WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australian Outline A Brief History of Australia Author: Marjorie Barnard Publisher: Ure Smith Date: 1949 Label on spine cover with typed text R.A. 994 BAR Front pastedown end page has sticker from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, australian outline, marjorie barnard

Postcard with Australia outline Wooden Railway Hotel Lower Main Street Stawell c1900 with Cattle on roadway near rail crossing. By the "Merle Studio" Main Street Stawell.Postcard with Australia outline Wooden Railway Hotel Lower Main Street Stawell c1900 with Cattle on roadway near rail crossing. By the "Merle Studio" Main Street Stawell.stawell

Bibliography, ill (b/w), p.71.non-fictionA brief history of Australian naval historyroyal australian navy - history, naval operations - australia

Poster from the Royal Humane Society of Australia outlining instructions for "Restoring the Apparently Dead". The original poster is printed in black ink on silk .resuscitation, drowning

Frances Rigg was a local business identity in Kew, at one stage managing the local branch of the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A) Bank at 175 High Street from c. 1920 until the 1940s. After Francis Rigg’s death, the collection of buttons and medallions was inherited by his son, Ken Rigg (1922-2014). The collection was subsequently donated to the Kew Historical Society in 2015 by Francis' grandson, Adrian Rigg, at the time of the Gallipoli & Beyond Commemoration in 2015. The collection covers a period of almost 40 years. The majority of the buttons are patriotic buttons, issued and sold during and immediately after the First World World War (1914-1918) to raise funds for national and overseas causes. The collection also includes a number of locally significant sporting event buttons and sporting club medallions, issued in the 1920s and 1930s.Patriotic and other pressed tin buttons and badges were produced in large numbers in the first decades of the twentieth century. By nature, insubstantial and ephemeral, they have not always survived. The collections of badges, buttons and medallions in the Kew Historical Society collection is homogenous and yet diverse, ranging from buttons sold to raise funds for the war efforts in 1914-18 and 1939-45, to those used at festivals and sporting events. Because of the manufacturing process, many surviving buttons and badges have been affected by inadequate storage, suffering from oxidisation and physical damage. These survivors are now historically and socially significant artefacts, revealing much about the attitudes and values of the period in which they were produced. Their widespread distribution means that they are frequently significant at a local, state, national and international level.A small circular pressed metal badge with a white outline of Australia against a dark blue background. Flags of Australia’s World War I allies are depicted within the Australian outline, including that of Imperial Russia."Allies For Freedom and Life"patriotic buttons, first world war (1914-18)

This is a book of essays selected by the author, Walter Murdoch, as the ones he most enjoyed writing. Walter Logie Forbes Murdoch (1874-1970) had a distinguished literary and academic career and is regarded as Australia’s best essayist. He was a household name to two generations of Australians through his radio broadcasts and syndicated literary columns in several Australian newspapers. He lived in Warrnambool from 1901 to 1904 as the Headmaster of a private school. He became a lecturer in English at the University of Melbourne and went on to be the foundation Professor of English at the University of Western Australia and later its Chancellor. Murdoch University in Western Australia is named after him and he was knighted in 1964. He published over 40 books. This book is of interest as it was written by Walter Murdoch who was not only important in Australia literature but also has a place in Warrnambool’s history. He came to Warrnambool in 1901, going into partnership with James Scott , the proprietor of a private school, Warrnambool College. They bought out Stanley’s Warrnambool Grammar School and when Scott retired, Murdoch became the sole proprietor and headmaster of Warrnambool College. While he was in Warrnambool Murdoch wrote the highly successful Australia history school text book, ‘The Struggle For Freedom’. He left Warrnambool in 1904. This is a soft cover book of 220 pages. It has a blue cover with a buff-coloured band around the front cover edge with a map of Australia outlined in black at the bottom edge. The book has a preface, 33 essays by Walter Murdoch and an index. The back page is partly torn away and the pages and cover are slightly faded and rubbed. australian literature, walter murdoch, warrnambool college (early 20th century), warrnambool history

