Contents: • Next meeting, Speaker Panel; Personal Projects by Members and Friends • Nillumbik Gayip • Lower Plenty Excursion • Annual General Meeting • Subscriptions • 728 Main Road • Coming Events, Happenings and Other News The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Jim Jenkins worked for the Railways and lived in York Street (Source: Electoral Rolls) Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s.Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 9 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and handwritten captions in ink.On verso in pencil "Const. W.C. Sargeant 1922-1927 - see Police list"heather jenkins (nee sargeant), eltham, police residence, constable w.c. sargeant, jim jenkins, eltham railway station, railway line

The wooden Main Road Bridge was substantially damaged in the 1924 flood and was replaced with a concrete structure Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s.This photo shows the flood damage to the bridge structure or the dismantling of the bridge post 1924 flood. Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 9 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and handwritten captions in ink.On verso in pencil "Const. W.C. Sargeant 1922-1927 - see Police list"heather jenkins (nee sargeant), eltham, police residence, constable w.c. sargeant, main road, main road bridge

Contents: • Next meeting, Speaker Panel: Our Own History • 30th Anniversary Meeting • 728 Main Road • Constructing the Plenty Valley • Sweeneys • Andrew Ross Museum • A Thank You by Gwen Baker • Some Other News Items The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

In 1959 the Victoria Police purchased this house in Pryor Street to be refurbished as the Eltham Police Station. In 1961 the Police moved out of 728 Main Road and into the Pryor Street building following required modifications to bring it in line with the standards used for Police Stations throughout the State.The Margaret Ball (Pre 1960s Houses) Collection was a personal project initiated to mark the year 2000 and arose as a result of the disappearance of many pre-1960s parts of Eltham due to development. Approximately 200 pre-1960s style houses that were left in Eltham between Main Road and east to Bible Street, between Cecil Street to the north and south to Dalton Street were photographed in late 1999. Not all of the houses could be photographed; some because the garden or trees blocked the view of the house, others because of rubbish or cars were in the way, some because people were working on the house or in the gardens at the time.Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 10 stripsFuji 200eltham, houses, streets, margaret ball (pre 1960s houses) collection, pryor street, police station

Eltham Gateway, Eltham Justice Precinct featuring the former Eltham Courthouse (1860) at 730 Main Road, the oldest public building in the shire and the former Police Residence (1859) at 728 Main Road, Eltham - now part of the Local History Centre and home to Eltham District Historical SocietyTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham courthouse, eltham justice precinct, local history centre, police residence, avenue of honour

Eltham Gateway, Eltham Justice Precinct featuring the former Eltham Courthouse (1860) at 730 Main Road, the oldest public building in the shire and the former Police Residence (1859) at 728 Main Road, Eltham - now part of the Local History Centre and home to Eltham District Historical SocietyTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham courthouse, eltham justice precinct, local history centre, police residence, avenue of honour

Eltham Gateway, Eltham Justice Precinct featuring the former Eltham Courthouse (1860) at 730 Main Road, the oldest public building in the shire and the former Police Residence (1859) at 728 Main Road, Eltham - now part of the Local History Centre and home to Eltham District Historical SocietyTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham courthouse, eltham justice precinct, local history centre, police residence, avenue of honour

Eltham Gateway, Eltham Justice Precinct featuring the former Eltham Courthouse (1860) at 730 Main Road, the oldest public building in the shire and the former Police Residence (1859) at 728 Main Road, Eltham - now part of the Local History Centre and home to Eltham District Historical SocietyTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham courthouse, eltham justice precinct, local history centre, police residence, avenue of honour

Eltham Gateway, Eltham Justice Precinct featuring the former Eltham Courthouse (1860) at 730 Main Road, the oldest public building in the shire and the former Police Residence (1859) at 728 Main Road, Eltham - now part of the Local History Centre and home to Eltham District Historical SocietyTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham courthouse, eltham justice precinct, local history centre, police residence, avenue of honour

