WARRNAMBOOL 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. History of Australia Vol 3 Author: G W Rusden Publisher: Chapman & Hall Ltd Date: 1883Label on spine cover with typed text RA 994 RUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Librarywarrnambool, 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, history of australia vol 3, g w rusden

Group photography Great Ocean Road Trust, taken at Geelong Town Hall 1918great ocean road. geelong town hall

Outside Lorne School 1929 Jubilee Celebrations showing L to R. Mr J Hall (teacher) 1929, James T Anderson (1st scholar) 1879 and John P Danaher (1st teacher) 18791929, lorne school jubilee, teachers, mr j hall, james t anderson, john p danaher

Louise Hearman used the Norla Dome and painted a mural painted which had taken her around a year to complete. The exhibition called Elephant Room was shown from June 1988. The work was vandalised in 1989 and subsequently demolished.Louise Hearman is a Melbourne born artist and Archibald Prize winner. Hearman first came to public notice in 1987/88 when she spent a year painting the mural in the Norla Dome. The premises of the Mission also served as her studio at that timeBlack and white copy of a newspaper article, printed on A4 paper.The sky’s the limit for modern Michelangelo Because it was there . . . Melbourne artist Louise Hearman in the domed gymnasium of the Mission to Seamen - Picture: ROSS DUNCAN THE dilapidated pool halls of Melbourne’s Mission to Seamen are an unlikely setting for a budding Michelangelo. But when Louise Hearman came across the one-time mission gymnasium she could not resist the urge to create a fresco. It did, however, take a little persuading for the Anglican Church, which still owns and operates a mission in the 61-year-old building, to agreee to house a minor Sistine Chapel on their premises. A year of labour later, Hearman has had no complaints about the great swirling sky or huge oil paintings which now adorn the empty 11-sided room. Instead she is constantly visited by old sailors and passers-by who are thrilled to discover the unusual architecture and artwork. “When peoiple come here it’s a real discovery. It’s something they find for themselves,” she said. Her pictures are neither religious nor symbolic, merely outpourings to create an atmosphere. “THere are lots of things I’d like to say but I’m not saying them in my paintings. “There are no messages, they don’t have any political statement. Life was a little more comfortable for Hearman than her renaissance predecessors. After struggling with cumbersome scaffolding to reach her “canvas” she discovered the modern wonders of the scissor lift. She does not look on the work as a huge achievement. However, it may all be for nought. Unless money is spent to restore the building the paintings she has created will crumble and die - Deborah Stone The Australian Tuesday 10 May 1988louise hearman, elephant room, norla dome, exhibitions, 1988, melbourne, flinders street, ross duncan, cultural events

This journal provides the reader with glimpses of the adventures and hardships of a seaman's life. Many of the stories are of sailing ships.Contributes to our knowledge of the importance of shipping and places on record those stories of the sea which would otherwise be lost.Contents Foreword - P. C. Kelly, F.C.I.T. - 9 The Pamir's Last Australian Voyage - Ross Osmond - 13 Store of the "Wyatt Earp" - - 19 The Old Ship - C. E. Bonwick - 24 Rescue From Skull Rock - Jane Brett Hilder, F.R.G.S - 25 The End of H.M.A.S. Canberra - D. J. Bull - 31 Monkey Business - Constance Gurd Taylor - 37 The s.s. Great Britain Comes Home - L. W. Rogers - 41 Pearling Off the Aru Islands - Capt. W. J. Cowling - 47 The Wreck of the Jane Lovett - J. M. MacKenzie - 59 Captain Dale's Torpedo - C. Halls - 61 After Thoughts - - 71 Two Incidents - 73 More Light On The Early P.P. Pilots - 74 Lighthouses of U.S.A. - N. S. Smith - 78 Voyage In The s.s. Orange Branch -- 1918 - I. L. Barton - 85 A Dramatic Rescue - - 98 A New Record Discovered In Australia / America Passages - W. G. Watson - 99 Some Highlights of Western Ports Maritime History - Arthur E. Woodley - 103 Going To Sea In The Last Of The British Sailing Ships - Lionel Adams - 108 More About Willemein - E. W. R. Peterson - 119 Piracy On The China Coast - Capt. W. E. Eglen - 123 Book Reviews - - 125 Glossary - - 129sailing ships, steamships, shipping, seafaring life, shiplovers' society of victoria, dog watch