Item relates to Gilbert Turner MM, No 1410 45th Batt AIF. Refer 1294P, 1039P, 1038.Copper button with outline of Australia in centre."Australian Military Forces"uniforms-accessories, costume accessories-haberdashery

History of Trevaskis family worldwide. Continuation of work began by by Dr. AE Trevaskis., Allentown, Penn, USA. Family trees. Census returns. English births, deaths and marriagesBeige cover, black lettering in map of Australia and Tasmania outline. Family shieldcornwall, trevaskis

A History of the Pioneer ToursBlue card cover with outline of Australia with a car insideYellow Print: Pioneer Tours White Print: Australia's Oldest name in the Coach Industry Vivienne R Worthington No Mountain too high, No road to Far Inside: Presented with Thanks to Stawell Historical Society Inc, for their research which helped me write this book. Best Wishes Vivienne Worthington 2010stawell transport, tourism

White aluminium full beer can commerating the Welcome Home Parade. Tooheys draught includes Australian flag in the outline of Australia, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera HouseAustralian Vietnam Forces Welcome Home Parade 87, Sydney 3rd october 1987. Together Then, Together Again.beer can, welcome home parade

White aluminium full beer can commemorating the welcome home parade. Tooheys draught. Includes the Australian flag in the outline of Australia, Sydney harbour bridge and Opera House.Australian Vietnam Forces welcome home parade '87 Sydney October 3rd 1987 Together then, together againwelcome home, beer can

Weekly magazine produced for Staff of Australian Red Cross, Victoria.Staff magazine of Australian Red Cross outlining activities and dates of events happening with Red Cross"Weekly (cross symbol) Update/Staff publication.../Red Cross through the years at Sunbury..."red cross, george evans collection

This certificate is an invitation to the opening of the first Parliament of Australia on January 1st 1901 in Melbourne. On this date the six Australian self-governing colonies were federated to become the six states of Australia. The designers of the certificate were Norman Lindsay and John Longstaff. This particular invitation was sent to George Rolfe and his wife and two of his stepdaughters, Annie and Florence. George Rolfe (1836-1919), a tea merchant from Melbourne, began buying blocks of land near the mouth of the Hopkins River in Warrnambool in the 1870s. By the early 1880s Rolfe owned 50 acres in the town, including farming properties and used the buildings near the mouth of the Hopkins as holiday accommodation. He called his property Lyndoch which he improved with the addition of stables, chaff and bone sheds, jetty, boathouse, reservoir, water well and windmill and extensive gardens and he spent most of his later life in this Warrnambool area. Lyndoch today is the site of an aged care facility. This certificate is of considerable importance for two reasons: 1. It is an important memento of a signal event in Australia’s history - the Federation of the States in 1901. 2. The certificate was an invitation to the family of a prominent Warrnambool person – George Rolfe of Lyndoch.This is a piece of thick paper with illustrations and decorations in brown, red, blue, yellow and green tonings. The lettering is in white with coloured capital letters. The images include the shields of the six Australian States, the Coat of Arms of Britain and Australia, outlines of two trees (gum tree and oak tree) and three symbolic female figures representing Justice, Britannia and Australia. The top border decoration represents the waratah flower. The names of the invitees on this certificate have been handwritten in black ink. ‘Opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cornwall and York’ ‘Mr G and Mrs Rolfe and the Misses Rolfe (2)’ george rolfe of lyndoch, federation of australia, history of warrnambool, george rolfe, opening of first parliament of australia

Ballarat College of Advanced Education is a predecessor institution of Federation University Australia. The handbook outlines courses for the year.Yellow soft covered handbook for the Ballarat College of Advanced Education.handbook, subjects, history, staff, ballarat college of advanced education, courses

