These educational publications covering a topical monthly theme and providing a slice "of the era" in general knowledge, was used by schools in Victoria as a basic starting point for a particular level of perceived knowledge. The general articles and extracts contained within, were not targeting a specific gender or socio economic sector but designed for all children at a particular stage of their development. This publication did have a format of: 1st page topical, e.g. ANZAC day scouting (U.N.), one page of regional Victoria, one page of poetry, one page of short stories, one page of world history and the last page of a song, complete with appropriate notes. These publications were produced during the second World War and made special references to it. This publication occurred during a period when the Education Department was highly authoritarian in its approach to State levels of learning. Fragmenting "special" schools like later "New Age" teaching methods and doctrines (home schooling) were repressed with considerable force.This binder full of monthly educational studies was particularly important to "hidden away" rural communities such as in the Kiewa Valley, especially at this point in time (World War II). The teaching methods used by local schools provided the necessary break through required by local school children to stop any adverse knowledge deficiencies due to factors of regional isolation. School children with in the Kiewa Valley would be able to integrate with children from all regions, weather in cities or larger towns. This hard cover (card) binder contains 11 monthly publications produced by the Victorian Department of Education for Grades 7 and 8 in the year 1947. Each issue has 16 pages with the cover page covering the major theme for the month. Each issue is placed within the folder by the folded middle page constrained by a thin cord. This is the only method to contain each monthly edition as they have no clasp or are stapled.The folder"SCHOOL PAPER COVER" underneath and to the left is a sketch of the world (revolving desk top stand) on top of a book and next to this "Name ------------ " underneath "Grade-----------" underneath "School---------" all enclosed by a thin border line.school paper, victorian education curriculum, education news letters, loose leaf educational binders

Local stories told by school children and interpreted by artists in the footpath. This one is about a cow that used to come and eat Blanche Shallard's dahliasColour photographblanche shallard, montmorency, were street

The Victorian Education Department published and printed this reader in 1937. The infant grades learnt to read using phonics which included word groups eg. 'ee' words, 'ai' words etc.This book was used in all Victorian schools to assist children to read.Small tattered book with soft cover held by cloth on card. The 102 pages are held by two staples. It consists of stories, poetry with B & W pictures some of which have been coloured in with pencil. At the back is a 'Language List' which consists of 'word groups' eg. 'ee' words and on the last page 'Additional words'. Made by the Victorian Education Department in 1937.Some pictures have been coloured in. On cover, top right hand corner: "Yvonne Simmonds / Red Bluff"victorian reader, education, infant reader

Originated in the United Kingdom in 1822 with a motto "No Man Is At All Times Wise" and a maxim of "Justice, Truth and Philanthropy". A branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was formed at Bogong by Grand Lodge Officers from Melbourne and other members. The ceremony was held at Lewis Camp Mess (Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme) with a world record of 78 new members initiated and a world record of over 100 pounds was raised. Another branch, No. 150, was opened in Mt Beauty. The Bogong and Mt Beauty lodges combined in 1948 and organised a Christmas treat for all children of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria working on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.Historical: The Bogong R.A.O.B. was formed circa Sept. 1946 and the Mt Beauty R.A.O.B. in 1948. The Members Board, the 78 members initiated and the money raise indicate that it was a popular organisation in Bogong and then in Mt Beauty during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme. This club also shows how important social clubs were in making up part of the community thus making it socially historic as well. This board has good interpretive capacity as it tells the story of this club which was important to the community at the time. Large hollow wooden box with 2 wooden doors at the front that open out the from centre to a hollow box. Attached to the front of the box, at the top, is a wooden decoration with curved edges along the top. In the centre of this are the letters R.A.O.B.- the letters having been carved out of the wood and then filled with a different wood. Both doors have steel attachments and a locked padlock hangs on the door on the left. Inside the box is a white paper sign with black writing backed onto masonite. Inside the right hand side door a coloured paper sign is attached."R.A.O.B." top centre of box. "Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes" etc. on black and white sign inside box. "Mt Beauty Lodge No. 150. This is to certify that Brother (blank) initiated into ...on 19th March 1949 ....signed by Chas / Chris A. Angus, Secretary" on coloured paper inside right hand side door.royal antediluvian order of buffaloes. bogong. mt beauty. charitable organisation. kiewa hydro electric scheme. lewis camp mess, clubs, societies

