Childers Cove is situated about 15 ks east of Warrnambool in the area known as Mepunga. It is named after the shipwreck of 'The Children.The documents relate to the running of the Childer's Cove Progress Association. There are a number of social activities including gymkhanas, racing meetings, making of roads and improving with planting trees There are many names which are still familiar with the area nearly 100 years later, including Wallace, McDowall, Burleigh, Murnane, Bonnett, Abraham Laidlaw Keogh Holloway and Palmer. Some of the meetings were held at the Mepunga South School with others held at Eckers Hotel Warrnambool and some at the race course. Fundraising events were held also from athletic meetings and district school children's races. This collection of papers is representative of many small communities around Australia where people came together and worked to improve their community facilities. It therefore has strong social and historic significance.This is a collection of papers most of which relate to the Childer's Cove Progress Association. Included are: .1 Minute Book/ Exercise book Childer's Cove Progress Association.May 1928-1932 .2 Minute Book/ Exercise book Childer's Cove Progress Association. 1924-1926 .3 Letter from Warrnambool Football Club 1930. .4 Account Archibald MacFarlane & Co March 1929 .5 Western District Racing Association Oct 1929. .6 Federal Taxation Dep Re Entertainment Tax 11/02/1930 .7 Chief Secretary Office re Racing Permits March 1923. .8-.9 Warrnambool Standard Invoices Jan 1930's .10 Archibald MacFarlane & Co Jan 1930. .11 Chief Office for Stamp Duties 12/02/1928 .12 Flyer - Childer's Cove Progress Association April 17 1926. .13 Flyer- Monster Gymkhana 12/02/ 1927. .14 Handwritten Invoice Charles Palmer Nov 1929. .15 Cheque Book Childer's Cove Progress Association 1929-31. .16 Deposit Book Childer's Cove Progress Association 1932-1942 .17 Bundle of invoices. .1 C J Caddy & Sons.2 Western Ice & Ice Products .3 Department of Lands & Survey Aug 1923 .4 J S Tait re Licence April 1924 .5 Warrnambool Standard31/12/1923 .6 Warrnambool Standard 31/03/1924 .7 Devenish & Co August 1924 .8 Warrnambool Standard 31/06/1924 H J Paynter & Co 03/05/1924 .10 Chief Secretary's Office Melbourne 01/05/1924 with receipt. .11 Permit for a race meeting April 19 1924 .12 Commonwealth of Australia Entertainment Tax 06/09/1924.13 Commonwealth of Australia Entertainment Notice 27/08/01924 .14 Commonwealth of Australia Entertainment Tax notice 12/08/1924 .18 William Ardlie handwritten letter 28/03/1928 .19 Envelope Addressed to W R Abrahams .20 Final notice Handwritten Charles Palmer Jan 1930. .21 Balance Sheet Childer's Cove Racing Club 18/03/1929 .22 H J Paynter & Co Account and receipt 25/02/1930. .23 Raglan Parade Timber Yards Alex Donaldson Feb 1930. .24 The School Paper Feb 1964 No 741 childer's cove, mepunga, childer's cove progress association

This is a wall decoration intended for a child's room or centre. It shows Humpty Dumpty and a girl nursery rhyme character and is believed to have been on the wall in a children's ward at the Warrnambool Hospital. The painters were A&A Henderson of Ballarat, believed to be Angus and Andrew Henderson who had a sign-writing and house decorating business in Ballarat in the early to mid 20th century. The business operated under the name Henderson Brothers. Angus Henderson was a well known Ballarat signwriter who taught signwriting at the Ballarat Technical Art School in the 1940sThis is a piece of cream canvas material on which are painted two nursery rhyme figures in various colours. There is some evidence of mould on the back of the canvas. A.& A.Henderson Ballarathenderson brothers, signwriters, ballarat

This is a small hard cover book of 103 pages. It contains printed material and many colour plates. It is a faulty copy as several pages of the text are blank. The buff-coloured cover is much stained and the printing on the cover and spine is almost illegible. The cover has broken away from the spine.fictiona child's storychildren's books, warrnambool history

Nothing is known about the ownership of this locket which has been in the collection for many years. In the 19th and early 20th centuries it was a common practice to own a locket as a piece of jewellery. It was also common to include in a locket either a photograph or an image of a loved one or a piece of hair, especially the hair of a child who had died.This locket has no known local significance but is retained as a fine example of a locket from many years ago.This is a round gold locket, heavily patterned on both sides. Inside is a piece of light brown hair covered with plain glass. There is some slight damage on the outside near the opening catch. The clip to attach the locket to a chain is missing.warrnambool history, antique lockets

