This cloth or rag book “The Life of a Bold AB on his Ship in the Rolling C” is a child’s ABC or A-Z illustrated book written in poetic form with the theme of the British Navy at turn of 20th century. This rare book is one of the first cloth books manufactured for children. It is likely that the book was illustrated by Will Kidd and published in London by Dean and Son, circa 1902, according to research of similar books. The book was sent to Flagstaff Hill as padding around the donated medal of Nelson Johnson for bravery at the time of the shipwreck of Eric the Red. This medal is also in our collection. The book was published by Dean & Son of London, established around 1800.This book is an early example of early 20th century children's literature.Rag book (or cloth book), child's book "The Life of a Bold AB on his ship in the rolling C". Illustrated ABC book with poetic text, telling the story of a young sailor's life at sea. Images are screen printed onto cloth pages. Bottom edges are salveges, top and side edges are frayed. The book is bound by stitching through the middle of the centre pages. Original red coloured print of front cover has faded. Theme of book is British Navy at turn of 20th century. Published by Dean and Sonflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, dean and son, child’s book, cloth book, rag book, children’s sailor book, 20th century children's literature, abc book, nautical book, maritime storybook, dean & son, toy book

This is a hard cover book of 39 short stories. The cover is faded and worn at the edges. The title is reliefed in a gold rectangle with a crown surrounded by couchant royal lion and unicorn. There is a central illustration of a kangaroo with a hunter in the distance framed by rope around a colonnade. There is an arrangement of sporting equipment at the base of the colonnade. There are inscriptions in black ink which have been re written in grey lead in a child's hand.fictionThis is a collection of 37 short stories for boys presented as an annual collection. joe kane, lindsay family, woolsthorpe, quamby

This book was given to Ivy Scouller in 1899 as a Sunday School prize. Ivy Scouller married Harry Herbert George Watson (son of Mr. and Mrs. Watson of Warragul) James Cameron (1846-1922) was a prominent Orbost citizen - a justice of the peace, shire councillor, guardian of St James Anglican Church, Sunday school superintendent and president of the local agricultural society. James married 19-year-old Sarah Scouller, of Birregurra on 30 April 1879 at Colac, .This book, one of a series, was a popular example of children's literature with a religious theme in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.A hard cover book, titles "Chrissy's Endeavour". The cover is grey. The title is in black print on a gold background with a dotted border. The cover is decorated with green leaves and silver flowers. Below the title is "Pansy" and at the bottom left is "The Lily Series".Handwritten in ink " Ivy Scouller Mr Cameron's Prize for Repeating XX111 Psalm St James Sunday School Orbost 31st Dec 1899"cameron-james scouller-ivy pansy-books