Eltham Gateway, Eltham Justice Precinct featuring the former Eltham Courthouse (1860) at 730 Main Road, the oldest public building in the shire and the former Police Residence (1859) at 728 Main Road, Eltham - now part of the Local History Centre and home to Eltham District Historical SocietyTomorrow's history documented todayeltham, jim connor collection, main road, eltham gateway, eltham courthouse, eltham justice precinct, local history centre, police residence, avenue of honour

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. The house was known locally as "Cook's Cottage" because of its resemblance to Captain Cook's Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. See also 00183Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 8 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and one greeting card with printed sketch and handwritten captions in ink. On back of page is 1 black and white photo and a large newspaper clipping.eltham, police residence, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), walter withers, constable w.c. sargeant, cooks cottage, ernie andrew, ellen andrew

Two rectangular black and white photographs of the Beechworth Mental Hospital (Mayday Hills) administrative building showing the left and right hand sides of the exterior building with three cars parked in driveway turning circle in the foreground taken in the 1950's by E. Yellard. Mayday Hills Hospital, originally known as the Beechworth Lunatic Asylum was constructed between 1864-67 designed by The Public Works Department. The hospital is made up of a number of buildings, landscaping, ha-ha, workshops, laundry, administrative facilities and farmland, it was constructed in 'Italianate' style by a team of up to two hundred and fifty workers (Woods p. 122). The asylum was established in response to the need for the regional shire to locally care for those particularly affected by their time working the Ovens goldfield during the Indigo Shire gold rush era where poor living conditions and isolation were significantly affecting the welfare of a great many people through poverty and lack of resources. The gaol and orphan labour systems were not able to effectively support to give housing, rehabilitation and ongoing care for the mentally ill, and transporting to Melbourne by waggon was a time consuming and counter-productive solution when the metro facilities were already overcrowded. According to Woods (A Titan's Field p. 122), between 1901 and 1911 a large percentage (thirty five percent in 1901 and twenty four in 1911) of the Beechworth population were either patients or inmates of Beechworth institutions, Mayday Hills accounted for some six hundred and seventy four patients in 1901, Beechworth's Mayday Hills was chosen as the site of Victoria's newest asylum, at the time, due to the landscape and altitude. The hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, it was argued, would assist in the cure of the patients kept at the hospital (Wood 1985, 122). The positioning of the hospital had a beneficial effect on the rural town and the large volume of people living at the hospital and contributing to this population growth is counted as reason for the survival of Beechworth as a regional township. According to the Victorian Heritage database, during the period 1921-1950 Mayday Hills underwent some modernisation by Public Works Department architect Percy Everett which included a nurses' hostel and new ward which were further developed and continued to function as a mental hospital up until 1995 when it was sold to LaTrobe university. The building and grounds are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register under criterion A, B, D, E and F.These photographs give a good indication of the ongoing use of Mayday Hills from its original establishment in the 1860's through to almost one hundred years later when these photographs were taken. The clarity of the images combined with the style and make of the cars in the foreground give a good indication of the time period and show the continued use and need for the facility over the years. Through images of building facades such as these, we might gain fuller understanding of the structural and aesthetic characteristics to be used in any future development or restorative work.2 x black and white rectangular photographs [copies] printed on Ilford photographic paper8688.1 reverse: Beechworth / Mental / Hospital / 80% 19cm / 12 cm / 80% / 728 / New / Print / BMM / 8688.1 / E. / Yellard / [Stamped : ILFORD] 8688.2 reverse: Beechworth / Mental / Hospital / E. / Yellard / BMM / 8688.1 / [Stamped : ILFORD]administrative building, black and white photographs, beechworth, mental hospital, beechworth mental hospital, mayday hills, cars, 1950, e. yellard, the public works department, public works department, hospital, mayday hills hospital, beechworth lunatic asylum, lunatic asylum, asylum, ovens goldfield, indigo shire, indigo shire gold rush

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. This photo: Between April 1923 and August 1926, electric trains from Melbourne terminated at Eltham. A connecting steam train ran between Eltham and Hurstbridge. Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Glued on a brown paper scrapbook page (torn from scrapbook) with 8 black and white/sepia photos of varying sizes, 1 newspaper clipping and one greeting card with printed sketch and handwritten captions in ink. On back of page is 1 black and white photo and a large newspaper clipping.eltham, police residence, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), walter withers, constable w.c. sargeant, eltham railway station

