All photographs taken at the 1997 presentation dinner at the Wangaratta Rovers football club. Wangaratta Brigade members and partners and guests from other brigades and their partners along with 'guests' were always invited. .1 - Trevor Poulter (Chairman) .2 - L - R - ???, Arthur Haynes (regional officer), Tess Haynes .4 - L-R - ???, Trevor Poulter, David Allen (representing council) .5 - L-R - David Allen (representing council, Allan Mills .6 L-R - Brian Potter, Cyril Davidson .7 L-R - Kevin Howard, Brian Humphries (station officer) .8 L-R - Brian Potter, Cyril Davidson .9 L-R - June Poulter, Trevor Poulter, Jack Prendegast, Heinz Baytala .10 L-R - Brian Potter, Pat Briese .11 L-R - Jack Prendegast, Craig Musselwhite (junior) .12 L-R - Barrie Sanders, Brian Potter (giving award to Barrie) .13 L-R - John Rosser, Brian Potter, (35 yr long service medal to John) (Band members in background) .14 L-R - Peter Bell (when was a volunteer), Brian Potter .15 L-R - Jack Prendegast, Craig Musslewhite .16 L-R - Joan Rosser, Gail Humphries .17 L-R - Barrie Sanders (speaking), Brian Potter .18 L-R - Jack Prendergast, Heinz Baytala (winner of the reserve fireman) .19, .20, .21, Members and guests doing the 'progressive barn dance' .22, .23, .24, .25, .26, .27 Wangaratta running team members (end of competition season) - L-R - Eric Lawn, ???, Ron Webb, To Philp, ??? .28, .29 L-R - Aileen Sanders (12yr badge), Elaine Graham (20yr badge) .30 Jon Briese 35yrs and Cyril Davidson 40 and John Kerr 25yrs - long service awards .31 - S. Poulter + wife posing for the camera whilst on the dance floor, with several other people and part of the band in the background .32 - T.Poulter (brigade chairman) standing at the lecturn/microphone speaking - there are 2 others (1 male, 1 female) seated to the right of him at a table .33 - Front L- R - Dorothy Wise (with her back to us), ?, T Poulter. Back L-R - Fire officer(unknown), Dianne Mills .34 - Alex Carmody and wife Judy Carmody .35 - Front R around table to front L - ? , ? , Dianne Mills, Angie Sheetz, Ron Webb, ? , Maxine Webb, Steve Allan .36 - Chief Officer Brian Potter (speaking at lecturn), Arthur Haynes and wife Tess Haynes (seated in background) .37 - L to R around table - Cyril Davidson, Alec Carmody, Judy Carmody, Margaret Howard, Kevin Howard .38 - L to R Rhonda Allan, Jan Marshall (back to us), Stewart Marshall, Steve Allan .39 - L to R Tess Haynes, Arthur Haynes(standing), (Pat Rooks - a guest from Whitfield??), Trevor Poulter, June Poulter, Val Gleeson, Kevin Gleeson (mayor of Wangaratta at the time), Aileen Sanders, Elaine Graham 40 - a 'head and shoulders' photo of S/O Brian Humpfreys. In the photo is also a lady standing on his right - but her head is cut off so cant be identified .41 - Jan Marshall kissing Stewart Marshall S/O (various other members , guest and band in background) .42 - Back L - R - Trevour Poulter, Craig Mussellwhite, Brian Potter (Chief officer), Middle - Elaine Graham, Aileen Sanders Front L - R- Peter Bell, John Briese, Cyril Davidson .43 - L -R around table - Stewart Marshall S/O, Jan Marshall, Tracey Collier, Dianne Mills, ??? (standing), ???, Brendan Collier??, Gayle Humphreys, Brian Humphreys S/O .44 - L to R S/O Stewart Marshall, S/O Brian Humpreys, Jan Marshall (sitting with her head back laughing) .45 - all 3 standing side by side L to R Craige Musselwhite (reserve fireman of the year), Peter Bell (fireman of the year - holding the perpetual trophy shield), Trevor Poulter (runner up fireman of the year) .46 - Steven Poulter and wife .47- A. Hynes standing at lecturn speaking. 47 various photographs from the 1987 presentation dinner at Rovers.1- Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner Chairman Trevor Poulter .2- Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .3 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner L to R S/O Allan S/O Grenfell Chairman Trevor Poulter .29- Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .30 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner L to R FIREMAN JOHN BREEZE, CIRIL DAVIDSON JOHN KERR .31 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner S. Poulter + missus .32 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner T. Poulter chairman .33 - Presentation Dinner 1987 .34 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .35 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .36 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .37 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .38 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .39 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .40- Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner .41 - Presentation Dinner 1987 Nov S/O Stewart Marshall .42 - Presentation Dinner 1987 Nov S/O Brian Humpreys .44 - Nov 1987 Presentation dinner L to R S/O Stewart Marshal, " Brian Humpreys Jan Marshal .45 - Nov 1987 Presention dinner L to R Craige Musselwhite (reserve fireman of the year) Peter Bell (fireman of the year) Trevor Poulter (runner up) .46 - 1987 Nov. Presentation Dinner Steven Poulter and wife .47 - Nov 1987 Presentation Dinner A.C.O A. Hynesaileen sanders, elaine graham, eric lawn, ron webb, tom philp, jack prendergast, heinz baytala, barrie sanders, brian potter, joan rosser, gail humphries, craig musselwhite, peter bell, john rosser, pat briese, june poulter, trevor poulter, cyril davidson, kevin howard, brian humphries, david allen, allen mills, arthur haynes, tess haynes, john jerr, stephen poulter, alex carmody, judy carmody, dianne mills, angie sheetz, maxine webb, steve allan, jan marshall, a. hynes, margaret howard, rhonda allan, stewart marshall, val gleeson, kevin gleeson, john briese, tracey collier, brendan collier

