Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection.Colour photograph of Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) taken while performing at Hawthorn Town Hall in 1995."6 PCE. 1995. HTC HAW. T. HALL / 1995"robin vanser, performing arts - australia - 1990s, hawthorn town hall

Post card of the Stawell Shire Hall built 1866. The Shire Hall in Longfield Street Stawell has seen many changes over time. The building originally had a brick facade as seen in this photo. The post card also shows the changes in vegetation around the building. In front of the two arched front windows of the building are two tall Dracaena's possible planted in c 1890's. The decorative fence was not in very early photographs of the building but appears in photographs around c 1890. The post card is located in Albun 14, p.9.Black & white post card of the Stawell Shire Hall. The building has a brick facade with trees in the background. In front of the two arched front windows of the building are two tall Dracaena's either side of the entrance. There is a decorative fence with posts either side of the entrance gates to the building. The post card is located in Albun 14, p.9.The Shire Hall, Stawell Victoria. Real Photo Series. M. 672. on the back Valentines real photo series POST CARD branches Sydney London Dundee Capetown Montreal Toronto all in a box. Published by the Valentine & Sons Publishing Co.Ltd. Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane.stawell

Date is approximate. Donor is the widow of Thomas Hall. Biographical notes provided: Thomas was born in Melbourne on 14/9/1928 and lived at Olinda until c1932 when his family moved to 10 Pembroke Street, Surrey Hills. He attended Surrey Hills State School, then went on to Box Hill High School (and / or Technical School - both are mentioned). He bought a horse and cart in order to be able to make deliveries for trades people and hence pay his way through technical school. He attended technical school 3 evenings per week studying building, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and bricklaying. He built many homes in the eastern suburbs. He played tennis and attended church at Church of Christ. Married Margaret on 2/4/1955. Retired to Dromana where he was a member of the garden club at Redhill. Died 24/7/2004.Black and white photo of a boy identified as Thomas William Hall of 10 Pembroke Street, Surrey Hills sitting on a delivery cart with Snowy the horse in harness. "T Hall / ....." is painted on to the side of the cart. Taken in the backyard of his home in readiness for making deliveries."THOMAS WILLIAM HALL / BORN 14.9.28 DIED 24-7-04" in blue biro on rear of photo at top.hall, thomas william (mr), horse drawn vehicles

Back Row: A. Locke, H. Owen, H. Swanton, R. Phillips, unknown, H. Jenkin, G. Swanton, E. Tuckwell, C. Spicer, G. Spicer, A. Barber, D. Kinloch, E. Pearson. Second Row: L. Bills, D. Pascoe, A. Mathias, M. Wain, R. Wain, F. Biggs, A. Knell, A. Dempster, H. Thompson, B. Graham, R. Bills, B. Bethell, J. Seymour, R. Lethbridge. Third Row: C. Webb, S. Doery, E. Stevens, L. Hicks, S. Stewardson, G. Allpress, K. Patterson, K. Rees, H. Tranter, R. Booth, N. Howie, R. Fraser, W. Holdsworth, G. Chapman, R. Moore. Fourth Row: D. Evans, A. Patterson, S. Cameron, W. Culbert, C. Rees, Mr. J. Bills (B.A.), Mr H. G. Steele (M.A., Dip. Ed. (Headmaster)), Mrs H. V. Corkhill, Mrs L. Hickman, C. Beasley, H. Buxton, A Spicer, R. Woolcock. Front Row: C. Booth, C. Mathias, S. Swanton, D. Buxton, R. Biggs, D. Nash, L. Hughes, N. Cartwright, M. Bills, R. Robertson, A. Mellor, F. Spry, H. Spry, R. Coutts, F. Pascoe.Back Row: A. Locke, H. Owen, H. Swanton, R. Phillips, unknown, H. Jenkin, G. Swanton, E. Tuckwell, C. Spicer, G. Spicer, A. Barber, D. Kinloch, E. Pearson. Second Row: L. Bills, D. Pascoe, A. Mathias, M. Wain, R. Wain, F. Biggs, A. Knell, A. Dempster, H. Thompson, B. Graham, R. Bills, B. Bethell, J. Seymour, R. Lethbridge. Third Row: C. Webb, S. Doery, E. Stevens, L. Hicks, S. Stewardson, G. Allpress, K. Patterson, K. Rees, H. Tranter, R. Booth, N. Howie, R. Fraser, W. Holdsworth, G. Chapman, R. Moore. Fourth Row: D. Evans, A. Patterson, S. Cameron, W. Culbert, C. Rees, Mr. J. Bills (B.A.), Mr H. G. Steele (M.A., Dip. Ed. (Headmaster)), Mrs H. V. Corkhill, Mrs L. Hickman, C. Beasley, H. Buxton, A Spicer, R. Woolcock. Front Row: C. Booth, C. Mathias, S. Swanton, D. Buxton, R. Biggs, D. Nash, L. Hughes, N. Cartwright, M. Bills, R. Robertson, A. Mellor, F. Spry, H. Spry, R. Coutts, F. Pascoe.carey baptist grammar school, 1923

