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. 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. Lady Billie Author: Lillian Turner (Mrs F. Lindsay Turner) Publisher: Ward, Lock & Co Date: 1929Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC TUR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Children’s 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, lady billie, lillian turner

Dorothy Berry paints and draws with great energy, using vibrant colours and thick, gestural strokes of paint and pastel. Her work is usually a form of portraiture, often depicting women or birds. In this portrait, Berry has depicted the late American jazz singer Billie Holiday. Berry has been a regular studio artist at Arts Project Australia since 1985. Arts Project Australia supports artists with intellectual disabilities through their studio and gallery, promoting artists’ work and advocating for their inclusion in contemporary art practice.

Catalogue card reads, "Hon. Billie Snedden (later knighted) with Ian Sprague. Exhibition of pottery, October 14, 1967." Backing sheet of photograph reads, "The Minister for Immigration (Mr. B.M. Snedden) this weekend (October 14, 1967?) opened an exhibition of pottery at the Potters Cottage, Warrandyte, Victoria. Exhibits came from all parts of Australia. Here Mr. Snedden (left) discusses a hand-made vase with exhibitor Ian Sprague of Upper Beaconsfield, Victoria."

The Kew Historical Society’s collection includes a wide range of leisure objects. Many of the items are European-made, generally of British origin, however there are a number that were made for the Australian market by Australian manufacturers. There were clearly a huge range of toys produced for the Australian and International children’s market in the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. The examples of toys in the collection include examples of alphabet toys, arcade toys, baby toys, construction toys, dolls, doll accessories, educational toys, soft toys, tin toys, toy animals, toy blocks, toy machines, toy typewriters, etc. Boxed children's construction toy, suitable for children 2-2.5 yearstoys, games and puzzles, hilary page, kiddicraft

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decadeBlack and white landscape photograph of Billie Wilson after a swim in the dam.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. On reverse in pen '1939 "Billie" Wilson after a swim in the dam'churchill island, billie wilson

Rev. W. F. McKenzie (Billie) spent at least 25 years as a missionary on the Arukum Aboriginal Missionary Station in far North Queensland. He also served as State Moderator of the Presbyterian Church.Matt, sepia, head and shoulders studio portrait of W. F. McKenzie on card folder presentation.Best wishes from Billiemckenzie, w. f., presbyterian, arukum aboriginal missionary station, state moderator

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade. This series of photographs show candid pictures taken by previous residents of the Island.Black and white photograph showing Billie Wilson standing by the side of a damCatalogue number written on reverse in pencil. Handwritten on reverse 'Billie Wilson been in swimming in big dam. Prewar I reckon' 'Kodak Print' stamped on reverse '3''92' stamped on reversechurchill island, billie wilson

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decadeBlack and white photograph of two people (probably Billie Wilson and Arthur Evans) painting the windmill with a dam in the background.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. On reverse in pen '1940 Painting the windmill Self up at the back Billie Wilson at lower level'churchill island, windmill

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.Black and white photograph showing Billie Wilson and another person walking up from the dam after a swim.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. Written in pen on reverse 'Oct 1940 After a swim in the big dam. Billie Wilson in foreground'churchill island, billie wilson

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decadeBlack and white photograph of Billie Wilson carrying a bucket and walking from Amess House and Rogers' Cottage. An iron tank is on the left hand side of the frame.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. On reverse in pen '1940 Billie Wilson. Note the iron rivetted water tank'churchill island, billie wilson

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.Black and white photograph of Billie Wilson sitting on a lounge holding a rifle. Another person sits in the backyard. Rogers Cottage and a tank frame the photograph.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. Written in pen on reverse '1940 Billie Wilson Ready to ward off parrots in the orchard'churchill island, billie wilson, rogers cottage

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade.Black and white photograph of Billie Wilson and Zelda Lyons walking down the path from Amess House to go for a swim. The large Norfolk Pine is in the background.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. Written in pen on reverse '1940 Self Explaitory. Zelda Lyons Billie Wilson on way for a swim'churchill island, billie wilson, zelda lyons, amess house, norfolk pine

Churchill Island has a large photograph collection dating from the nineteenth century. This series consists of candid photographs of everyday life taken by previous residents of the island.Black and White photograph of two women (Billie Wilson and Valda Treadwell) sitting in a boat tied up onto Phillip Island.Catalogue number written on reverse in pencil. Handwritten in pen on reverse: '1940. VALDA TREADWELL + BILLIE WILSON IN THE WHALEBOAT AT THE END OF CHURCHILL RD ON PHILLIP ISLAND. NOTE - OLD GARAGE IN BACKGROUND OBVIOUSLY WAITING?'churchill island

