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Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Ringwood , Lot (?) on Plan of Subdivision (?), Mrs F.L.Coombes to Mr R.A.Bonsack, 1945
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mrs F.L.Coombes to Mr R.A.Bonsack. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Ringwood , Lot 12 on Plan of Subdivision 2216, Falconer Bros to Mr G.K.Gibson, 1943
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Falconer Bros to Mr G.K.Gibson. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Ringwood , Lot 19 on Plan of Subdivision 8198, Mrs E.M.Wright to Mr C.J.Peglar, Circa 1940
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mrs E.M.Wright to Mr C.J.Peglar. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Ringwood , Lot 3 on Plan of Subdivision 10519, Mrs S.H.Houston to Mr J.J.Constable, Circa 1940
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mrs S.H.Houston to Mr J.J.Constable. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Ringwood, Lot 33 on Plan of Subdivision 10917, Mr S.T.Reiher and Mrs S.J.Nichols, 1947
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mr S.T.Reiher to Mrs S.J.Nichols. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Doncaster, Lot (?) on Plan of Subdivision (?), Mr K.M.Matheson and Mrs L.O.Foster, 1944
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mr K.M.Matheson to Mrs L.O.Foster. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Ringwood, Lot 122 on Plan of Subdivision 7884, Mrs M.A.Meyers and Mr C.C.Carrick,1946
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mrs M.A.Meyers to Mr C.C.Carrick. -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Croydon, Lot 8, 9 on Plan of Subdivision 9207, Mr A.Aitkin and Mrs A.Darts, 1942
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mr A.Aitkin to Mrs A.Darts. -
Buninyong & District Historical Society
Photograph - Original Photograph, Mr. W. Grigg with horses and dray, Bungaree 1990, 1990
farm equipmentColour photograph, Mr. W. Grigg with horses and dray, Bungaree 1990.buninyong, w. grigg, horses, dray, bungaree -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Newspaper - Article, Mr Fix-it makes wood work, 12/06/1991
Article on Mr Bruce Owen, woodworker of Forest Hill Retirement Village.owen, bruce, forest hill retirement village -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - Black and white photograph, Mr. Bird and Family
Black and white photo of Mr. Bird and family with a dog at the front of the house.bird family, blackburn -
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Photograph - Photograph of Mr. W (Bill) Mouchmore, B&W photo of Mr. Biil Mouchmore, 1960
Queenscliffe life boat crew historyQueenscliffe life boat crew in 1960B&W photo of Mr. W [Bill] Mouchmore, taken in 1960Reverse " Bill Mouchmore at wheel of new (Queenscliffe) life boat 1960 Neville Bowler Age " -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Document - Letter/s, "Mr Jerusalem Smith", Sep. 2008
Yields information about Mr Jerusalem Smith, a person trying to sell rail and horse tramways in 1880 and other correspondence.Set of three letters concerning "Mr Jerusalem Smith" and his correspondence with the City of Ballarat, 1880, concerning the construction of horse trams and tramway rail. .1 - letter from Mr Ian Armstrong enquiring about "Mr Jerusalem Smith" and provision of seven pages of photocopies from some of the letters in the referenced journal. Dated 18/9/2008. .2 - letter from Warren Doubleday to Mr Ian Armstrong giving some further information, dated 23/10/2008. .3 - letter from Alan Bradley to Mr Ian Armstrong give notes from the City of Ballarat and other research regarding "Mr Jerusalem Smith", dated 9/11/2008. See also Reg item 4701 for further correspondence on this matter.trams, tramways, trackwork, horse trams, city of ballarat -
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Photograph - ESCo tram - Lydiard St level crossing, Mr Duffy?, c1907
Lydiard St level crossing with an Electric Supply Co. of Victoria tram, northbound to Gregory St in Lydiard St North. The tram has three equal windows and is most likely one of the ex-Sydney electric trams that were sold to Ballarat. A number is not discernable. Note the ladies sitting on the outside seats. Ballarat B signal box with signalman looking out the window overlooks the level crossing with gates. C1907.Yields information about an early ESCo tram in Lydiard St North at the level crossing.Photograph, black and white - plain black with some notes on rear Has Ken Magor stamp, "Mr Duffy" in pencil in top right hand corner, "Ballarat Tramways ? date".tramways, trams, esco, lyiard st north, level crossing, signal box -
Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Photograph, Mr and Mrs Trucco and Mr and Mrs Davies
Former internees and families of Camp 13. 2 couples, Mr and Mrs Roddy Davies and Dr and Mrs Trucco, of Edinburgh Scotland, on left. Mr Trucco was Lieutenant Riccardo Trucco, Italian POW camp 13, who was the dentist at that camp. Colour photograph of 2 couples standing in front of the Museum wall with part of the Museum sign to the left of the photograph.roddy davies, dr trucco, lieutenant riccardo trucco, italian pow's, camp 13, riccardo trucco, lieutenant trucco, camp 13 dentist, ww2 internment camp dentist -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Mr Butterfry and Other Tales of New Japan
This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. Warrnambool Public Library The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Mr Butterfry and Other Tales of New Japan Author: Hal Porter Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1968Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC POR Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Fly paper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, 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, mr butterfry and other tales of new japan, hal porter -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Ringwood State School - Mr Broben's Farewell, 1931
Black and white photograph"Written on back of photograph" Mr Broben's Farewell, 1931 (See also 6904 - another image of Mr Broben's farewell) -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document - Document - Letter, Ballarat Junior Technical School: Letter from Mr Garner to Mr A Zakis re son enrolling at Ballarat Junior Technical School, 1958
Allotments of students to Secondary Schools in Ballarat was made by the Psychology Branch, Urquhart Street State School. Letter from Mr Garner to Mr Zakis stating students from Pleasant Street School have been allotted to North Ballarat Technical School.1 cream coloured page, typedballarat junior technical school, head master, l garner, secondary school allotments, north ballarat technical school, mr zakis, pleasant street school -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Mr Randle in the large hat & Mr Scarsi with the gold pan at a Mining Scene
Mr. Randle - Mining Scene. Male with gold pan is Scarsi.stawell -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Letter Card, Photochrom Company, Mr Gordon McIntyre dated 13 Jun 1917
Postcard letter sent by Jack Mc Intyre to Gordon Mc Intyre in Lara Lake Victoria Australia. Sent from Windmill Camp Ludgershall Salisbury Wiltshire England on June 13 1917. Includes two picture of Tipworth.Letter sent home by Jack McIntyre to Gordon McintyreLetter Card Tidworth - Mr Gordon McIntyre dated 13 Jun 1917 Letter Card Gordon Mc Intyre Lara Lake Victoria Australia. Contains photos of Tidworth -
Greensborough Historical Society
Article, Watsonia Primary School Wa4838 - Mr. John Eddy remembers, 1987o
John Eddy was Principal of Watsonia primary School from 1993-1997. This interview is a revised version of the original conducted by Rosie Bray.4 p. typescript, with col. photograph of House Captains and Mr Eddy in 1995. watsonia primary school, john eddy -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Legal record - Conditions of Sale (C.E.Carter), Ringwood , Lot 11 on Plan of Subdivision No 7522, Mr C.Wilson to Annie Mary Campbell, 1940
Particulars and Conditions of Sale of Property , from Mr C.Wilson to Annie Mary Campbell. -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Mr & Mrs Game and daughter
Black and white photo of Mr & Mrs T. Game of Blackburn with their daughter, Muriel.game, mr. t., mrs. t., muriel -
Mont De Lancey
Furniture - Cocktail Cabinet, Mr Franz Striezel, Unknown
