These picture books were read to very young children in the early 1900's. A collection of 12 children's books for the very young. 1. A for Apple. 2. The Words of Jesus. 3. The Sleeping Beauty. 4. The Peg Family Number Books. 5. Father Tuck's Letter Box. 6. Nursery Land Adventures. 7. Chatterbox. 1912. 8. Range Rider Annual. 9. My ABC of Shops. 10. The Last Days of Jesus. 11. The Boyhood and Manhood of Jesus. 12. Fun and Frolic.books, baby books, children's books, children's fiction

Enid Beatrice Gilchrist (1917-2007) was a fashion designer best know for her development of self-drafting dressmaking patterns. Her patterns were first printed in "The Argus" in Melbourne in 1946 and were soon collected into books for the home sewer.A small cardboard box containing various two books and various baby wear transfers. The books are: "Clothes for your baby, designing, cutting and making" by Enid Gilchrist and "Baby book for mother, baby and child" Also in the box ten transfers, some in folders, some loose. Aileen and john Ellison Collection."Transfers" on lid of the boxbaby clothes, dressmaking, transfers

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 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. 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 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. Baby Doll Author: Tennessee Williams Publisher: Secker & Warburg Date: 1957Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 812.5 WIL Front Loose endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by 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, 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, great ocean road, baby doll, tennessee williams

Nurse Marianne Maggs undertook medical care and midwifery from 1900 - 1926 and delivered more than 500 babies. She was presented with a "wireless" in 1926 in appreciation for her services to the community. She sold her Ringwood house and moved to Mitcham. 10 medical books from 1909 to 1935 1 . Homeopathic Vade Mecum Medical and Surgical by E.H.Ruddock M.D. Xmas gift from G Smith to Nurse Maggs 1909 2. The Doctor at Home Ed. by George Black Presented from friend to Mrs. A Maggs 12-12-1909 3. Illustrated Family Doctor 1935 4.The Practical Guide to Health Frederick Rossiter 5. Johnson and Johnson's First Aid Manual 1909, including booklet - Accidents in the Home 6. Diseases of Infants and Children and their Homeopathic Treatment Dr. Ruddock 1910, including lock of (child's?) hair. 7. Home Nursing St. John's Ambulance 1939 8. First Aid to the Injured 1921 (2 copies) 9. Modern First Aid A.S. PLayfair 1973

Wilhelm and Marie Wischer were the founding couple of the successful Wischer phosphate and chemical works at Yarraville, Melbourne. They had emigrated from Magdeburg in Germany in the late 19th century and had undertaken the journey to Australia over three months. During this voyage, several passengers had died and a number of babies had been born. The travellers had endured storms, injuries, broken equipment, and numerous other privations. The couple had lived in the suburb of Hawthorn and their family history is documented in a book by John Wischer. The link is in references this document from "Kainos Books" and makes for fascinating reading as it reveals an account of life in Melbourne during the late 19th and early 20th century. The book also gives an account of the Wischer phosphate mining activities on Ocean Island in 1904, Wischer & Co. eventually merged with Mt. Lyell Chemical works.An item giving a snapshot of early industrial life in Melbourne during the late 19th century with also an interesting story of early migration to Australia. The item also makes us aware of the privations early migrants had in trying to establish a life in a new country and how the Wischer family overcame these challenges to establish a very successful business.Jug, clay large with handle glazed screw on stopper. Sulphur Acid Wischer Chemical Company Yarraville printed on side, also a number 5 on the screw lidflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

Small booklet: Some Australian Animals. On the front cover a Koala with baby on the back. Published in April 1959 by the Bank of New South Wales. It has 17 pages. Contents: Foreword - Banded Ant Eater - Spiny Ant Eater - Bandicoots - Bats - Bilbies - Marsupial Cats -Cuscus - Dingo - Flying Foxes - Flying Squirrels - Gliders - Koala (inside front cover0 - Kangaroos - Mice - Marsupial Mice - Marsupial Mole - Numbat - Pademelons - Platypus - Possums - Rats - Tasmanian Devil - Tasmanian Tiger - Tiger cat - Thylacine - Wallabies - Wallaroos - Warrigal - Wombats.books, natural history, native animals