These type of events were held to maintain morale. Part of the collection of William (Bill) Thomason. Refer Cat No. 4136P.Programme - folded green paper on 6 pages from “1st Australian D.F.C” Outlining menu and programme for a concert on 25th Dec 1916. Page 1 has outline of event. Page 2 is the menu. Page 3 is the programme. Pages 4 - 5 is some comedic entries. Page 6 is the committee.Written in pencil on page 6 "Pte 1921 J. SUTTON, 2nd Div H.Q. Staff".william (bill) thomason collection, programme, ww1

From the album of WWI soldier William West (1268) of the 29 Infantry Battalion, 5th Pioneers Battalion. This collection of postcards, photographs and clippings were sent between William and his family and loved ones during the years he was on active service. See also 207 and 220. Postcard with a colour design including two sailors holding flags, an outline of Australia with two magpies within, a ship at sea and two hands clasping.Front "hands across the sea"album, photo album, newspaper clippings, postcard, wwi, ship, sea, hands across the sea, holding hands, hand, magpie, currawong, sailor, ocean

Banner used during 1984 tour of Canada and America by the Guiding Light Square Dance club. Made by Margaret Fox, who along with her husband Colin, volunteered to teach square dancing at the AFB. Her son remembers that his parents rarely ever drove to a dance together, as they would need both cars to ship down the food made by Margaret to the hall, or ferry dancers to and from dances.Yellow satin banner with green outline of Australia and two people dancing inside and writing inside boomerang across Australia and enamel badges attachedGuiding Light Square Dance Club 1984 Tour - Canada & Americarecreation, association for the blind, margaret fox, guiding light square dance club

A narrative history by A.K.Macdougall, outlining the Australia participation from the Boer War to the Gulf War.hard cover non-fiction book with jacket and library plastic coveringInside book is a newspaper clipping outlining key dates in Gallipoli campaign

This medal was issued to commemorate the end of World War 2 and was issued to eligible living veterans or their widows/widowers.It comes in a black card and fabric lined box. It has been issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.This medal was awarded to Ernest Henry Swan. He served from December 1941 to July 1942 in the Citizen Military Forces and from July 1942 to September 1944 in the Australian Imperial Forces. His reason for discharge was reserved occupation. He held the rank of corporal in 26th Motor regiment. He was born in Colac 19/11/1919 to Ernest Swan and Daisy Johnson. He died 04/08/2009 and is buried at the Warrnambool cemetery. During his life he farmed a soldiers’ settlers block in the Grasmere area, north of Warrnambool. A common object with over 300000 minted but with a link to a local person and commemorating an event of world importance.Gold metal round medal with Australian coat of Arms on one side and stylised image of outline of Australia on the obverse side. Mounted in black card box.World War 11 Service to Australia. World War 11 60years 1945-2005warrnambool, ernest swan, 60th anniversary medallion ww2

The soldier is unknown at this point Sepia tone photograph of an Australian serviceman. An informal portrait probably from WW2. His buttons have an outline of Australia. He has Australian badges.photographs, sepia, portraits

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries.These coasters were part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations.A common item which has significance as it has links to one of Warrnambool's longest operating businesses.A boxed set of six coasters which are metal coloured gold. Each has an outline of Australia with text Buy Australian and the Australian flag. there is text below the outline. The backs are dark blue felt. Buy Australian Warrnambool Textiles A paper insert has " In recognition of your Safety Performance.75th Anniversary Warrnambool Textiles 1909-1984.warrnambool, warrnambool woollen mill, warrnambool woollen mill 1975

Female Relative Badge was issued to the wife and/or mother or nearest female relative of Australians who were on active service abroad during World War 11. Each star on the bar below the badge represents a son or relative on active service.Circular badge with a central wreath surmounted with a crown. Within the wreath is an inscription TO THE WOMEN OF AUSTRALIA. with another wreath within, containing outline of Australia . A bar with a gold star is suspended below the main badge . Issued by the C'wlth Govt. AF 5519 G&E Rodd 1940world war 11, 1939-1945, badges

