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 1942 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. The International Scientific Series Vol 65 On The Senses, Instincts, and Intellegence of Animals. With special reference to Insects. Author: Sir John Lubbock Publisher: Keegan Paul Trench & Co Date: 1888Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 591.5 LUB Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Inside front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the international scientific series vol 65, sir john lubbock

The cast of a captive male Golden Cat was made by David Pepper-Edwards at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW. David Pepper-Edwards used a number of plaster cast footprints for comparison of unidentified field casts.Plaster casts of a male Snow Leopard showing front and rear footprints. These casts were used in the identification of photographs and sightings of large cats in the Australian Bush. Australian Animal Folklore CollectionVerso: TZ, Snow leopard, male, 27/7/03, front + rearaustralian animal folklore, david pepper edwards, pepper edwards, snow leopard, big cat, cat, footprint, cast

Poster advertising Bendigo Agricultural & Horticultural Spring Show. Printed on paper in blue and red with photographs of animals, poultry and birds. Printed by Bolton Bros. Markings ' Bolton Bros., Printers, Bendigo.'organization, club/society, community

Wooden bow saw for dove-tailing and tenon joints. Has handles for pulling the saw - one larger than the other. Blade is 28.5cm across. Tension is held by an animal gut product.Nonebow saw

Toy desk with 14 coloured cards and 55 plastic, letters, numbers and figures plus animals, shapes and one tree. Two sliding covers on the area containing the plastic shapes etc.Fisher Price Toys School Deskfrom nunawading toy library

A single steel swingletree with a wide bar at the base attached to steel bars make a triangular shape. It was used to balance the pull of a draught horse or other draught animals when pulling a vehicle.horse accessories, swingletree, horses, horse tack

Leather bridle with metal chain.trades, saddlering, transport, animal

Large wooden round shaft with two round rings at either end. Centre ring has a metal hook attached.transport, animal, rural industry, livestock

Large wooden horizontal shaft with two metal rings at either end and large centre rings.transport, animal, rural industry, livestock

Leather bridle for a horse. Chain and metal bit attached th the leather straps.trades, saddlering, transport, animal

Wide horizontal wooden shaft with two iron rings at each end and one in the centre.transport, animal, rural industry, livestock

bronzehorse, animal, sculpture, jeffery wilkinson

This book by Peter Pavey won the Australian Children's Picture Book of the Year in 1980. It was published as a Walker classic. Peter Pavey was a resident of Ringwood and now has retired to a walnut farm.Book by local Ringwood author. Brightly coloured covers with title on front and text on mustard coloured back page. 20 pages of multicoloured drawings and text with ten pages dedicated to counting animals.The Children's Book Council Of Australia - Picture Book Of The Year.

The cast of a captive male Sumatran Tiger aged 5 months was made by David Pepper-Edwards at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW. David Pepper-Edwards used a number of plaster cast footprints for comparison of unidentified field casts.Two plaster casts of a five month old male Sumatran tTiger footprint. These casts were used in the identification of photographs and sightings of large cats in the Australian Bush. Australian Animal Folklore Collectionverso: TZ, Sumatran Tiger, males, 5 months, 3/04australian animal folklore collection, david pepper edwards, pepper edwards, big cat, cat, sumatran tiger, plaster cast, footprint, mythical, myth, folklore

Stitched heavy leather case with two hair brushes (oval shaped). Case has leather strap and leather-covered metal buckle. Brushes are ebony wood with natural bristles (animal - pig??)personal effects, travel goods, brushes

Rudi Mineur was born in Holland and grew up in Tasmania. He came to live in Surrey Hills with his wife Betsie and their 3 sons in 1974. Rudi worked as a taxidermist. With a keen interest in natural science, he is also a talented watercolourist and model-maker. His work included model-making for the Melbourne Museum and creating special effects for films including 'Mad Max'. He is also renowned for his sculpting of netsuke. He illustrated the book 'Growing up in the Goldrush' by Michael Dugan (pubd. 1989), who also lived locally. A colour photo in portrait format taken on Surrey Hills Day. He has greying hair and beard and seated behind a table on which are an assortment of stuffed animals / birds, shells, bones and a microscope.Nilrudi mineur, taxidermy, artist, netsuke, surrey hills day

Black and white photograph of Lake Tyers taken from Aboriginal Station showing island in lake and entrance in distance with animal hides drying along the fence sheep and cattle Lake Tyers Victoriawaterways, topography

This photograph shows a baby with a black sheep in the Melbourne Royal Show Animal Nursery. The Animal Nursery, first set up in 1964, has been a place where Show-goers can get up close experiences with a variety of farm animals.Colour photograph, portrait, printed on glossy paper.children, kids at show, sheep, animal nursery