Australian Home Journal from April, 1960. On the front cover: shortie jacket directions for knitting page 29. These free patterns enclosed No. 5525 32" bust lady in green dress. No. 5526 40" bust lady in brown dress and blue hat. No. 9053 baby's frock and slip. The magazine has 52 pages. Price 1 shilling.books, magazines, women's magazine

Volume 1: contents include: recipes, cookery, weights and measures, kitchen improvements, equipment, setting table, mother and baby section, toys, pottery, gardening, dressmaking, sewing, marriage. Volume 2: contents include: what makes a home, rooms, decorating, furniture, soft furnishings, flower arrangements, plants, etiquette, cookery and more.home management, newnes

This book and a number of others like it were owned by the mother and aunts of the donor, Mrs Dorothy Boyle. They were prolific producers of hand knitted and hand made items of clothing and also knitted and sewed for the armed forces during the Second World War. This book contains patterns for baby clothes and was written by Ella Allan who authored numerous patterns books from c.1917 through to the early 1930s.What to Make for / Baby / Designs in Knitting / and Crochet. / Dedicated to everyone who Loves / a Baby. / PART THREE / By ELLA ALLAN / Wholly set up and Printed in Australia by / E.H. GIBBS & SONS, Printers and Publishers, / 19 Niagara Lane, Melbourne.knitting handicrafts - history crochet, allan, ella, knitting, handicrafts - history, crochet

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains patterns for babies clothes.Patons / KNITTING BOOK / NO. 197 / RECIPES / REPRINTED / BY REQUEST / 6d.handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for baby clothes.Patons KNITTING BOOK NO. 326 / "PAM" - See page 2. / P&B / WOOLS / 1'6d.handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. Book produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for baby jackets.No. 463 / Patons / KNITTING / BOOK / No. 463 / PATONS / BABY WOOL / BEEHIVE 3-PLY / BEEHIVE 4-PLY / PATONYLE / 10 Babies' Jackets / P&B / WOOLS / 1'9handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. Book produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for babies.No. 581 / PATONYLE, 3 & 4 Ply . BEEHIVE Fing., 3 & 4 Ply / NIMBLA . ORLON . SWIFTAKNIT . BABY WOOL / No. 581 / Patons / KNITTING BOOK / No. 581 / BIRTH to 18 MONTHS / Sizes 17 to 21 / 2'-handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Coats Patons and contains knitting patterns for baby clothes.No. 617 / AZALEA . BABY WOOL . SWIFTAKNIT / NIMBLA . PATONYLE 3-PLY AND 4-PLY / No. 617 / Patons / KNITTING BOOK 617 / BABIES' WEAR / up to 18 months / 2'-handicrafts - history knitting, coats patons (australia) limited patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Patons and Baldwins and contains knitting patterns for baby clothes.Babies' Jackets - Birth to 3 Years - 16 to 23 Inches / BABY WOOL . AZALEA . PEARL KNIT . ORLON . PATONYLE 3 and 4 Ply / PATONS BOOK / No. 649 / Patons / KNITTING BOOK / No. 649 / 2'3handicrafts - history knitting, patons and baldwins (australia) ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Coats Patons and contains knitting patterns for baby clothes.Patons / KNITTING / BOOK No. 709 / JUST FOR BABIES / 8 different jackets - / a hug-me-tight / A dainty lace dress / Knit them in Patons Baby Wool, / Patons Baby Wool with Nylon, / Patonyle 3-ply, or / Patons Orlon / 2'6 / 25 CENTShandicrafts - history knitting, coats patons (australia) limited, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by the Lincoln Mills and contains patterns for knitted baby clothes.Lincoln / BOOK 751 / MODEL NO. L1982 / See Page 2 / 1'3handicrafts - history knitting, lincoln mills (australia) limited, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by F.W. Hughes Ltd and contains patterns for knitted baby clothes.Hughes / KNITTING BOOK 227 / FEATURING / BABY'S / DESIGNS / 6 - 18 MONTHS / TWINPRUFE BABY WOOL / PRICE: 1'9handicrafts - history knitting, f.w. hughes industries ltd, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by Paragon and contains knitting patterns for baby clothes.Paragon / KNITTING BOOK / No. 75 / LAYETTES / PRAM SET / PRAM COVER / Price 1'3handicrafts - history knitting, paragon art needlecraft, handicrafts - history, knitting

