The interview is one of a series recorded in 2013-2014 to document memories and experiences of the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, surrounding areas and Fearon ReserveA primary source of information on memories of the Gardens and witness to changes in the Gardens over those years. CD and transcript of interview with Ken Speakman. Also present was his daughter, Nola Wilson. His son visited part of the way through the interview. Ken’s family moved to Williamstown in 1918 when he was a baby and he has lived in Williamstown, close to the Gardens since that time. He was a keen lacrosse player, playing on Fearon Reserve. Ken was interviewed for his memories of the Gardens and its relationship to Fearon Reserve. ken speakman, nola wilson, fearon reserve, lacrosse, 1918, bill crowe, william crowe, bird cage, bandstand, ramsay’s café, horses, harry stitt, cannons, aci glassworks, woollen mills, oil refinery, sims cooper, abattoir, mobil, palms, williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council

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. Introduction To Botanic Teachings Author: Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller Publisher: Government Printer Melbourne Date: 1887 Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 508.7 MUE 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, 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, introduction to botanic teachings, baron ferdinand von mueller

In 1998, the Banksia Gardens Estate was a hub of community activity, as evidenced by various neighbourhood gatherings. One notable event captured in a colour photograph shows a group of women and children engaging in conversation by the side of the road, with a boy on a bicycle nearby. This image, taken out the front of a residence, in Banksia Gardens, highlights the social dynamics and communal interactions that were prevalent in the estate during that time. Such gatherings were integral to fostering a sense of community and belonging among the residents.The photograph from 1998, depicting a group of women and children conversing by the side of the road in the Banksia Gardens Estate, holds significant historical and social value. This image, taken out the front of a residence, captures a moment of everyday life and community interaction. The presence of a boy on a bicycle adds to the scene's authenticity and charm. Such neighbourhood gatherings were crucial in fostering a sense of community and belonging among the residents. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the social dynamics and communal spirit that characterised the Banksia Gardens Estate during that period.Glossy colour photograph on white photo paper.Neighbourhood Gatherings Public Garden/Banksia Gardens 1998banksia gardens estate, broadmeadows, public housing, 1998

This photograph shows a stand of palm trees at Ezbekia Gardens, Cairo.Digital copy of black and white photograph. "Ezbekia Gardens Cairocharles marshall, world war 1

This footage was taken during lockdowns during the Covid19 pandemic.A photograph looking towards A building showing snow falling Snow Falling Over the Ballarat School of Mines Botanical Gardens.snow, ballarat school of mines, smb campus, covid19, ballarat school of mines botanical gardens, a building, administration building

The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copying. The postcards are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. This postcard, looking east on the main east-west axial path with a typical Victorian/Edwardian mown grass strip which in turn borders formal shrub beds with herbaceous plantings. The photo was taken after the Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia robusta) planted in 1915, which in turn were replaced with the same species in 1987. Sepia image of main path of Gardens, looking east towards the Osborne Street gates and three people. The path is lined with grass, shrubs and palms. Reverse: ‘POST CARD / CARTE POSTALE / Communication – Correspondence Address – Adresse’. Top right corner: a rectangle with a logo in the centre and ‘STAMP / HERE’. In pencil ‘AUSTRALIA / 50p / 1920s’postcard, gardens, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, garden-path, palms, osborne street, 1920

The original postcards in this series (2013.002 to 2013.018) were generously loaned to Williamstown Botanic Gardens by a private collector for copyingThey are evidence of the interest the gardens held as a subject for postcard publishers. The text and images provide a snapshot into fashions, social interests and concerns of the time. The professionally produced images provide a pictorial history of Gardens including changing planting styles, various structures and features of the Gardens eg the aviary, cannons, the fountain, the second Curator’s Lodge and gates. The images offer an opportunity to compare garden vistas with the present day. This postcard shows the ornamental lake, completed 1904, with its surrounding Guilfoyle influenced rockery, planted with original succulents and palms Black and white postcard titled “Williamston Gardens”. Ornamental lake surrounded by palms, with trees in the background and boarded with stone slabs. There is a small island in the middle of the image surrounded by water lilies. Inscribed on the reverse: ‘POST CARD.’ centre top underlined by two wriggly lines, the bottom one is scrolled at either end / ADRESS ONLY’ top right side of card / ‘PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA’ vertically on left side of cardpostcard, pond, palms, post-card, williamstown-botanic-gardens, hobsons-bay-city-council, water lilies, pond-island

Gardens Port Fairy, showing groups of people. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Photograph of People picnicing in the Botanical Gardensgardens, group, family, people, botanical

Entrance to Port Fairy Botanical Gardens. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. Sepia landscape of the gates to the Botanical Gardens (taken on a slant)Post card - correspondence-Addressbotanical, garden, park, griffith street, gates

This footage was taken during lockdowns during the Covid19 pandemic.A photograph looking towards Albert Street, showing snow falling Snow Falling Over the Ballarat School of Mines Botanical Gardens.snow, ballarat school of mines, smb campus, covid19, ballarat school of mines botanical gardens, m.b. john building