Compiled by Gus Weir of the Wellington Tramway Museum, former Wellington tram driver. Comprises some 42 double-sided album sheets for photographs of Melbourne - W class, City Circle, Restaurant & Heritage trams. - Scanned into 4 parts as pdf files. Many photos taken in the City area, Some photos by M Hawkins. Part 1 - cover - logos - MMTB, The Met, PTC, Swanston Trams, M>Tram, Yarra Trams, PTC, 11W, cable dummy, V214, W2 262. 380., 384, 431, 442, 504, 510 and X2 676. Part 2 -W2 512, W5 729, 721, 727, 728, 731, 753, 758, 760, 777, 780, 808, 823, 824, 842, SW5 856, 842, 853, 854 SW6 866, 862, SW5 728, SW6 871, 888, 890, 891, 899. 900, 896,905, 907, 909, 910, 919, 909 and VR 53, Part 3 - W6 884, W7 1002, 1000, 1020,W6 991, 998, 982, 982, 975, 983, 974, 975, 962, 972, SW6 957, 961, 957, SW5 728, SW6 954, 951, 951, Restaurant trams 935, 939. 938, 939, and 937 Psrt 4 - W7 1020, 1000, 1002, 1015, 1021, 1024, 1026, 1034, 1031, 1036, 1039, Yields detailed information about Melbourne trams from 1967 to 2012Set of 42 album sheets generally with four photos within a bound album, with many blanks to allow for further photos. Each photo has a label on the rear, with details of the photograph's location, photographer, and date. An insert label on each page gives the tram number, location, and date.tramways, tramcars, albums, melbourne, yarra trams, logos, w2 class, w5 class, sw5 class, sw6 class, w6 class, w7 class, restaurant tram, city circle, mmtb, the met, ptc, m>trams, swanston trams, x2 class.

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. Images featured are 1. A peep on the road, nearing Research. 2. The Main Road at Eltham (opposite Railway Station). 3. A part of the new railway line. 4. The mail coach leaving for Kangaroo Ground.Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Detail from large newspaper clipping (half page), very aged and fragile with sticky tape holding it together with 4 images of early Elthameltham, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), main road, research (vic.)

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. Images featured are 1. A peep on the road, nearing Research. 2. The Main Road at Eltham (opposite Railway Station). 3. A part of the new railway line. 4. The mail coach leaving for Kangaroo Ground.Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Detail from large newspaper clipping (half page), very aged and fragile with sticky tape holding it together with 4 images of early Elthameltham, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), main road, eltham railway station

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. Images featured are 1. A peep on the road, nearing Research. 2. The Main Road at Eltham (opposite Railway Station). 3. A part of the new railway line. 4. The mail coach leaving for Kangaroo Ground.Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Detail from large newspaper clipping (half page), very aged and fragile with sticky tape holding it together with 4 images of early Elthameltham, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), railway, railway line, edendale farm, mummery's

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. Images featured are 1. A peep on the road, nearing Research. 2. The Main Road at Eltham (opposite Railway Station). 3. A part of the new railway line. 4. The mail coach leaving for Kangaroo Ground.Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Detail from large newspaper clipping (half page), very aged and fragile with sticky tape holding it together with 4 images of early Elthameltham, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), railway, railway line, mail coach, eltham railway station

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. Images featured are 1. A peep on the road, nearing Research. 2. The Main Road at Eltham (opposite Railway Station). 3. A part of the new railway line. 4. The mail coach leaving for Kangaroo Ground.Digital imageeltham

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Sargeant) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham in the 1920s. Images featured are 1. A peep on the road, nearing Research. 2. The Main Road at Eltham (opposite Railway Station). 3. A part of the new railway line. 4. The mail coach leaving for Kangaroo Ground.Heather Sargeant was the daughter of Constable W.C. Sargeant, the local police officer in residence at Eltham, 1922-1927Large newspaper clipping (half page), very aged and fragile with sticky tape holding it together with 4 images of early Elthameltham, heather jenkins (nee sargeant), main road, eltham railway station