One of a collection of 56 knitting pattern books donated by Mrs Hilma Carruthers. These books had been used by Mrs Carruthers, her mother and her two daughters. This book was produced by the publishers of the magazine "New Idea" and contains knitting patterns for baby clothes.Babies' / KNITWEAR / 24 / LOVELY / DESIGNS / 6D / ANGEL CHILD / Instructions on / Page 2 / The New Idea / N.S. 12handicrafts - history knitting, the new idea, handicrafts - history, knitting

An example of an earlier style Children's book presented to a Sunday School boy aged 8 in 1902. Children's books of that time were often full of moral teaching for the young. George Benjamin Anstey (Uncle of Joyce Suto) was lost in W.W.1Book - Novel - 'Bel's Baby' x Mary E Ropes.Faded blue linen (cloth) covering. Inscription on front piece. Cover & spine need repairing. 96 pages. Inscription in front of book explaining who 'George Benjamin Anstey' was, as noted on History.Rogret Sunday School|George Anstey from Archdeacon & Mrs Bruce|Christmas 1902books, children's, novels

Old Register Book says this is a first editionSoft cover book with May Gibbs' drawing of wattle babies on frontTo Daisy/From Tossie/With lovebooks, children's

BHS CollectionThe Adventures of the Three Bold Babies Children's Book, author S. Rosamond Praeger. Published by Longmans Green and Co. 39 Paternoster Row, London, New York and Bombay. The plot in a nutshell: Three brave babies have adventures. The three babies (Hector, Honoria and Alisander) meet a dragon on their journey and at first, he’s afraid of them, but they put him at ease and they become friends. While riding the dragon, they are challenged by a knight who wants to put them in prison. They want to fight instead and knock the knight from his horse. He takes them to his castle, where his wife tells them the castle is theirs now. The dragon overhears the knight and his wife plotting against the children and he helps them escape. The dragon has to leave, so they all say a tearful farewell. Next, the children visit a kingdom ruled by a wicked king who insists that all his subjects have a long pointy nose like his own. When the children refuse to change their noses, the king summons the monster that he keeps to eat his prisoners. The monster turns out to be their friend, the dragon, and he attacks the king instead. The dragon apologizes to the children for eating people and plants a garden of cabbages, vowing to become a vegetarian. Author/illustrator S. Rosamond Praeger was a talented artist whose primary medium was sculpture, although she did detailed illustrations for her brother’s books on botany as well as writing and illustrating picture books of her own. The illustrations are delightfully vintage, with thin lines and washed out colours. The artwork is comical, with some funny facial expressions and one really unusual image of the king with his nose broken off. A sequel was published the following year, with the excellent title, Further Doings of the Three Bold Babes.history, children's book, s. rosamond praeger