Black and white photograph. Group of people viewing the Gardens.On reverse handwritten, "Snap at the Burnley Gardens during R.H.S. Meeting on 22/3/30."burnley gardens, royal horticultural society of victoria meeting, royal horticultural society of victoria, rhsv, publicity

The Kew Historical Society's postcard collection includes views of Kew, Melbourne and Greater Melbourne as well as those including overseas scenes sent or received from Europe or the Middle East. They date from the 1890s to the 2000s. These postcards may or may not include the name of the publisher or printer. A number of the cards were published as parts of popular series. A way of dating early postcards is to identify whether the reverse was divided by a central line which became the norm after 1902 in the United Kingdom. However, other postcards produced after this date do not always conform to this print layout.Historic postcard of local significance showing the layout of the Alexandra Gardens in Kew. The gardens were opened in 1908 and designed/planted by the Pockett Brothers, so the planting reflects their horticultural style as well as that of the period. The postcard also depicts the Kew Jubilee Rotunda (later demolished and replaced by a second structure in 1988).Monochrome postcard showing the original 'Jubilee Rotunda' in the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road.Alexandra Gardens, Kew Oastler Leading Stationer, Kew / Printed in Saxonypostcards -- kew (vic.), alexandra gardens -- kew (vic), rotunda -- alexandra gardens -- kew (vic.), oastler -- stationers -- kew (vic.)

"Plan of School of Horticulture. Burnley Gardens 1945," handwritten on reverse. Also, photocopy of part of it, enlarged.Plan of School of Horticulture. Burnley Gardens 1945, handwritten on reverse.burnley gardens, burnley school of horticulture

One compact disc in jewel case. Williamstown High School Unit 4 Music. Seven tracks included.See images abovewilliamstown high school, 2007, music, later years

This footage was taken during lockdowns during the Covid19 pandemic.A photograph looking towards the M.B. John building showing snow falling Snow Falling Over the Ballarat School of Mines Botanical Gardens.snow, ballarat school of mines, smb campus, covid19, ballarat school of mines botanical gardens

The rotunda in the Surrey Gardens was built in 1912 and demolished in the early 1970's. The rotunda was dedicated to John Gray in appreciation of his service to the community. The watercolour was painted in 1966 by Miss Barker of Union Road. The artist may be Valerie Jean Barker of Unit 5, 246 Union Road. (REF: 1963 electoral roll). There is no knowledge of the identity of the lettering in the lower right hand corner of the painting. The medium is grey lead ink and watercolour. Framed watercolour of the rotunda in Surrey Gardens painted circa 1966. The medium is grey lead ink and watercolour.On the back: "The Rotunda in the Surrey Gardens, 1966/, Ink and watercolour by Miss Barker of Union Road, Surrey Hills/ [Could be Valerie Jean Barker, 5/246 Union Road - ref:1963 electoral roll]"

colour photograph, unmountedEdwin Knox Drinking Fountain, shows engraving: erected by subscription in 1902

Images collected by donor for Williamstown High School archives and scanned by Lindy Wallace for Botanic Gardens archiveThe images demonstrate the social value of the Gardens to the local community and how they used as a place for meeting, playing and celebrating with friends and family.Black and white image of Williamstown High School students at the Gardens. 12 boys sitting and kneeling on the grass. Flag pole, trees and another group of students are in the background. The group includes James Morton, Ian Porter, Tom Radford, Douglas Henderson. williamstown botanic gardens, hobsons bay city council, williamstown high school, 1952

One of the large cannons located in Port Fairy in reply to the threat from foreign invaders. Originally located in the fort on Battery Hill they migrated to various destinations around the town. One of the two originally located at King George Square found its way to the gardens where it occupied several locations before resting at the car entrance to the Gardens - possibly when the Avenue of Honour was planted in Bourne Avenue. A great favororite with the kids of the town, both have now been returned to their original location where they are currently having their carriages refurbished.PhotographGardens Port Fairygardens, cannon, botanical, port fairy

This photographs shows a group of people at the band stand at Ezbekia Gardens, Cairo.Digital copy of black and white photograph. "The band stand Ezbekia Gardens Cairo"charles marshall, world war 1