George Bird was born in England in 1845 and arrived in Australia in 1856 as a child of assisted migrants. Soon afterwards he came out to Eltham to live with his uncle George Stebbings, working for him as bricklayer's assistant in building, amongst others, Shillinglaw Cottage and the Anglican and Methodist Churches in Eltham. He later purchased 72 acres at the eastern end of Pitt Street (bounded by Eucalyptus Road, Mount Pleasant Road and present-day Rockliffe Street) and established the property ‘View Hill’, which was worked as a mixed farm and orchard (including berries). In 1878 he married Janet Kilpatrick, who had emigrated from Scotland. They had ten children, three of whom died in infancy. The wedding in 1904 of their eldest surviving daughter Sarah (‘Sis’) to Edward Pepper appears to have been quite a society event. George was a staunch Methodist and was a Church Steward and a Sunday School Superintendent in about 1890. Janet died in 1915 and George died in 1920 (though his gravestone says 1921). George's will stated that his property was to be divided between all his children in equal shares. This necessitated subdivision of the View Hill property, which took place progressively between 1922 and 1926. One son, George Hugh Bird, operated a drapery store in Main Road (near Bridge Street) in around 1915. Later, in the 1920s, he ran a greengrocer's shop (also selling confectionery) in Main Road opposite Eltham Station. It was the first shop in Eltham to have plate glass windows. At the same time, his brother Reg had a grocery store on the station side of Main Road. George and Janet are buried together in a family plot in Eltham Cemetery. Several descendants are also buried in the cemetery. In Loving Memory Of George Bird Died 5 December 1921 aged 76 years And his beloved wife Janet Bird Died 5 Sept 1915 aged 57 years Also their children William James Bird Died 25 Feb 1888 aged 8 years Mary Jane Bird Died 8 Oct 1891 aged 7 years Pte Edwin John Bird Killed in action in the Great War 11 Aug 1918 aged 30 years Buried in France And on the base stone George Hugh Bird Died 26 Feb. 1965. Aged 79 years Arthur Andrew Bird Died 25 Mar. 1970 Aged 75 years To the left In Loving Memory of Dr. J. R. (Roger) Bird 1927 2001 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Betty Father of Janet & Alison Grandpa of Evan & Helen Scientist & Gentleman To the right In Loving Memory of Harold Edwin Bird OAM 1922 - 2015 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Yvonne Father of Estell & Russell In our hearts Forever moreBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, arthur andrew bird, arthur bird, edwin john bird, george bird, george hugh bird, harold edwin bird, helen bird (nee lyon), j. r. (roger) bird, janet bird (nee kilpatrick), william james bird, yvonne bird

George Bird was born in England in 1845 and arrived in Australia in 1856 as a child of assisted migrants. Soon afterwards he came out to Eltham to live with his uncle George Stebbings, working for him as bricklayer's assistant in building, amongst others, Shillinglaw Cottage and the Anglican and Methodist Churches in Eltham. He later purchased 72 acres at the eastern end of Pitt Street (bounded by Eucalyptus Road, Mount Pleasant Road and present-day Rockliffe Street) and established the property ‘View Hill’, which was worked as a mixed farm and orchard (including berries). In 1878 he married Janet Kilpatrick, who had emigrated from Scotland. They had ten children, three of whom died in infancy. The wedding in 1904 of their eldest surviving daughter Sarah (‘Sis’) to Edward Pepper appears to have been quite a society event. George was a staunch Methodist and was a Church Steward and a Sunday School Superintendent in about 1890. Janet died in 1915 and George died in 1920 (though his gravestone says 1921). George's will stated that his property was to be divided between all his children in equal shares. This necessitated subdivision of the View Hill property, which took place progressively between 1922 and 1926. One son, George Hugh Bird, operated a drapery store in Main Road (near Bridge Street) in around 1915. Later, in the 1920s, he ran a greengrocer's shop (also selling confectionery) in Main Road opposite Eltham Station. It was the first shop in Eltham to have plate glass windows. At the same time, his brother Reg had a grocery store on the station side of Main Road. George and Janet are buried together in a family plot in Eltham Cemetery. Several descendants are also buried in the cemetery. In Loving Memory Of George Bird Died 5 December 1921 aged 76 years And his beloved wife Janet Bird Died 5 Sept 1915 aged 57 years Also their children William James Bird Died 25 Feb 1888 aged 8 years Mary Jane Bird Died 8 Oct 1891 aged 7 years Pte Edwin John Bird Killed in action in the Great War 11 Aug 1918 aged 30 years Buried in France And on the base stone George Hugh Bird Died 26 Feb. 1965. Aged 79 years Arthur Andrew Bird Died 25 Mar. 1970 Aged 75 years To the left In Loving Memory of Dr. J. R. (Roger) Bird 1927 2001 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Betty Father of Janet & Alison Grandpa of Evan & Helen Scientist & Gentleman To the right In Loving Memory of Harold Edwin Bird OAM 1922 - 2015 Son of Arthur & Helen (nee Lyon) Bird Husband of Yvonne Father of Estell & Russell In our hearts Forever moreeltham cemetery, gravestones, memorials, arthur andrew bird, arthur bird, edwin john bird, george bird, george hugh bird, harold edwin bird, helen bird (nee lyon), j. r. (roger) bird, j.r. (roger) bird, janet bird, janet bird (nee kilpatrick), william james bird, yvonne bird