The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary was formed on February 13, 1933 by Mr Birtchnell. This collection of papers includes the minute books from 1944 until 1998. It was noted in correspondence that Geelong and surrounds had been the most outstanding financial contributor to RVIB's revenue. Collections from the Geelong community had provided high donations every year. The Geelong Auxiliary posted 301 pounds on their first return in 1934, easily topping any of the other 200 auxiliaries in the state at that time. The Annual Report from July 31, 1995 noted that with regret due to health reasons and the passing of many members The Geelong RVIB Auxiliary had no option but to go into recess. The certificate reads: Centenary Certificate of Appreciation presented to Geelong Auxiliary for outstanding service. Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind babies, children and adults. (Signed by) President (Charles Bennett) Executive Director (F.G. Turley).5 minute books -- 2 accounts books -- 1 book of newspaper clippings --various loose papers and letters -- 1 certificate of appreciation Certificate: white paper with light turquoise thick border and gold and blue thin borders. The RVIB official seal is at the base of the right hand side and a coloured image of the RVIB logo, with the words 'Centenary year 100 1866/1966' in the bottom left corner.royal victorian institute for the blind, auxiliaries

The Feelix library was developed to help children who were blind or have low vision experience the connection with books via tactile objects. Each print book was hand selected, a clear Braille overlay placed on the pages, and items relating to the story were made or purchased and added to the kit. The kit (book and objects) was held inside a cardboard suitcase and sent through the mail in a bright orange, zippered plastic padded pouch with a carry strap. Launched at the Melbourne Zoo on 11 February 2003, ambassador Sigrid Thornton read 'Owl Babies' by Martin Waddell to the crowd. These images were taken of the families who attended, including Zoos Victoria CEO Laura Mumaw, Minister for Community Services Sherryl Garbut and RVIB CEO Doug Kent.36 digital photographs of families and official guests at launch of Feelix libraryroyal victorian institute for the blind, feelix, sigrid thornton, sherryl garbut, laura mumaw, doug kent, louise curtin

A collection of birds and beasts at home fiction stories for young children. Clem Thiele presumably owned the book indicated by the stamps inside with his name.Children's hardcover collection of Birds and Beasts at Home stories by W. Gilhespy. The cover has a coloured picture of a squirrel sitting on a branch of a tree and a mother bird feeding her babies in a nest. The title is printed in blue. The spine has the title and an illustration of a dovecote, along with the publisher Nelson written below. A coloured plate is at the front and throughout there are black and white illustrations. A child has stamped birds and other pictures here and there.Clem Thiele Doncaster is stamped four times on the endpaper at the front with stamps of a gentleman and his dog too.children's fiction, animal stories, bird stories

Four small Patons knitting booklets, c.1940's or 1950's. 1. The front cover of three of the booklets show babies lying down or sitting, wearing hand knitted clothes. Inside are various patterns for clothing. Two covers are pink coloured and have the price 1/6d. and one is black and white coloured with the price of 1/-.No. R6 has p.67, R.11 has p.51, No.317 has p.23. 'Better Knitting with Patons - Use your Leisure Knit for Pleasure' is printed in black print on the grey cover of the fourth book. No price.It has general knitting instructions, diagrams, photographs, tables and some patterns, along with information about various Patons wool. p.51.non-fictionFour small knitting pattern books for home knitters, c.1940's or 50's. knitting, knitting patterns, knitting equipment

An olive green hardcover children's fiction book, The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley with Art Nouveau decorated covers, and the title and publisher printed on the decorative spine. It has Pp. 264 plus 32 S.W. Partridge and Co.'s Catalogue Pages of Popular Illustrated Books classified according to price. There are six black and white illustrations by HLB. It has brown discoloration with age throughout. A Bookplate is glued onto the front right hand endpaper.fictionThe story deals with the moral education and Christian redemption of a young chimney sweep called Tom, who after drowning is transformed into a clean 'water baby' or sprite. This second chance allows him to evolve into a strong and worthy man, capable of engaging with the modern world. It is considered a moral fable and a satire on Victorian attitudes to child labour and religion.fantasy books, children's books, religious books