The "Q" Theatre Guild was formed out of the Kew Light Opera Company in 1957. It marked the transition of the company that had initially been directed by Lance Nicholls to one directed by Beatrice Oakley. It continued to perform in the Kew Recreation Hall, but, with its demolition in 1960, and the opening of the new Kew City Hall in Cotham Road, moved its productions to that venue. Productions of the "Q" Theatre Guild included The Geisha (1957), Maritana (1958), They All Do It (1959), Blossom Time (1959), Love's A Luxury (1959), There And Back & The Bohemian Girl (1960), Die Fledermaus (1960), Gay Rosalinda (1961), The Land Of Smiles (1961), Kisses For A Kid & Hansel And Gretel (1961), Die Fledermaus (1962), Monsieur Beaucaire (1964), Macbeath or The Beggar's Opera, and So To Bed.The scrapbook of annotated photographs, programmes, and newspaper reviews of which this item is a part was assembled by Marion Tilley, wardrobe mistress for, and performer in, productions by the Kew Light Opera Company and the "Q" Theatre Guild. It is significant as a remarkably complete document of theatre performances in Kew, Victoria during the 1950s and 1960s. The scrapbook, and the items individually catalogued within it, have artistic and aesthetic significance within the history of performing arts in Victoria in the middle of the 20th Century. They have social significance in that they reveal socio-cultural values and preoccupations during the period. The records also act as a history of arts activities in the Kew Recreation Hall and later in the Kew City Hall as entertainment and community arts and music precincts.Faded photograph of Jeanette Rayment in full costume in the Royal Botanical Gardens to promote The "Q" Theatre Guild's performances of Blossom Time during the Moomba Festival of 1959. The performances took place in the Alexandra Gardens. Rayment played the role of Therese in the production.Marion Tilley, the creator of the scrapbook, wrote the following underneath the photograph: "Jeanette Rayment, Botanical Gardens, promoting Blossom Time."performing arts -- kew (vic.), scrapbooks, marion tilley collection, 'q' theatre guild, musical comedy -- melbourne -- victoria, kew recreation hall

.1 Coloured photograph showing a vista of the Geelong foreshore with the baths in the distance c 1970's .2 Coloured photograph showing vista of garden beds, lawn and trees in the Geelong Botanical Gardens c1970'sVerso - Geelonggeelong, geelong baths, geelong botanical gardens

This book or register records the date, name and address and ship name and remarks of visiting seafarers from a wide range of origins. The logbook provides an insight into which ships and the origins of their crews were visiting Williamstown and Melbourne in 1933. This together with the 1945 register from Williamstown (see VC MtSV record) provides the earliest such register records surviving in the Mission heritage collection and Archive.Cover: The Victoria Missions to Seamen Melbourne / Sailors' Rest Williamstown/ Visitors' book/ 1933 ( February1933 - March-1944) / Spine:/Sailors' Rest, Williamstown - Visitors' book 1933. Inner page: details of Chaplains and caretakers and contact nos re the Mission.seafarers, seafarer registers, seafarer's rest, seafarer's rest williamstown, visitors log book, box 24, williamstown, sailors, seamen, mrs hodgkiss, j.g. sheel, crew, nationality, padre frank leslie oliver

This glossy colour photograph from 1998 captures the basketball court at Banksia Gardens in Broadmeadows. The image is a valuable piece of the social history of Banksia Gardens Estate, illustrating the recreational facilities available to residents at the time. The basketball court served as a vital community space, promoting physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion. It reflects the broader efforts to create a supportive and engaging environment for the residents of Banksia Gardens, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the community. This glossy colour photograph of the basketball court at Banksia Gardens in Broadmeadows, taken in 1998, holds significant historical value. The basketball court is emblematic of the recreational facilities provided within the Banksia Gardens Estate, reflecting the social priorities of the time. It served as a crucial community space where residents could engage in physical activity, foster social interactions, and build community cohesion. The presence of such facilities highlights the efforts made to create a supportive and engaging environment for the residents, contributing to the overall development and well-being of the community. This image stands as a testament to the importance of recreational spaces in enhancing the quality of life within public housing estates.Glossy Colour Photograph of a basketball court.Basketball Court at/Banksia Gardens Broadmeadows 1998banksia gardens estate, broadmeadows, 1998, basketball court

Proposed design for Kinloch Gardens project with 12 sites illustrated plus Kinloch Main House. Ian Jelbart owned the entire Woodridge Estate but retained the top of the hill in Arthur Street until this development in 1997-1998, which he developed in conjunction with Graeme Gunn. Ian Jelbart inherited the land from his father who had purchased it cheap during the Great Depression. Kinloch is a castle in Scotland. Ink, wash and pencil on paper adhered to 13mm thick polyurethane boardKinloch Gardensarthur street, eltham, graeme gunn, ian jelbart, jelbart property, kinloch gardens

Original gates to the Botanical Gardens. The Port Fairy Botanical Gardens were formed in 1856 making it one of the earliest gardens in Victoria. The first curator was James Prior, he was paid fifty-two pounds per annum. He was an outstanding curator having been apprenticed to the trade in England at the age of 12, his brother Edward in later years was the Curator of the Koroit Gardens. Prior retired in 1903. During the years of his curatorship Port Fairy was said to have the best gardens outside the city of Melbourne, he was constantly in touch with Baron Von Mueller and later Guilfoyle of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne. In the early years plants from all over the world were planted here with varying rates of success many of them sent by Baron Von Mueller. In the 1930’ and 40’s the gardens were still very beautiful, and the curator was Roy Manuell. The beautiful iron gates at the entrance were destroyed in the 1946 floods and were replaced in 1989 using some of the material from the original gates. From the 1950’s on the gardens went into a state of decline, much being taken up by the caravan park until in 1986, after a public meeting ‘Friends of the Gardens’ was founded when the entrance section was restored. A visual description of earlier Port FairyBlack & white landscape of the gates at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens with people and dog botanical, garden