Tatura club formed during the 1980's. "Meals and Wheels" - holiday workshops for children and District Nursing service just three of our major projects. Not actually a "service club" but B.P.W. joined in many local activities to help promote our town.Metal logo, taken from "Welcome to Tatura" sign, showing visitors the service clubs in our town. Made in the shape of Australia - black metal with silver outline of Australia, with silver capitals of organization.I.F.B.P.W. painted in silver, across "Australia". "International Federation of Business and Professional Women". i f b p w, international federation of business and professional women, meals and wheels, district nursing, tatura service clubs

Certificate "FOR KING/ AND/ COUNTRY" from 'SHIRE OF EAST LODDON" "CERTIFICATE IN APPRECIATION FOR SERVICES RENDERED IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR 1939-45" "Robert T. Phillips" Robert Thomas Phillips V28869 (AMF) VX113093 (2nd AIF). Enlisted 16.12.1941 age 20 years 7 months as V28869, transferred to the AIF 14.10.1942 in 2/2nd Tank Transporter Coy ASC, listed as served in Adelaide River, Winnellie and Darwin between 25.11.1943 to 23.9.1945. Discharged 19/10/45 with the rank CPL in A.A. Pay Corps.CERTIFICATE - ORIGINAL, ON PAPER. Dark Brown print. Illustrated in colours, red, blue, yellow and beige. Top - Rising Sun Badge with British and Australian Flags, outline map of Australia and surrounded by decorative scroll work. Bottom - Red seal. Certificate framed with decorative line and scroll work. Frame - timber, gold colour paint with black paint highlights to decorate moulding. Glass front. Backing - cardboard and brown paper. Original metal hanging clips and cotton cord.Handwritten in black ink: "Robert T. Phillips" - 6th April 1946, Signed by R.W. Bogie, President. H.C....???...... Councilor, A. Gutherie Shire Secretary.framed accessories, certificate, ww2, shire of east loddon

Part of the Bennetts Collection. See Catalogue No. 9726P for details of service for "Alva Marie Bennetts".1. to 8. Eight large round Army buttons featuring an outline of Australia below a Kings Crown. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES in raised lettering around edge. loop on back with clip for fastening. Buttons have been blackened. 9. to 19. Eleven small round Army buttons featuring an outline of Australia below a Kings Crown. AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES in raised lettering around edge. loop on back with clip for fastening. Buttons have been blackened.bennetts collection, alva bennetts, uniform, buttons, army

Orbost Beans & Grains Co-Op was an extension of Snowy River Sweet Corn Co-Op which also sold fresh produce such as corn, squash, zucchini and cucumbers. This bag is unused and would have been packed with borlotti beans.Snowy River Seeds started life as a farmers' co-operative (Snowy River Co-op) in 1967. This item is significant because it was specially made for the seed bean industry which was a major industry in the Orbost district for over a century. A white woven synthetic bag used for packing borlotti beans. Inside a red outline of Australia are seven green beans. Victoria is outlined and Orbost is indicated with a red d t. Print is red and green. On front : Grown & Packed By Orbost Beans & Grain Co-Op 25 kg Orbost Victoria Produce of Australia seed-bag snowy-river-co-op agriculture farming orbost-beans

This was used by Snowy River Dry Cleaners. Snowy River Dry Cleaners was situated in Stanley Street, Orbost (previously a hat factory). There was also a shop in the CBD of Orbost. Basil Dowie moved his dry cleaning business from Nicholson Street to 31 Stanley Street where Stuart Hats had been. He had originally bought the business from Laurie Harrington in August 1950. (more information in Orbost & District Historical Society Newsletter No. 138 - John Phillips)This item is from a business which no longer exists in Orbost.A clear rectangular shaped plastic bag with red print inside a red frame - : Snowy River Dry Cleaners Orbost Moth Proof Storage Bag Service". It has a logo for FlexPak on an outline of Australia. snowy-river-dry-cleaners