Rear view of Eltham Library showing loading dock and ramp to the front of the building. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, for which he won the 1995 Royal Australian Insitute of architects (Vic.) Merit Award in the New Institutional category. Covered under Heritage Overlay, Nillumbik Planning Scheme. Published: Nillumbik Now and Then /​ Marguerite Marshall 2008; photographs Alan King with Marguerite Marshall.; p183 Award-winning Eltham Library, with its earthy tones blending into the nearby parklands, celebrates some of the best of Eltham’s spirit. Designed by multi-award winning architect, Gregory Burgess, the library at Panther Place, won him the 1995 Royal Australian Institute of Architects (Vic) Merit Award in the New Institutional category.1 The design is typical of Burgess’ work, emphasising natural materials and forms, and the integration of building and site.2 In its distinctive architectural character, Burgess celebrated the spirit of Eltham’s artist/architect Justus Jörgenson and mud-brick builder Alistair Knox. However this library, which opened in 1994, follows decades of efforts to acquire a suitable library for local residents. It was only in 1971 that Eltham acquired its first purpose-built library. In the 1930s books were borrowed from a mobile library run by Mr Foster of Bible Street. From the 1930s to the early 1950s, adults borrowed books from the newsagency and general store in Main Road (still a newsagency) near Arthur Street. As late as the 1950s, adults borrowed books in the shire office foyer, then in Main Road near the corner of Arthur Street.3 In the early 1950s the ratepayers voted for lower rates rather than a library, in a referendum to build a public library financed by higher rates. Children depended on volunteers for their library service until 1966. In 1946 the inaugural meeting of the Eltham War Memorial Trust’s Women’s Auxiliary, decided to support the Trust by raising funds to buy land and build a Children’s Library, Baby Health Centre and other facilities. The auxiliary formed the Children’s Library Committee, which included Mrs Morrison, Mrs Bow and Mrs Currie. They ran a library service in the stage area of the Eltham Hall, at the corner of Arthur Street and Main Road. In 1952 the books were relocated to a room in the newly opened Baby Health Centre on Main Road. Then in 1961, the Children’s Library received its own hall beside the Eltham Pre-School Centre on Main Road. From there, each month, volunteers delivered books to every school in the shire. In 1966 the Children’s Library closed after 17 years of service, following the transfer of the Trust land and buildings to the Shire of Eltham. The books were donated to nine schools in the shire and to Community Aid Abroad. An important boost to the library service came in 1965, when the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was formed by the City of Heidelberg with the Shires of Eltham and Diamond Valley. Its first library service for Eltham Shire was a bookmobile van. Books for children and adults were finally housed in one building in 1966, when the shire converted the Brinkkotter house in Dudley Street, into a library. At last in 1971, the Eltham Library moved to new premises attached to the shire offices near Panther Place. However these were demolished in 1996, by State Government appointed commissioners during council amalgamations. Meanwhile the Heidelberg Regional Library Service was disbanded in 1985 and the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service was established. The burgeoning population brought pressure for a bigger library. Eltham was one of several municipalities in the 1970s and 1980s, battling with the State Government for adequate funding for public libraries. Funds were so tight, that in 1987 Eltham councillors threatened to close the library. However public petitions persuaded them to set aside funds to replace the cramped library facilities. In 1992 the Federal Government gave $887,496 towards the $3 million cost of the 1560 square metre library.4 The result is a light and spacious building with surrounding verandas, made of sustainable natural materials including earth and recycled and radially sawn timbers. It includes a gallery and function areas. In 2004 Mr Burgess won Australian architecture’s highest accolade: the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He has received more than forty professional and community awards.This collection of almost 130 photos about places and people within the Shire of Nillumbik, an urban and rural municipality in Melbourne's north, contributes to an understanding of the history of the Shire. Published in 2008 immediately prior to the Black Saturday bushfires of February 7, 2009, it documents sites that were impacted, and in some cases destroyed by the fires. It includes photographs taken especially for the publication, creating a unique time capsule representing the Shire in the early 21st century. It remains the most recent comprehenesive publication devoted to the Shire's history connecting local residents to the past. nillumbik now and then (marshall-king) collection, eltham, eltham library, panther place

"The Progressive Woman" covers all types of topics - from baby news, the world of art and theatre, the love of books, better housekeeping, recipes, knitting patterns etc.the victorian housewives association, world war ii