Sylvia Jean Veronica McCullagh Barr (1914–1998) was a student at the Presbyterian Sabbath School in Dennington, near Warrnambool. In December 1930, she received a book as an award from F. Jones, the Sabbath School Superintendent, recognising her involvement and achievements at the school. Sylvia was the granddaughter of James McCullagh (1831–1911) and Elizabeth Eccles (1831–1909), a pioneering couple in the region. Married in 1856, James and Elizabeth settled at Oak Grove, Yangery, Illowa from 1859, where they lived until their deaths. One of James and Elizabeth’s sons, William McCullagh (1873–1940), married Margaret Jane Russell (1879–1981). William and Margaret also made their home at Oak Grove and raised eleven children there, including Sylvia.The book, “That Boarding School Girl” by Dorita Fairlie Bruce, represents an example of literature accessible to older girls during the early 20th century. It was specifically selected as an end-of-year award, recognising consistent attendance at Sabbath School. Such choices highlight the role of books in supporting the educational and moral development of young women during this period. The book is important as a connection to the early township of Dennington, a community distinguished by its established school and church. This association reflects the values the community placed on education and religious instruction. The book’s significance is further enhanced by its relationship with colonial pioneer families in Australia, particularly those from Victoria and the Warrnambool district in southwest Victoria. It is a tangible link to the history and legacy of these early settlers, who were instrumental in shaping the regional development. That Boarding School Girl Author: Dorita Fairlie Bruce Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1926 The front cover and the page opposite the fly page have drawn and coloured illustrations. The cloth-covered, hardcover book includes black and white illustrations and coloured illustrations on the front cover and frontispiece. The front cover illustration shows a teenage irl in a school tunic, standing beside a piano with one hand on the backrest of a tilted chair. Inscriptions are printed on the front loose endpaper and handwritten on the fly page. The book belonged to Sylvia McCullagh. It was awarded to her as a prize in 1930.Handwritten on the top of the fly page: "Sylvia McCullagh Den" [ Den - abbreviation for Dennington] " Presbyterian Sabbath School, Dennington. Prize Awarded to: Sylvia McCullagh. December 1930." "F. Jones, Superintendent"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, that boarding school girl, dorita fairlie bruce, sylvia mccullagh, sylvia jean veronica mccullagh, sylvia barr, james mccullagh, elizabeth eccles mccullagh, william mccullagh, margaret jane russell mccullagh, oak grove, yangery, illowa, dennington, presbyterian sabbath school, presbyterian sunday school, dennington presbyterian church, book award, book prize, book presentation, f. jones, sabbath school superintendent, 1930

Alma McCullagh was a student at the Presbyterian Sabbath School located in Dennington, near Warrnambool. In January, around 1928, she received a book as an award from R. Conn, her Sabbath School teacher, in recognition of her involvement and achievements at the school. The exact year of this award is based on available records: in January 1928, Alma was presented with a prize by R. Conn, whereas by 1930, the role of awarding prizes had passed to F. Jones. Alma was probably the granddaughter of James McCullagh (1831–1911) and Elizabeth Eccles (1831–1909), who were pioneering settlers in the region. James and Elizabeth married in 1856 and established their home at Oak Grove, Yangery, Illowa from 1859, residing there until their deaths. One of their sons, William McCullagh (1873–1940), married Margaret Jane Russell (1879–1981). William and Margaret continued the family tradition, making their home at Oak Grove as well. They raised eleven children, with Alma likely being among the youngest of their children.The book, “The Rose Book for Girls”, edited by Mrs Herbert Strang, represents an example of literature accessible to older girls during the early 20th century. It was specifically selected as an end-of-year award, recognising consistent attendance at Sabbath School. Such choices highlight the role of books in supporting the educational and moral development of young women during this period. The book is important as a connection to the early township of Dennington, a community distinguished by its established school and church. This association reflects the values the community placed on education and religious instruction. The book’s significance is further enhanced by its relationship with colonial pioneer families in Australia, particularly those from Victoria and the Warrnambool district in southwest Victoria. It is a tangible link to the history and legacy of these early settlers, who were instrumental in shaping the regional development. In addition, the book is notable for its connection to the McCullagh family, a prominent farming family whose contributions supported the social and economic growth of the local district. This historical association enriches its value, situating the book within the broader narrative of community progress and pioneer achievement in the area, and highlighting its place within a tradition of religious life and community building.The Rose Book for Girls A collection of short stories by various authors Edited by Mrs Herbert Strang Publisher: Henry Frowde, Hodder & Stoughton, London Printer: Morrison & Gibb Ltd., Tanfield, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK Date: 1916 Hardcover book. Deep pink front and back covers, decorated with garlands of pink and white flowers, cupids and blue ribbons. The front has a cameo with a seated girl in white, with a book in her lap. Details on the spine: title, author, publisher and a sketched female in 19th-century dress holding a fan. The fly page shows details of the book and has a black and red sketch of two seated girls, one reading, the other stitching. Twenty-five books are listed on the Contents page, as well as the printer's details. Within the book are several colourful sketches. Inscriptions include the name of the book's previous owner, Alma McCullagh.Front loose-end paper: "Presbyterian Sabbath School, Dennington. Prize Awarded to: Alma McCullagh. January. (year is unreadable, circa 1928) R. Conn, Teacher"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, book, the rose book for girls, mrs herbert strang, short stories, henry frowde, hodder & stoughton, london, morrison & gibb ltd, 1916, alma mccullagh, james mccullagh, elizabeth eccles mccullagh, ca. 1928, dennington, southwest victoria, warrnambool district, presbyterian sabbath school, presbyterian sunday school, dennington presbyterian church, book award, book prize, book presentation, r. conn, sabbath school superintendent