In April 1869 when the foundation stone of the Mortlake Mechanics' Institute was laid by Thomas Shaw of Wooriwyrite, this parchment scroll was sealed with other documents in the foundation stone. In 1891 when further alterations were made the hall these documents were retrieved from the stone. This building was erected to house the local library whichup until that time had been housed in the Morllake Common School.Discoloured foolscap parchment with copperplate lettering, some water damage which has caused the obliteration of the names of the Members of the Building Committee, Hon.Secretary and Architect. At a Public Meeting presided over by John Grieve Esq. President of the Shire/The foundation stone/of this building/was laid by - /Thomas Shaw Junior Esquire the President of the Institute on Monday/the 29th day of March A. D. 1869 in the 32nd year of the Reign of Her/Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria Sir I. A. T. Manners Sutton/being Governor of this Colony of Victoria/With this Scroll is Deposited/A copy of The Argus Newspaper of 28th March 1869/A copy of The Warrnambool Examiner of ? March 1869/A copy of The Belfast Examiner of 17th March 1869/Members of/The Building/ Committee/Hon.Secretary and Treasurer/Architect/Contractors/Messrs Jenkins and Harvey,Mason/Mr Joseph Wyatt,Carpenter.institute, free, libraries, public buildings, mortlake, mechanics

This small white jug was probably created as a souvenir of Mortlake. Its depiction of the 'Soldier's Monument' (War Memorial completed 1920), is quite accurate and perhaps reflects the importance of such monuments in small country towns. Memorials created in many country towns, cities and suburbs after the Great War, reflected civic pride and were created in recognition of the sacrifice of so many men in defence of the realm. Mortlake's 'Soldier's Memorial' is typical of many such memorials Australia wide. It forms one part of the Mortlake's tribute, the others being the Soldiers' Memorial Hall (which incorporates the old Mechanics' Institute) and the Avenue of Honour (cypress) along the Hamilton Highway on the eastern side of the town. Small glazed white jug, with gold rim, handle; transfer picture of the Mortlake War Memorial - showing plinth, column, soldier and fence with backdrop of mature trees. Captioned: 'Soldier's Monument Mortlake'. On base: 'Melba Bone China (followed by crown insignia) Guaranteed Made In England.'1914, 1918, world, war, memorial, memorials, mortlake, souvenirs

In July 1922 Rev. W. McBride of the St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Mortlake had a meeting with the Garden sub-committee to discuss how the 500 pounds sterling bequest from the Late Thomas Montgomery could best be spent. His suggestion was that the money should be spent on either a kiosk, pavillion or recreation hall and pavillion combines with kitchen and fireplace was agreed to with exact site to decided at a public meeting. Cr Montgomery, a local businessman and a councillor, had loved the gardens and had assisted to transform the area from a swamp into a thing of beauty. The design was chosed by his widow who had seen a smilar design in King's Park whilst in Perth so the plans were obtained from that City. The work was carried out by Archibald Cluny McDonald and completed in September 1924. In December 1924 the Montgomery Pagado was unveiled to the public by Cr Wells Brumley after which the Red Cross ladies served tea.THIS TABLET IS DESIGNED TO COMMEMORATE THE GENEROSITY OF THE LATE COUNCILLOR THOMAS MONTGOMERY BY WHOM THIS PAVILLION WAS GRACIOUSLY BEQUEATHED TO THE TOWN OF MORTLAKE AND TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF HIS NOBILITY OF CHARACTER AND EXTREME WORTH AS A CITIZENpagoda

