Image of Thomas Davis, who was assicuated with the Young Ireland movement. thomas davis, young ireland

Comprehensive Baker Family History / John,Ann of 48 pages.John Weaver Baker arrived in Williamstown aboard the "Marion" on 25th January 1848.He was transported from Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight as an "Exile",having been convicted of having in his possesion a silk handkerchief and sentenced to 10 years.On arrival he "left ship at own request",finding his own way to Melbourne and a new life.Proof of birth has at this time not been located,it is possible he may have been an orphan.He met Ann Neligan,an Irish orphan,who along with her sister,Eliza,made the journey from the poor house in Mallow on board ship.They were Married in Melbourne 9th July 1850. They had three daughters Caroline Ann 2nd May 1851,Elizabeth Conchetta 1st April 1853,died 20th August 1853,and Elizabeth born 1854.History of Journey of the Baker family from England and Ireland to Australia, then Melbourne/Ercildoune/Addington and finally to Donald.Family History Book, England / Ireland to Australia. Melbourne to Ercildoune / Addington and Addington to Donald. Author Jean Tillet/ Great Grandaughter.18/06/2010.Baker, John and Ann, Family History.ercildoune, addington, baker family

Letter handwritten from Henry Thomas and Co. Liverpool, (the Black Star Line) to Mr Samuel Harkin, Ireland, in reply to an enquiry about the vessel "Iowa". Black ink on blue stationery.TRANSCRIPTION: "Henry Thomas and Co, Liverpool. "Black Star" line of Australian Packets. Liverpool, July 10, 1854. Mr. Samuel Harkin (?), Messes Baird and Hardy, London House, Ballymena, Ireland. Dear Sir, In answer to your favor of 7th inst., we beg to say that we have not yet received any official report from the "Iowa" but presume she is doing well - yhe first news we shall forward to your address. We remain, dear Sir, Yours Respectfully, Henry Thomas and Co."flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, letter, iowa, henry thomas and co, black star line, ship enquiry, liverpool, australian packets

Lessons for the Use in Schools Publisher: National Education Ireland Date: 1862flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, book, lessons for the use in schools, national education ireland

One of a group of items including lace and crochet collars, a chid's dress and a wedding dress donated by KHS member, Kathryn (Kate) Gwynne Reeve (nee Marx) that belonged to members of her family. A jabot is a pleated frill of cloth or lace attached down the centre front of a woman's blouse or dress.Irish lace jabot. H 31.5 cm / W 35 cmjabots, lace

Lord Robert's victorious British armies raise the Union Jack flag at the Transvaal Republic Parliament building after the occupation of Pretoria on June 6th 1900 during the second Anglo Boer War.boer war, anglo boer war, transvaal, pretoria, south africa,

One of two sets of stereographs donated by the O'Beirne family along with a stereoscope for viewing (Stereoscope is Registration no. 2014-51).Stereograph of two black and white images. Images are of two men and a small white dog on a horsedrawn cart along a wide pavement.(94) Ross Castle/Lakes of Killarney, Ireland.stereographs

Ron Setford and his wife Grace Setford lived in Tanner Avenue, East Kew, from c.1946 to c.1995. A keen photographer, he recorded the changing face of Kew over a 20 year period. Apart from 30 photographs of built structures and places in Kew dating from 1960 and 1961, 145 of his 35mm colour slides chronicle the development of the F19 (later renamed Eastern) Freeway through the Yarra Valley in Kew over a five year period from c.1972 to c.1977. This important collection was donated to the Society by his granddaughter in 2025.This collection of 175 35mm slides is of local and statewide significance, owing to its subject matter, particularly the major development of road transport infrastructure during the 1970s with the construction of the Eastern Freeway. The photographer also took care to annotate and date most of his slides which enable the researcher to pinpoint temporal and spatial locations."Willsmere Park underpass / Macdougal of Ireland contractors"ron setford, eastern freeway, f19 freeway

Medal awarded to Barry Brothers at the National Show 1892 for their Irish Jaunting Car. Around edge of medal: County of Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society 1892. On centre: Barry Brothers, Irish Jaunting Car.bendigo, institutions, bendigo agricultural society

