These badges were produced in 1917 to provide funds for the Lady Mayoress’ Fund during World War One. This fund was largely involved in funding canteens and other comforts for the servicemen during World War One..1 A metal badge with a gold rim, a dark gold background, a cream-coloured map of Australia with red printing and five stars representing the Southern Cross (one smaller star may represent Tasmania). The badge has a metal clip at the back and is somewhat rusted. .2 as above I will help until the war is won Copyright S & S (?) world war one, history of warrnambool, lady mayoress’ fund

This item has been brought back to Australia by a returning soldier from World War One (1914-1918). At a time when France was completely disrupted by the ravages of war many French women, especially those in rural areas, earned a living by making souvenir pieces of embroidery to sell to soldiers in the Allied forces. These embroidered pieces took the form of postcards, doyleys, centerpieces, handkerchiefs etc. The items are noted for the handcraft skills shown by the makers and are prized by collectors today. This item, although fragile, is of considerable interest, firstly as an attractive embroidered piece and secondly, because of its association with World War One as an example of the souvenirs brought back from France to Australia by returning soldiers. This is an oblong-shaped handkerchief or doyley. It has a pink or mauve silk square in the middle with a coloured motif embroidered in one corner. This s a shield with representations of several European flags and embroidered wording underneath. The silk square is edged in a wave pattern in pink. The square has a white lace border. The item is slightly stained and has fold marks.Souvenir de Franceworld war one

This demijohn came from the produce store of T. Redford and Co. Thomas Redford came to Warrnambool in 1864 and worked in the produce store at the corner of Fairy and Timor Streets. This had been established by Redford’s uncle, Frederick Stevens in 1857. Thomas Redford became the proprietor of this produce store in 1879 with the trading name of T. Redford & Co. Thomas Redford was a noted sportsman in Warrnambool (cricket and football) and was a Town Councillor from 1884 to 1890. His son, a Major in World War One, was killed at the battle of the Nek in 1915. Thomas Redford senior died in 1907 but the firm of T. Redford & Co continued on until the early 1920s. This demijohn is of significance as a memento of an important produce business in Warrnambool – the firm of T. Redford & Co was in existence for over 40 years. This is a stone demijohn with a cream-coloured base and body and a brown top and brown handle. The circular opening has a metal top. The maker’s name is etched into the top section. ‘T. Redford & Co Warrnambool’t. redford & co, warrnambool, demijohn, carboy, brewing

Thomas Redford came to Warrnambool in 1864 and worked in the produce store of his uncle, Frederick Stevens, a business that had been established at the corner of Fairy and Timor Streets in 1857. In 1879 Thomas Redford became the proprietor of this business under the trading name of T. Redford and Co. Thomas Redford was a noted sportsman in Warrnambool (cricket and football) and a Town Councillor from 1884 to 1890. One of his sons, Thomas, was a Major in World War One and was killed in 1915 in the Battle of the Nek. The business of T. Redford and Co was continued after Redford’s death in 1907 by family members and ceased to trade in the early 1920s. This demijohn is of interest as it came from the business of T. Redford & Co, a business operating in Warrnambool for over 40 years. This is a stoneware demijohn with a beige-coloured base and body and a brown neck and opening. The circular opening is chipped on the edges. The name of the seller of the contents is on the opening section.‘T. Redford & Co. Warrnambool’redford family, warrnambool, t. redford & co. warrnambool

These badges appear to have been issued as part of Wattle Day celebrations in the period 19910 to 1919. The use of wattle as an Australian symbol was strong during the pre- Federation and Federation days and was particularly promoted by the Australian Natives Association, a prominent campaigner for Federation. Wattle Day was established in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide in 1910 and the wattle symbol was a strong one for servicemen serving overseas in World War One and wattle badges and pins were used to raise funds for funds such organisations as the Red Cross.These badges are of interest as an example of the strong national sentiment engendered on Australia by World War One..1 circular metal concave badge featuring a cream map of Australia with dark green outline. An image of wattle flowers and leaves is in the centre of the map. Surrounding the map is a pale green border with text. The edge is dark green. It has a pin clip on the reverse. .2 As above .3 As above .1 WATTLE DAY .2 WATTLE DAY .3 WATTLE DAY

