This photograph depicts five of the Mission's Committee members: top (left to right) are standing Harold Kingston Vickery and Arthur T. Pitt, both Lay Readers. Seated (left to right) are Reverend William Forster Haire, Assistant Chaplain, Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith, Chaplain, and Mr Charles A. Holmes, Honorary Lay Reader. The photograph was probably taken inside the Central Institute, Siddeley Street, between 1909 and 1911.An original frame with an image of a group of Mission office-bearers including Rev Gurney-Goldsmith who was Senior Chaplain over the significant early 20th Century period of Mission establishment in the Central Docklands area. Sepia photograph in a wood frame with group of five men in suits; ink inscription of five names on paper label adhered lwr front of frameFront on paper label: Revd W.F Haire, Revd A. G.Goldsmith; Mr C A Holmes (paper cut) / Mr H. K Vickery, Revd A.T. Pitt; Verso at lwr right crnr in pencil: PH- R14 reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, mr h.k. vickery, reverend a.t. pitt, reverend w. foster haire, charles a. holmes, charles arthur holmes (-1947), william foster haire, harold kingston vickery, chaplains, lay readers, staff, chaplains group

Book, titled The Book of Common Prayer. It has a textured black leather cover with embossed lettering on the spine and an embossed gold cross on the front cover. The spine is decorated with horizontal ribs. The fly page has a printed red shield with animal figures in each quadrant and a cross in the shield's centre. The book was printed by Cambridge University Press. Inscriptions and the emblem of a large cross are inlaid in gold on the cover. The edges of the 591 pages are gold leaf. There is an inscription on the inside of the front cover. The book was dedicated to John Thomas and Rev A Gurney Goldsmith. The book is one of forty-eight similar books in the St Nicholas Seamen’s Church Collection.flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, religion, religious service, prayer book, the book of common prayer, cambridge university, john thomas, rev a gurney goldsmith, book 47

Zosia Mercer and David Goldsmith with a student holding a certificate from the Womens International Zionist Organisation, c. 1980s. Please contact [email protected] to request access to this record.

The Elverland, a New Zealand barque, was in Victoria in August 1906. It was wrecked in January 1907 near the Three Kings Islands (Manawatāwhi) on its way to Auckland from Newcastle with a cargo of coal. Captain Savory and his men were saved.Small monochrome photograph depicting Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith on board a ship with three young seafarers; one of them is looking at the photographer.Written in pencil on verso "12" and in blue ink: CHAPLAIN/VISITING/SHIPreverend a. gurney-goldsmith, crew, ship visit, barque, elverland, three kings islands, manawatāwhi, new zealand, newcastle, captain savory

William Henry Goldsmith appointed Mayor of Port Fairy 1951,1954,1955Black and white portrait of Mayor William Goldsmith wearing glasses, Marsalis robes with jabot and gold chainport fairy, mayor, portrait, government, shire, council, municipal, local-government

Mrs Goldsmith died on 24th February 1951. Annual Report 1952: "Mrs Goldsmith Memorial: The new fault stool placed in the chapel in memory of Mrs Goldsmith was dedicated on Sunday, May 18. It was unveiled by Miss Maud Breaks in the presence of many old friends and correspondents."Wooden stool with kneeler covered with red vinylOn the plaque located on the right side: A.D.G. / In Loving Memory of / Annie Goldsmith / Widow of the Late Rev. A.G. Goldsmith / Died at Cullompton, England, On February 24th 1951 / This mMemorial Given by Friends and / Members of the Harbour Lights Guildanne treverton goldsmith (nee lobb), cullompton

Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith arrived from England in 1905 and left the Mission in 1925. He died a few months after leaving Australia in Kobe where he had accepted a new position in this Mission in Japan.This plaque along with the stained glass window in the St Peter chapel (the first one to be installer) demonstrate the affection for the Reverend and the appreciation for all the work he did.Large rectangular bronze plaque in memory of Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmithchaplains, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, kobe, japan, lhlg, 1926, reverend alfred gurney goldsmith

