Photos from the 2004 Melbourne Legacy Christmas party for junior legatees. It looks like a mother and her daughter. There was a Santa and a pinata for the young children. It appears to be run by the Melbourne Legacy Leadership Group. The Leadership Group was formed by junior legatees who had become adults. They ran functions for junior legatees in a spirit of service that emulated the work of Legatees. There are more photos of the event, a note with the photos say it was 'JL 2004 Christmas Party'.A record of adult junior legatees helping Legacy provide experiences for the junior legatees.Colour photo of a mother and her daughter at a Legacy Christmas party.Printed on the back 'No.031 and 033' which are the image numbers.junior legatee outing, leadership group, christmas party

One of 5 B/W photographs showing areas within Caulfield Town Hall. Production date unknown sometime after 1931 and before 1976. Copyright for this image is unknown, although likely commissioned by Council. It has been digitised and published here for educational and research purposes. If you believe that you have copyright to this image and would like it removed from the site please contact us through the 'Leave a Comment' tab below.B/W photograph showing the rear balcony, ceiling and seating in the Auditorium in the Glen Eira Town Hall. The image shows the Caulfield Town Hall Auditorium prior to 1987 when it was reconstructed and divided to make a lower floor to accommodate a gallery and an auditorium on the floor above.Small Sticker, green and gold, adhered to r.h.s. verso corner 'The Speciality Press Pty. Ltd.'

This certificate is one of a number held by the Warrnambool and District Historical society which relate to the occasion of Federation of Australia , January 01/1901. Some are for social functions at the time others like this are for more formal occasions. There was a strong local vote for Federation at the referendum in 1898 with district figures 957 voting for and 146 against . By 1899 the vote had increased to 1411 yes and 39 against.. The official federation celebrations were held in Sydney and Warrnambool like towns all over Australia held celebrations. The Mayor and five of Warrnambool's councillors travelled to Sydney for the celebrations. The first federal Member of Parliament for the Warrnambool district was John Chester Manifold of "Talindert," Camperdown. Some local well known people of the time who were contributed in various fields to the Federation spirit, include John Archibald, Willian Astley, Louis Bayer, Richard Kennedy, Walter Murdoch, and Con O'Mahony. This certificate has an added link to Warrnambool in that the son of Councillor W. Henry, Victor Henry, an art student had designed and illuminated the municipal Addresses presented to the Governor general and the Duke of York. This item has historical, artistic social and interpretive significance. It links the most important event of the Federation of Australia to our city. That the art work was completed by Victor Henry, a local person is a significant claim to fame for our city. It presents an opportunity for present generations to consider local aspects of the process of the Federation of our country.Framed Certificate. Inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia, Municipal Association of Victoria 1901. Signed by councillorsWilliam Ferguson Mayor, Giffens Russell, John Ward, John Marfell, Chas Macknight, W J Hickford, W Simpson, G S Mackay, M Saltau, H C Lawson, E J Murray William Kucks Jnr, W Henry. Small card inserted in bottom right reads With compliments of W Ferguson, Mayor.warrnambool, warrnambool history, warrnambool at federation, federation of australia, victor henry

This photograph, believed to have been taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic—likely held at Greenvale Reservoir in Melbourne’s northern suburbs—captures a candid moment of outdoor play among students. The image features three children engaged in recreational activities: two lying on the grass and one actively chasing a football. The relaxed setting, with trees, benches, and picnic tables in the background, reflects the informal and joyful nature of the event. Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 and closed in the early 2000s, was a vital part of the local community, known for fostering both academic excellence and strong social bonds. Annual events like the Christmas picnic were central to the school’s culture, offering opportunities for students, staff, and families to connect outside the classroom in a spirit of celebration and community. This photo serves as a visual testament to the school’s emphasis on holistic education—where play, social interaction, and community engagement were valued alongside formal learning. It also highlights the importance of outdoor spaces like Greenvale Reservoir in supporting communal activities and childhood development during that era.This photograph, taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic—likely held at Greenvale Reservoir—holds cultural and historical value as a visual record of community life and educational practices in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during the late 20th century. It captures a moment of informal recreation among students, reflecting the school’s emphasis on holistic development through social engagement and outdoor activity. Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 and closed in the early 2000s, played a pivotal role in shaping the educational and social landscape of the Jacana community. Events such as the annual Christmas picnic were emblematic of the school’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, connection, and celebration among students, staff, and families. The image is significant not only for its documentation of a specific event but also for its representation of broader themes in Australian public education—community involvement, the value of play, and the integration of social experiences into the school calendar. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jacana Primary School and its contribution to the cultural fabric of the region.Colour Photograph on glossy paper in landscape formatPH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868/this paper/manufactured/by Kodakjacana primary school, christmas party, 1990, jacana