A football trophy sponsored by a Mr W. H. Moore of the Border Inn Hotel Bacchus Marsh presented to the champion player for the Bacchus Marsh Club, R. (Ron) Durham. Presented in 1939.Silver plated football trophy.W. H. Moore Cup Bacchus Marsh FC won by R. Durhamaustralian rules football, bacchus marsh football club, ron durham australian rules football player

Ringwood Town Hall was demolished in 1971. Photo shows "Whelan the Wrecker is here" sign.Written on back of photograph, "Old town hall". No date

Colour photograph. Nursery staff member, Ross Hall, with seed collecting frameOn reverse, "13.Sep.1985," and, "Ross Hall, Nursery Staff."ross hall, nursery, staff, seed collecting frame

This bottle was used in the pharmacy of Harry London of Warrnambool. Born in England, Harry London arrived in Victoria in 1883 and worked as a chemist in Ballarat and Euroa. In 1891 he went back to England where he studied dentistry. In 1891 he came to Warrnambool where he bought the pharmacy business of the late William Nettleton. He occupied the Nettleton building in Liebig Street (95 Liebig Street today) until 1896 when he erected new premises at the south west corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets. At that time he was the only chemist in Warrnambool using a Pasteur filter for water to make up his medicines. In his dentistry business he used gas, chloroform and cocaine as anaesthetics. The making of dentures was his speciality. In 1904 he was the owner of the only set of Rontgen X Ray apparatus in Warrnambool. In 1905 his shop was the first in Warrnambool to have electric lighting installed. This item is a valuable one as it has local provenance. It came from the pharmacy business of Harry London, a prominent Warrnambool chemist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Harry London mementoes such as this are comparatively rare. This is a chemist’s glass bottle with a rectangular body, a circular neck and a rounded top. There is no stopper and the bottle is empty. The top has a small chip. The name of the chemist is embossed on the front of the bottle in an indented section of the glass. The bottle is slightly scratched and discoloured from the original contents. On front of bottle: ‘H. London Chemist & Dentist Warrnambool’ On base: ‘M’ On the body of the bottle: ‘31’ harry london, chemist, warrnambool chemists, history of warrnambool

Photograph from 1930 newspaper cutting taken of residents Celebrating Stawell Diamond Jubilee in Stawell Town Hall. The photograph taken of the interior in the town Hall showing the painting at the one end of the hall. Note the wooden door head decoration. The newspaper is dated October 18, 1930. The large crowd fills the scene taken of residents in the hall spilling over to the stage area. Black and white newspaper photograph of a large crowd inside a hall taken in 1930. There are 2 photographs of newspaper cuttings from The Weekly Times of the crowd scene.The WEEKLY TIMES Magazine section 6, October 18, 1930, Stawell Celebrates Diamond Jubilee by Entertainment of Old Residents. Happy Party at the Old Time Ball in Stawell Town Hall. Handwritten - X Grace where cross is near Stage on one newspaper cutting. On the second newspaper cutting is Belle Mcleod marked with an X.stawell

Wooden framed World War 1 memorial - Two Men Went Forth From This Home - Charles H. Willis 1915 & Norman G. Willis 1915. To fight for the preservation of Australia's nationhood. Titled - 1914 The World War . 1918. Photo inserts of Charles H. Willis 1915 & Norman G. Willis 1915. Grey colored title band. Green wreath encircling with a stylized Australian Soldier with rifle and bayonet.Memorial for Charles H. Willis 1915 & Norman G. Willis 1915. Two men went forth from this home.