Legacy is an Australian organisation which was founded in 1923 to assist the widows of servicemen who had not returned from active service in World War One. It now assists widows, widowers and their children whose parent died whilst serving during any conflict or subsequently. These badges are an interesting memento of the means used by the organisation of Legacy to raise funds to assist widows, widowers and children of deceased service men and women.1 silver coloured metal inverted tear drop shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse. .2,.3,.4, .5 silver coloured metal "figure eight" shaped badge featuring a torch with red flame and a blue scroll with text. There is a pin on the reverse..1 , .2, .3, .4, .5 LEGACY

These badges appear to date from World War One. These badges are of interest as early badges issued to raise funds for the war effort in World War OneCircular concave metal badges featuring an image of an armed soldier standing on a headland with the sea beyond.. The background is cream coloured with red text. There is a clip pin on the reverse. Some are discoloured..LEST WE FORGET

A Rising Sun badge is the official badge of the Australian Army worn on a slouch hat with an upturned section of the brim. The badge was first used in the Boer War by the mounted soldiers and in May 1904 the badge bearing the words "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" were first used. This badge was worn by Australian soldiers during World Wars One and Two. Today Australian soldiers wear a seventh version of the Rising Sun badge. These Rising Sun badges are a famous symbol in Australia as they were worn by Australian soldiers in two World Wars and have come to represent the fighting spirit of the first ANZACS .1 Bronze badge featuring a crown, scrolls with text and a depiction of sun rays of varying lengths. There are two small rings on the reverse, possibly used for thread to anchor the badges on a hat or shoulders .2 Smaller but otherwise identical with .1 AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH MILITARY FORCESaustralian army, rising sun badge, anzacs

These badges were produced for the Commonwealth Button Fund to raise funds for the victims of the Armenian massacre in the Ottoman Empire during World War One. The button was designed by Frances Woolcot the Honorary Organiser of the Melbourne Branch of the Commonwealth Button Fund. The buttons were sold late in February 1918 and raised 7,300 pounds for the victims.February These badges are of interest as an example of the Australian fund raising efforts during World War One for a specific group of people - in this case the victims of the Armenian massacres..1 Concave metal badge featuring sky, a minaret, two onion shaped domes, buildings, sand, three mounted camels and palm trees. There is a clip pin on the reverse. .2 As for .1 but discoloured and there is no slot into which the pin may be inserted. SERVIA SYRIA ARMENIA

These badges are hat or cap badges used by the Royal Australian Air Force . These badges may date from before World War Two but the ones used today are of similar design. The basic design mirrors the equivalent design of the badges of the Royal Air Force of Britain. The Royal Australian Air Force was established in 1921 and is the second oldest Air Force in the world, being formed from the Australian Flying Corps which was established in 1912.These cap badges are of interest as early examples of those worn by members of the Royal Australian Air Force..1Bronze badge featuring a crown, a wreath of leaves and berries enclosing stylised RAAF. There are two small rings on the reverse each with a two pronged brass pin inserted in the rings. .2 Identical to .1 except the brass pins are missing. RAAF

The Australian Military Forces buttons were worn by Australian troops in World Wars One and Two. The Australian Commonwealth buttons date from the Edwardian era (1901-1910)These buttons are examples of the buttons used by the Australian Army. The attachment to a card is also an interesting example of the way members of the Warrnambool and District Historical Society mounted and displayed collection items in the 1960's and 1970's.Seven brass circular military buttons pressed into a rectangular piece of cardboard with pasted on lined paper on the back of the cardboard. Three of the buttons feature a raised map of Australia, a crown and text. Five buttons feature a raised intertwined E R,V11, a crown and text Protruding through the paper at the back is a section of a ring. The cardboard side has hand drawn blue lines, an oval stamp with text and hand written text. Three buttons have AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. Five buttons have AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH FORCES Military medallion buttons ( hand written) Stamp is oval shaped with faded text of which only HISTORICAL DISTRICT and SOCIETY can be deciphered Three blue hand drawn lines to position the buttons. army, australian military forces, buttons, world war two, world war one