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decadeBlack and white photograph of Billie Wilson sitting on the bonnet on the Morris at the end of Churchill Road on Phillip Island with the garage in the background.Catalogue number written in pencil on reverse. On reverse in pen '1939 The faithful Morris 8/40 that had many trips to Churchill in 1938 - 1940 period. Billie Wilson sitting on the bonnett. Car is at end of Churchill Road (on Phillip Island) and the old garage is in the background. Waiting for someone to bring over the dingy from Churchill)churchill island, billie wilson, morris, phillip island

Russet Leather Police Billie. Billie wrapped in copper wire to prevent ware. End is filled with lead shot to a weight of 9 onz.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

This book was given to Bill Rogers for his 8th birthday in 1927. Arthur George (Bill) was the grandson of Joseph Rogers, a Warrnambool plumber, and the son of Arthur and Agnes Rogers. Bill Rogers (d. 1995) worked in the advertising department of the Warrnambool Standard for nearly 50 years. He married Lorna Steller and they lived in MacDonald Street in South Warrnambool. This book is of interest as it belonged to Bill Rogers, a Warrnambool resident in the 20th century. It is also of interest as an example of the type of present given to an 8 year-old boy in the 1920s. This is a black leather covered book of 208 pages. There are two sections – The Book of Common Prayer and Hymns Ancient and Modern. The cover is partly detached from the binding and there is gold lettering on the front cover and spine. The pages are gilt-edged. There is a full page black and white illustration at the beginning of the text. The two inscriptions are handwritten in black ink. ‘To Billie on his 8th birthday 1927’ ‘Billie Rogers 32 McDonald St. Sth. Warrnambool’ bill rogers warrnambool, lorna steller warrnmbool, history of warrnambool

Churchill Island Heritage Farm has a large photograph collection dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the last decade. This series of photographs show candid pictures taken by previous residents of the Island.Black and white photograph showing Ted Jenkins lighting Billie Wilson's cigaretteCatalogue number written on reverse in pencil. Handwritten on reverse 'Ted in Wheelchair and Billy Smitt (Wilson) c.1940' 'KODAK PRINT' and 'Velox' and '92' stamped on reversechurchill island, billie wilson, ted jenkins

Book: 'BILLIE JEAN KING: THE LADY OF THE COURT'. Hardcover. Materials: Ink, Paper, Cardboardtennis

Book: 'BILLIE JEAN KING: THE LADY OF THE COURT'. Hardcover. Materials: Ink, Paper, Cardboardtennis

Coloured photograph of Billie Grigg nee Schwerkolt at the front of Schwerkolt Cottage opened 17/10/1965billie grigg nee schwerkolt, schwerkolt cottage

A Penn '7' tennis ball. Autographed with black marker by Billie Jean King. Materials: Felt, Rubber, Inktennis

A Penn '2' tennis ball. Autographed with black marker by Billie Jean King. Materials: Felt, Rubber, Inktennis

A Penn '6' tennis ball. Autographed with black marker by Billie Jean King. Materials: Felt, Rubber, Inktennis

Pack of 'Sports Deck' plastic coated playing cards. Back of all card features a graphical image of Billie Jean King. Materials: Cardboard, Inktennis

CLUNES C - SPECIAL PREMIER NETBALL C 1971 L - R JAN KINNERLY, ALISON RIDLEY, ANDREA DUNCAN, JAYNE PICKFORD, SALLY DUNCAN, BILLIE ROBINSON, CORALIE COON.SEE ABOVElocal history, photography, photographs, sport, netball

Colour Poster: 'Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs'; featuring graphic-style head-and-shoulder portraits of King and Riggs, and, below this, both players playing tennis. Around top and right edge of poster in yellow bold type is text: 'BILLIE JEAN KING VS. BOBBY RIGGS/ASTRODOME/SEPTEMBER 20, 1973'. Black metal frame with horizontal hanging wire and framer's sticker on backing. Materials: Ink, Paper, Plastic, Metaltennis

An embroidered postcard which was sent to an Australian family during World War I. The postcard is intricately and colourfully embroidered on silk framed with a cardboard backing. The design is of flowers and foliage with the words "for you alone". The reverse side of the postcard has the following handwritten note: "With Love From Billie Wishing you a Happy New Year xxxxxx"