Newspaper article: Auction part of Eltham History, Diamond Valley News, 11 March 1980, auction on 15 March of The Hawthorns and other properties by the Burgoyne family. On same page another article :"The unusual on a hill" about Robert Marshall, Shire Councillor and architect's own home. On reverse side real estate advertising including several Woodridge Estate properties. Newspaper article: Centre becomes a second home, Diamond Valley News, Tuesday, September 23, 1986, p3 about new child minding centre. On same page "residents carry on fight for road works" about planned road works in Kirwana Grove, Montmorency and "Advice bureau needs volunteers" about Eltham Citizens Advice Bureau. On reverse side (page 4) advertising for Kentons Shoes closing down sale at Shop 3 Eltham Mall, Arthur Street and article "Nursing mums donate books" featuring Eltham Branch of Nursing Mothers Association (with photo).main road, eltham, property, the hawthorns house, burgoyne family, harry burgoyne, hawthorn hedges, 816 main road eltham, advertising, avril benson, child minding centre, eltham citizens advice bureau, eltham high school, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham shire council, john stevens, kaye mount, kirwana grove, main road child minding centre, montmorency, montmorency primary school, roadworks, rob stanley, ruth kirkpatrick, angela hennel, arthur street mall, banner project, diamond valley childbirth education association, kentons shoes, nursing mothers association, sue gavan, woodridge estate, mudbrick, robert marshall, st andrews

Photocopy advertisement, sale three corner properties at Main Road intersection, by Burgoyne family. Newspaper article: Nod for medical centre plan, Diamond Valley News, May 31, 1995 - Nillumbik Council approved plans for medical facility and chiuld minding centre at the corner of Bridge Road and Main Road however not all members of the Planning Special Committee were in support - eventually did not proceed and units were built with the address of 72 Bridge Roadmain road, eltham, property, burgoyne family, medical centre, 72 bridge street, 826 main road, bridge street, child minding centre, don cordell, jim connor, nillumbik planning special committee, tony lazzarotto

Broadbent's Guide "Melbourne's Mountains" no date, pp20-21: Eltham Motor Garage and Celina Cafe. Business card: Eltham Bookshop, Meera Govil. Invitation; An evening with Robert Dessaix, Eltrham Bookshop, 7 Dec 1998 Newspaper advertisement: Diamond Valley Leader, 3 November 2004, Miko. Miko Customer Loyalty Card Nov. 2004main road, eltham, property, shops, businesses, eltham motor garage, celina cafe, eltham bookshop, meera govil, miko beautiful child

Newspaper article: Diamond Valley Leader 12 October 2005, VIP night for loyal clients, Miko Beautiful Child.main road, eltham, shops, businesses, miko beautiful child