This photograph, taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, documents a festive end-of-year gathering believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir, a well-known recreational site in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image shows children and families enjoying a relaxed day outdoors, reflecting the school’s commitment to fostering community spirit and inclusive celebration. Events like this picnic were a hallmark of Jacana Primary’s approach to education, which extended beyond the classroom to embrace social and cultural development. The presence of informal play highlights the joyful atmosphere typical of school-organised holiday events during this period. Greenvale Reservoir, with its open spaces and family-friendly amenities, provided an ideal setting for such communal activities. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph offers valuable insight into the traditions and social fabric of suburban Melbourne in the early 1990s. It illustrates how schools like Jacana Primary served as important community hubs, using shared experiences to strengthen bonds among students, families, and staff.This photograph holds historical and cultural significance as a visual record of Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir. It captures a moment of communal celebration, reflecting the values and traditions of suburban school life in Melbourne’s northern suburbs during the late 20th century. The image is significant for its representation of end-of-year school events that fostered social cohesion, family involvement, and student well-being. It illustrates the role of Jacana Primary School not only as an educational institution but also as a community hub that supported inclusive and festive gatherings. The presence of children at play, in the natural park setting collectively convey the spirit of the time and place. As part of the school’s visual heritage, this photograph contributes to a broader understanding of how public education in Victoria supported community identity and cultural continuity. It is a valuable artefact for interpreting the lived experiences of students, families, and educators in the early 1990s. A glossy colour photograph in landscape formatPH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, jacana, education

The pilot is more than likely Flt Lieut. Jim Nixon with his Spad aircraft during WW1. James Harold Claude Nixon was born 12/12/1890 and before enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force was an auctioneer at Delegate. After training at Aldershot for the Royal Flying Corps he was granted an Aviators Certificate (No. 4607) by the Royal Aero Club. ( more reading in "From White Knowle to Pumpkin Point" by Peter Nixon)The Nixon family was a prominent family in the history of Orbost and its surrounds.A black / white photograph of a man in uniform standing next to a small fighter plane (a biplane). There are two copies and a letter from Peter Nixon with this photograph.handwritten on back - "Since writing that letter of grief, found now that I am going out to fly the Spad Scout which photo you see here. I am going across tomorrow morning so will not be long to know what ariel (sic) warfare is like now. I am in the best of health & happy as a lark. This is all I have to say with lots of love from your son Jim"nixon-james-pilot-ww1

Donated by Jessie Smith (nee Small) who had an estate agency in Cowes. Letter was sent to David Johnson - Dial for Dollars - explaining that the contestant who spoke of a 6 legged sheep was telling the truth.Sepia photograph of a 6 legged sheep.On back of photograph: "David Johnson Dial for Dollars. You seemed to think your leg was being pulled by one of your contestants when he spoke of 6 legged sheep. Here it is - 6th leg protected from 5th leg, had short leg, hoof and all. This photo was taken 70 years ago also it as a lamb. I thought these may interest you, nothing like seeing for oneself".six legged sheep, david johnson, dial fo dollars, jessie smith

Set of three small framed tiles with humourous Dutch sayings.(a) Ik hoef niet te zwemmen in het geld maar pootje baden vind ik fijn. (I don't need to swim in money but I enjoy paddling in it). (b) Mannen moeten zijn als coffee, sterk goed en warm. (Men need to be like coffee, strong good and warm. (c Praat niet over jezelf, dat doen wij wel als je weg bent.