Iris Woolrich with a group of Church officials. L to R: Rev Stephen Coggins, Padre Frank Oliver, Rev A.C. Miles (wheelchair), Iris Woolrich, Archbishop Woods, Mr John Spicer (diocesan lay reader). c1980Handwritten on reverse with green pen: L to R: Rev Stephen Coggins, Padre Frank Oliver, Rev A.C. Miles (wheelchair), Mrs. Iris Woolrich, Archbishop Woods, Mr John Spicer (diocesan lay reader). iris woolrich, rev stephen coggins, padre frank oliver, rev a. c. miles, archbishop woods, mr john spicer

This sewing kit was issued to W.R. Angus during his Military Service in WWII. It is sometimes referred to as a soldier's ‘housewife’ and includes items necessary for mending and adjusting a soldier’s clothing and other fabric items. Earlier Army issue sewing kits were made of leather but were subject to deterioration due to holding moisture if they became wet. The sewing kit is now part of Flagstaff Hill’s comprehensive W.R. Angus Collection, donated by the family of Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist. Dr W R Angus was a Surgeon Captain for the Australian Defence Forces, Army Medical Corps, stationed in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W. He completed his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. It includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. During World War II He served as a Military Doctor in the Australian Defence Forces. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. Both Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill and the layout of the gardens there. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.This item is significant in Australia's War History and its connection with local history. It aids in understanding life in the military and the changes to normal life. Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist, collected a range of military objects including those he personally used during his time as Surgeon Captain in the Australian Defence Forces in World War II. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The Collection includes historical medical objects that date back to the late 1800s.Australian Army sewing kit, WWII era. A rectangular khaki cotton fabric pouch with pockets containing sewing needles, threads of various colours, a thimble and a reel of cotton. The pouch rolls up and is secured with its own ties. It has a handwritten inscription. The cloth patches belonged to Dr W R Angus and are now part of the W. R. Angus Collection."W.R. ANGUS"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, dr w r angus, w.r. angus collection, australian army, surgeon captain, ballarat, bonegilla, world war 2, second world war, australian defence forces, army medical corps, australian army medical corp (militia), ww 2, ww ii, aamc, sewing kit, sewing roll, housewife, clothing repairs, military equipment, army issue

Geoffrey R Fink volunteered for military service in early 1940. He served initially with 3rd Division A.A.S.C. but was discharged as being in a reserved occupation at the Aircraft Production Commission. He resigned from the Commission and joined the AIF on 28 July 1941 and was allotted to 2/8th Armoured Regiment. He served with the regiment in New Guinea and on return to Australia was transferred to No 41 Landing Craft Company serving out the war in the South Pacific. Geoffrey Fink died 14 March 2008 aged 86 at Wangaratta Victoria.Complements other objects in the collection relating to this WWII soldier.AMF members personal equipment card"VX 60307 Fink G,R. Sapper 10-44 - 8 - 3 - 46"fink geoffrey r mr, 2/8th armoured regiment, 41 landing craft company

Marsdens Collisions at Sea by R G Marsden flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, marsdens collisions at sea, book, r g marsden

Presentations by Harry Gilham and Jim Connor of Eltham District Historical Society and Noel Withers and Sue Ballantyne of Greensborogh Historical Society. EDHS Newsletter No. 207 November 2012 Following on from a suggestion by Harry Gilham, our Society will host a joint meeting with members of the Greensborough Historical Society at the Eltham Courthouse on Saturday 8 December, between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. We are pleased to have developed a good working relationship with the recently established Greensborough Historical Society and look forward to welcoming their members to Eltham. This meeting will focus on the Eltham Courthouse and its former use. We encourage all EDHS members to attend and share time with our visitors. Afternoon tea will be provided.15 Born Digital images (on CD-R)adrian jones, alan butler, alison delaney, doug orford, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, greensborough historical society, harry gilham, jim allen, jim connor, joan castledine, maureen jones, noel withers, richard pinn, society meeting, sue ballantyne, sue law