Family research queries John and Sarah Watts William and Mary Watts Both families were shoemakers. John and Sarah Watts arrived in Eltham circa 1850. John Watts was recorded in the initial 1858 Eltham Roads District Board rates book living in Little Eltham, also 1859 and 1860. The property then appears to be in the name of Thomas Watts from 1861 to 1863 at least. Thomas was married to Ann. According to a Facebook contact from family researcher Rosie Watts in Queensland, the children of John and Sara were Betsy aka Elizabeth, Ann, Maria, Robert and Sarah (later Jones). Sarah was born 1850, the only child born in Australia. Sarah Watts remained in Eltham and married a man by the name Meadows. On 24 January 1860 John Watts was asaulted by a beligerant drunk (John Castle) whilst sitting at the bar of the Fountain Hotel that evening. Castle without warning grabbed Watts by the throat, pushed him over and kicked him in the head with his heavy boots. Constable Lalor was called and Castle attempted to assault him as well. Watts was helped up, was sick and was taken home by his son and a Mr Wallace. He went to bed. Watts died April 11 and his wfe Sarah advised the Coroner's inquest held April 11 that he had never left his bed from that time. Castle was charged with manslaughter. He was found guilty by jury and sentenced to 18 months hard labour on the roads. John Watts is buried in Eltham Cemetery in an unmarked grave before records were kept. His wife, Sarah later Sarah Meadows (previously Watts, nee Tew) is buried there also along with her daughter Ann Southerly Head (nee Meadows). john watts, william watts, mary watts, john castle, manslaughter, fountain hotel, constable peter lalor, shoemaker, sarah meadows, sarah watts (nee tew)

Featuring two photocopies of a sixteen page pamphlet by Della Hilton titled 75 Years at St. Stephen’s – Including Union with Bambra Road Methodist Church. This details a brief history of both the Bambra Road Church and especially the St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Balaclava Road, Caulfield between 1910-1985. These churches united in 1976 to form the St. Stephen’s Uniting Church in Balaclava Road, Caulfield. The pamphlet includes copies of photographs of the interior, exterior and windows. There is a black and white photograph of the interior, undated and unattributed. There is a Christmas postcard from the church’s sponsor child, Paulus Lobo, dated post-1988. Finally, there is a copy of a fourteen page newsletter dated March 1986, edited by Ethel Phillips, regarding news of the St. Stephen’s Uniting Church Community.st. stephen’s church, presbyterian church, methodist church, uniting church, caulfield, balaclava road, bambra road, dulton street, kooyong road, hilton della, thomson w. rev., hunter c. hay rev., burns h.m. rev., simpson w. l. rev., goddard s.a. rev., tamagno f. rev., robinson e.b. rev., kerry g.f.g. rev., williamson j. rev., mclean d. rev., heazlewood vere rev., adamson j.c., pollard w.g. mr., alday rev., alday mrs., everett l.d. mrs., emms, ladies guild, presbyterian women’s missionary union, p.w.m.u., presbyterian girls’ association, presbyterian boys’ association, adult group, st. stephen’s players, men’s brotherhood, tennis club, cricket club, architectural features, gothic revival architecture, church furniture, stained glass, clergy residences, religious ceremonies, choirs, religious festivals, religious groups, clergy, religious structures and establishments, social clubs, clubs and associations, construction, events and activities, theatre groups, performers, fundraising events, community services, festivals and celebrations, sunday schools, organs, postcards

1/A photocopy of a typed document of notes, source and date unknown, describing a brief history of the former Methodist Church in Grange Road, GlenHuntly. 2/Two colour photographs dated November 1980 of the front and side view of the church, and two undated photographs of the foundation stones, laid 1922 for the church and 1932 for the brick hall. 3/Also a newspaper article by Andrew Molloy dated 25/02/1990 discussing development options for potential buyers, source unknown.glen huntly, smith a. w. f. mr, foundation stones, grange road, molloy andrew, land sales, glen huntly road, methodist church, auctions, wattle ave., uniting church, churches, king f. l mr., presbyterian church of eastern australia, monuments and memorials, temples, religious ceremonies, chinese community, real estate agents, commercial development, residential development, child care, glen huntly post office, official buildings, weatherboard buildings, clergy, church residences, meeting rooms

Contains several documents regarding the house at 25 Ontario Street, North Caulfield. Includes handwritten notes, undated, written by Shirley Sheaham tracing the family history of Edward and Elsie Gilder who owned the house between 1936 and 1969, and the memories of the author as a child living in the house. Also includes a black and white photograph and two financial documents, account information and receipt, regarding the house.ontario street, caulfield north, gilder edward, gilder elsie elizabeth, sheaham shirley, barlow elsie elizabeth, barlow george frederick stanley, elizabeth ada, historic buildings, barlow george, gordon street, glenhuntly road, elsternwick, world war 1914-1918, adams and barlow, elizabeth street, glen eira road, james mrs., ripponlea, fourth victoria permanent building society, real estate agents, d. turner and co., moses david, lancaster ada, gilder shirley

