Councilor W.A.Walton (J.P.),was elected Ballarat Shire council in 1955,serving till 1979. He was Shire Preident in 1962-63,1966-67,1978-79. This was part of a collection of photos taken to Commemorate the Opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre on 20th November 1959. Original Historical photo of councilors for 1959. Councilor W.A.Walton,(J.P.).Sepia photo on white mount,situated second from left, top row of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Collection of photos of Councilors for 1959. walton w a j p, ballarat shire council 1959, wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959

Councilor W.MacG.Troup,(J.P.), was elected as a member of council in 1953 serving till 1970.He was shire President in 1960-61.Section of Original Historic photo of councilors for the year 1959, taken to commemorate the Wendouree Municiple Opening 20th November of that year.Councilor W. MacG.Troup,(J.P.).Sepia photo,(rectangular),on white mount, Situated Middle of bottom row of composite photo of all coucilors for the year 1959.Presented to Ballarat Shire Council, by Shire President Charles Edward "Ted" Brown, to Commemorate the opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre, 20th November 1959.wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, ballarat shire council, troup w macg j p, councilor 1959

Councilor W.Powell,(J.P.),was elected to council in 1935 serving till 1963.He was Shire President in 1939-40,1948-49,1958-59. This photo was taken to form a composite photo, of all councilors, to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre on 20th November 1959. Original Historic photo of Councilors for the year 1959.Photo of Councilor W.Powell(J.P.) 1959. Sepia on white mount,top left hand corner of composite photo of councilors for the year 1959.Collection of potos of councilors for 1959. Commemorating opening Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.shire, ballarat, councilor, 1959, powell, w j p, wendouree municiple centre, opening, 20th, november 1959

Councilor D.L.White was elected to Ballarat Shire Council in 1957 serving till 1960. Original Historical photo of Councilors for the year 1959.Councilor D.L.White, Sepia rectangular photo on white mount, situated third from right, of top row of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959. Collection of photos of Councilors, commemorating opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.ballarat shire council 1959, white d l councilor, opening wendouree munciple centre 20th november 1959

Councilor A.C.Martin was elected to Ballarat Shire Council in 1957 serving till1960.Original Historic photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Councilor A.C.Martin,sepia photo,(rectangular),on white mount,situated second from left,middle row of commposite photos of all councilors for the year 1959.Presented by Ballarat Shire President Charles Edward,"Ted", brown to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre,20th November 1959.ballarat shire council 1959, wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, martin a c councilor

Councilor A.D.Moverley was elected to Council in 1958 serving till1961.Original Historic photo of all Councilors for the year 1959.Taken to commemorate opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.Councilor A.D. Moverley, sepia photo (rectangular),on white mount,situated second from right of middle row of composite photo of all councilors,taken to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.Presented by Councilor Charles Edward "Ted" Brown,Shire President, to Commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, ballarat shire council, moverley a d councilor 1958 61

David Baird (J.P.) was elected to Ballarat Shire Council in 1928 serving till 1960.He was Shire President in 1931-32,1940-41,1946-47,1956-57. Original Historic Photo of all Councilors for the year 1959.Councilor D. Baird,(J.P.).Sepia photo,(rectangular),on white mount,situated left hand side of bottom row of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Presented to Ballarat Shire council by Charles Edward "Ted" Brown,President 1959-1960, to commemorate opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.ballarat shire council 1959, d shire, wendouree municiple, centre opening 20th november 1959, d baird jp

Councilor E.Edwards (J.P), was elected to council in1951 and served till 1970. He was Shire President in 1957-58 and 1965-66.Original Historic Photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Councilor E. Edwards,(J.P.).Sepia photo, on white mount,situated second from right,top row of composite photo of all Councilors for the year 1959.Photo of all councilors 1959, commemorating opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959ballarat shire council 1959, wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, e edwards j p

Councilor H.A.Patterson was elected to council in1953 and served till 1964. He was Shire President in 1961-62 .Original Historic Photo of all Councilors for the year 1959. Councilor H.A.Patterson, sepia photo,on white mount, situated right hand end of top row of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Photo of all Councilors for 1959, commemorating the opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.patterson, h a, wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, ballarat shire council