This book details the lives of the ancestors of the author, Graeme Davison. It begins with the story of Jane Hewett who migrated with her eight children to Australia from England in 1850. The book not only tells the story of the Hewett families but also gives a wider picture of Australian conditions at the time, making it a valuable social history of Australia in the 19th century and beyond. Graeme Davison, Emeritus Professor of History at Monash University in Melbourne, has also written five other books dealing with aspects of Australian history. This book is of high interest because it is an important social history of Australia detailing the lives of the Hewett families. It is also of significance to those in the Warrnambool region as a member of the Hewett family, John Hewett, settled in Warrnambool with his wife and family and was a local butcher there for some years. This is a soft cover book of 274 pages detailing the family history of the author Graeme Davison. The cover is cream-coloured and has sepia-coloured photographs of the author’s ancestors on the front and back. The printing on the front and back covers is in gold and black. The book contains a Contents page, Introduction, ten chapters on the author’s family history, Acknowledgements, Picture Acknowledgements, Notes and Index. There are many black and white photographs, sketches and maps. Front Cover: ‘Graeme Davison’ ‘Lost Relations’ ‘Fortunes of my family in Australia’s Golden Age’ Inside title page: Signature of author ‘Graeme Davison’ graeme davison, 19th century australian social history, hewett families, warrnambool, history

This is a children’s book and has the signature of Esther Kruger (1924). She may be Esther Auguste Kruger, born at Penshurst in 1912 to Heinrich and Mary Kruger. She is probably related to the Kruger families of Warrnambool. Johann C.A. Kruger, of German origin, arrived in Warrnambool about 1850 and opened shops in the town, firstly with Davidson and then with the Stelling Brothers. He was also the first Manager of the Warrnambool Tramway. This book in itself is of little significance but it is interesting as an example of the type of book read by young girls and boys in the early 20th century. It is, however, of some significance because of its inscription as it belonged to Esther Kruger who was most likely connected with the Kruger families in Warrnambool. The Krugers were prominent in Warrnambool’s history in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This is a hard cover book of 80 pages. It has a dark red cover with an illustration in red, yellow, blue and black tonings of a young boy and girl with a dog. The spine has an illustration in blue, tan and black tonings of two children with a hoop. The book has a colour plate of a family scene and nine story chapters. The chapters open with an ornamental first letter of the first word. The cover is a little worn and stained and some of the pages are stained. ‘Esther Kruger 1924’esther kruger, johann c.a. kruger, history of warrnambool

This book, published in England, has been awarded as a school prize in 1887. Woodford School, No. 648, was an early National School which commenced in a house in 1854. In 1872 a sandstone building was erected. The school still operates. James Craig was the Head Master of Woodford School from 1884 to 1889. His wife was the Work Mistress of the school and both were involved in community affairs, particularly in regard to the Presbyterian Church and the local Mechanics’ Institute. Annis Morgan was born at Woodford to Jenkin and Mary Morgan in 1874. She would have been about 13 at the time she received the prize book. Annis (Ann) married Alan Patterson in 1897. This book is of considerable significance as it is connected with the history of Woodford, the Woodford school, the teacher, James Craig, the pupil, Annis Morgan and her family. This is a hard cover book of 812 pages The cover is black with an engraved ornamental pattern and edging and gold printing in the title on the cover and the spine. There is gilt edging on the pages. There is a bookplate on the inside front cover and one or two pages at the beginning are missing. The book contains many black and white illustrations with the first one covered by a piece of tissue (now blotched). The book contains poetry, short stories (some serialized) and some factual writing suitable for older children and adults. The cover is stained and somewhat faded and is ragged at the edges.Bookplate: ‘State School No. 648 Woodford, Fifth Class, presented to Annis Morgan, Christmas 1887, Jas. Craig, Head Teacher’. Stamp inside first page: ‘Warrnambool & District Historical Society WB 196’ history of woodford, woodford state school, annis morgan