Caroline (Carrie) Shillinglaw was the third child of Phillip and Sarah Shillinglaw, born 29 February 1876 in Bundoora. She commenced school at Eltham State School No. 209 in Dalton Street in April 1882. She married Christopher Watson on 23 Oct. 1907. Christopher Watson was the owner of Watson's Hotel on the corner of Pitt Street and Maria Street (Main Road).E. Strawbridge 129 Park St. Parkville Melbournecaroline shillinglaw, caroline watson (nee shillinglaw), caroline (carrie) watson (nee shillinglaw 1876-1956), carrie shillinglaw

Caroline (Carrie) Shillinglaw was the third child of Phillip and Sarah Shillinglaw, born 29 February 1876 in Bundoora. She commenced school at Eltham State School No. 209 in Dalton Street in April 1882. She married Christopher Watson on 23 Oct. 1907. Christopher Watson was son of Christopher Watson Jnr, the owner of Watson's Hotel on the corner of Pitt Street and Maria Street (Main Road).caroline shillinglaw, caroline watson (nee shillinglaw), caroline (carrie) watson (nee shillinglaw 1876-1956), carrie shillinglaw

This 1954 Roll of Honour board was an action of the WW2 Eltham War memorial Trust, for hanging in their Child Welfare Centre building on their property in Main Road, Eltham. The Johnstons Furniture Production Company made up the board and had the names of the local Eltham enlistees applied in gold lettering at a total cost of £13.10.00. The names were copied by the Eltham RSL from the obelisk which was first erected by the WW1 Eltham Peace Celebrations in August 1919 at the northwest corner of Bridge Street and Main Road. During road widening plans by the Council, the obelisk was moved to the garden area of the refurbished RSL branch building in Main Road for safekeeping. The Honour Roll Board was sent to the Eltham RSL sub-branch around 1999. Following the merger of the Eltham and Montmorency sub-branches and sale of the Eltham property, the obelisk was relocated to a location in front of the Eltham War Memorial. The Honour Roll Board was retrieved by former Eltham District Historical Society President, Harry Gilham in September 2004 who arranged for it to be hung in the Eltham War Memorial Hall (former Children's Library). It is attached to the brick wall face of the west (rear) wall of the Hall.Colour photo print and 18 photocopied and hand written mixed media pages1953, briar hill timber, cr. e.j. andrew, eltham rsl sub-branch, eltham war memorial, eltham war memorial hall, eltham war memorial trust, ernie andrew, harry gilham collection, honour roll, johnstons furniture production company, johnstons furniture productions, meeting minutes, minute book, montmorency-eltham rsl sub-branch, nillumbik shire council, roll of honour, stanley s addison collection, stanley simpson addison

Original newspaper article from "The Age" May 11, 1963. Place with a view at Kangaroo Ground by Basil Hall about the construction of the War memorial. The Hall family resided at "Fairview" Panton Hill in the 1920s. Hall was a Eltham Shire Councilor in the 1920s and was associated with the Eltham Shire war Memorial Tower Bulding Committee from 1924 to 1926. Photocopies from "The Road to Gundagi" by Graham McInnes (Hamish Hamilton, 1965), Chapter 9 pages 132 - 153 an autobiography in which the author reminiscences about visiting the Hall family at "Fairview" in Panton Hill as a child. References also to Watson's Creek where MacPherson Robertson ("The Chocolate King") had a summer home, the Shannons, Shanhun and McLaughlin familes. Includes description of the day that Hurstbridge was declared a township (May 26th, 1924), a ralway journey, picnics and rabbiting. McInnes' reminiscences about the periods of his childhood spent visiitng the Hall family in Panton Hill in the 1920s are a rare first hand glimpse into the recreational, social and municipal life in the 1920s within the this rural area within the Shire of Eltham. "Road to Gundagi" was the first of three widely acclaimed autobiographies.Original newspaper article Photocopies, 12 pages.HG Booklet 36basil hall, click here to add keywords, cr. basil hall, eltham war memorial, graham mcinnes, harry gilham collection, hurstbridge, kangaroo ground tower building committee, macpherson robertson, mclaughlin family, panton hill, picnicing, rabbiting, reminiscences, shanhun family, shannon family, shire of eltham war memorial, war memorial tower, watson's creek