Daughter of George Temple and Mary McAuslane of Castlemaine, Hilda married James Kerr in 1893 and lived at Lincluden, Raymond Street, Orbost. Her husband was a Scot who had come to Australia as a ship's doctor and practised in NSW before visiting Orbost on a government vaccination programme. He liked Orbost and returned there, its first doctor, until his death in 1928. Hilda was sometimes referred to as 'Mrs Dr Kerr.' She and her sisters Mabel Stewart Temple and Margaret Ferrie Temple were all talented writers and musicians.This book is an example of the talent of Hilda Temple Kerr. Hilda Temple Kerr (1874-1956) grew up in Orbost. She was very talented and published several books. It is reflective of the style of poetry in the early 20th century. A small green covered book of children's poetry. The title 'The Little Birthday Queen' is in gold print within a small frame above a stylised gold flower. Below in gold print - "Hilda C. Temple Kerr" and "Illustrated by Mr H. Sherwood, Orbost". There is an ornate border around this.On front cover: The Little Birthday Queen. By Hilda C Temple Kerr Illustrated by Mr H Sherwood, Orbost temple-hilda kerr-hilda poetry book-the-little-birthday-queen literature

Valentine Vox Author: Henry Cockton Publisher: George Routledge & Co Date: 1854 Further Information: The Life and Adventures of Valentine Fox. The Ventriloquist fictionThe Life and Adventures of Valentine Vox, the Ventriloquist was first published in monthly parts between 1839 and 1840, and is a satirical, lighthearted Victorian novel. The story follows a young man named Valentine Vox who discovers he has an extraordinary talent for ventriloquism. Instead of using his gift for simple entertainment, he acts as a chaotic prankster, throwing his voice in public places to stir up trouble, expose hypocrisy, and drive unsuspecting citizens to near-madness. He makes everyday items appear to speak, creates invisible crowds, and wreaks havoc in taverns, political meetings, and crowded streets. Beneath the slapstick comedy, the novel serves a serious social purpose. Valentine’s antics eventually lead him to expose the horrific conditions and corrupt practices of private lunatic asylums in Victorian England, where sane people were sometimes locked away by greedy relatives. The book actually contributed to real-world public outcry and subsequent legal reforms surrounding mental health facilities.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, valentine vox, henry cockton