The personal 'carry-all', a cloth apron like article was utilised by Thomas Hamilton Osborne in his work with the Warrnambool Steamship Navigation Company. He was Company manager in 1883 until its dissolution in 1899. Osborne wrote many articles on early Warrnambool, particularly maritime material under the name of " Sliding Gunter". When he died he was buried at sea off the breakwater.His sister Mrs Annabella Kell is thought to have made this article.This is a significant item as T.H.Osborne was a key figure in 19th Century Warrnambool history, particularly in maritime affairs. Six sided, scalloped edges, four pockets, two metal hooks, purple woven fabric with yellow and gold embroidery, lifebuoy outline with W.S.N.Co and THO initials embroidered and two flags. Machine sewing of pockets and tab to base apron.W.S.N.Co THO initials on top of each other Two metal hookswork apron, warrnambool steamship navigation company, wsnc, thomas hamilton tracey osborne, annabella kell, sliding gunter

In the 17th century young girls were taught embroidery as a necessary skill for marriage, this also helped them make very beautiful handbags. By the late 18th century, fashions in Europe were moving towards a slender shape and women wanted purses that would not be bulky or untidy in appearance, so reticules were designed. Reticules were made of fine fabrics like silk and velvet, with wrist strap often decorated with pearls, sequins, beads and embroidery. A lady's black velvet, silk lined, evening bag with draw-string and hand made tassels. The bag is decorated with beads in a floral designmoorabbin, brighton, early settlers, pioneers, cheltenham, craft work, dressmaking

A related souvenir from the Second Word War is the colourful 'Souvenir of Palestine'. Like the First World War Egyptian embroideries, they used cotton sateen in a range of bright colours (although sometimes velveteen was used instead) and bear the words 'Souvenir of Palestine', a year date, and sometimes a personal message, as well as images of specific mosques or landmarks, camels, goats and date palms. The Palestinian souvenirs were often seen displayed for sale outside houses in country villages These types of souvenirs were very popular with Australian troops; they were easy to send home and were colourful. The vendors would have a number of designs for sale already machine embroidered, from which the soldier could select and then personalise with a date or message. Brown timber frame containing dark green square silk cloth edged with gold fringe, embroidered with two flap poles either side of rising sun crest/badge above two red heartsSouvenir Of Palestine 1941 Australia Commonwealth Military Forcespalestine, 1941, souvenir, embroidered cloth

James Leonard Foley’s family lived at ‘Warringal’, 3 Foley Street, Kew. Like many other soldiers from Kew, he was educated at the Kew State School. He enlisted at the age of 19 in March 1915. His previous occupation is recorded as 'Blacksmith'. James sent a postcard to his mother in 1915 saying that he was ‘quite well’. He was to be killed in action on the Western Front on 24 August 1916 and is buried in the Villers-Bretonneux cemetery. Poignant card from a Kew soldier in World War 1 who was later to die on the Western Front.Single page Field Service Postcard and Envelope from James Leonard Foley to Mrs Eliza Foley of 3 Foley Street in Kew. Private J.L. Foley (1600) served during World War one with the 24th Battalion. He died on the Western Front. His parents were Edward and Eliza Foley of 3 Foley Street, Kew.Mrs E Foley, 3 Foley Street, Kew, Vic [Signed] JL Foley 8/9/15first world war (1914-18), james foley, world war one, foley street, warringal, villers-bretonneux cemetery, e. foley, edward foley

This stencil was used as a wool classification stamp for the transportation of wool bales. Classification stamps like these had to be approved by a Wool Classer and described the quality of wool inside the bale. The top line describes the classed line and breed group – AAA is the main line for any breed group, meaning that the wool is of high quality. FX, MX, SUP and SBK are the breed groups – FX is Fine Crossbreed and MX is Medium Crossbreed, SUP is Superfine Merino and SBK is Comeback.Wool bale export stencil - 56 WOOL AAA FX MX 1st COM WH SUP E CBK56 WOOL AAA FX MX 1st COM WH SUP E CBKwool transportation, wool export, wool class, wool sales

This stencil was used as a wool classification stamp for the transportation of wool bales. Locks is a term used to describe very short wool cut from the fleece by shearers. Either short wool from around the points or second cuts caused when shearers lift the hand piece off the skin and then shear the short fibres left on the skin to tidy up. Classification stamps like these had to be approved by a Wool Classier and described the quality of wool inside the bale.Wool bale export stencil - LOCKSLOCKSwool - transportation, wool sales, wool class, wool classers