This cocktail cabinet is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of hand carved furniture and items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection. Franz Streizel came from Germany in 1886 and was one of the three recognised craftsmen (Art Carvers) in Australia who contributed to the wood carvings in public buildings and honour boards throughout Australia. The National Gallery at their request had two small panels and a tobacco jar (some of his work), donated by Mrs D Adamson. They considered these pieces highly valuable.A beautifully hand carved ornate wooden cocktail cabinet featuring two female carved busts, carved mythical beasts on the front, sides and two doors of the cabinet underneath the drop down mirrored shelf. The shelf is attached by two gold linked chains screwed onto the sides. Two drawers at the top are elaborately decorated. The cupboard doors at the bottom open to show a shelf inside. This cabinet is part of a special bequest to the Mont De Lancey Museum of handcarved items made by Mr Franz Striezel by his grandaughter Mrs Dorothy Adamson. Dorothy was a friend of Nella Lord (nee Sebire). Dorothy passed away in 2007. It was to be known as The Franz Striezel Collection.On the top shelf, carved into the relief panels at the back is 'WELL BEFALL' and 'HEARTH HALL'bar equipment, cocktail cabinets, cabinets, furniture -
Federation University Historical Collection
Document - Document - Letter, Ballarat Junior Technical School: Letter from Mr Garner, Head Master, to Mr R Watson, Geelong, 1953
Letter from Mr Garner to Mr R Watson congratulating him on his promotion back to Ballarat Junior Technical School. His former colleagues hold him in high regard. The housing situation is difficult at present but he will continue to make enguiries and forward information to him.. Yellow paper typedballarat junior technical school, l garnar, junior technical certificate, head master, mr r watson, promotion back to bjts, housing situation enquiries -
Ballarat Fire Brigade
Trowel, just prior to 01/01/1864
Trowel was presented to Captain Spark by honourable secretary Mr Charles Dyte on 1/1/1864 to lay the foundation stone of the watchtower and belfrey of the Ballarat fire station. Trowel was made by Mr. Bennett of Bridge street and fashioned on the trowel used by Mr. Fraser M.L.C. when laying the foundation stone of the St. Kilda town hallhand engraved sterling silver ceremonial trowel. engraving is floral design on blade. handle is hollow, octaganol with leaf pattern and greek meander patternHallmarked on underside - emu, "WE" (letters), kangarooballarat fire brigade, captain, foundation stone, trowel, colonial silversmith, silver trowel, captain spark, honourable secretary, mr bennet, sterling silver, charles dyte, dyte, spark, 1864, watchtower and belfrey, tower, watchtower, belfrey -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Photograph, Ringwood Chamber of Commerce- Election of Mr Carter as President, 1956
Black and white photograph.Written on back of photograph, "President Mr. Carter, being congratulated by Past President Mr. Peck. 'Mail' 1/8/1956. Mr. Carter elected President for 1956. Photo by Peter Payens of Ringwood Studio". -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Photograph, Group Outside Mr. G.A. Goodwin's Home, 1911
Used by Robin Da Costa in 'Blackburn - A Picturesque History'.Black and white photo of Group Outside Mr. G.A. Goodwin's Home in 1911. Mr. Goodwin's home was located in Whitehorse Road, Blackburn, later the site of Cottees and the Leader newspapers.|See Da Costa book page 46.goodwin, nellie, ernest, frederick, wilson, charlotte, skyes, ruby, stuckey, mary, norman, charlie, george augustus, jack, george (jnr), cotter, mr., whitehorse road blackburn -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, To You Mr Chips
Pattison Collection This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 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 fundraising 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 courthouse 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 historical 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 Historical 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 artworks 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. To You Mr Chips Author: James Hilton Publisher: Hodder Stoughton Date: 1938 The label on spine with typed text PAT FIC HIL Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp 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, to you mr chips, james hilton -
Ringwood and District Historical Society
Document, J.T. Pickett, Ringwood Shoeing Forge invoice to Mr J. Aird dated Sept 1st,1919
Hand written invoice to Mr J. Aird for general merchandise and services to the value of £1.8.0.