The cast of a captive African Lion was made by David Pepper-Edwards at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, NSW. This cast was taken in deep mud to demonstrate the abnormal shape of such casts. Sometimes cats claws are clearly visible from such casts and so being confused with that of a large dog. David Pepper-Edwards used a number of plaster cast footprints for comparison of unidentified field casts.Plaster cast of a Lion footprint. These casts were used in the identification of photographs and sightings of large cats in the Australian Bush. The plaster has remnant straw like material attached. Australian Animal Folklore Collectionaustralian animal folklore collection, pepper edwards, david pepper edwards, big cats, mythical, myth, folklore

Three dimensional model of the Ziebell Farmhouse constructed on a table tennis table. Model includes buildings, trees and animals. Model is enclosed in clear plastic with numeric key and descriptions relating to descriptions above model.As per photomodel making, model, ziebell, farmhouse, table tennis, buildings, animals, trees.

The children are gathered in the courtyard at the former Bulla Primary School with two adults and their pets to celebrate the school's Pets Awareness Day. Jenny Patty and Sue Murphy are the two adults. Bulla Primary used to run a number of extra-curricular programs at the school that also involved the local community.A coloured photograph of two adults standing in a sheltered outdoor area at a school with the children, many of whom are holding small animals. A blue stone building and a cream painted weatherboard building are partly visible in the background. pets awareness day, bulla primary school, jenny patty, sue murphy

Also second print 7 x 11.5Black and white photograph of the North Arm and township, taken from Allens Hill, looking across the Butcher's Paddock. It shows the slaughter house, sheep, lambs and other animals in the paddock. Lakes Entrance Victoriawaterways, topography, township, animals

During the Great Depression from 1929 to 1932, rabbit trapping was a means of survival for many people. Rabbits provided meat and pelts which were sold for making felt hats such as the Akubra. Rabbit populations are controlled in the 21st century by poisoning, destroying or 'ripping' burrows (warrens), biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, and by shooting. Rabbit-proof fences also prevent the spread of rabbits into some areas. (ref. Powerhouse Museum) Steel-jawed rabbit traps were widely used in urban and rural Australia from 1880 to 1980. This trap is symbolic of the battle that Australians have waged against burgeoning rabbit populations for over a century. Rabbits cause enormous damage to Australian soils and biodiversity. The introduction of rabbits to this country was an environmental disaster.Two iron rabbit traps. Each consists of a pair of jaws held closed by spring tension and a triggering mechanism. When the trap is triggered the jaws close over the top of the bridge, plate and tongue mechanism that is designed to trigger the trap. A chain is attached by a hook on the bent end of the trap's spring with a long steel spike looped over the last link of the other end of the chain. The trap is designed so that the metal jaws snap shut against each other when the trap is activated by the application of weight to the pressure plate. In use, traps are set with open jaws, buried lightly just below the surface of the earth. When an animal steps on the pressure plate, the jagged teeth of the jaws snap around the animal's leg, usually breaking bone and sinew. Thus the animal is immobilised.rabbits rural trapping

During the Great Depression from 1929 to 1932, rabbit trapping was a means of survival for many people. Rabbits provided meat and pelts which were sold for making felt hats such as the Akubra. Rabbit populations are controlled in the 21st century by poisoning, destroying or 'ripping' burrows (warrens), biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis, and by shooting. Rabbit-proof fences also prevent the spread of rabbits into some areas. (ref. Powerhouse Museum) This trap was used in the Orbost district. Steel-jawed rabbit traps were widely used in urban and rural Australia from 1880 to 1980. This trap is symbolic of the battle that Australians have waged against burgeoning rabbit populations for over a century. Rabbits cause enormous damage to Australian soils and biodiversity. The introduction of rabbits to this country was an environmental disaster.A rusted iron rabbit trap which consists of a pair of jaws held closed by spring tension and a triggering mechanism. When the trap is triggered the jaws close over the top of the bridge, plate and tongue mechanism that is designed to trigger the trap. A chain is attached by a hook on the bent end of the trap's spring with a long steel spike looped over the last link of the other end of the chain. The trap is designed so that the metal jaws snap shut against each other when the trap is activated by the application of weight to the pressure plate. In use, traps are set with open jaws, buried lightly just below the surface of the earth. When an animal steps on the pressure plate, the jagged teeth of the jaws snap around the animal's leg, usually breaking bone and sinew. Thus the animal is immobilised. rabbit-trap rural

Since 1964, the Animal Nursery has been a popular attraction at the Melbourne Royal Show, allowing visitors to get up close to farm animals.Colour photograph, landscape, printed on glossy paper.pigs, animal nursery, piglet, pig

Animal NurseryColour photograph, landscape, printed on glossy paper.children, kids at show, animal nursery