Mr. K.S.Lane was Shire Secretary for the Ballarat Shire Council in 1959.This forms part of a composite collection of photos presented by the Shire Preident,to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centreon 20th November 1959. Original Historical Photo of all Councilors for the year 1959Mr.K.S. Lane,(Shire Secretary).Sepia photo (rectangular) on white mount,situated left hand side of middle row,of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959. Shire President Charles Edward,"Ted" Brown and councilors,commemorating opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, ballarat shire council, lane k s mr, shire secretary 1959

Large Black & white photograph in glass fronted wooden frame mountd on buff coloured boardRingwood Technical School Inaugural School Council 1959. H.W. Hopkins, L.D. White, A.H. McPherson, P.D. Jarman, F.R. Lucas, Major General L.E. Beavis, G.M. Veitch, A.J. Aird.

Councilor T.W.Ford was elected as a member of council in 1955 and served till 1975. He served a term as Shire President in 1964-65.Section of Original Historic photo of all Councilors for the year 1959.Councilor T.W.Ford,sepia photo,(rectangular),on white mount,situated right hand side,bottom row of composite photo of councilors for 1959Presented to Ballarat Shire Council, by Shire President Charles Edward "Ted" Brown to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre on 20th November 1959.ballarat shire council 1959, wendouree municiple centre opening 20th november 1959, ford t w

Councilor C.E.Brown was elected to council in 1946 and served til 1973.He was Shire President in 1952-53,1955-56,1959-60,1963-64,1971-72. This photo forms part of a collection of photos of all Councilors for the year 1959-60.Orininal Historical Photo of all Councilors for the Financial year 1959.Sepia photo, on white mount, of Shire President C.E.Brown,(J.P.).Situated middle of second row of composite collection of photos of councilors in the year 1959.Shire President C.E.Brown and councilors, to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.president, 1959 60, brown, c e, 1959, wendouree municiple centre opening 1959, ballarat shire council

Folio 1 Golden Square Secondary College School Council Reports 1959 to 1970, containing: Enrolment reports Head Master's reports Annual reports of Board of Secondary School Inspectors Advisory Council reportsgolden square secondary college, school council records

Councilor G.A.Fraser,(J.P.), was elected to council in 1947 and served till 1960.He was Shire President in 1953-54.Original Historic photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Councilor G.A.Fraser.(J.P.). Sepia rectangular photo, on white mount, situated third from left, top row of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959. Composite collection of photos of councilors for the year 1959, commemorating the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959.ballarat shire council 1959, fraser g a j p, opening wendouree municiple centre, 20th november 1959

Relates the history of the Greenhills area of Greensborough. It was compiled by Malcolm Blair, Agnes O'Donnell and Adrienne Thompson as an entry into a Develop Victoria Council contest in 1959.Records the significant developments in Greenhills' history. It also listed the office bearers of the Greenhill and North Greensborough Progress Association from its inception.A 40 page singled sided typed book held together by staples. 3 copies.greenhills, partington, gold discovery, north greensborough, anthony beale, st helena, develop victoria council

Mr.Rex H. Hollioake was Shire Secretary for the Ballarat Shire Council from 10th August 1958 till 10th February 1993. This photo forms part of a collection taken to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre on 20th November 1959.Original Historic Photo of all Councilors for the year 1959.Mr Rex H. Hollioake,Shire Engineer. Sepia photo,(rectangular),on white mount,situated right hand side of middle row of composite photo of all councilors for the year 1959.Presented to Ballarat Shire Council by C.E.Brown,President 1959-1960.To commemorate opening of Wendouree Municiple Centre 20th November 1959. wendouree municiple centre opening 1959, ballarat shire council 1959, shire secretary, hollioake rex

Councilor A. McDonald was elected to council in 1960, serving till 1980. He was Shire President in 1969-70.Original Historic photo of all Councilors and staff for 1959-60.Sepia photo(rectangular),on white mount,of Councilor A.McDonald,situated right hand side of top row ,forming part of composite collection of photos of all councilors and staff for 1959-60.Presented to the Ballarat Shire Council by Councilor C.E.Brown (J.P.),President 1959-1960.ballarat shire council 1959 60, a mcdonald 1960 1980