The ship Manx King is mentioned in the Jottings from our Log issue 4 Machaelmas 1906, where religious services had been held onboard by Reverend Gurney Goldsmith.Small sepia photograph depicting four apprentices on board of the ship "Manx King"reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, maux king, apprentice

A Lady Skippers Event was introduced in the year 2004, the first such event for over forty years. Following the donation of a trophy along with prizes from Swarovski Jewellers for Line Honours Winner and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters in the combined Y.V Performance Handicap Divisions, presented annually by the Goldsmith family in memory of Jennifer Goldsmith. The event became known as the Jennifer F. Goldsmith Perpetual and is open to any yacht on the RMYS Register. It was first contested on Sunday 17th February 2005, when won by Helen Crossley skippering Mystique II and who retained it the following year. The Perpetual Trophy to be engraved with the Y. V. Performance Handicap winner’s name and presented at the RMYS Presentation Night. Proceeds from the event are donated by RMYS to melanoma research.A crystal shard 160 mm high with engraved yacht and wave images, mounted on an 140 mm high oblong rosewood block and base bearing winners’ inscription plaques around.RMYS JENNIFER. F. GOLDSMITH PERPETUAL TROPHY FOR LADY SKIPPERS RACEjennifer goldsmith, trophy, perpetual

Reverend Gurney Goldsmith accompanied by officers are standing on the terrace of the Siddeley Street Mission and looking towards the west of the Yarra River. In the background we can see the Huddard and Parker docks on The Australian Wharf.reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, siddeley street institute, officers, docks, australian wharf, yarra river

Tansy Goldsmith was presenter for pop music program on FridaysColour photograph Councillor Bill Bolitho and Bruce Livingstone President of Radio East Gippsland also known as REG presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Tansy Goldsmith. Lakes Entrance Victoriacommunications, broadcasting, awards

Reverend Alfred Gurney Goldsmith has two memorial plaques at the Mission to Seafarers Victoria. One in the the Mission's club room and this one in the Chapel of Saint Peter. He served as Senior Chaplain from 1905 to 1924 through a considerable period of upheaval including the building of two Missions between 1906 and 1917. For more information see 0639 an invitation to the laying of the foundation stone, 0704 a photograph of Reverend Goldsmith and his wife as well as the Mission's annual report from 1925 or contact the curator.Rev'd Gurney Goldsmith arrived in Australia in 1905, an experienced missionary with the intention of establishing a branch of the London Mission to Seamen. After a public meeting organised by the Victorian Mission to Seamen he entered into an amalgamation forging formal links with London, enabling a continuation of the services to seafarers, first commenced in 1857. Goldsmith also conceived the formation of an auxiliary, the Ladies Harbour Lights Guild, which was to play a significant role in support of the Mission and seafarers.Long rectangular brass plaque mounted to brick wall.To the glory of God and in loving memory of Rev. Alfred Gurney Goldsmith M.A. Chaplain 1905 to 1924reverend alfred gurney goldsmith, brass, plaque, memorial, chapel, hong kong, kobe, melbourne, lhlg, seamen mission, mission to seafarers, mission to seamen, chaplain

Black and white photographs of Cable car and trailer on display at Beaufort Victoria Lake Goldsmith Steam Traction Rally mid 1980's. This cable car set operated on Ballarat Tramway Museum track during Begonia Festivals 1987-1988. Photos by George Bishop.On the back photo in ink "Cable car and trailer on display at Beaufort Victoria Lake Goldsmith Steam Traction/ G.Bishop photo"tramways, trams, cable trams, lake goldsmith

The Vicar of Wakefield, subtitled A Tale, Supposed to be written by Himself, is a novel by Anglo-Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774). It was written from 1761 to 1762 and published in 1766. It was one of the most popular and widely read 18th-century novels among Victorians. Source: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vicar_of_WakefieldHard cover, cloth bound book with gold embossed design on the cover. The book is entitled The Vicar of Wakefield, by Dr. Goldsmith. Undated.'Buninyong Public Library' stamp used in several places in the book. novels, oliver goldsmith, literature