19th century Irish linen Christening gown and matching petticoat donated by Ruth Starkey. The Christening gown and petticoat have been in the family for around 170 years, passed to generations. They were sewn by Eliza Lynon in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. The following history has been provided by Ruth Starkey: • Town of origin is Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, sewn by Eliza Lynon. • The gown came to Australia with Eliza Lynon on the Red Jacket in 1855. • Eliza married Joseph Dobbyn (who was a member of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Regiment) at Christ Church Geelong. • They built a home at 150 McKillop St, Geelong. Melrose was the name of the home. • Family name Dobbyn - Joseph Wilson Dobbyn b. 07/04/1844 - d 12/10/1892 and Elizabeth (Eliza b 12/03/1847 d 26/08/1934) and passed to Eliza Jane, Jessie Victoria Mary and Lucy Ellen Dobbyn (sisters). • Lucy Ellen nee Dobbyn, married Herbert Blunt, Boatbuilder Geelong at Christ Church Geelong • All lived at 150 McKillop St Geelong over the years • Passed to Marjorie May Fearn born nee Blunt who was baptized at Christ Church Geelong 29/5/1915 • Passed to Ann Rosemary Starkey nee Fearn • Passed to Ruth Norelle Starkey (me) I was baptized at Christ Church Geelong. • I am the great- great granddaughter of Joseph and Eliza and the great granddaughter of Herbert and Lucy.Irish linen Christening gown with cutwork anglais. Cutwork along hem is scalloped with a central motif going down the centre front of the body. Bodice is embroidered in a v shape at the front and has cutwork embroidered sleeves. Skirt is attached to the bodice with cartridge pleats.irish linen, christening, religion, children's clothing, ceremonial, church, geelong, red jacket ship, enniskillen, christ church geelong, northern ireland

Coloured photo of the Winchcombe family residence on corner of Doncaster East and Glen Roads, Mitcham in 2006. Mrs Winchcombe(nee Ireland) is related to Ireland family who were early orchardists and florist in Mitcham areawinchecombe family, ireland family, doncaster east road, mitcham, no.35

WW1 Holmes Family souvenirAustralian WW1 soldier's souvenirTwo black and white postcards of a treed scene with river. It is the Lagan, Belfast, Irelandchatham-holmes family collection

Slide, ST.PATS PROCESSION MELBOURNE 1961, Marina Irish Dancing Group Sunshine,slide, st.pats procession melbourne 1961, st.pats procession melbourne 1961

A priest says mass in an Irish Cabin, surrounded by a number of kneeling men and women.ballarat irish, mass, religion, catholic, priest

Possibly belonging to Mrs Jack Crowe of Yambuk. Owner of the Yambuck general store in later years. Lace top of an undergarment or night attireCottom trim irish crochet work for a petticoat. 3 buttons to fasten in frontlocal history, handcrafts, crochet, lace, top

Sixth reading Book, formerly fifth book. For the use of schools. New edition revised. Printed and published under the direction of the Commissioners of National Education Ireland.Fad Fair conditioned purple cloth-bound hardcover book, embossed decoration to front & back covers. Title embossed on front, 'National Education Commissioners Ireland embossed within oval shape on back. Cover worn & stained, loss of colour, tear to upper spine. Previous repair/reinforcement to hinges. Page edges stained & discoloured. Pages 45-50 torn upper spine. 494 pp.Front flyleaf, 'Elizabeth Poulter/5th Class, Nov. 2th, 1874', handwritten cursive, /'Elizabeth', handwritten in pencil.reading text.

Page 600 from an issue of The Graphic (21 June, 1884), featuring a lithograph entitled: NOTES AT THE LAWN-TENNIS MEETING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF IRELAND AT DUBLIN. Celebrates Herbert Lawford's win of the 1884 Irish Championship. Materials: Paper, Inktennis