Green paperback with white band with black text fictionNovel written by El Ja Dy (nom de plume for Lillian Jane Duncan) warrnambool, l duncan author, lillian duncan, royal chambers warrnambool, el jady

Sunday School at that time involved a lot of commitment on the part of the teachers towards the children and this was reflected in the efforts they went to to make Sunday School an interesting and enjoyable event. Going to Sunday School was an important part of children's lives in the early 20th century in small towns such as Orbost.This item reflects the importance of Sunday Schools and the churches in Orbost in the early 20th century.A Sunday School exercise book with a black leather cover. It contains hand -written information - bible stories - and some printed material pasted in.inside front cover - Arthur Hickssunday-school hicks-arthur

Adult reading a picture book to a group of children at the City of Ringwood Library, 28 Warrandyte Road, c.1970

The Life Story of Alexander Robert Edgar who founded the Central Mission Melbourne who due to ill health moved to Ringwood to take advantage of the clean fresh air for his health. After his death his wife donated two stain glass windows in memory of her husband and children. These stain glass windows are currently in the Ringwood Uniting ChurchInside front page: "To Mr. Paddock, the dear friend of Katharine Edgar, with Katie Francis' love. 1934. 'Wandsworth' Ringwood."

The children in this photograph are Frank abd Ivy Warren. Helena Francis Warren (nee McKeown) was married to William John Warren and lived in Newmerella. She supplied the photos for the Back-To-Orbost celebration book in 1937 and also designed the Back-To-Orbost badge. She was known for her soft toy making. (by Ivy Rodwell in from Personalities and Stories of the Early Orbost District by Mary Gilbert). This photograph has significance in its association with Helen Frances Warren, a popular Orbost identity who was well known as an accomplished photographer and needleworker,A black / white studio portrait photograph of a young boy and girl standing against an outdoor wall. The girl is wearing a long white dress and has a ribbon bow in her hair.The boy a tunic with a wide belt and lace collar. His long sleeved have wide cuffs. The photograph is an oval shape on a grey / white background.warren-frank warren-ivy

Named to honour the work of John and Elizabeth Gould, 'The Gould League of Bird Lovers' was formed in 1909. It was originally set up to prevent bird egg collecting and to educate for the protection of Australian birds. Gould League members were recruited via schools and received membership certificates and badges. Members were encouraged to enter competitions in bird mimicry, write stories and poems and attend 'bird-day concerts'. This certificate belonged to Patricia Legge. Ruth Scott, daughter of Herbert Scott and Bertha (nee Coverdale), married David Legge. Patricia Dawn Legge and Kevin David Legge are Ruth and David's children. The Gould League has made a significant impact on generations of Australians and their environmental attitudes. Being a Gould league member as a child in primary school gave children the opportunity to belong to a group that was learning about and protecting native bushland and its wildlife. Although not operating some Australian states the Gould League continues in Victoria.A Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria membership certificate for Patricia Dawn Legge 1959. It has colourful illustrations of native Australian birds on a pale yellow background. The illustrations are by A.T. Mockridge, an early 20th century Melbourne commercial artist and portraitist. In a banner at the top is a photo of John Gould with GOULD LEAGUE of BIRD LOVERS around it. It has a list of patrons, presidents and the Central Council. There is also the Bird Lover's Pledge unsigned in the middle.In pen - Patricia Dawn Legge 1959certificate gould-league