Log book of R W McLeod 419768Flight Sergeant McLeod 11 EFTS Benalla

Leather, brown - (possibly Don R use).equipment, ww2, army

Back row from L- R: Rachael Barr, George Duncan, Margaret Grant, James Burnside. Middle row from L-R: George Duncan, John Duncan, Marion Duncan nee Burnside. Front row from L-R: Helen Davenport and Lilian Duncan. The photograph was taken outside 'Glencoe' at Diggers Rest with the family dog included,.A photo of the Duncan family posed in the garden of their house with a backdrop of the verandah. The group comprised of an elderly gentleman, a middle-aged man, a middle-aged woman, 2 young women, 2 young men and 2 girls. The dress is consistent with fashion of the late 19th century. People identified as: back row (L to R): Racheal Barr, George Duncan, Margaret Grant, James Burnside. Middle row: George Duncan, John Duncan, Marion Duncan (nee Burnside). Front row: Helen Davenport, Lillian Duncan. Taken outside Glencoe - with the dog! The photo is mounted on a grey cardboard matt. There are pin holes centre top and bottom and an area with residual sticking tape stain.printed on face: "Matson and Frazer 264 Little Collins Street," Handwritten on face: "Mr Duncan and family"barr, racheal, duncan, george, grant, margaret, burnside, james, john, marion, davenport, helen, lillian, glencoe, eric boardman collection, matson and frazer, 1900s, george evans collection

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of the Ventnor Football Team Back row: E Jenner, ???, Clyde Jones, Rex Dixon, Allan Jenner, N McLardy, R Martin, Noel Cleeland, R Harris Front row: R Jenner, K McKindlay, R Grayden, F Dixon, Les Jones, Ray Jenner, G West, W Dixon, boy standing W Jones.local history, photography, ventnor football team, black & white photograph, sport, football, ventnor football club, john jenner, bryant west

The cloth insignia badges date to 1925-1940, after the First World War and into the early Second World War era. During peacetime training, the "brown with a cherry-red crossbar" badge was initially used for the 8th Field Ambulance, 2nd Military District Medical and Veterinary Stores. The colour patch was approved for wear by full-time duty personnel of all medical units apart from the Infantry and Cavalry. In 1942 these patches were replaced by the new scheme of colour patches introduced by the Australian Army Medical Corps. Dr W R Angus was a Surgeon Captain for the Australian Defence Forces, Army Medical Corps, stationed in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W. He completed his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. The badges are now part of Flagstaff Hill’s comprehensive W.R. Angus Collection, donated by the family of Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist. The W.R. Angus Collection: - The W.R. Angus Collection includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) and Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. It includes historical medical and surgical equipment and instruments from the doctors Edward and Thomas Ryan of Nhill, Victoria. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1927 at Ballarat, the nearest big city to Nhill where he began as a Medical Assistant. He was also Acting House surgeon at the Nhill hospital where their two daughters were born. During World War II He served as a Military Doctor in the Australian Defence Forces. Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool in 1939, where Dr Angus operated his own medical practice. He later added the part-time Port Medical Officer responsibility and was the last person appointed to that position. Both Dr Angus and his wife were very involved in the local community, including the planning stages of the new Flagstaff Hill and the layout of the gardens there. Dr Angus passed away in March 1970.These colour insignia patches represent the history between the First and Second World Wars and the evolution of Australian Army Medical Corps patches. They Dr W R Angus (1901-1970), surgeon and oculist, collected a range of military objects including those he personally used during his time as Surgeon Captain in the Australian Defence Forces in World War II. The item allows insight into military life in the early-to-mid 20th century. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The Collection includes historical medical objects that date back to the late 1800s.Badge, cloth insignia patch. Pair of two Insignia colour patches.Red stripe with an inverted 'V' shape on brown fabric. Insignia of the Australian Army Medical Corps, Non-Divisional Units. One badge has light-coloured stitches around the perimeter. The cloth patches belonged to Dr W R Angus and are now part of the W. R. Angus Collection.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, dr w r angus, w.r. angus collection, australian army, surgeon captain, ballarat, bonegilla, badge, insignia, badge collection, world war 2, second world war, australian defence forces, army medical corps, military uniform, cloth patch, insignia patch, australian army medical corp (militia), ww 2, ww ii, 1925-1940, military badge, non-divisional unit, aamc, 1940-1942, 8th field ambulance, peacetime training, insignia history