Contents: • Next meeting, guest speaker; Keith Banks: Lighthouses of Eastern Victoria • November Meeting • Christmas Function • Visitors from Eltham • Council Matters • 728 Main Road – President’s Report • Monument Hunting the Hume and Hovell Way by Diana Bassett-Smith • Irvine Green OAM 1913-1997 • The Last Cry (Mick Woiwod) • Some Other Matters The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Folder 67 of the Harry Gilham Collection. Folder includes information and some duplication relating to the installation of a sign in front of 728 Main Road, Eltham by Eltham District Historical Society. Includes newsletter no 138, design of sign and related wording on sign, quotation by John Sharp Signs, Eltham, notes and planning permit submitted to Nillumbik Shire Council, and associated plans 1999-200030 pages in manilla foldereltham district historical society, planning permit, signage, john sharp signs, local history centre

Pages from a scrapbook belonging to Heather Jenkins (nee Cone) who lived as a child in the Police Residence at 728 Main Road, Eltham from 1911 to the early 1920s. Images featured are 1. A peep on the road, nearing Research. 2. The Main Road at Eltham (opposite Railway Station). 3. A part of the new railway line. 4. The mail coach leaving for Kangaroo Ground.Heather McKnight Jenkins (nee Cone) was born 1911, possibly at the Eltham Police Residence and spent her childhood growing up in the Police Residence. Heather was the daughter of John Thomas Cone, Police Constable, and Charlotte Helena Cone (nee Black) who had married in 1906. Constable Cone was transferred to Eltham Police Station from Lauriston (near Kyneton) in May 1911. He retired from the force around September 1922 most likely as a result of significant health concerns experienced earlier that year from 22 April when he was hospitalised. He died 5 October 1922 at Maria Street at age 60 leaving behind a widow and two daughters; his son having pre-deceased him as a result of effects of the war. He is buried in Melbourne General Cemetery . In his probate it states that he owned a piece of land 200 links frontage to Maria Street and a depth of 241 links. It is believed that this is the land opposite the Police Station which Heather Jenkins referred to as being owned by her father and where he agisted the Police horses. Heather, her sister and mother Charlotte remained in Eltham until at least the 1924 Electoral Roll where Charlotte was listed as Home Duties however by 1925 she was listed at 229 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, occupation, Registrar of Births. In the 1934 (and 1936) Electoral Roll, Heather was a Clerk and her mother Charlotte was the Registrar of Births. in 1952 following her mother’s death she made application for Grant of Probate. Heather remains listed in the 1954 Electoral Roll at 13 Ashburton Road under her maiden name Cone however by the 1963 Electoral Roll she is listed at the same address as Heather McKnight Jenkins long with James Gardiner Jenkins. Neither appear listed in the 1958 Electoral Roll. James Gardiner Jenkins (1892-1975) first wife was Fanny Davison Carrucan (1899-1929), daughter of Denis Carrucan and Jane (nee McAleese). They married in 1925. Fanny died 11 November 1929. In the 1934 Electoral Roll he remained listed at John Street, Eltham, Railway Employee however by 1935 Electoral Roll, James Gardiner Jenkins, Railway Employee, was listed at 229 Glenferrie Road, Malvern and he remained living with Charlotte and Heather Cone when they moved to 13 Ashburton Road, Glen Iris. One of Constable Cone’s first investigations upon arriving in Eltham was the accidental fatal shooting in the head with a pea rifle by young Francis August Capewell, aged 11, of John Sutcliffe Deegan, 14, in Maria Street near the Railway. Constable Cone’s replacement was Constable William Charles Sargeant who commenced in charge of the Eltham Police Station from Thursday, 10 August 1922. Constable William Charles Sargeant, and his wife Elizabeth Agnes Sargeant were based at the Eltham Police Station until his transfer to the Police Station in Burwood Road, Hawthorn. He retired at Hawthorn Police Station in 1931, described by Hawthorn Council in 1927 as in a disgraceful condition and unfit for human habitation (Kathryn Griffin family tree – Ancestry) whereupon they moved to 28 Saunders Street, Coburg. Elizabeth died 16 July 1936 in Fitzroy. William then moved to 6 Queen Street Coburg in 1936 and then 1 Queen Street in 1942 where he died 7 August 1944. He is buried at Fawkner Cemetery. Large newspaper clipping (half page), very aged and fragile with sticky tape holding it together with 4 images of early Elthameltham, police residence, heather mcknight jenkins (nee cone), constable john thomas cone, charlotte helena cone (nee black)