These badges were produced in World War One in Australia to raise funds for the war effort. ANZAC Day is an important national holiday in Australia commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. The national day was instituted on 25th April 1916 and badges such as these would have been sold on the anniversary of the landing day. Badges were sold on trams, buses, at railway stations, other public buildings and at rallies held on or about ANZAC Day. These badges are a significant reminder of the many fund raising activities held in Australia to raise funds for the war effort.Three circular slightly concave metal badges featuring the profile of an Australian soldier in a slouch hat blowing a bugle. The background depicts sunrise in yellow and orange colours and text. The outer edge is gold coloured . The reverse has a metal clip.ANZAC DAYanzac day, badges

These three badges all bear the phrase " For Our Fighting Men" and were sold to raise funds for Australian servicemen's comforts in World War One. The funds would have been used to send food and amenities parcels to those serving overseas, to provide assistance to those soldiers who had returned to Australia or were serving within Australia. The funds from the sale of these badges were directed to the Australian Comforts Fund which was an organisation formed in August 1916 from the amalgamation of the State groups formed to provide assistance to those serving in World War One. These badges are of interest as examples of those made and sold in Australia during World War One to provide comforts for Australian servicemen..1 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features the Australian flag on a red background surrounded by a white annulus and a pale blue ring with text. There are rust marks on the surface.The reverse has a pin clip. .2 Identical to .1 but very discoloured and faded. .3 Circular metal and enamel badge. The front features a the head and shoulders of an Australian soldier in uniform with a slouch hat and a gun with bayonet fixed against a background of the Australian flag. Inside the outer rim of pale gold is a white ring with red text. There is a pin clip on the reverse. .1 FOR OUR FIGHTING MEN .2 Identical to .1 .3 OUR FIGHTING MEN AUSTRALIAN.COMFORTS. FUNDaustralian comforts fund

The badge predates 1917 and was a fund raiser in Australia for the war effort. It is one of the many badges produced during World War One.This badge is retained as an example of badges made for gaining funds for the War effort during World War One.Circular painted, slightly concave, metal badge. The front features a cream map of Australia on a blue background. Inside the map is an image of six flags Belgium. France, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia and Italy and red text in a small scroll. Underneath the map is further text. There is a pin clip on the reverse.ALLIES FOR FREEDOM AND LIFEallies, world war one, war effort fundraising

This badge has been produced to raise funds for the Australian navy personnel during World War One is believed to have been sold during 1917.There were many badges produced during World War One to raise funds for Australian servicemen serving at home and overseas. This badge is of interest as one of the many badges produced during World War One to assist the war effort in Australia. Circular metal badge featuring a white ensign with the Australian flag on a blue back ground. The white annulus has text and a small representation of rope at the bottom edge. The reverse has a pin clip.OUR SAILORS DAY sailors

This camera, made by the American firm of Eastman Kodak, was the best-selling folding camera during the first half of the 20th century. This is the ‘autographic’ model as there is provision at the back of the camera for note-taking. This model was made between 1915 and 1926 and it is called the soldier’s camera because of its compact size. Over 1,000,000 cameras of this type were sold during World War One. This camera belonged to C.C. McNeil of Caramut, a town 55 kilometres north of Warrnambool. This camera is of interest as it belonged to a person from the Warrnambool district and it is a good example of a pocket camera with note-writing facilities. This is a black metal camera in a rectangular shape with rounded edges. It has three glass apertures and a metal winder. It also has an opening shutter at the back of the camera where notes can be written on to the paper backing of the film. The front of the camera opens and a concertina-like metal attachment affixed to the back of the camera can be pulled out to reveal the lens. This is covered in black leather. Printed information etched into the surface can be found in various locations around this camera. Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak U.S. Patents – Mar 4 1902, May 6 1913 Eastman Kodak Co. Rochester N.Y. U.S.A. Celia C. McNeil Caramut 20th century photography, history of warrnambool

These three souvenir handkerchiefs were brought back to Australia after World War Two by James Godfrey. Flight Lieutenant James John Godfrey enlisted in World War Two in the Australian Air Force from Bessiebelle in western Victoria. He was attached to the British 8th Army under General Montgomery in North Africa and then took part in the landing in Sicily and the subsequent campaign through Italy. Before returning to Australia he travelled to Israel and Austria. These handkerchiefs are retained, firstly as examples of souvenirs brought back to Australia from returning military personnel after World War Two and secondly as souvenirs belonging to James Godfrey who had connections with the Warrnambool district. .1 This is a small pink silk handkerchief with a fluted edge and with some embroidery in one corner with flowers and wording in green, yellow and orange. .2 This is a small aqua-coloured silk handkerchief with a stitched edge and some stitched wording in one corner. Much of the edge stitching has been lost. .3 This is a white silk handkerchief with a stitched edge and a stencilled image in one corner. .1 Till we meet again .2 Bethlehem .3 Souvenir of Egypt world war two, history of warrnambool, james john godfrey