This composite collection of photos of Shire President Charles Edward "Ted" Brown (J.P.)and Councilors, W. Powell, W.A.Walton,(J.P.), D.L.White, G.A.Fraser,(J.P.), E.Edwards,(J.P.), H.A.Patterson, Mr K.S.Lane,(Shire Secretary), A.C.Martin, A.D.Moverly, Mr Rex H.Hollioake,(Shire Engineer), D.Baird (J.P.), W.G.MacTroup,(J.P.), and T.W.Ford,was presented to the Ballarat Shire Council, by the Shire President,to commemorate the opening of the Wendouree Municiple Centre on 20th November 1959. Original historical photo of all Councilors for the year 1959-60Collection of photos of Shire President Charles Edward "Ted" Brown (J.P.)and all Councilors for the year 1959-1960.The photos are sepia on white mount,set in a plain brown frame.It was presented, to council, to commemorate the opening of Wendouree Municipal Centre 2oth November 1959. Collection of council photos for the year 1959.j p, brown charles, edward, ted, shire president, 1959 60, ballarat shire council 1959 60, wendouree municipal centre opening 1959

This image could be one of several formal occasions attended by Lady Maie Casey and Lord Richard Casey, as both were dedicated patrons of International House. In March 1963, Lord Casey opened the Samuel Wadham Wing, named for the man in the centre of this image. Samuel Wadham (1891–1972) was a professor of agriculture at the University of Melbourne and chair of the International House Council from 1959 to 1969. He and his wife Lady Dorothy Wadham were deeply involved in fundraising and public outreach on behalf of International House.maie casey, samuel wadham

The Publications Committee were Ken McDougall, Kath Hayes, Brian Haig, Sue Tucker, heather Bell, Dawn Brown, Ian george, elizabeth Lemmon, Janette Leviston, Leah Harwood, Tony scanlon. Mal Wordsworth. Ian Walshe. The Year Book Committee were Carmel Keys, Judy Krahe, Jill Mayo, and Mr Ryan was the staff representative. The Students' representative council for 1959 were J. O'Neill, I. Ferguson, I. Jenkins, E.Davies, B. Matthews, M. Robinson, R. Cummings, B. Vandenberg, N. Wright, D. McKimmie, K. McDougall, D. Eldridge, N. Beacham, K. Ryrie, J. Rae and D. Wise. The social committee comprised R. Power, G. Briggs, D. Ryan, G. Wallace, V. Delbridge, S. Dawe, Miss Lloyd, Mr Bourke, R. Kelly, M. Grey, J. Cadzow, E. Davies, Monica Miller, G. Commons and F. Mason. A black and white soft covered magazine of the Ballarat Teachers' College. The cover design was by Doug Sheen. Articles include: education in North Borneo, Webster St Hostel, Gillies Street Girls Hostel, Victoria Street Hostel, Camp Street Hostel, Gillies Street Boys Hostel, Ex-Students' association, The Joys of caravaning, How to Spend One's Leisure, Ideas from the Design Club, Faces Behind the Wheel, Life's Bitterness, Characterization, Such is Life. ballarat teachers' college, margaret brown, ken mcdougall, kath hayes, brian haig, tom turner, k. mcdougall, noel beacham, norma mchenry, heather speedie, ted doney, north borneo, webster street hostel, victoria street hostel, students residences, . o'neill, i. ferguson, i. jenkins, e.davies, b. matthews, m. robinson, r. cummings, b. vandenberg, n. wright, d. mckimmie, d. eldridge, n. beacham, k. ryrie, j. rae, d. wise, r. power, g. briggs, d. ryan, g. wallace, v. delbridge, s. dawe, miss lloyd, mr bourke, r. kelly, m. grey, j. cadzow, e. davies, monica miller, g. commons, f. mason, camp street hostel, gillies street hostel

The land situated on the northwest corner of Main Road and Brougham Street was originally owned by Justus Jorgensen of Montsalvat. He sold the property and it was purchased for Mobil Service Station (since demolished in the 1990s). This photo was taken by Council in response to a request from the garage proprietor to cut down the trees, presumably based on a claim of visibility. Council's investigation indicated the trees on either corner did not impede visibility which was reported in Council minute 23 Nov 1959.Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.infrastructure, shire of eltham, 1959-11-12, brougham steet, avenue of honour, eltham, main road, mobil service station, trees