TROVE : Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), Saturday 7 September 1901, page 2 BONNINGTON'S IRISH MOSS. Bonnington's Carrageen Irish Moss was first introduced into New Zealand 35 years ago, and it spread gradually until the sales now extend through the whole colony, and has been in constant demand ever since. Through the genuine merits of the widely known and popular remedy for coughs, colds, etc., and encouraged by this success in New Zealand, the proprietor (Mr. Geo. Bonnington) chemist of that colony, was induced to place his celebrated preparation on the Australian market. With that object in view, some eight or ten years ago, a factory for manufacturing purposes was established (under the style of Bonnington and Co.) at 179 Harris-street, Sydney. Since then, its sales have spread far and wide, and the proprietors are pleased to notify the public generally that Bonnington's Carrageen Irish Moss can now be obtained in all the states of Australia. Every year it is becoming more known, and when once tried is always appreciated by the people. Hundreds of testimonials have been received by the proprietors from all parts, testifying to the wonderful curative properties in allaying irritating coughs, bronchitis, colds, and affections of the vocal organs. For the cure of croup, whooping cough, etc., it has proved marvellously successful and is especially prized by mothers for their children, as it never fails to give relief and effect a speedy cure. Containing nothing injurious, there is not the least danger in giving it to children. If they are troubled at night with a hacking cough or any chest affection, one dose will relieve and ensure a good night's rest. The unparalleled which has attended the sale of Bonnington's Carrageen Irish Moss has led to many worthless imitations, and the public when purchasing are cautioned to be sure and ask for Bonnington's. TROVE : Gippsland Times (Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Thursday 1 October 1908, page 3 BONNINGTON'S IRISH MOSS Can be had from any chemist or store. It is the universal remedy for Influenza, Coughs and Colds. A safe and pleasant medicine for children as well as adults. Brown cardboard box with dark blue printed text on side and pink label with black text on top. Contains seven (7) unopened and one (1) opened tall grey boxes with printed white red and black labels. Each grey box containing a cork stoppered rectangular amber glass bottle, with a red, black and white printed label. Each bottle filled with a dark liquid.Outer square cardboard box in dark blue printed text within a decorative border : ' ONE DOZEN BONNINGTON'S Irish Moss for CUGHS, COLDS, INFLUENZA etc'. Pink label sealing paper on top of outer brown cardboard box with black printed text : 'BONNINGTON'S IRISH MOSS PRICES:- No.1 size 36/6 doz. No. 2 size 56/- doz. Retail Price :- Small size 3/6 Large size 6/3. IN QUANTITY Individual packaging boxes containing bottles : Paper labels on each bottle : Embossed on side of bottles in recessed cartouche ' BONNINGTON'S IRISH MOSS COUGHS & COLDS'. Embossed on base of bottles AGM logo and 'IS 804' (4 inverted) over '6'. croup, carrageen, coughs, influenza

The centre is at the main dock gate (Corry Road) within easy walking distance of most ships on North Shore. Facilities include a Flying Angel Centre with free Wifi & computer access, a bar and café, currency exchange, a choice of mobile phone & internet cards, pool table, chapel, gift shop, clothes shop and lounge area. Belfast is one of the many centres from the Mission to Seafarers network around the world.Mission located in the docks in Belfast North Ireland. Behind is the St Joseph's Church Sailortown.mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, mission to seamen, belfast, north ireland, ports

Letter to secretary dated 29th July 1893 from E V Browne Ireland.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery, e v browne ireland

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. The History of Ireland Ancient and Modern. Taken from the most authentic records and Dedicated to the Irish brigade Author: Abbé Mac-Geoghegan Translated from the French by Patrick O'Kelly Publisher: James Duffy Date: 1849 This book is covered in leatherLabel on spine cover with typed text PAT 941.5 MAC Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the history of ireland, abbé mac-geoghegan, patrick o'kelly

Coloured photo of south - west side of the Winchcombe family home on the corner of Doncaster East and Glen Roads, Mitcham in 2006 Mrs. Winchcombe, nee Ireland is related to the Ireland family who were orchardists and florist in Mitcham area in the early 1900s.winchcombe family, ireland family, doncaster east road, mitcham, no.35

Second black and white photograph of Albert Howlett rolling bandages when off duty due to illness 04892.1 18 x 24 cmBlack and white photograph of Albert Howlett 3119 3rd LH Sq in uniform prior to embarkation on Anglo Egyptian, Victoria. Second black and white photograph of Albert Howlett rolling bandages when off duty due to illness world war 1914-1918 aif

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. Folk-Lore and Legends Ireland Author: CJT Publisher: W W Gibbings Date: 1889Label on spine has typed text PAT FIC THO Pastedown front endpaper has 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, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, folk-lore and legends ireland

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. The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol 1 Author: W H Ireland Publisher: G Berger Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 92 NAP Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the life of napoleon bonaparte vol 1, w h ireland

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. The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol 2 Author: W H Ireland Publisher: G Berger Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 92 NAP Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, the life of napoleon bonaparte vol 2, w h ireland