Annual report providing overview of activities and achievements including: due to a second year of COVID disruptions 20% of services were delivered by telehealth, launch of "Happy Pants" program for children under 10, audio description services provided for Melbourne Theatre Company streaming of 'As You Like It', Feelix Library now offering Lego Braille Bricks kits to borrowers, partnership with Amazon to connect to VA offices through Alexa, and return of the Bendigo Easter Egg Hunt.1 volume with illustrations providing overview of organisational achievementsvision australia, corporation records, andrew moffat, ron hooton, katie spence, sanjiv rajendran, laura hendrey, gurleen chona, kieran jiwa, jessica gallagher, katie farrell, anthony carbines, nastasia campanella, callum padgett, ellie hudson, michelle percuoco, carly shedden, natalie kaine, rebecca kent, stephanie micallef, tones and i, lina xi, paige coleman, walter mcguire, bec murrell, natasha maclaren jones, tony broun

These caps were donated by Blake Thompson who with his wife started skiing at Falls Creek in 1979 and were members of Aurora Lodge for many years. They wore these hats at Falls Creek and Cedarwood Lodge which had a bar in the 1990s and was seen as “the place to go.” Cedarwood was built about 1979 by Peter Hyndman. It was a large lodge with over 100 beds. Like many lodges it has now been renovated to become studio and self-contained apartments.These caps are significant because they are representative of the range of memorabilia available at Falls Creek.Two souvenir caps from Falls Creek and Cedarwood Lodge. The Falls Creek Cap is made from green tartan fabric with a green suede peak and the Falls Creek logo. The Cedarwood Lodge cap is made from blue corduroy fabric and features the multi-coloured Cedarwood Lodge logoCap1 - Below logo - FALLS CREEK Cap 2 - Cedar Wood LODGE / FALLS CREEK / AUSTRALIAfalls creek memorabilia, cedarwood lodge

These tickets were a replacement for the MetroCard Off Peaks introduced in 1980. However, the times of availability were now altered to being valid from 9am weekdays, but more importantly, could be used for return rail travel anytime that day. Like the MetroCards, they also allowed unlimited MMTB tram and bus travel within the Flinders, Spencer, Latrobe, William, Victoria and Spring Streets grid. No conditions were printed on the rear of these tickets. (Extracted from reference.)Demonstrates the development of Melbourne ticketing system that allowed travel in the CBD grid using trams.Edmondson size ticket, printed on pasteboard, and printed in blue ink on a green background. Has been date stamped 6 Oct. 1983. Purchased from Seaford Railway Station. Ticket No. 16478. Blank plain coloured rear.public transport, tickets, trams, tramways, railways, off peak, the met, melbourne

The Russell Collins Restaurant was located in the basement of the T&G Building on the south west corner of the Collins and Russell Streets intersection. It was a popular 'up-market' restaurant from the 1940s until the early 1970s when the T&G building underwent alterations. The restaurant, like its counterpart Elizabeth Collins, was renowned for its large platters of delicious salads. Nick (Naki) Raftopoulos operated the Russell Collins during the early 70s up until its closure.A black and white photograph of the interior of an Art Deco style restaurant fitted out around the walls with wooden 'shoulder high' cubicles which seated four people. Tables and chairs with various settings are arranged in the open areas of the restaurant. The floor is a wooden herringbone parquetry with a carpet on the floor in the reception area. Handwritten across the bottom of the photo: RUSSELL COLLINS RESTAURANT NICK RAFTOPOULOS.art deco, russell collins restaurant, restuarants

An Adze is versatile cutting tool similar to an axe but with the sharp cutting edge perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel. The wooden handle of this adze is shaped like an axe handle and the blade also has a slight curve. They are used for smoothing or carving wood such as sleepers An adz, with its long handle, cuts with the grain, and the nature of the chips is different from an axe. While they have a similar shape, they should never be confused with a hoe used or mattock for agriculture and horticulture.Carpenter's adze or cutting adze The tapered eye in the adze and tapered handle end forces the head to tighten when swung; but enables removal of the head for sharpeningtimber tools

This 1901 history of the Boer War is written from the British perspective and the writing is so emotionally-charged that it reads like a story from a Boys Only Annual. The owner was James Fidler, presumably the eldest son of Thomas and Fanny Fidler who arrived in Melbourne in 1849. They lived on a property called Grange in Panmure with the homestead called Maida Hill. Thomas Fidler owned butchers’ shops in Warrnambool and Panmure. James Fidler was born in 1850 and died in 1929. This book is of interest because it was owned by James Fidler whose family was a prominent one in Warrnambool and Panmure in the 19th century. The book is also useful for researching the Boer War, a conflict in which many Warrnambool and district men took an active part. This is a hard cover book of 1554 pages. There are several pages at the end listing other books published by Cassell and Company. There are 127 chapters and an index. There are many black and white illustrations and several full-page colour plates. The inscriptions are handwritten in black ink. ‘James Fidler Panmure’ ‘James Fidler’ boer war, history of warrnambool, fidler family of panmure.