Hard cover, cardboard with dark blue buckram, gold print on spine. Cut, red speckled effect to edges of beige paper. Illustrated black & white, photos & maps. .1) Vol 1 - 640 pages. Title page: A permanent picture record of the Second Great War No.1. .2) Vol 2 - 732 pages. Title page: A permanent picture record of the Second Great War No.21. .3) Vol 3 - 728 pages. Title page: A permanent picture record of the Second Great War No.45. .1) Handwritten in dark blue ink on top of title page: “J H Skidmore 20 Richmond St Rockdale”books, ww2, pictorial

Chipboard base for a block mounted black and white photograph of Elizabeth St Melbourne at Franklin St. Has a stapled nylon cord on rear to provide a hanging method. Has tram W5 728 north bound to Brunswick on a route 18. In the background is the Argus building, printers of The Argus and The Australasian. Note the safety zone. Photo and story along with a photograph by Warren Doubleday of the same location September 2014 used in the October 2014 issue of Bellcord - see image i3. First two pages extracted only.On rear in ink at the top - "Donated to Hawthorn Tram Museum Feb. 19th 2012 Ron Scholten"trams, tramways, elizabeth st, brunswick, route 18, the argus, franklin st, tram 728

Contents: • Remembering The Shire Of Eltham – 20 Years On by Russell Yeoman • November Meeting • November Excursions • Madam Pietzcker by Jim Allen • Nillumbik Tales – Voices of our Elders • Local History Centre, 728 Main Road, Eltham • At the Movies by Maureen Jones • Kangaroo Ground Tower of Remembrance by Amy Shaw • Can you identify this Building? • Nillumbik ANZAC Book Project • Our Christmas Function The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

Map of area bounded by Ringwood Street, Melbourne Street and Adelaide Street, showing details of Adelaide Street allotments and existing outbuildings. Certificate of Title numbers include Ringwood Street C/T 3418-553, C/T 3563-433, Adelaide Street C/T 7151-047, C/T 7038-465, C/T 7098-464, C/T 7098-465, C/T 3604-635, C/T 8066-900, C/T 3866-118, C/T 3609-728, and C/T Vol 3670 Fol 133992.Subsequent additional notations identifying 1971 closure of Melbourne Street North, and properties of Hone, Patendon, Pines Hosptial, Mail Office, Presbyterian Church and Falconers Grocery Shop on Whitehorse Road corner.

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. 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. Country Houses and Villas Comprising 'Country Cottages' & 'The House Beautiful' illustrated with plans and interior decorations by well known Architects Author: J H Elder-Duncan Editorial secretary of "The Architectural Review" Publisher: Cassell & Co Date: 1908Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F 728 ELD Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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, 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, country houses and villas, j h elder-duncan, the architectural review

One of a series of videos "Stories from the Nillumbik Shire with Geoff Paine" Features the Justice Precinct located at 728-730 Main Road Eltham made up of the former Police Residence (1859), replica Police Station (c.1989) and the former Eltham Courthouse (1860); home of the Eltham District Historical Society. President Jim Connor gives an overview of the history behind the establishment of the Courthouse and Police Residence, the beginnings of Little Eltham and the impact of the railway arriving in 1902. Also a potted history on the establishment of the historical society.MP4 Digital file 00:04:35; 260MBeltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, eltham justice precinct, geoff paine, jim connor, lock-up, police residence, police station, shillinglaw cottage, shillinglaw cottage preservation committee, shire of eltham historical society, video recording