Opposite the Shire Council Depot (formerly Fayrefield Hat Factory and now Eltham Fort Knox). Comment from David Taylor (via Facebook 2/4/2018): My family home was at 216 Rattray and I remember Powell's old garage on the right where the servo is now decades before the road was excavated. They had an aviary (very exciting for a very young child) and hand pumped kerosene.Colour photographmontmorency, streets, rattray road, sherbourne road

Opposite the Shire Council Depot (formerly Fayrefield Hat Factory and now Eltham Fort Knox). Comment from David Taylor (via Facebook 2/4/2018): My family home was at 216 Rattray and I remember Powell's old garage on the right where the servo is now decades before the road was excavated. They had an aviary (very exciting for a very young child) and hand pumped kerosene.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 4 stripsFuji 100montmorency, rattray road, sherbourne road, streets

A colour photograph of Steavenson Falls in Marysville in Victoria.A colour photograph of Steavenson Falls in Marysville in Victoria. The Steavenson Falls is named after the Victorian Assistant Commissioner of Roads and Bridges, John Steavenson, who arrived in Victoria in the early 1860s. This postcard was produced by Scancolor Australia as a souvenir of Marysville.MARYSVILLE/ Victoria STEAVENSON Falls - cascading 82.6 metres in/ three mighty leaps, is the tallest in VICTORIA. In. 1972 floodlighting was installed. scancolor Australia (03) 555 1944 CS 1857steavenson falls, marysville, victoria, scancolor australia, postcard, souvenir, john steavenson

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 Childs History of England Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Chapman & Hall Ltd Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 823.8 DIC Paste down front end paper has sticker from Warrnambool Children’s Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service 1st inside front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service 2nd inside front loose end paper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institutewarrnambool, 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 toy is an item that is used in play, especially one designed for such use. It is mainly intended for use by children, though may also be marketed to adults under certain circumstances. Playing with toys can be an enjoyable means of training young children for life in society. Different materials like wood, clay, paper, and plastic are used to make toys. Many items are designed to serve as toys, but goods produced for other purposes can also be used. For instance, a small child may fold an ordinary piece of paper into an airplane shape and "fly it". Playing with toys is considered to be important when it comes to growing up and learning about the world around us. Younger children use toys to discover their identity. The subject item is significant as it is an early example or a toy that was designed to fill the need for children to learn cause and effect, explore relationships, and practice skills they will need as adults. Adults also can use toys on occasion to form and strengthen social bonds, teach, help in therapy, and to remember and reinforce lessons from their youth. Wooden box with pieces of wood inside of various sizes believed to be a child's construction toySome pieces have designs

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. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value 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 Childs History of England Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Collins Clear Type Press Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 823 DIC Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library 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, a childs history of england, charles dickens, dickens charles

