Showing 6912 items
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Montmorency/Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Poster - Reliefs, A Folder of Performances about the Victoria Cross Winners from the Crimean War, Estimated date 1887
A folder of hand painted reliefs of Victoria Cross winners from the Crimean War, made in commemoration of Queen Victorias' Jubilee. Multicoloured prints on a white background.Twelve reliefs portraying the various deeds of valour performed by Britains soldiers from the Crimean War to the present day. (1887)soldiers, queen victoria, reliefs, crimean war, commemoration, victoria cross, deeds of valour, britain, 1880s -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Functional object - Laundry Eqipment , 'ACME' clothes wringer, mid 20thC
This ACME portable clothes wringer could be attached to a wash trough or hand washing machine to remove excess water from the washing. It was much less cumbersome that the earlier Mangles used for this purposeMost homes of 20th C in City of Moorabbin would have had one of these ACME wringers . It greatly eased the washday burden of the women. The Exchange Hotel Nepean Highway Cheltenham was a well established meeting place for Moorabbin Shire settlers by 1915A metal clothes wringer with side hand crank and 2 rollers that could be attached by screw clamps to a wash trough or washing machine for removing excess water from washing. The pressure of 2 rollers was controlled by a screw on the top of machine that could be loosened or tightened according to the material being passed through.ACME 14 INCH / on hand crank is list of patents for Great Britain, USA, Aust. NZ, Germany, Belgium, Sweden moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, laundry equipment, washing, washing mangles, washing machines -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - BOOK MARK, 1931
Tan leather book mark with 1931 paper calendar, fringed ends and reads Here I fell asleep Best Wishes in black script.Trade Mark Alpha The Alpha Publishing Co Ltd 2 to 6 Scruttor Street London EC2 British Manufacturehandcrafts, leatherworking, book mark -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Unframed Photograph, Captured Italian Lorries - WWI
Black and white photo of Italian lorries.On back: 23. Captured Italian lorries with Italian food for Italian prisoners. Publicity section British Embassy Cairo. A.1005wwi, pow, italian, lorries -
Brighton Historical Society
Accessory - Parasol, 1920s
Beige silk parasol printed with bold zig-zag design in brown, orange, yellow and turquoise. Metal spokes tipped with white bakelite. Wooden handle decorated with pokerwork design painted red. Wooden ball covered in silk thread and twisted cotton cord hanging from handle.Cast in metal spokes: THE ARMSTRONG REGD BRITISH MAKE Woven label, blue on white cotton attached to spoken: Perfectionparasol, the armstrong, 1920s -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Postcard, Wonderland Peak in the Grampians -- Postcard
Wonderland Peak The Grampians Victoria. Valentine Series. c 1930'sPost card of a cliff face with mountains in the background.Wonderland Peak, The Grampians, Victoria Post Card printed in Great Britain The Valentine & Son's Publication Co. Ltd. Melbournehalls gap grampians -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - BLACK BALL SHIPPING LINE 1861 PASSENGER TICKET, 1861
Paper, Passenger Ticket No 21835 issued to Charles Lee, aged 22 years from Black Ball Line of British and australian Ex-Royal Mail Packets, and 'Eagle' Line of Packets. Ship named 'Great Britain, 3209 tons scheduled to leave from Liverpool to Melbourne on the eighteenth of October 1861. Charles Lee Market Gardener born in China buried in Bendigo Cemetery. Died April 12th 1921 aged 86 years. Married 1874 to Louisa Yates. Florence Maude Tooley daughter. Catalogue No 6733 provides cutting from The Australian Women's Weekly-Jan 13 1971 describing history and restoration details of the 'Great Britain'. Ticket Reverse. Outline of conditions and provisions ship owners supply to passengers. Stamped 'Paid' Oct 16th 1861 Liverpool. Name of Charles Lee with age 22years.person, individual, charles lee -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Photograph
Black and White Photograph sailing ship Caradale, 2085 Tons 285 foot long. Built in Britain 1883. Broken up by a German firm in 1924. 145mm x 103 mm. SH 062 Ships C - Eflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, caradale -
Bendigo Military Museum
Manual - MANUAL, INFANTRY DRILL, 1893, Her Majesty (Queen Victoria), Harrison & Sons, 1893
Item in the collection re Colonel J. Swatton, refer Cat No 6719.2P for his service details.This is a pocket sized book. the cover is red buckram. on the front cover, embossed in gold, is the crest of Great Britain, under that is the phrase, Infantry Drill 1893, By Authority. It has 260 pages of written text, drawings and music (for bugle calls).passchendaele barracks trust, book, 1893, infantry drills -
Bendigo Military Museum
Uniform - GAITERS, c1935-1945
Used pre or during WW2.1. and 2. These are small size ankle gaitors, British pattern. They are made out of canvas - 2 layers. The hem at the bottom is brown leather. There are two straps and buckles to fit the gaitors on with. The canvas has been painted jungle green. ww2, uniform -
Bendigo Military Museum
Memorabilia - DCM AWARD, Photo & certificate 1919