23 pages including information on inside covers. Text with black and white illustrations and photographs and map. Contents: Crossing Place Need for a school Residence for the teacher Closure A View of Lower Plenty 1918 Moving day at the Village The Golf Club Depression 1931 Vandals Electricity Grass Fires Cows at School Mothers' Club Women's liberation 1950's Lower Plenty after 1945 Swimming Pool - drowned dreams Long Grass - snakes - meadow hay - Fire Brigade The Royal Visit 1954 School Band Community Centre Our School Hall Trees and Gardens The Library Education 1874-1974 A Teacher's View The Second generation - children of ex-pupils (photo with names) The Third generation - Grandchildren of ex-pupils (photo with names) Head Teachers (list with dates) The Staff 1974 (photo with names) The sketch on the cover shows the Lower Plenty Bridge, toll house and the Plenty Bridge hotel, both no longer there. The bridge is listed in the Banyule Heritage Study and has recently been restored by Banyule Council as a pedestrian bridge - NL 137 March 2001 Paperback; [24] p. : ill. ; 25 cm.lower plenty, state school no. 1295, lower plenty primary school

The Lavington Sports Ground, former home of the Lavington Sports Club, is now owned and operated by Albury City Council. Over 50 years ago, a group of Lavington locals dreamed of building a new sportsground to encourage more people to play sport, particularly juniors. The original oval opened in 1973. The Sports Ground was developed solely by the Lavington Sports Club, formed by 30 football and cricket players and supporters in 1964. Football and cricket clubs had existed in Lavington since before 1914. In 1964, the football and cricket clubs merged to become the Lavington Sports Club. The new club and facilities were established on land initially leased from the Divine Sword Missionaries on their former seminary and turkey farm. The club expanded its facilities and representative sports throughout the next 20 years, including hosting international events. However the Club's debt worsened and In 2001 the entire Lavington Sports Club operation went into liquidation. It was taken over by Penrith Panthers through the Panthers Entertainment Group. In July 2009 the Albury City Council purchased the Sports Ground and has further redeveloped the ground and its facilities.This badge is representative of the role played by sporting organisations in the local communityA circular blue and silver enamelled badge issued for membership of the Lavington Sports Club.On front of Badge "78 -79/Lavington/Sports/Club/Limited" On reverse "MEMBER/NOT TRANSFERABLE/6114/PERFECTION BADGES/SYDNEY/770775"lavington sports club, recreational facilities albury, sport and recreation

This tall piece of equipment was used in the theatre room of the Tawonga District Hospital to move (by rolling it) to the bedside of the patient and then to adjust the large light over the area of operation as required by the surgeon.The Tawonga District Hospital's theatre room was well equipped with up to date technical equipment.Stainless steel metal tube attached to 4 legs of steel that spray out into a 'star' and have a roller coaster attached at their end. On the 5th end of the star a steel arm comes up and has a tray attached to its end. At the top of the cylinder is attached a cream metal opened ended cap with a wheel which has thick wire around it. Below this top and on the cylinder a cream metal arm comes out like a spanner, the end of which a large light could be fitted. This arm can be moved up and down the tube. This stand also has a control 'radiation control unit' that can be attached to it and to the power.medical equipment. operation. surgeon. tawonga district hospital. theatre room., x-ray, falls creek medical centre