Hard cover book. The Story of Marco Author: Eleanor Hodgman Porter Publisher: A L Burt & Co Date: 1912-1937 Further Information: Light blue Cloth hardcover with no publication lettering only hand written title in black texter to spine. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.fictionThe Story of Marco, first published in 1911, was Eleanor H. Porter's third novel, and the first in which music plays a central role in her fiction. The story opens in the fictional mining town of Gaylordville, Pennsylvania, where a band of gypsies has decamped, leaving behind a sick woman and her nine-year-old boy, Marco Ferdinando Bonelli. After his mother dies, Marco, a gifted violinist, has to make his own way in the world, eventually setting out to find the sister who left with the gypsy band. Along the way he's helped by a series of kind people, and the book follows his growth from a homeless, penniless boy into a young man who repays the kindness shown to him. It's a "rags-to-character" story typical of Porter, aimed at the same teenage readership as Pollyanna.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the story of marco, eleanor h porter, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Hard cover book. The Garden Party and Other Stories Author: Katherine Mansfield Publisher: Constable & Co Ltd Date: 1923-1932 Further Information: Light blue Cloth hardcover with lettering and patterning to brown spine in gilt. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.fictionThe title story centres on an annual garden party held by the well-to-do Sheridan family, during which news arrives of the accidental death of a working-class man in the poorer part of the village a classic Mansfield study of class and the collision between privilege and mortality. Other well-known pieces in the collection include "Miss Brill," "The Doll's House," and "Her First Ball." warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the doves nest and other stories, katherine mansfield, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Hard cover book. The Doves Nest & Other Stories Author: Katherine Mansfield Publisher: Constable & Co Ltd Date: 1923-1932 Further Information: Light blue Cloth hardcover with lettering and patterning to spine in gilt. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.fictionThe Doves' Nest and Other Stories is not a single novel, but a collection of short stories by the modernist pioneer Katherine Mansfield. The collection comprises fifteen short fiction pieces six completed stories and nine unfinished fragments written during the final, highly productive years of Mansfield's life in France and Switzerland.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the doves nest and other stories, katherine mansfield, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Hard cover book. Quicksilver Author: Isabel Maude Peacocke Illustrator. Harold Copping Publisher: Ward, Lock & Co Date: 1922-1925 Further Information: Light blue Cloth hardcover with lettering and patterning to spine in black. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.fictionQuicksilver (1922) is a children's novel written by New Zealand author Isabel Maude Peacocke and illustrated by the noted English artist Harold Copping. The story revolves around a young boy named Ronnie, who is being pampered and coddled by the women in his family. His uncle, Uncle Jimmy, decides that Ronnie needs to be toughened up and arranges for him to have a companion, a spirited, lively young girl nicknamed 'Quicksilver' (or Quixy). Typical of Peacocke's post-World War I writing, the novel blends juvenile adventure with subtle social commentary on class differences, gender expectations, and child rearing in the early 20th century.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, quicksilver, isabel maude peacocke, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library

Hard cover book. The Cruise of The Crazy Jane Author: Isabel Maude Peacocke Illustrator. Alan Gilderdale Publisher: Ward, Lock & Co Date: 1932 Further Information: Green Cloth hardcover boards with lettering and patterning to spine in black. Front cover has illustration. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.fictionThe Cruise of The Crazy Jane (published in 1932 by Ward, Lock & Co.) follows young protagonist Vicky and a group of Auckland children on a summer boating and camping holiday aboard a vessel named the Crazy Jane. Set against the local geography of New Zealand including Auckland Harbour and nearby coastal areas the story follows their outdoor excursions, cliff-climbing adventures (such as descending "Jacob's ladder," as depicted in the frontispiece), and holiday mishaps. Unlike many of Isabel Maude Peacocke's other works, which feature adult third-person perspectives, The Cruise of The Crazy Jane is notable for using a child’s direct narrative voice to frame the story.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the cruise of the crazy jane, isabel maude peacocke, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, i. m. cluett.

The Dwarf Of Dark Mountain Author: Isabel Maude Peacocke Illustrator: Norman Sutcliffe Publisher: Ward Lock & Co Date: Further Information: Plain brown/tan cloth binding with the title and author hand-lettered directly onto the spine with no decorative illustration, gilt stamping, or pictorial design. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.fictionThe Dwarf of Dark Mountain is a children's adventure novel illustrated by Norman Sutcliffe. Set against the backdrop of the New Zealand bush and rural landscapes, the story follows a group of young protagonists on a mystery-filled adventure centred around a local geological landmark known as "Dark Mountain". Typical of Isabel Maud Peacocke's popular juvenile fiction of the 1930s (such as The Cruise of the Crazy Jane and Cathleen with a C), the book weaves together themes of bush navigation and exploration. The children venture through dense ti-tree scrub and native fern gullies, with the narrative centring around the titular "dwarf" of the mountain blending rural Australian and New Zealand family life with wholesome mystery, moral growth, and outdoor adventure.warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, the dwarf of dark mountain, isabel maude peacocke, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, i. m. cluett., illustrator norman sutcliffe