This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. 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. History of The Rebellion of 1745-46 Author: Robert Chambers Publisher: W & R Chambers Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 940 CHA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, history of the rebellion of 1745-46, robert chambers

Hard cover book printed 1916 by Ernest Scott, Professor of History at University of Melbourne.history, australia, e. scott

This research manual gives sources and details for history research. Includes stories from the area.b&w photographsoral histories, historical research

Gives a comprehensive account of the origins of local names in the area. Anecdotes of interesting pieces of history.Maps, b&w illustrations, b&w photographsjaitmathang, minjambuta, djilimatang, ngarigo, brabiralung, braiakaulung, yuin, gunnai, lake tyers, dargo river, omeo, bright, swifts creek, benambra, ovens valley, mount hotham, mount nugong, wonnangatta station

Coloured photograph of extensions to Local History Room - framing finished and 'bluewall' being installed.schwerkolt cottage & museum complex. local history room, whitehorse historical society, arrowsmith, ted

Coloured photograph of extensions to Local History Room - exterior walls in process of being painted.schwerkolt cottage & museum complex. local history room, whitehorse historical society, arrowsmith, ted

Coloured photograph of extensions to Local History Room - foundations being laid for disabled toilet.schwerkolt cottage & museum complex. local history room, whitehorse historical society, arrowsmith, ted

Coloured photograph of extension to Local History Room completed. Restoration of work area commences.schwerkolt cottage & museum complex. local history room, whitehorse historical society

Clare Gervasoni and Dorothy Wickham with the Overall Prize for the Victorian Community History Award 2005clare gervasoni, dorothy wickham, victorian community history awards, eureka encyclopaedia

Published 22-page illustrated history of the Kew Bowling Club to mark its centenary.non-fictionHistorykew bowling club - wellington street - kew (vic), clubs - lawn bowls - kew (vic), bowling clubs - kew bowling club - history, nixon nv

Black and white photo of the Osterlund family in c1945. L-R Nils (father), Dorothy (mother), Karl (older son), Greta (sister) and Vernon (son and donor). Photo taken in the backyard of family home in Albert Street, Mitcham. (see also NP3036).|NOTE part of the back of Christ Church of England can be seen. at backosterlund nils, osterlund dorothy, osterlund karl, osterlund greta, osterlund vern, albert street, mitcham, christ church anglican church mitcham

By1880 most railway crossings were identified by a sign, although at very busy crossings a watchman was posted. Eventually most stations were manned and gates were installed. The watchman was generally housed in a small wooden or brick building with a clear view of the single line. The next stage was mechanical closing of the gates, using a lever situated in a shed behind the gatehouse. By 1956 automatic barriers had been installed. A working model of the gate style crossing can be seen at New Street Brighton.A collection of 12 black and white photographs of the Windsor family who lived in the gatehouse next to the Tunstall station. The stationmaster Ernest Windsor was also responsible for track maintenance between Ringwood and Middleborough Road Box Hill. His wife Betty Jean Windsor was gatekeeper for 2 years. On the back of each photograph are the names of the family members in the photo.Catherine Ann Windsor (born 1897), John Ernest (Ern) WIndsor, Catherine (Kitty) Windsor (born 1919), Patricia Janette WIndsor (born 1935) Tunstall Railway Gatesstationmasters, tunstall station, windsor ernest, windsor catherine, windsor patricia, windsor betty, windsor catherine (kitty)

A History of the Parle and Scallan FamiliesClear pastic front & Back Cover with Black Plastic Binding. Parle and Scallan Familiesstawell, family history

Written on backing sheet, "Herry Family at Ringwood. L. Back, Marie, Mrs. K. H., Leo. Front John, Elizabeth"

Deep Lead – Portrait of Cray Family car. Amy Cray & Boys Bill and Frank at a family picnic. Note trailer.stawell transport

Displayed at History House.Black and white photograph of Portland Bay mounted on thick cardboard. Eyelet in top of mount. Families on beach. Lighters (wrecked) on beach. Copper in foreground. Children on swing. Pier in background.Back: Donated to History House 24/1/1992 by Vern McCallum.portland, beach scene, photography