Reproduction of a sketch by Bill Caldwell on a Neville Emerson Pty Ltd calendar for c.1980hotels, eltham, main road, pitt street

Postcard sent by Hilda and Arthur to Mrs C. Caldwell.Postcard sent from Loch Lomond View across the Loch Village of Luss on Western Shore Some wooded IslandsHandwritten messagepostcard, luss village, scotland, loch lomond

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. 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 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Fangs of The Sea Author: Norman Caldwell in collaboration with Norman Ellison Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1939 The label on the spine cover with typed text R.A. 823.912 CAL Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, 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, fangs of the sea, norman caldwell, norman ellison

Born 1866 in Glasgow. Ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1894, in Chiltern, Victoria. Served at Williamstown North from 1895, and in Deepdene from 1918. He was the first minister at Deepdene. Died in 1933B & W matte head and shoulders studio portrait of the Rev. John Caldwell, mounted on buff card.

5 ink bottles by Swan, Watermans, Angus & Co & Caldwells, 2 screwtop & 3 cork stoppers.domestic equipment, writing equipment, ink

Heather McNamara / Isobel McNamara Donated by Heather McNamara on behalf of her mother-in-law Isobel McNamara. Babies crochet bib 1896 with ribbon ties.baby, bibs, heather mcnamara, crochet

Heather McNamara, Isobel McNamara Donated by Heather McNamara on behanlf of her mother-in-law Isobel McNamara.Gold ladies watch. Gold Chain band.Alpinawrist watch

Isobel McNamaraCream card with illustration of a blue bird on a tree branch.Petless Pet Show First Prize awarded to Section 1 Greeting cardpetless pet show

ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH OWNED BY MRS. ISOBEL FOX.SEPIA COPY OF PHOTOGRAPH OF BULL & MOUTH HOTEL AT CLUNES. CROWD SCENE OUTSIDE HOTEL.local history, photography, photographs, hotels, bull & mouth

One page plan of Lease No. 10970, showing Napoleon Anticline and Central Nell Gwynne Shaft. Prepared by J. Caldwell, Mines Department Bendigo 6.2.1940.goldmining, quartz, mining, central nell gwynne gold mine, napoleon reef

In the 1980s and 1990s this property was owned by Pedro and Isobel Jiminez.A brick building in Wills Street, Studley Park, Kew.33 wills st, kew, pedro jiminez, isobel jiminez

Donated by Miss Isobel McLennan, McLennan's daughter, in 1977.Black and white photograph. J.P. McLennan, Principal. 2 copies. Copy of a portrait photograph.j.p. mclennan, principal, isobel mclennan

Collar worn by members of Heather and Isobel McNamara family- Cream lace collar - Embroidered edging and centrelace collar, mcnamara

Knitting was for shows. Part of the Heather & Isobel McNamara collection.- Cream woollen babies' jacket - Four buttons on yoke - Fine pattern on sleeves and around hem and front wool, handknitted, mcnamara collection, baby clothes

Knitted for show. Part of donation by Heather and Isobel McNamara.Cream hand knitted bonnet. Ribbon rosette and ribbon ties Fairisle pattern baby bonnet, cream wool, handmade, knitted

Early in 20th century, a small group of girls at Myrtleford State School 955 participated in honouring Empire Day each May by "dressing up" to represent Britannia. This select group of girls celebrates the might of Britannia in the first full year of World War 1. It reflects the type of celebrations schools were expected to participate in at that time and for some years to come. Alice O,Donnell, the tallest, centre pupil in the group, was to lose her life on the Australian Hospital Ship "Centaur" when it was sunk by a Japanese submarine off the Queensland coast in May, 1943.A monochrome photograph of a small group of pupils at Myrtleford State School 955 in 1915, celebrating Empire Day. Pupils include from left: Isobel Robertson, Linda Croucher, Rene Johnson, Alice O'Donnell, Agnes Collins, Dorrie Peters, Madge O'Donnell. Photograph is inscribed: "T. Foxcroft, photo"empire day myrtleford state school 955 alice o'donnell

One of several photographs submitted by Miss Isobel McLennan (see B91.73). Black and white photograph. 2 copies. (a) A postcard. Group of female students standing and male students seated on the ground. Staff standing behind the female students. Principal, Mr. McLennan standing on the right. Taken whilst on an excursion to Ripponlea.On reverse, "Students Dec 1917." (b) On reverse, "School of Primary Agric & Hortic staff and students c.1918 Staff includes George Russ, Hudson (Stockman), Richmond, Miss Grassick. school of primary agriculture and horticulture, staff, students, george russ, hudson, stockman, richmond, miss grassick, isobel mclennan, principal, mclennan, ripponlea, excursion

Donated by Heather McNamara on behalf of her mother-in-law Isobel McNamara.Oval doiley with crochet edge and needle worked Australia wild flowers, scalloped edge, beige coloured green leaves, red, pink, gold embroidered flowersneedle work, heather mcnamara

JANE AND ALEXANDER DAVIDSON. ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH OWNED BY MRS. ISOBEL FOX.COPY OF SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH OF JANE AND ALEXANDER GLADSTONE DAVIDSONlocal history, photography, photographs, costumes - female, male