Hard cover book,The Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith. Author: Oliver Goldsmith Publisher: Macmillan & Co London. W1. Date: 1871 Blue cloth hardcover with a brown spine and lettering in gold. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.fictionThis 1871 book is an edition of The Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith, published by Macmillan and Co. as part of their famous "Globe Edition" series. It features a detailed biographical introduction by Professor David Masson. This volume is not a single novel, but rather a comprehensive anthology of the finest writings of Oliver Goldsmith. Because Goldsmith was a versatile writer who excelled in almost every literary format, this collection of his works contains his masterpiece novel, The Vicar of Wakefield renowned pastoral poems like The Deserted Village and The Traveller and several classic 18th-century comedies, most notably She Stoops to Conquer and The Good Natured Man. Essays and letters are also included from Letters from a Citizen of the World, which provides a satirical look at British society through the eyes of an imaginary Chinese philosopher, along with numerous shorter periodical essays.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, the miscellaneous works of oliver goldsmith, oliver goldsmith

Gathering of seafarers and LHLG members carrying the Mission flag, at Graylings, property of Frederic Race Godfrey, in St Kilda, on 13 November 1905. Sixty-three men and boys were invited to the picnic. Miss Ethel Godfrey is kneeling on the right hand side, wearing a dark dress and hat. The man holding the ball in the center is thought to be Hugh H. Reid. In an article published in the Church and the Sailor in July 1930 after she resigned from her position of Honorary Secretary, she described this occasion as the first picnic organised by her after Reverend Gurney Goldsmith pleaded for women's help during a sermon at All Saints church in St Kilda the same month. See also item 1643This was the official first picnic of the Amalgamated Victorian Seamen's Mission and the first picnic organised by Miss Ethel Godfrey. A year later she was nominated Honorary Secretary of the newly Ladies Harbour Light Guild. The Melbourne Guild was the first one of its kind and was so successful that the scheme was spread around the world.Small sepia tone photograph with thin white border, slightly blurred, depicting a group of men and women; some standing, sitting, kneeling and lying on the grass. At the back the Flying Angel flag. In front the English flag. One man (Hugh Reid) is holding a footy ball. The photograph was previously in a photographic album.Handwritten in pencil on verso: 82 Handwritten in white ink on the album page: First picnic of the Mission, Graylings, St Kilda, King's Birthday 1905 1905, graylings, st kilda, ethel augusta godfrey, lhlg, reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, king's birthday, picnic, hugh h.reid

Gathering of seafarers and LHLG members carrying the Mission flag, at Graylings, property of Frederic Race Godfrey, in St Kilda, on 13 November 1905. Sixty-three men and boys were invited to the picnic. Miss Ethel Godfrey is standing on the right hand side next to another lady, wearing a dark dress and hat. In the article published in the Church and the Sailor in July 1930 after she resigned from her position of Honorary Secretary, this was the first picnic organised by her after Reverend Gurney Goldsmith pleaded for women's help during a sermon at All Saints church in St Kilda the same month. The Ladies Harbour Lights' Guild was formed on 1st October 1906 and she was nominated Honorary Secretary and Treasurer on 4 December 1906. See item 1642This was the official first picnic of the Amalgamated Victorian Seamen's Mission and the first picnic organised by Miss Ethel Godfrey. A year later she was nominated Honorary Secretary of the newly Ladies Harbour Light Guild. The Melbourne Guild was the first one of its kind and was so successful that the scheme was spread around the world.Small monochrome photograph, quite blurred, depicting a group of sailors and ladies in a park. The Flying Angel Mission to Seamen flag behind them.In the centre wearing dark dress and hat is Ethel Godfrey.Handwritten in pencil on verso: 12 Handwritten in white ink on the album page: First picnic of the Mission, Graylings, St Kilda, King's Birthday 19051905, graylings, st kilda, reverend a. gurney-goldsmith, lhlg, ethel augusta godfrey, king's birthday, picnic

Page 5 of Ray Pearson's Photo Album. Brown card page with two photographs (landscape format) placed on page using clear plastic photo corners. Both photographs depict trams, one in Melbourne (top), one at Lake Goldsmith, Victoria (bottom). Hand written inscriptions appear benetah each photo.Hand written inscription in biro under photographs. Top: BALLARAT TRAM St-KILDA RD MELBOURNE 1971 Bottom: LAKE GOLDSMITH 7/11/71 ballarat trams, ballarat tramways, vintage trams, lake goldsmith