This pine tree (Allepo Pine, Pinus halepensis) a native of the Gallipoli Peninisula (Gelibolu, Turkey), was grown from a cutting obtained from the War Memorial Canberra and planted in the Mortlake Botanic Gardens in 2002. It replaces the original which grew outside the Mortlake RSL Hall which blew down in a storm c.2000. That tree (Allepo brutius)came from 'the original on Gallipoli' and was planted to commemorate 'fallen comrades' in 'the Jubilee year 1965.' However, two soldiers first brought home pine cones direct from that fateful battlefield. . One was Sgt. Keith McDowell of the 24th Btn. His aunt, Mrs. Emma Gray of Grassmere (Vic.) planted the seeds c. 1928 and four seedlings resulted. One was planted in Wattle Park, Melbourne, one at the Shrine of Remembrance, one at the Soldier's Memorial Hall at The Sisters (c.15 km. south of Mortlake) and one at the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens. The First World War (or 'Great War') and in particular the battle for the Gallipoli Peninsula is of immense national significance. Lone Pine or Plateau 400 was the scene of a major offensive on August 6th 1915. All the trees on the ridge at this point were cut down but one, which was dominated by the 'Lone Pine'. In three days of fighting more than 2,000 Australians lost their lives and seven Victoria Crosses were won. Two Australian soldiers souvenired pine cones - one was brought back to Victoria (see above). Many young men from Mortlake and district volunteered to fight in the Great War and the presence of this tree in our Gardens reminds us all of the local as well as the national sacrifice.l pine tree Small plaque on railing western side. gallipoli, lone pine first world war great war mcdowell, keith

The window along with the plaque for Amy Brown were erected in 1976. The funds were raised in 1975 at the same time as the credence in memory of Alice (Micky Nicholls)Artisan's craftTony hallArched windows depicting a tug boat near a ship. In the foreground the Flying Angel flag with a reference to the BibleTHY WAY IS IN THE SEA AND THY PATH IS IN GREAT WATERS. Psalm 77:19st peter chapel, flinders street, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, st peter, sailors, seamen, stained glass windows, win, memorial chapel, flying angel, tony hall, 1976, amy brown

The Portland Social Amusement Club was founded in 1897. Taken from Trove. Portland Guardian Monday May 26 1913: Portland Social Amusement Club. The members of the above Club celebrated the 16th anniversary of its foundation on Tuesday evening last, when the usual banquet. and social gathering was held. During the afternoon, a numerous band of the lady members attended at the, Free Library Hall and made the necessary arrangements, so that on arrival at the scene at 8 p.m. those attending were very pleasurably surprised to find most taste fully decorated tables actually groaning with the weight of all those good things which appeal so strongly, it is said, to the average man, and perhaps we may also add, woman also. At any rate, he would indeed be hard to please, who was not fully satisfied with all that was placed before him on that eventful evening. The attendance this year overtopped that of previous years, as over 80 ladies and gentlemen took part in what must be considered as one of the most successful of the many 'successful gatherings that have taken place. This 16th anniversary was the 431st ordinary gathering that had occurred, and, as the President (Mr. F. A.Row) justly said, it would appear that the Club, which many years ago was given but six months live, had proved the falsity of the attempted prophecy. After the principal business of the gathering had been transacted, the usual Club dinner speeches were made. The President gave "The King," which after being duly honored, was followed by the principal toast of the evening, "The day we celebrate." To Mr D. McDonald the toast of the Absent and Foundation members was entrusted, and as usual, that veteran discharged his duty well. II i cferred to the fact that of the 34 foundation members who started the Club in 1897,only five were present that evening. Mr W. T. Bennett, as one of the five referred to, responded, and hoped that in the glorious future that appeared before Portland, the Club, which had been started in the days of its adversity, would flourish in a like manner. Mr Grant proposed the toast of "Our Visitors." and in the name of the Club welcomed them to this the most important gathering of the year. Mr J. R. Woods responded in his usual happy way, and acknowledged that, until he had been the Club's guest during the years of his mayoralty of the town, he had no idea that it had enrolled among its members the number of ladies and gentlemen that it had or that its functions were upon the scale that he had since found to be the case. Mr G. H. .ennett upheld the claims of the ladies, especially those belonging to the Club. He evidently spoke with much feeling, and. waxed more than usually poetical in his eulogy of the graces and skill of the gentler sex. He rather upset the equilibrium of three of the younger portion of the gentlemen present by asking them to respond, but they all managed to "upstand" and make their acknowledgments. Mr T. F. Cruse was particularly happy in proposing the toast of. "The President and Members of Committee," who, he claimed, had done so much towards the success of the Club, and were deserving of the best that the members could give. Mr T. E. C. Henry, upon the invitation of the .President, responded,-end pointed out that [whilst it might appear that the work of the committee was light, it was not so in reality, as any member who desired a seat upon the Board would soon find out after.his or her election. The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought this portion of the entertainment to a close. In the dance which followed, some opportunity to view the ladies' dresses was afforded, and it could then be easily seen that the anniversary gathering of the Club was considered by the lady members at least, if not .by others, to be important enough to demand special treatment in the matter of dress. Many elaborate and beautiful costumes graced the scene, and everyone appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The function was kept going merrily until about 2 a.m.; when the break up occurred. During the gathering telegrams of con gratulation were received from Mr W. B. Shevill and also from Mr Jno. Homers, both old members, the former a foundation one. Mr O'Donnell apologised for his own and Mrs O'Donnell's absence.Photograph of Portland Social Amusement Club