These items are typical of souvenir items which would have been commonly purchased by visitors and locals alike.The Warrnambool war memorial is one of the city's most recognisable monuments. The granite column is is 38 feet tall, and topped by the Angel of Peace.At the base is an Australian Soldier with head bowed which is carved in Italian marble. The monument is backed by a wall which has the names of 1100 soldiers from the First World War from Warrnambool and district. of whom 240 were killed. The names of WW 2 soldiers who lost their lives were added on the western section after that conflict. A common object which relates to one of Warrnambool's important landmarks..1 Spoon. .2 Fork. A silver spoon and fork both with a patterned handle with a medallion with an oval image of the Warrnambool War Memorial.It is in enamelled in colours of blue white green with outline in metal. The enamelled ovals are both surrounded by a silver scalloped rim. Both are in a red box with white text and have a clear cellulose cover. Peninsula plate EPNS A1. Soldier's memorial Warrnambool. Swann and Hudson Peninsula Plate is printed on the box.warrnambool, souvenir spoon, souvenir fork, warrnambool war memorial

This item appears to be a World War One gas mask of the type known as the British small box respirator. Gas masks were produced and issued to members of the Allied defence forces in World War One in response to the German Army use of poison gas. The small box respirator was first issued in April 1916. This gas mask is of interest as a memento of World War One.This is a gas mask with a canvas hood for covering the face and with transparent mica eyepieces and cloth straps that fit around the head. A round perforated metal piece is attached to the bottom of the head piece and a hose is attached to the head piece and to an oval-shaped tin can. 757213 5613 (?) 18 world war one, history of warrnambool, gas mask

This dress was donated by Judith McShane, the daughter of Ena Heazlewood, the maker of the dress. It was the First Communion dress worn by the daughter, Judith about 1952. Mary Josephine (Ena) Todd was born in Warrnambool in 1920. She was a hairdresser at Josephine’s Salon in Warrnambool and in 1942 married a Warrnambool man, Jack Heazlewood, a stoker on the H.M.A.S Sydney at the time. They later lived in Sydney. The material for this First Communion dress was brought back from Japan by Jack Heazlewood, on naval duties there at the end of World War Two.This dress is of interest as one made by a former Warrnambool resident and as an example of a dress made 70 years ago for a special event in a child’s life (First Communion Day) This is a hand-sewn child’s dress made of embroidered silk. The dress has a Peter Pan collar made of satin with a fluted satin band around the waist. The long sleeves are set in and the top has three press studs to close the opening at the front. The material is gathered at the waist and hemmed at the bottom. The material is yellowed from age and stained in places.vintage clothing, todd & heazlewood families, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

This medallion, called a Memorial Plaque and popularly known as a Dead Man’s Penny, was one of those given to the family of an Australian soldier who died on active service in World War One. Memorial Plaques, such as this one, were given out in the early 1920s. This medallion was presented to the family of Robert Andrew Hose. Born in Warrnambool in 1892 to George and Janet Hose, Robert Hose was a regular soldier when he enlisted in World War One in August 1914. He served on Gallipoli at Cape Helles where he was wounded but returned to his post and was promoted to corporal. In Egypt he was promoted to Sergeant and then served in France where he was awarded the Military Medal for showing courage, resourcefulness and a fine example to his men in an encounter with the enemy near Beaumetz les Cambrai. In that incident he sustained severe wounds from which he died in May 1917. He is buried in France. As well as the Military Medal he was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory MedalThis item is of great importance as a significant memento of World War One that was given to the family of Robert Andrew Hose following his death on active service in World War One. Robert Hose was born in Warrnambool and this medallion is a treasured object in our collection.This is a round bronze medallion with raised images of Britannia holding a laurel wreath over an inscribed name, a lion, dolphins, an oak branch, a lion cub and an eagle. The medal is inscribed around the left and top edges.He Died For Freedom and Honour Robert Andrew Hose robert andrew hose, world war one memorial plaque, history of warrnambool