Named to honour the work of John and Elizabeth Gould, 'The Gould League of Bird Lovers' was formed in 1909. It was originally set up to prevent bird egg collecting and to educate for the protection of Australian birds. Gould League members were recruited via schools and received membership certificates and badges. Members were encouraged to enter competitions in bird mimicry, write stories and poems and attend 'bird-day concerts'. This certificate belonged to Kevin Legge. The Gould League has made a significant impact on generations of Australians and their environmental attitudes. Being a Gould league member as a child in primary school gave children the opportunity to belong to a group that was learning about and protecting native bushland and its wildlife. Although not operating some Australian states the Gould League still functions in Victoria.A Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria membership certificate for Kevin Legge. It has colourful illustrations of native Australian birds on a pale yellow background. The illustrations are by A.T. Mockridge, an early 20th century Melbourne commercial artist and portraitist. In a banner at the top is a photo of John Gould with GOULD LEAGUE of BIRD LOVERS around it. It has a list of patrons, presidents and the Central Council. In the middle there is also the Bird Lover's Pledge signed by Kevin Legge . Ruth Scott, daughter of Herbert Scott and Bertha (nee Coverdale), married David Legge. Patricia Dawn Legge and Kevin David Legge are Ruth and David's children. Kevin was born in 1958.The pledge has been signed by Kevin Legge.

Named to honour the work of John and Elizabeth Gould, 'The Gould League of Bird Lovers' was formed in 1909. It was originally set up to prevent bird egg collecting and to educate for the protection of Australian birds. Gould League members were recruited via schools and received membership certificates and badges. Members were encouraged to enter competitions in bird mimicry, write stories and poems and attend 'bird-day concerts'. This certificate was owned to Ruth Scott of Nicholson Street Orbost when she was 10 years old. She was a member of the Gould League for 61 years. Ruth Scott, daughter of Herbert Scott and Bertha (nee Coverdale), married David Legge. Patricia Dawn Legge and Kevin David Legge are Ruth and David's children. There are Gould League certificates for both children in the collection.The Gould League has made a significant impact on generations of Australians and their environmental attitudes. Being a Gould league member as a child in primary school gave children the opportunity to belong to a group that was learning about and protecting native bushland and its wildlife. Although not operating some Australian states the Gould League still functions in Victoria.A Gould League of Bird Lovers of Victoria membership certificate for Ruth Scott. It has colourful illustrations of native Australian birds on a pale yellow background. The illustrations are by A.T. Mockridge, an early 20th century Melbourne commercial artist and portraitist. In a banner at the top is a photo of John Gould with GOULD LEAGUE of BIRD LOVERS around it. It has a list of patrons, presidents and the Central Council. In the middle there is also the Bird Lover's Pledge signed by Ruth Scott..The pledge has been signed by Ruth Scott.certificate gould-league

This magazine belonged to Roma Cameron, who was the daughter of Harry Purchase Cameron and Lilian Gladys (nee Harding). Roma married Ronald Richard Smith in 1944 and is the mother of Lorraine (Mrs Peter Coulton) and Margaret Smith. Harry's father, James Cameron, came to Bellagoogan on Majors Creek in 1882. Bellagoogan was on Majors Creek near Orbost and was the site of the first race course. Like many others at the time, the Camerons bred race horses.Harry died in 1964 aged 75. Roma was the youngest of three siblings: Jean (Mrs John Gavin (Jack) Ralston) and James (Jim) (m. Joan Hossack). Women’s magazines during WWII played a “reflecting role,” meaning they cooperated with government agendas while still including topics of readers’ interests Women’s employment rate had skyrocketed during WWII. However, even though the number of women working outside the home grew rapidly most of them were still engaged entirely in homemaking. Therefore women’s magazines centered mostly on the stresses and shortages of wartime. Articles as well as advertisements presented information on “product rationing, tips on keeping the family healthy, guidelines for thrifty shopping and advice on how to look good through it all. This is an example of an English women's magazine published during WW11.It gives practical advice on needlework / knitting and evidences the widespread interest in contemporary fashion. In doing so it shows what were the fashionable, but broadly affordable, women's and children's clothing styles of their day. These magazines also reflect women's interests An English magazine published monthly. It is titled Woman and Home & Good Needlework Magazine, July 1944. On the front cover is a picture of a bride and groom cutting a wedding cake. The groom is dressed in military uniform. the price 9D has been crossed out and 1/- is below it. The magazine contains advertisements, stories, needlework patters and news articles.On front cover handwritten in pen : Miss R. Cameronmagazine-woman-and-home magazines-women's cameron