The item relates to Albert Victor Grinton No 5024 38th Bn (The No is wrong on the certificate) Refer Cat No 1320P for his service details along with his brothers. The photo of the medal presentation was taken by his brother Jack.Framed wood, glass covered with B & W photo, an award certificate and set of Replica medals being; 1. Distinguished Conduct Medal. 2. British War Medal 1914 - 19 3. Victory medal 1914 - 19“No 5055 Cpl A.V.Grinton 38th Battalion, awarded - Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1 March 1919 by Major General J Gellibrand”awards, dcm, medals -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Munition, 18 PDR
Artillery cartridge case from an 18 pounder field gun. This used brass case is the Mark ll type, manufactured in 1918. The 18 PDR was the main field artillery armament of the British and Commonwealth forces during WW 1. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, A Biographical Dictionary Vol 1
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 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. A Biographical Dictionary Vol 1 A-H containing a concise notices of eminent persons of all ages and countries: and more particulary natives of Great Britain and Ireland Author: Thompson Cooper Publisher: George Bell & Sons Date: 1890Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 920 COO Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, 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, a biographical dictionary vol 1 a-h, a biographical dictionary vol 1, thompson cooper -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Lamp
Carbide Bicycle lamp with locking screw reflector glass and burner. Has red and blue side light. Reflector glass missing. Inscribed "H Miller and Co Ltd, British Made, Birmingham" Switch and carbide filler on top.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Domestic Object - VERITAS GAS MANTLE
Veritas inverted mantle for a gas light in original cardboard box with green writing which reads, Veritas XXX quality inverted mantle, made from superior quality ramie thread strongest and therefore cheapest, British manufacture.Veritas Gas Mantle Works, Wandsworth London S.W.lighting, gas, mantle -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Photograph - Nairana, 15 Jan 1942
"Nairana" probably in the Derwent River (?). Turbine vessel built just before WWI and commandeered by British Government as an aircraft carrier. Later ferry to Tasmania and went around west of Station Pier, came to Australia c 1920/21.maritime, transport - shipping, nairana -
Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages
Book, D W A Baker, The civilised surveyor : Thomas Mitchell and the Australian Aborigines, 1997
Thomas Mitchell, surveyor in Sydney from 1827 at the time when Squatters were extending their runs with huge detriment to the Aboriginal population. Mitchell and his men were ambiguous in their treatment of the people. His conviction was in the superiority of the British civilisation.Maps, b&w illustrationsthomas mitchell, new south wales history, race relations, racism, colonisation -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, Fac-Simile Chromo Litho Art Studio, 1886 (Approximate)
Presented to R. Snart, who was an early settler at Browns Plains, Rutherglen Shire.Framed print, coloured, of painting depicting Britannia with two attendants and assorted British Colonial women, border in aqua with names of colonies in heart shaped shields (40 of them). Brown polished timber frame with gold painted insert.In main painting: "Colonial and Indian / Exhibition / London 1886" On border on white background: "Presented / With a Commemorative Medal / To Robert Snart" RH side of white background: (signature) "Executive President" (signature) "Secretary to the Royal Commission"colonial exhibition, indian exhibition, royal commission, robert snart, britannia -
Port Melbourne Historical & Preservation Society
Book, Clive SANSOM, Acting Rhymes Introductory Book, c.1970
. It was used at Nott Street Primary School in the mid 1970's.Small blue covered book with the title & author in beige. The picture panel shows a soldier, sailor, clown & policeman. It was produced in Great Britain for use there and in the Commonwealth and contains poems & rhymes for young children to sing, speak and act out.education - primary schools, nott street primary school -
Linton and District Historical Society Inc
Card, Bereavement Card, Bombardier Stanley Gordon Wise, 1917, 1917
Sent by Mr. & Mrs. John Wise as a thankyou card for condolences received after the death on active service during World War I of their son, Stanley Gordon Wise. Card is sent from "Hill Rise, Linton". Bombardier Wise was killed on active service in France on August 16th, 1917.Small, cream-coloured card with black border and illustration of Australian and British flags at top. Card has two unsourced quotations at top: "He rose responsive to his Country's call", and "Until the daybreak and the shadows flee away".bereavement cards, stanley gordon wise, mr and mrs john m. wise, world war 1914-1918 -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Black and White, Concert Bowl at Kenwood, Hampstead, London, 1969, 1969
Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born on 2 August 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.1). Black and white photograph of a semicircular structure set amidst trees on the banks of a lake, with the reflection seen in the lake below. The structure is a concert bowl, with numerous spotlights on the ceiling lighting the stage area below. On the stage is a group of musicians playing. The place is the Concert Bowl in Kenwood, Hampstead, London. The musicians are the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Frank Wright. 2). Black and white newspaper clipping of the same scene with a caption. The newspaper is 'The British Bandsman'.1). Written in pencil on back - Kenwood, Hampstead, London, c1969 2). Typed caption - A Remarkable Photograph.The many thousands of visitors to Kenwood, home of outdoor Concerts in Hampstead, London, will recognise the scene of the Concert Bowl, looking over the lake. Our photograph was taken on 7 June this year and shows the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Frank Wright. The music performed was Mr Wright's Prelidio Marziale and the occasion was the 100th performance at Kenwood.frank wright, conductor, brass bands, london symphony orchestra, kenwood hampstead, concert bowl, reflection on lake -
National Wool Museum
Book, Sheep
"Sheep" - J.F.H. Thomas, Faber & Faber, London, 1946. British sheep and British sheep industry.sheep - british wool growing, sheep - british, wool growing -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Helmet, Steel MK111
An example of a British pattern steel battle helmet painted dark Khaki, complete with camouflage netting, chin strap and inner support liner. This is an Australian Army type MK111 steel helmet, standard issue for Australian infantry personnel during WW11 operations. The inside of the helmet is padded with a protective, dense rubber liner and has an adjustable cotton webbing chin strap. Australian manufacture, dated 1942, similar to the British "Brodie" pattern steel helmet originally introduced during WW1. The rim of the helmet is stamped '1942' and is marked number '7'. -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Card - Card game
Used by internees at Camp 3Painters Card game consisting of 36 cards depicting painters (artists). 4 cards of painters from later British school, 4 from Umbrian School, 4 from Venetian school, 4 German painters, 4 early British school, 4 French school, 4 Dutch Flemish painters, 4 Spanish school and 4 Florentine school. Dales Educational series. Dark blue and white box with picture of a man on front. Also Don Allen written on front in ink, and 3/9 being the price written in pencilPAINTERS Dales Educational Series. Don Allen. 3/3 9 -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Munition, Trench Art
Example of trench art, this is made from a used artillery cartridge (or case) from an 18 pounder field gun. This cartridge was manufactured in 1917. The 18 PDR was the main artillery armament of the British and Commonwealth forces during World War 1. -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photograph, H.M.A.S.QUIBERON photograph. (.1 H,M.A,S, QUIBERON certificate.) (.2 H.M.A.S. VENDETTA certificate,) (.3 Photograph of the crew on the ship, 2 OF.) (.4 Photograph of the crew on the ship,)
HMAS Quiberon was a Q-class destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy. Although built for the Royal Navy and remaining British property until 1950, Quiberon was one of two Q-class destroyers commissioned into the RAN during World War II. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Award - MEDALS, Post 1919
The medals belonged to Albert MacDonald No 7556, enlisted on 28.6.1917 age 19 years in the 25th reinforcements 8th Bn AIF. Embark for England 21.11.1917, disembark 9.1.1918, embark for France 15.7.1918, WIA Gassed 28.8.1918, rejoin unit 18.9.1918, attend Musketry School 5.10.1918, rejoin unit 21.11.1918, RTA 29.8.1919, discharged from the AIF 21.9.2019..1) British War medal 1914 - 19. .2) Ribbon for .1) .3) Victory medal 1914 - 1919. .4) Ribbon for .3) .5) White cardboard box and lid for .1) .6) White cardboard box and lid for .3) .1) & .3) Around medal edge, “7556 Pte A MacDonald 8 BN. A.I.F” .5) & .6) Same as .1) & .3) except .5) “ 67586/M.D.3”, .6) “70715/M.D.3” military history, 8th bn aif -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PROPAGANDA LEAFLETS, 1960 reproduction
These are colour photo reproductions of original leaflets on photo paper.Photographs of propaganda posters. .1) "BEWARE THE MASK OF FRIENDSHIP" in colour. .2) The British Commonwealth of Nations together in colour. Displays marching servicemen. .3) The enemy has long ears. Don't talk. shows image of Jap Officer in colour.propaganda, leaflets, japanese -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Souvenir Cloth, WW1
A souvenir cloth from Egypt, WW1. It is a red silk square cloth with brightly coloured silk embroidery. In the centre are the flags of Belgium, Russia, France, Australia and Britain. There are also embroidered date palms, a sphinx, pyramids and a bird carrying a letter."God save the King Souvenir of Egypt"ww1, egypt, souvenir, embroidered cloth -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Southern Lights
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 it's 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 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent 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 have 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 1950s 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. Southern Lights Author: John Rymill Publisher: The Travel Book Club Date: 1939 Further Information: The Offical Account of the British Graham Land Expedition 1934-1937 With two chapters by A Stephenson and a Historical Introduction by Hugh Robert MillThe label on spine cover with typed text 919.9 RYM Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library 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, southern lights, john rymill, a stephenson