Small monochrome photograph depicting a small group of seamen

Lakes Entrance First Girl Guides grouped with a sign in front Back row Selina Goldsmith, Leonie Gilham, Brianna Ellis, Melanie Bertram, Donna McDonald Front row Kerry Ellis Leader Jemma Goding Lakes Entrance VictoriaBlack and white photograph of First Girl Guides grouped with a sign in front Back row Selina Goldsmith, Leonie Gilham, Brianna Ellis, Melanie Bertram, Donna McDonald Front row Kerry Ellis Leader Jemma Goding Lakes Entrance Victoriaguide group, clubs

Trawalla is surrounded by Beaufort, Brewster, Lillirie, Yangerahwill and Eurambee.Parish Plan of Trawalla in the Parish of Rippon. trawala, ripon, westbrok, simson, mackenzie, mcarthur, wilson, nicholason, gibb, read, hayward, topper, foreman, bell, mcmillan, halpin, davis, goldsmith, trawalla pre-emptive right, butson, w.j. butson, m4471, w. read, c.a. foreman, j. simson, a. goldsmith, trawalla, g. topper

Single page plan printed on green background showing allotments included in un-named subdivision layout surrounding "Rosebank" property, Warrandyte Road, Ringwood North. Subdivision includes Through Road, Rosebank Avenue, Macey Grove, Goldsmith Avenue, Dillon Grove, Lockhart Road, and Warrandyte Road.Typewritten notation against "Rosebank" property - "Mrs Godbehear, Snr.". "Goldsmith is maiden name of Mrs. Godbehear, Senior. (1960). Lockhart is town where their property "Rosebank" is situated. (In Riverina)". Additional Rosebank Avenue allotments blueprint clipping on light cardboard backing incldes handwritten title reference LP57659.

thirteen junior tennis players who took part in a Fun Day. Salina Goldsmith, Brea Waters, Andrew Devonshire, Jye Spruzen, Jono Ellis, Alice McPhee, Sarah Connelly, Andrew Smith, Brenton O'Reilly, Tanya Wates, Adrian Smith plus two unamed players. Lakes Entrance VictoriaBlack and white photograph of thirteen junior tennis players who took part in a Fun Day. Salina Goldsmith, Brea Waters, Andrew Devonshire, Jye Spruzen, Jono Ellis, Alice McPhee, Sarah Connelly, Andrew Smith, Brenton O'Reilly, Tanya Wates, Adrian Smith plus two unamed players. Lakes Entrance Victoriasports, tennis, clubs, recreation

Typical outdoor photo of group of seafarers benefitting from a mission excursion out to one of the larger properties, in this case Orchard House, Malvern.Group o 21 seamen standing or sitting on the grass, with Reverend Gurney Goldsmith standing on the right.orchard house, 1907, malvern, george higgins, picnic, cup day, beatrice elizabeth higgins (nee shuter), charles shuter, picnics, entertainments, social events, goldsmith album, bowler hat, boater hat, sailor cap

Pattison Collection 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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much - loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Vicar of Wakefield Author: Oliver Goldsmith Publisher: Richard Edward King 1st Published in 1766 The label on the spine with typed text PAT 824.6 GOL Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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, the vicar of wakefield, oliver goldsmith

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. WARRNAMBOOL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853, a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November 1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however, it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former courthouse in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much-loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historical books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historical Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed artworks and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Selections from Goldsmiths Poems and Helps's Essays Notes on Goldsmith's Poems by Rev A R Vardy. Notes on Helps's Essays by F J Rowe and W T Webb As prescribed for the Matriculation Examinations at the Melbourne University Publisher: Melville, Mullen & Slade Date: 1894 The label is a black square that is unreadable The top and front of the text block have the name "T Alston" on them in black ink. The top text block also has the date 9/8/94 written in black ink on it. Pastedown front endpaper has a 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 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, goldsmiths poems, melbourne university, selections from goldsmiths poems and helps's essays, rev a r vardy, helps's essays, f j rowe, w t webb