"Personalities and Stories of Early Orbost' was written by historian , teacher and prominent Orbost local, Mary Gilbert. The stories were gathered from writings of the early pioneers orb their children. Other information derives from obituaries and newspaper reports. The third edition was organised by the Orbost & District Tourist Association and was re-printed after her death. This index was compiled by Linda BarracloughA soft covered stapled booklet with a lime green cover and the title in black print. It is an index to the 1992 third edition of Mary Gilbert's book, "Personalities and Stories of the Orbost District".

The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This photograph is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No. Photograph tells the story of a special celebration marking the occssion of the demonstration of the first mechanical milking machine on the Ernst Uebergang property Briarwood at Cudgee Victoria. Ernst Uebergang is inside the shed. Reported in Warrnambool Standard 5 June 1905.Photo on badly damaged brown mount board. Image depicts LKG milking machine demonstration. Dignitories, farmers and children present. Two men are inside the shed with two cows. Written on back of photo 'LKG Milking Machine Lawrence Kennedy 1902/ Mr Ernst Uebergang inside shed.'uebergang, dairy industry, rural industry, food manufacture, machinery, lkg, cudgee, briarwood, milking machine, children, cows, dignitories, farmers, bucket

The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This bookis part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.K51 This book was school prize donated to Percy Uebergang in 1899 whilst a pupil at Cudgee State School.Green cloth hardbound book with gold print title 'Under Bayards Banner: a Story of the Days of Chivalry' and a in black print picture of two knights. On the spine the title is in gold print, the author's name Henry Frith, in black and a picture of a couple. On the back cover there is a black spray of leaves. The book includes eight illustrations by E Blair Leighton. There is an ornate book plate on the fly leaf which has a border of pink flowers on three sides.Presented to Percy Uebergang/ Class IV/ SS No.105 Cudgee/ 23-6-99allansford, uebergang, frith, henry, cassell & co ltd, children's books

This is the story of the women of the bush, women who performed more than the traditional duties of wife and mother. They worked alongside their men, through good/times and bad and they were rare to complain. Six former country women of the Portland/Heywood district provide us with a snapshot of life as it was from the 1920's through to the 1960's. They speak about their own and their mother's lives, lives which have experienced the greatest material and personal changes in history. The story of the 'Remarkable Mary Stuchbery' details the struggles of a wife and family whose husband/father contracted polio shortly after returning from WWII service. Garry Kerr has produced a series of local history stories, initially for the Heywood [history group] and more recent items privately.The material contained in these interviews provides a first-hand insight into the experiences of women who were involved in carving farms from virgin bush. Their recollections of work, social activities and opportunities for their children are an invaluable primary source.Full colour DVD cover featuring image of old hip-roof weatherboard house with front verandah and skillion roof to rear with stone chimney attached to outside. Corrugated iron roof is rusty. To the left is an outbuilding. Picket and wire fencing is in the foreground, background has large cypress tree to left and gum to right. At the bottom is a series of three black and white images showing (L-R) three women in working clothes and a woman holding a baby; woman chopping wood; woman milking cow with young boy standing beside her. The back cover is yellow with images of the seven women featured showing coloured images of the interviewees beside black and white images of the interviewees when young. DVD features the same images as the front cover.Garry Kerr's LOCAL HISTORY Series 5/On Our Selection/The/Women's/Story/Produced by Garry Kerr (front) WOMEN WERE THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BUSH/This is the story of the women of the bush [see historical information] ... Running time 74 minutes/Plus an additional 30 minutes of/'The Remarkable Mary Stuchbery'