This opera coat was made for Louisa Jane Cam, nee Rust, born 24/6/1873. Her parents were John Rust born in Hamburg, Germany and Jane Mc Meekin from Port Patrick, Scotland. In 1892 Louisa married John Cam the director of the Hawthorn Brick Company. It is understood Louisa wore the coat to the opening of the first Federal Parliament in the Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne in 1901.This item being an early nineteenth century opera coat has aesthetic interest. It is also important because of its provenance being worn by Louisa Cam at a significant event in Australia's history.A three quarter length Mandarin styled gold threaded brocade, lined coat dress with long sleeves. The fabric is black with gold patterns of leaves and circles. Large circles feature gold, red, yellow, pale and dark blue flower like images surrounded by gold fringes. The yolk section finishes with a small pleat over the flared bottom section. Edging around the neck is black lace. It is understood a fur collar was previously in place. The cuffs of the sleeves are pleated and have a wide frill above the pleating. The lining is pale blue silk . At the end of the sleeves the lining has hand ruched binding. Nil

A history of the Dargo, Crooked River goldfieldPaperback. Cover has a black and white photograph of a couple of buildings surrounded by forest. Photograph is probably of Dargo. One building has a sign that says S. Frankenberg. Another has a sign of which only the letters PION visible. In the photograph there are a number of men standing around the buildings as well as what appears to be two children sitting on a bench outside a building. There is also a large wagon-like vehicle to which is attached are a large train of oxen. In the foreground of the photograph is another group of oxen which appear to be chained together. There is also two men standing near the second group of oxen, both appear to be holding whips.The stamp of the Marysville & District Historical Society Inc / P.O. Box 22 / Marysville 3779gold, gold mining, gold town, dargo, gold miner, gold field, gippsland, victoria, australia, history

This book is one of several books in Flagstaff Hill's historic book collection by the author Jules Verne, who was a popular mid-to-late 19th-century fiction author. Some of his works included Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, and Around the World in Eighty Days. The book is part of the Pattison Collection. 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 PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. Jules Verne (1828–1905) Jules Verne pursued his writing career after finishing law school in 1849, during this time he was writing poetry and short stories. He began to hit his stride after meeting publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel in1862, who nurtured many of the works that would later comprise the author's 54 novels the (Voyages Extraordinaires). Often referred to as the "Father of Science Fiction," Verne wrote books about a variety of innovations and technological advancements years before they were practical realities. In 1856, Verne met and fell in love with Honorine de Viane, a young widow with two daughters. They married in 1857, and in 1861, the couple's only child, Michel Jean Pierre Verne, was born. Realizing he needed a stronger financial foundation, Verne began working as a stockbroker. However, he refused to abandon his writing career, and that year he published his first book, The 1857 Salon (Le Salon de 1857). In all Verne authored more than 60 books as well as dozens of plays, short stories and librettos. He conjured hundreds of memorable characters and imagined countless innovations years before their time, including stories about submarine and space travel, terrestrial flight and deep-sea exploration. Jules Verne died in 1905, at his residence in the French city of Amiens, stricken with diabetes, on March 24, 1905. Verne had many memorable novels, his most famous being Five Weeks in a Balloon, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, From the Earth to the Moon, Around the World in Eighty Days, In Search of the Castaways and Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea Additional works surfaced decades later. Backwards to Britain based on his many trips to the United Kingdom was finally printed in 1989, 130 years after it was written. Also Paris in the Twentieth Century, originally considered too far-fetched with its depictions of skyscrapers, gas-fuelled cars and mass transit systems, followed in 1994. Citation Information Biography.com Editors Jules Verne Biography: https://www.biography.com/writer/jules-verne 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. Book; The Giant Raft (Part II) The Cryptogram Author: Jules Verne Publisher: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington Date: 1885 Blue hardcover book with fabric on cover. The title and original library shelf location are printed on the spine. A line drawing on the fly page is within a circle bordered by a vine plant. Within the circle is a man dressed in a suit, wearing a cravat, holding an unravelled scroll with marks like a crossword, and tugging at a vine wrapped around his neck. This illustrated fiction book has a handwritten paper label taped to the spine. The fly page has a handwritten inscription. The book is part of the Pattison Collection. Label "PAT 843 VER" Front loose endpaper sticker: "Warrnambool Public Library" covered by a sticker from "Corangamite Regional Library Service" Front loose endpaper Stamped "Corangamite Regional Library Service" Handwritten script inscription on Fly "C. L F. (or could be T.) 2/4/. (could be 2 pounds 4 shillings)" On Fly page "ILLUSTRATED" "1885"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, the giant raft part 2 the cryptogram, jules verne, the cryptogram, the giant raft, science fiction, 1885