A H Dunstan was a doctor who practised in Warrnambool from approximately 1916 to 1929. He practised from "Cambourne" on the corner of Liebig Street and Raglan Parade. The property was named after his father's substantial home in Bendigo, his father being mayor of Bendigo around the turn of the century. Dr Dunstan was a member of the warrnambool golf club and he and his wife were involved in many aspects of social life in the town.The property still operates to this day as Cambourne clinic one of Warrnambool's medical clinics. A link to one of Warrnambool's earlier doctors and properties.Small brass rectangular engraved plate. It has screw holes in each corner and the name has been stamped A. H. Dunstan MBBS Physician & Surgeonwarrnambool, cambourne warrnambool, a h dunstan warrnambool, doctor a hedley dunstan

Presented to Carlton FC secretary H O Bell in recognition of Carlton's 1947 premiershipThe awarded trophy although for the 1947 season was passed onto former Carlton player Cyril Mann who missed selection for the 1945 Grand Final (The Blood Bath) victory over South Melbourne. Cyril Mann's maternal Grandfather William Cooper "is remembered as the Australian Aboriginal political activist, much-respected community leader and genuine man of stature whose extraordinary lifetime achievements cannot be properly acknowledged in the limited space available here". Tony De Bolfo 2013.Comprises stainless steel & bronze. Small bronze medallion sits atop ash tray on a small pedestal."Awarded to H O Bell Secretary Carlton Football Club 1947 PREMIERS" The VFL emblem is depicted on one side of the medallion.

Portrait of R. M. & M. C. Telford taken at their home in Scallan Street. C1895stawell

M Nelson !people

Mr.Rex H. Hollioake was Shire Secretary for the Ballarat Shire Council from 10th August 1958 till 10th February 1993. This photo forms part of a collection taken to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre on 20th November 1959.Original Historic Photo of all Councilors for the year 1959.Mr Rex H. Hollioake,Shire Engineer. Sepia photo,(rectangular),on white mount,situated right hand side of middle row of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Presented to Ballarat Shire Council by C.E.Brown,President 1959-1960.To commemorate opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959. wendouree municiple centre opening 1959, ballarat shire council 1959, shire secretary, hollioake rex

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Print copy of an original performance photograph of Robin Vanser (Vandersluys) in performance at the Kew Civic [Town] Hall with Lennie Holmes FourKew Town Hall c.1963 | Robin Vanser (Vandersluys) | Lennie Holms Fourperforming arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, kew civic hall - kew town hall

Harris. WM. & Jane – Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Decorations in Mechanics Hall Great Western. 1932 In Great Western Families Book under Harris are similar photo'sBlack and white photo, Showing decorations in Mechanic Hall for Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Floral arrangements on stands . Ceiling swags with diamonds and Bells possibly paper. Closed off area fronted with Diamonds cut out and attached to board. Group includes Ernest Harris & Wife. Decorations in Mechanics Hall Great Western for Diamond Wedding 1932 William Harris And Jane Harris ( Nee Colley) 21 October 1932stawell

Commemorative plaque for the funding of the Master Tape area by the Helen M. Schutt Trust. As an audio library, master tapes were created so that titles could be duplicated multiple times. Preserving these master tapes required a temperature controlled environment and minimal dust or dirt.Metal plate attached to wooden plaqueThis Master Tape area was funded by the Helen M. Schutt Trust (followed by brailled version of above)nameplates, royal victorian institute for the blind, association for the blind

This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand.The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Sepia postcard, one of a series of views of Xavier Preparatory School [Burke Hall], located in the house in Nolan Avenue formerly known as Waverley, then Studley Hall."Study Hall, Xavier Preparatory School, Kew / POST CARD / A REAL PHOTOGRAPH / PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA" / "Ballroom"burke hall -- kew (vic), xavier preparatory school, postcards -- kew (vic.)

Undated, but after town hall demolition (1970) and others in this SS358 series are 1971-73Written on back of photograph, "Town hall site from railway bridge."

Black and white photograph of street looking towards Midway Arcade and old town hall.Written on reverse of VC777-1 "Dec 1969 OLD TOWN HALL"

This booklet is an incomplete collection of family histories of the early days of Lavers Hill and District. A short history of the Lavers Hill Hall building is also provived.Early Otway residents. Lavers Hill Hall Committee. Lavers Hill Hall Committee; Lavers Hill (Vic); 1989. ii, 36 p. Soft cover.

St. Paul's Church of England from Town Hall in 1962Written on back of photographs, "Town Hall roof 12/62. St. Paul's C. of E."

M J O'Connellpeople

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 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 Plays of J M Barrie Author: J. M. Barrie Publisher: Hodder Stoughton Date: 1936Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 822 BAR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institutewarrnambool, 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 plays of j m barrie