The Victory medal was awarded to all Allied servicemen and women who served in World War One. Australians were issued with the medal made for British service personnel. The medal described above was awarded to Private Thomas Wickham. He was born in Port Fairy in 1886 and died in Warrnambool in 1955. Private Wickham enlisted in February 1916 and his next of kin was his wife Elizabeth, living at that time in Terang. Thomas Wickham was a member of the 58th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement. He served overseas and returned to Australia in 1919 and was discharged as medically unfit because of rheumatism. This is a round bronze medal with the image of a winged female figure of Victory on the obverse side and engraved lettering surrounded by laurel leaves on the reverse side. There is lettering around the edge of the medal. The medal has a metal ring to which is attached a rainbow-coloured ribbonThe Great War For Civilisation 1914-1919 1773 Pte. T. Wickham 58 Bn. A.I.F. world war one, thomas wickham, history of warrnambool

This is a German military buckle, believed to date from World War One. The crest comes from Prussian heraldry and the motto, Gott Mit Uns (God with Us) was used by sections of the German military forces in both World War One and World War Two.This item is of some interest as a World War One memento – in this case an accessory of a German military uniform of that era.This is metal belt buckle with a portion of a brown leather belt attached. The buckle has a circular decorative section featuring a crown, decorative leaves and lettering.Gott Mit Unswarrnambool, german military uniform accessories, world war one

This metal plaque has been attached either to a photograph or a display board. It gives the dates of the directorship of Ernest Ladner at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. This mill in South Warrnambool opened in 1910 and closed in 2000. Ernest Ladner was a director during the times of the mill's most productive years with employees numbering over 700 in World War Two. Ernest Ladner was for many years the manager of Saltau and Sons, a produce business in Kepler Street, WarrnamboolThis small item is of some interest as it is a memento of the directorship of Ernest Ladner at the Warrnambool Woollen Mill. This business was a prominent and highly significant one in Warrnambool for 90 years.This is a small metal plaque or label, rectangular-shaped. It is silver-coloured with an inscription etched onto it. The item is much tarnished. Ernest E. Ladner Director Warrnambool Woollen Mill Co.Ltd. 1927-1957warrnambool woollen mill, ernest ladner of warrnambool

These two items, a military disc or dog tag and a medallion, belonged to Private Thomas Wickham who was born in Port Fairy in 1886 and enlisted in the Australian Military Forces in February 1916 (World War One).He was in the 58th Battalion (2nd Reinforcement) and served overseas, returning to Australia in 1919. He was living in Terang at the time of his enlistment with his wife, Elizabeth his next-of- kin. The people of Terang gave medals to those local residents who served in World War One. Thomas Wickham died on Warrnambool in 1955.These medals are of interest as they are mementoes of a local soldier who served in World War One.1 This is a brown metal military disc or dog tag with a name and number etched on one side and a hole at the top .2 This is a gold-coloured metal medallion with an image of an Australian soldier on one side and printed wording on the other. It has an ornamental clip at the top.1 1773 Wickham T. 58 BN CE .2 Presented to T. Wickham who served in the Great European War 1914-1919 Presented by the citizens of Terangthomas wickham, world war one

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Miscellaneous Contributions to Punch 1843-1854 Author: W M Thackeray Edited by George Saintsbury Publisher: Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Date: 1864Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC THA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, miscellaneous contributions to punch, punch, w m thackeray, george saintsbury

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Irish Sketch Book and Contributions to the 'Foreign Quarterly Review' 1842-4 Author: W M Thackeray Edited by George Saintsbury Publisher: Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Date: 1864Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC THA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the irish sketch book, w m thackeray, george saintsbury, foreign quarterly review 1842-4

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Great Hoggarty Diamond Fitz-Boodle Papers. Men's Wives etc. Author: W M Thackeray Edited by George Saintsbury Publisher: Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Date: 1857Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC THA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the great hoggarty diamond, w m thackeray, george saintsbury, fitz-boodle papers, men's wives etc.

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Henry Esmond The English Humourists. The Four Georges Author: W M Thackeray Edited by George Saintsbury Publisher: Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Date: 1860Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC THA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, henry esmond, w m thackeray, george saintsbury, the english humourists, the four georges