This poster was used to promote the Australian release of SOMEWHERE NEAR TAPACHULA February-April 2010. The film was shot on location in Tapachula, Mexico near the Guatemala border and tells the story of the orphanage Mision Mexico exstablished by two Australians Alan and Pamela Skuse. Surfing was introduced to the children at the orphanage in 2004 and surfing has now become an important part of the weekly program but has also played a key role in improving the lives of the children in the orphanage. SOMEWHERE NEAR TAPACHULA is a unique surfing documentary which explores the social impact of surfing on a community of children living in a Mexican orphanage run by two Australians. Through a series of interviews the film follows the lives of a number of the children as they struggle with issues of identity, family and the harsh economic reality of growing up in a poor Mexican coastal town. Surfing is their one physical and emotional 'escape' refuge.Full colour poster for the surf documentary film SOMEWHERE NEAR TAPACHULA. The poster features an image of a young girl with a surfboard at her feet standing on a beach staring at the ocean.Full colour poster featuring title, film sponsors and Australian tour dates (2010)surfing, somewhere near tapachula, surf film, mexico, jonno durrant, stefan hunt, mision mexico, alan skuse, pam skuse

This photograph is of a group of Orbost children and a Catholic Priest, Fr. Spiteri, taken in association with a ceremony of confirmation at St Josephs Catholic Church, Orbost. The building in the background is the nunnery/priest's residence in Browning Street, Orbost. This building is still in existence (2023) though now privately owned. It is located adjacent to the Catholic Church. Indicated the continuing significance of the Catholic Church in Orbost. A b/w photograph of 12 children and one man. This group of people is posted in front of tree and a two-story building in the background. The man is dressed in black with a white collar and the children have white dresses and white shirts and black trousers. Many of the girls are wearing white veils over their hair.On back of photo: Back row L-R Cheryl Fourter, Tony Fourter, Sharon Barr, Father Spiteri, Fred Jonkers, Catherine Murphy, Tom Robinson. Front row L-R Josephine McMahon, Michael Young, Louise Shanahan, John Sanna, Geoffrey Fourterst josephs catholic church, orbost

On the front of the dust cover is an illustration of an old man sitting on a bench outside an aviary smoking a pipe and there is a bird sitting on his shoulder. He is talking to two children. On the back of the dust cover is the blurbs of two other novels written by C. K. Thompson.fictionA book that is part of a series of Australian Nature Stories by C.K. Thompson.australia, nature, birds, c.k. thompson, fiction, old bob

Front cover has a picture depicting Joseph and Mary, who is astride a donkey, talking to a group of men in the doorway of a building. The front cover is black with the title and series name in white. The back cover has information about a series of Bible Picture Story Books that this book is one of.fictionA book for children based on the Bible.bible story, new testament, bethlehem

No dust cover. Front cover has an illustration of some men sitting around a camp fire. The name of the author and the series is on the spine. On the back cover is a list of books published in the same series.fictionA book of stories and poems by Henry Lawson collected and published in 1949 especially for children.henry lawson, poetry, fiction, junior library of australian books

Paperback. Front cover has an illustration of Geppetto with Pinocchio sitting on his shoulder. In the background of the illustration are characters and places from the story. The back cover has a blurb about the author and the book.fictionA collection of stories of Pinocchio a wooden puppet that was made by Geppetto. A classic children's story. pinocchio, geppetto, puppet, wooden puppet

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities, are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 Vol 2 Author: C.E.W. Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Ltd Date: 1941 Further Information: The Story of ANZAC From May 4, 1915, to the Evacuation of the Gallipoli PeninsulaThe label on the spine cover with typed text H 940.40994 OFF Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, official history of australia in the war of 1914-1918 vol 2, c.e.w. bean