The Mahogany Ship is today regarded as a legend and refers to an ancient wreck that is purported to lie beneath the sand beside Armstrong Bay, several kilometres west of Warrnambool, Its location is currently unknown. For well over a century the mystery of this ship has fascinated Australians because the existence of such a vessel could throw a different light on the earliest phases of exploration of eastern Australia by Europeans. The story is that in January 1836 a party of whalers from Port Fairy travelled to the mouth of the Hopkins River in search of seals. Their boat overturned and one man was drowned. The three survivors were walking the 30 kilometres back to Port Fairy along the coast when, about halfway along, they discovered the wrecked ship in the dunes. It is said that Captain John Mills, who was in charge of the whaling station at Port Fairy promptly visited the wreck with several of his men, including Hugh Donnelly. Donnelly who was the originator of that version of events is now regarded as unreliable. Local history researcher Joan Fawcett believes Donnelly could not have visited the wreck in 1836 because he did not arrive in Victoria until 1841. The "mahogany" description can be traced to a letter from Port Fairy builder, architect and surveyor John Mason and published in the Melbourne Argus in 1876. He said he had seen the hull in 1846 and it "had the appearance of either cedar or mahogany." In 1884 Argus journalist `The Vagabond' wrote that the hull was built of "Spanish mahogany" and six years later Mason wrote another letter saying it might not have been mahogany but red gum or ironbark from New South Wales. He was too late with this new description as the wrecks mahogany tag was here to stay all through the hull was not visible as it had disappeared beneath the shifting sands by 1880. A more reliable account was later presented by the former editor of the Warrnambool Examiner, historian Richard Osburne, who wrote about the wreck in his book History of Warrnambool (published 1887). In it the author remembers to have noticed a wreck in the hummocks between Belfast and Warrnambool, in 1847 or 1848; he stated it was much nearer Warrnambool than Belfast, now known as Port Fairy, going on to state “in fact, it was only two or three miles from the former place, to the west of the big hummock which was supposed to fill Warrnambool Bay with drift sand washed by the Merri River before the cutting was made.” Osburne followed up with a letter to the Port Fairy Gazette on June 25, 1876, during a period of heightened interest in the wreck, although he was unsure of the provenance of the ship he went on to state in his letter. “The old wreck was, in fact, miles away from the Port Fairy beach, and only about four miles from Warrnambool. In the years 1847 and 1848. I have often seen the wreck and I regret to say I do not believe she was a foreign ship at all.”The ship model is significant for its association with the Warrnambool story of what is now referred to as the Mahogany Ship, an ancient shipwreck. The model is significant as it is an interpretation of a Portuguese caravel and possibly associated with the early history and exploration of Southern Australia. The model is a fine example of a hand crafted ship made from plans, not from a kit. Some of the materials used for the model are significant to the Gembrook community in that the timber used is a portion from a 30-meter pine tree that fell onto and destroyed the 120-year-old Gembrook church building. The model is also a dedication to Edward Kermond, who grew up in Warrnambool and claimed to have seen the shipwreck in the dunes when he was a lad in the late 19th century. (See note section of this document for further information on the creator and donation of the subject item).Ship model, an interpretation of a mahogany Portuguese carvel vessel in a glass display case with wood frame and a description plaque. Model is made from dark stained wood. The three masted vessel is fully rigged, with a Portuguese-like flag on mast. Plaque is rectangular, free standing on a pedestal. The model was handmade by Joe Hilder (Senior) in 1999 from flooring obtained from the Gembrook Uniting Church in Victoria. Inscriptions, hand written, under base of case and on plaque.Under base, black felt tip pen “Ship & Case made From / Flooring from Gembrook uniting Church, Flattened in 1999 / By Large Pine Tree.” On plaque, white paint "This interpretation of the Fabled Mahogany Ship was made by Joe Hilder, Gembrook Vic. is displayed in the memory of the late Edward Kermond (Ted) 1887-1973, a Warrnambool son who claimed to have seen the original ship as a child." flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ship model, mahogany ship, mahogany ship story, portuguese caravel, joe hilder, edward kermond, ted kermond, gembrook uniting church, gembrook storm 1999, port fairy whalers, belfast whalers

Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860’s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17 year old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000 acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] A Colonial Reformer Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Date: 1891Label on spine cover with typed text RA 823.91 BOL Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library The fly paper has the name "A. H. Stanley" handwritten in pencil. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, a colonial reformer, rolf boldrewood

This child's cot cover was made by Vera Giles and is one of many 19th century items of furniture, linen and crockery donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by, Vera and Aurelin Giles. The items are associated with Warrnambool and the Giles Family history. Items donated by the family have come to be known as the “Giles Collection”. Many items in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage were donated by Vera and Aurelin Giles and mostly came from the home of Vera’s parents-in-law, Henry Giles and his wife Mary Jane (nee Freckleton) who married in 1880 and whose photos are on display in the parlour. Henry was born at Tower Hill in 1858, and was a labourer on the construction of the Warrnambool Breakwater before leaving in 1895 for around seven years to build bridges in NSW. Mary Jane was born in 1860 at Cooramook and she attended Mailor’s Flat State School and where she eventually was to become a student teacher. After which she became a governess at “Injemiara” where her grandfather, Francis Freckleton, had once owned land. Henry and Mary’s family consisted of six, some of the children were born at Mailor’s Flat and later some children at Wangoom. They lived with their parents at Wangoom and Purnim west, and this is where Henry died in 1933 and Mary Jane in 1940.The Giles family collection is of social significance at a local level, because it not only illustrates the level of material support the Warrnambool community gave to Flagstaff Hill during it’s establishment. But the Giles collection also gives us today a snapshot into what domestic life was like in early colonial times prior to Federation.Cot cover, white cotton thread, crochet diamond pattern with tassels on all sides. (Giles Collection)Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, giles collection, henry giles, tower hill, cooramook, mailor’s flat, wangoom, manchester, linen, cot cover, crochet manchester, 20th century handcraft, vera giles, textile