The land situated on the northwest corner of Main Road and Brougham Street was originally owned by Justus Jorgensen of Montsalvat. He sold the property and it was purchased for Mobil Service Station (since demolished in the 1990s). This photo was taken by Council in response to a request from the garage proprietor to cut down the trees, presumably based on a claim of visibility. Council's investigation indicated the trees on either corner did not impede visibility which was reported in Council minute 23 Nov 1959.Record of various Shire of Eltham infrastructure works undertaken during the period of 1952-1962 involving bridge and road reconstruction projects, sometimes with Eltham Shire Council Project Reference numbers quoted. It was during this period that a number of significant improvements were made to roads and new bridges constructed within the shire that remain in place as of present day (2022). In many situations, the photos provide a tangible visible record of infrastructure that existed throughout the early days of the Shire. The album was put together by or under the direction of the Shire Engineer, J.A. McDonald.infrastructure, shire of eltham, 1959-11-12, brougham steet, avenue of honour, eltham, main road, mobil service station, trees

This collection of photos depicts Councilor Charles Edward "Ted" Brown, and Councilors W.Powell(J.P.),W.A.Walton (J.P.),D.I.White,E.Edwards,(J.P.),H.A.Patterson,A.McDonald,Mr K.S. Lane, (Shire secretary),A.C.Martin,A.Doug.Moverly,Mr. Rex Hollioake,(Shire Engineer),W.MacG.Troup,(J.P.)T.W.Ford, D.Baird.It was presented to the Ballarat Shire Council by Councilor C.E.Brown (J.P.),President 1959-60 (History of these Councilors and staff can be found under catalogue number 014/11 to 014.14 / 11,except for Councilor A.McDonald.) Original Historic Photo of all Councilors and staff for the year 1959-60Sepia photo of Shire President Charles Edward "Ted", Brown (J.P.), and all councilors and staff,set in a plain brown frame with white mount.Presented to the Ballarat Shire Council by Councilor C.E.Brown,(J.P.).President 1959-1960.ballarat shire council, shire president 1959 60, c e ted brown

This model of the Brighton Municipal Offices was made by Alan W. Chandler. The Brighton Municipal Offices were designed by Kevin Knight of Oakley and Parkes with the engineers John Connell and Associates and were erected by Prentice Builders Pty Ltd. The foundation stone was laid on 13 February 1959 and the building was opened on 21 July 1961. The interior decoration and furniture was by Grant Featherston. As is common practice, an architectural model was prepared to present the final concept of the building for approval to the Brighton City Council. In February 1959 festivities occurred to celebrate the centenary of the municipality of Brighton. A garden party attended by two hundred Brighton residents was held in the grounds of the Brighton Town Hall. This model graced the centre of the lily pond during the event. The following day the foundation stone of the Brighton Municipal Offices was laid.Architectural model of a large public building in orange brick, the main cylindrical tower is set within a rectangular structure, with circular and oval roof structures. The model is set within landscaped grounds with paths, a water feature, several trees and bushes, lawns and flower beds.brighton municipal complex, brighton civic centre, brighton chambers, architectural model, model, alan w. chandler, kevin knight, oakley and parkes, architecture, municipal offices, municipal building, scale model

Worn by Dame Marie Breen DBE OBE, Federal Senator for Victoria and Brighton resident. A passionate member (and founder) of many community organisations and charities, Marie Freda Breen (nee Chamberlin, 1902-1993) had her first experience of public life when her husband Robert became Mayor of Brighton in 1940. She became involved in the fledgeling Liberal Party, and Robert encouraged her to run for office. Marie because Victoria's first female Federal Senator in 1962. In Parliament, she was a vocal advocate for women and families and supported building a stronger relationship between Australia and Asia. In 1965 she became the first woman to chair a Senate committee. Marie retired from politics in 1968, after Robert was badly injured in a car accident. He died shortly after and she re-dedicated herself to community service, raising funds for UNICEF and serving on the Victorian Consultative Committee on Social Development and the Australian Advisory Council of Elders. In 1959 she was appointed an Officer of the British Empire for her work in the role of State President of the National Council of Women (Victoria) and in 1979 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Marie and Robert had three daughters, one of whom, Jeannette Patrick, was the Liberal Member for Brighton (1976-1985) and Parliamentary Secretary of the Liberal Party, (1979-82).Sleeveless black cotton voile dress printed with large cream and apricot coloured roses. Dropped waist; bias-cut triangular draping applied to back neck; two horizontal bands of black voile inserted into skirt.dame marie breen, 1920s, liberal party of australia, australian senate, politics, robert breen

View looking east across the Glen Park Bridge and the railway crossing towards Main Road circa 1920. The bridge was originally built as a replacement for an older private bridge built by a man named Foley around 1880. In 1911 Heidelberg and Eltham agreed to share the costs to build a new bridge (the Diamond Creek was the border between the two). Construction began in June 1915 and it was officially opened by Cr. Taylor on Cup Day, November 1915. This photo, dated around 1920, is of the Glen Park Bridge crossing over the Diamond Creek about 50 metres north of the present-day Wattletree tree Road Bridge. Glen Park Road intersected Main Rain Road along an alignment following present day Coleman Cresent. In this this picture we see the narrow wooden bridge over a high flowing Diamond Creek at Glen Park, now Eltham North. In the background is a railway crossing sign. There is a self-contained carbide streetlamp situated in front of the bridge. In the early 1900s, carbide (acetylene gas) streetlamps emerged as a lighting technology for regional towns across Victoria, Australia, before municipal electricity grids were widely established. During the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras, major hubs like Melbourne relied on centralized coal-gas infrastructure. However, small regional Victorian shires lacked the funds or population density to build large gasworks. When the commercial production of calcium carbide became viable around 1900, it offered a quantum leap in brightness over traditional kerosene streetlamps. Acetylene gas burned with an intense, crisp white flame—significantly brighter than oil or candles. Many rural towns used self-contained lampposts. A lamplighter had to climb each post daily to manually place calcium carbide pellets in a lower chamber and fill an upper chamber with water. The water dripped onto the carbide, producing acetylene gas to feed the burner. Lamplighters carefully measured the fuel amounts so the chemical reaction would naturally exhaust itself and "turn off" around midnight. While carbide streetlights provided unparalleled visibility for early motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, they were incredibly labour-intensive and inherently volatile. The gas was highly explosive, prone to leaks, and left behind a pungent, sulphur-like odour. By the end of World War I, local Victorian councils rapidly phased out acetylene infrastructure in favour of safer, independent electric powerhouse generators. In the context of Eltham's local history, the Eltham Shire and surrounding Yarra Valley region actively relied on carbide streetlamps and kerosene lighting during the early 20th century before the expansion of the Melbourne electric grid. Eltham was an outer-rural, heavily timbered farming and orchard district at the turn of the century, it faced unique civic infrastructure challenges. In rural Eltham, early streetlamps were exceptionally sparse. The community relied heavily on "innkeeper laws" which dictated local hotels—such as the historic Eltham Hotel—were legally required to keep external oil, kerosene, or acetylene lamps burning through the night to illuminate the main roads for travellers and coaches. The volatile carbide and kerosene lamps on Eltham's main thoroughfares were progressively phased out during the 1920s. The district steadily transitioned to electricity, which allowed for developments like the installation of modern electrical wiring at the local fire station on Arthur Street by 1928. The Glen Park Bridge was a low structure and subject to flooding readily. In 1959 Eltham Council erected a new crossing over the Diamond Creek and realigned the road to the present-day Wattletree Road Bridge. Construction was not fully complete when on Sunday, 20 September 1959, heavy flooding occurred in the stream and at 3:53 pm the old bridge was washed away forever. - Research by Peter Pidgeon, EDHS, June 2026Photograph copy eltham north, wattletree road, coleman crescent, bridges, diamond creek (creek), bridge, carbide streetlamp, floodwater, glen park bridge, street lamp, glen park road, glen park estate

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 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 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 2-1 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 2-1, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18

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 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 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 3-1 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 3

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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 3-2 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 3, c e w bean