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland. Donated by Ms. Mary Robinson, acting on behalf of Mrs. W.G. Hutchinson "Tellong", Blackwood River Drive, Balingup, W.A. 6253Black and white photograph showing a man and a dog in front of a paling fence. Man is holding gun to his shoulder in preparation to fire and dog sits to his right looking at the gun.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: Martin Bree

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing a coastal scene with from left, foreshore with buildings, cars, people, pier and ocean.Back: "View of Portland Bay to E.W. Hall from Marg..."esther winifred hall, 1934, centenary, portland, photography

Displayed in History House. Portland Town Council?Sepia photograph of interior of room with wooden floors and ceiling. Pale-coloured walls. Three tall arched windows on each side (left and right) and fireplace in centre of rear wall. Single central light suspended from ceiling. Paintings and framed photographs on wall, wooden benches along 3 walls and at front left and right, with large central table and 10 chairs in centre of room. Mounted on buff card with decorative stencil.Front: Yeoman & Co. Extra copies can always be obtained. Royal Arcade melbourne. (ink stamp, centre right). Back: Yeoman & Co. The popular photographers, Royal Arcade Melbourne. [.....] Prahran, Richmond, Carlton and South Melbourne (purple ink stamp, centre left).portland town hall, local government, administration

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white sepia photograph of four-storey building at street intersection. Street sign on left "St. Kilda Rd".Front: (no inscriptions) Back: Chevron corner St. Kilda and Commercial Roads Nov: 1934 V. Hursthouse (?)esther winifred hall, henty, 1934

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing wooden tower surrounded by trees, a woman is half-way up a ladder on side of tower.Front: (no inscriptions)esther winifred hall, henty, 1934, portland centenary

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing group of 5 people (4 women, 1 man) posed on studio setting. Women in centre is seated, the others are standing. The women in full-length dresses, the 3 standing are holding open fans.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: (Many inscriptions, including:) "Grand children of Stephen George Henty 1934."portrait photography, esther winifred hall, henty, portland centenary

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing body of water with small island with trees on it. Mount GambierFront: (no inscriptions) Back: Mt Gambieresther winifred hall, henty, portland centenary, 1932, mount gambier

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing house with wide verandah of three visible sides, behind light-coloured post and wire fence with a metal gate.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: Homestead 1920. Now all creepers and trees.esther winifred hall, photography, henty, portland centenary, 1934

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing stone building (church) in shade of tree with stone fence and iron gate in foreground. Crosses attached to roof of building.Front: (no inscriptions) Back: St. Stephens Church Portland. New fence erected for Centenary 1934.esther winifred hall, portland centenary, 1934, henty

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing group of people, two men in centre, one on left wearing light coloured coat, one on left wearing dark jacket, white shirt, striped tie.Back: The Duke of Gloucester with the Mayor at Portland during Centenary 1934.portland centenary, 1934, esther winifred hall, henty, duke of gloucester, royal visit