Warrnambool's Mechanics' Institute (or Institution as it was sometimes called) was one of the earliest in Victoria. On 17th October 1853 a meeting was held where it was resolved to request the Lieutenant Governor of the Colony to grant land for the erection of a Mechanics' Institutes building. A committee was formed at the meeting and Richard Osburne chaired the first meeting of this committee. The land on the North West corner of Banyan and Merri Streets was granted but there were no funds to erect the building. The Formal Rights of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute's encompassed its aims and these were officially adopted in1859; "This Institution has for its object the diffusion of literary, scientific, and other useful knowledge amongst its members, excluding all controversial subjects, religious or political. These objects are sought to be obtained by means of a circulating library, a reading room, the establishment of classes, debates, and the occasional delivery of lectures on natural and experimental philosophy, mechanics, astronomy, chemistry, natural history, literature, and the useful and ornamental arts, particularly those which have a more immediate reference to the colony." The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute opened its first reading room in November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. My Tropic Isle Author: E J Banfield Publisher: T Fisher Unwin Date: 1911Label on spine cover with typed text RA 919.43 BAN Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Fly paper has stamp from Warrnambool Public Museumwarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, great ocean road, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, warrnambool public library, my tropic isle, e j banfield

The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Confessions of a Beachcomber Author: E J Banfield Publisher: T Fisher Unwin Date: 1910 Further Information: Scenes and incidents in the career of an unprofessional beachcomber in tropical Queensland. First Edition 1908 Second Impression 1910The label on spine cover with typed text RA 919.43 BAN Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from City of Horsham Free Library Front loose endpaper has a stamp from City of Horsham Free Library flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the confessions of a beachcomber

This appears to be a photo of all or most of the Pupils and Staff of Ararat Church of England School, ca1920s. The names of all or most are written on the back of the photo.This is an early photo of the Ararat Church of England School. The date, and the names attached to or written on the back of the photo add to the signficance of the photo, making it of local significance.Black and white photograph mounted on cardboard. The photograph shows a group of 39 students in four rows and a man and woman standing to their left. They are in front of a brick building.Inscription: on back, both written in ink, and repeated on an affixed cardboard label. Church of England Grammar School 1920's./ Back row left to right L. Wright, H. Banfield, T. Butt, N. Gamson, R. Hodgetts,/ T. Webb, Mr T. C. Cochrane, Miss K. Webb, First row M. Webb, L. Robertson,/ J. McKay, T. Brown, E. Brown, B. Edwards, D. Hayman, I. Edwards/ Second Row - G. Foster, J.H. Webb, B. Hayman, E. Noltenius, Temple/ B. Richardson, I. Gibletr/ Front Row: F. Ramage, W. Owen, J. Dunn, J. Foster/ M. Hayman, L. Ford, B. Nolteniuseducation, 1920, school, teacher, church-of-england, pupil, ararat-church-of-england-school, ararat-school, ararat-education

Document. Two page advertising flyer for the Comic Opera Company, Masonic Hall, Bendigo. On the back page, ''Printed at the Bendigo Independant Office, Williamson St., Bendigo''. Advertisers: W.Parkinson and Co - Copper Plate Cleaners and gold refiners. Walter E.Ellis - Tobacconist. W.Bartle - Jeweller and Watchmaker. Mrs Newman's - Coffee Palace. Jas. Burston - Watchmaker, Jeweller and Optician. Lazarus Telegraph Hotel. H.Lorenz - Tailor. Mrs A. Keast - Dining Rooms. P. Drescher - Watchmaker and Jeweller. W A Parker - Hairdresser and Tobacconist. O'Hagan's Sandhurst Hotel. Leslie's Blacksmith. Mrs Leonard - Tobacconist. J Dunne - Market Hotel. Bright's - Fish and Fruit. E J Delaney - Harp and Shamrock Hotel. Banfield and Co - Goldbrokers. Swift and Rothberg - Tailors and Drapery. Hans Irvine - Wine Sales. T Sayer - Undertaker. Terminus Hotel. Jack Francis Cafe. A Frigerio - Wire Worker. Barnett's Jewellers. B Sluyterman - Electrical Engineer. T R Jones - Chemist. Jack E Coates - Scenery for Hire. Krast and Co - Gold Brokers. Sydney P Ewing - Dentist. H Nickson - Furniture Hire. Geo Jackman - S P Bookmaker.performing arts, elocution, theatre flyer

Bendigo Advertiser "The way we were" from Wednesday, July21, 2004. Premiers: Golden Square's B-grade premiership team from 1946-47, had plenty of talent. Team members were: back left to right, L. Crothers, A. Banfield, G. Teasdale, C. Agass, E. Wingrae. Front R. Palmer, j. Knipe, S. Byron (captain), L. Banfield, L. Bolger. Absent W. Crothers.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

List of Full Course Students' 1946, Editorial, Editor's Notes, News and Notes, Obituary, The Head of School, Staff 1946, The Literary Society, Science Section, Art Section, Sports, Commercial Notes, Preparatory Girls', Junior Technical School Section, Junior Technical School Ballarat Students' 19461945 - Maroon cover with green, yellow and blue lettering, soft covered magazine of 74 pages. 1946 -White and yellow cover with, blue and green lettering, soft covered magazine of 94 pages including advertisements. .6 - Green soft cover , with purple writing, 56 pages including advertisements Artwork Mr Bunning - Probably By Joan Walter Hoch Mon - By Kenneth Palmer Shorty - Probably By Joan Walter Chub - Probably By Joan Walter Dorise - Probably By Joan Walter Hank - By Kenneth Palmer Roma - By Kenneth Palmer Shirt - Probably By Joan Walter Fat - By Kenneth Palmer Pug - By Kenneth Palmer Bill - By Kenneth Palmer Gig - Probably By Joan Walter Mid - By Kenneth Palmer SMB's Roving Reporter - By Kenneth Palmer Staffie - By Kenneth Palmer Oh Frankie - By Kenneth Palmer Sketch - By William Rowe Hector - Probably By Joan Walter Elwyn - By Kenneth Palmer Clive - By Kenneth Palmer Happy - Probably By Joan Walter Max - By Kenneth Palmer Socks - By Kenneth Palmer Yvonne - By Kenneth Palmer June - By Kenneth Palmer Babbling Betty - By Kenneth Palmer Betty - By Kenneth Palmer Bake - Probably By Joan Walter Sherry - Probably By Joan Walter Janice - By Kenneth Palmer Joan - By Kenneth Palmer Lynette - By Kenneth Palmer Dot - By Kenneth Palmer Margo - Probably By Joan Walter Shirley - By Kenneth Palmer Joan - By Kenneth Palmer New Entry School - Know your bends and hitches - By Max Coward Eyres - Probably By Joan Walter Dean - Probably By Joan Walter Simpkin - Probably By Joan Walter Ron - By Kenneth Palmer Siv - By Kenneth Palmer Doc - By Kenneth Palmer Hindson - By Kenneth Palmer Bandy - By Kenneth Palmer Sharpy - By Kenneth Palmer Clifton - