan, St. John's Anglican Church Ballan. Index to Register of Baptisms 1849 -1991, 1991
... index cards. Book No.105. St. John's Anglican Church Ballan ...The book is a collection of index cards transcribed from the Register of Baptisms from 1849 to 1991 at the St. John's Anglican Church in Ballan. These cards were then photocopied ten to a page and assembled and bound into this book. The book contains Volume 1 A -K and Volume 2 L -Z and the wording on the Title Page "This is a copy of the transcription, which was completed by Roy Huggins and a team of volunteers at Ballan. Acknowledgment is given to The Rector without whose permission the project could not have been completed. March 1991."The book is significant in that it contains a complete register of Baptisms conducted at the Church from 1849 to 1991 in alphabetical order. This is of significance to family researchers and makes a search of the records much easier.An A4 size book which is a collection of loose pages stapled, with cardboard covers and a brown tape spine binding. About 250 pages of transcribed, photocopied index cards. Book No.105.Pencil markings - Book No.105. Reg No. VBSH 01098ballan, baptism records, anglican church, st johns anglican church -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, John Halifax Gentleman
... -museum shipwreck-coast flagstaff-hill-maritime-village book john ...John Halifax Gentleman Publisher: The Endeavour Library Front Loose endpage has an inscdriptions that reads " Presented to Clifford Smith 25.12.1905" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, john halifax gentleman -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Our Darlings
Our Darlings Publisher John F Shaw & Co flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, our daarlings -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The New Guide to Carpentry General Framing and Joinery
The New Guide to Carpentry General Framing and Joinery by Robert Scott ed Burn Publisher John G Murdoch flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, the new guide to carpentry general framing and joinery -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Ocean Steamships
Ocean Steamships by Chadwick, Kelley, Gould, Riding, Seaton, Hunt Publisher John Murray Date 1941flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ocean steamships, book, chadwick, kelley, gould, riding, seaton, hunt -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book - Reference, The Elements of Euclid, 1848
Author John William Colenso (1814-1883) was a mathematician, missionary and renowned clergyman in the Anglican Church. In 1853 he became the first Bishop of Natal, South Africa. The publisher firm, Longmans, Green & Co., was originally founded in 1724 in London by Thomas Longman under the name Longman. In August of that year, he bought the two shops and goods of William Taylor and set up his publishing house there at 39 Paternoster Row. The shops were called Black Swan and Ship, and it is said that the 'ship' sign was the inspiration for Longman's Logo. After many changes of name and management, the firm was incorporated in 1926 as Longmans, Green & Co. Pty Ltd. The firm was acquired by Pearson in 1968 and was known as Pearson Longman or Pearson PLC. The printer, Spottiswoode and Co,, was established in 1738 by William Strahan, with premises in New Street Square, London. The growing firm advertised as Printers, Lithographers, Stationers, Electrotypers, Publishers, and Booksellers and by 1914 there were 1,000 employees. The book is significant for its connection to 19th-century author John William Colenso, was a mathematician and Anglican clergyman who had several works published. The publisher and printer of this book are also significant in their roles for being established in the early 18th century, contributing to the education of the studies of the scholars of the day. The book is also significant for its connection to the publisher Longmans, Green and Co., of London, and printer Spottiswoode & Co., firms that have been established for around two centuries, renowned for publishing and printing reference works that contributed to the education of scholars over many years.The Elements of Euclid by John William Colenso, D.D. (new edition) [The Elements of Euclid (the parts read in the University of Cambridge) from the text of Dr Robert Simson with Geometrical Examples by John William Colenso, D.D., Lord Bishop of Natal} Date: 1846 Publisher: Longmans Green and Co, London Printer: Spottiswoode and Co, New Street Navy blue textured hardcover on the book, with title on a label on the spine.Text on spineflagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, longmans green and co., thomas longman, paternoster row london, john william colenso, 19th-century british mathematician, missionary, spottiswoode & co., the elements of euclid -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, John Bull & Co
... -museum shipwreck-coast flagstaff-hill-maritime-village book John ...John Bull & Co by Max O'Rell Publisher Frederick Warne & Co Date 1894 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, john bull & co -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Collection of Knitting & Crochet Receipts
Collection of Knitting & Crochet Receipts Fully Illustrated by M. Elliot Scrivenor Fourth Edition John Paton Son and Co Ltd Publisher: Banks & Co Date: 1908flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, collection of knitting & crochet receipts, john paton son and co ltd, m. elliot scrivenor -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Suns True Bearing or Azimuth Tables
Suns True Bearing or Azimuth Tables by John Burwood Publisher His Majestys Stationery Office Date 1898 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, suns true bearing or azimuth tables, azimuth tables, bearing, book -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Walkers Ideal Atlas of the World
... ideal atlas of the world book john walker & co ltd Walkers ...Walkers Ideal Atlas of the World Publisher: John Walker & Co Ltd Date: 1910 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, walkers ideal atlas of the world, book, john walker & co ltd -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 Vol 12
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 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 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 History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 12 Author: Bean & Gullett Publisher John F Shaw & Co Date: 1937shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 12, bean & gullett