Advertisement for sale of land at Best Estate, Blackburn North. Part of the original land holdings of R. de Stoop and R. Best of British Fur Co.sale of land at Best Estate, Blackburn North. Part of the original land holdings of R. de Stoop and R. Best of British Fur Co.land subdivision, best estate, blackburn north, chapman street, middleborough road, joseph street, nestor grove, vivian street, de stoop, roger, best, richard, british fur company

"Winnie Wattle" was a radio announcer who conducted shows specifically for children. H R Hughan was originally from Tasmania and started his first news agency in Prahran before opening his establishment in View Point Bendigo. He was advertising as an importer of books, magazines and school requisites in 1923 . Whilst in Bendigo, he was active in the Chamber of Commerce. He left the area in 1926.Bookmark "Winnie Wattle", "You're tired of reading, I see by your face, so put down your book and I'll mark your place". Advertising item produced by "H. R. Hughan, Bibles, Hymn gifts, Presentation and Library gifts, school requirements.bookmark, adverising, hughan

BHS CollectionBendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Tuesday, November 30,2004. Team mates: this picture shows team YCW, but where and when it was taken is unknown. Back row: R. Kelly, L. Janssen, J. Burke, N. Smith, R. Anderson, J. Boag, J. Barrett, R. Keating, J. McQuillan, L. Raeburn. Centre: J. Butler, J. O'Brien,, J. Mason (captain), F. Krausgill (V.C.), E. Jenkins. Front: W. Dean (prop steward), R. Flynn (trainer), A. Mason, L. O'Brien, B. O'Farrell, R. Christopher, R. Mustey, W. Dwyer (trainer).newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Port Melbourne had two Trugo Clubs which competed with other clubs in Newport, Footscray & South Melbourne.B & W photograph of 3 men, L - R Les TURNER, Mel FENNELL and Tom BUCKINGHAM with a presentation cup on a chair. A board underneath reads 'The Cup was presented by Counsellor R. BARTLETT of Footscray to Trugo Association for Championship Fours. R. KENT Hon Sec'.sport - trugo, leslie stanley turner, henry melville fennell, theodore thomas (tom) buckingham

Railways Collection -Black and white Photo of an old R Class Locomotive (R 766) and Birney tram on Mitchell St Bendigo 1970. The tram is bound for Eaglehawk.photo, r class locomotive and birney tram on mitchell st bendigo 1970

L-R Back: Mary Mitchell, Mary Mulcahy, Maimie Mulcahy, Tessie Cowan, Alice Kilmartin.|L-R Seated: Chaffie Kennedy, Jean Kennedy.tatura, childrens pageant, st marys college, costume, children, street, furniture, posts

Bendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from 2002. Champs: Castlemaine football team, 1935. Left to right, back row: H. Tingay, H Tatt, R. Smith, D. McDonald, W. Pardon, J. McGrath, R. Seelenmeyer, J. Foletti. Centre: N. Richards (vice-captain), J. Showell, R. Barassi, J. Davidson (captain), T. Mitchell, R. Hawkins, N. Torrens. Front: W. Rodda, I. Irvine, R. Connell and T. Cooper. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Photo shows one of four 4-wheeler K, Q, or R class tramcars & No.16 (ex H 56) used as a locomotive for insitu rail grinding plant. c1940Yields information about original four wheel (single truck) trams.Black and White photograph of derelict tramcars at Preston Workshops.On rear in ink - MMTB Preston WS 4 K, Q, or R class cars & No. 16 (ex H 56) used as locomotion for insitu rail grinding plant – RWO Pearson"tramways, trams, preston workshops, k class, r class, q class

Photos of 58th Battalion building huts at the Geelong showgrounds . J. R. Plain from Lara identified as the father of Mrs. J. BranchPhoto 58 Battalion building huts at Geelong showgroundsglossy photo mounted on CardboardBuilding Huts at the Geelong Show Grounds 4th from the left J. R. Plain 58th Battalion A.I.F Rear: Building huts at Geelong Show Grounds during WW1 Members of the 58th Batt No. 2225 AIF

Juniors in 1950s were important in the Club. In 1959, the year after the death of R. Mockridge, amateurs were in ascendancy after the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956. J. Lee had been a schoolboys winner. Record of the importance of Juniors to a strong cycling club.Triangular pennant in navy blue felt. The pennant has a border of white felt and details of the event and the competitors are embossed in white over the blue felt."VACU/Country Junior 13 Miles Premiership 1959/Won by Geelong/Time 32mins 15secs/J Lee/R Neal/J Stokley/N Wenning/N Clarke"vacu; country junior 13 miles; premiership 1959; j. lee; r. neal; j. stokley; n. wenning; n. clarke;

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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. A Book of British Ballads Selected and arranged by R. Brimley Johnson Publisher: E.W. Cole The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 821.08 JOH Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, a book of british ballads, r. brimley johnson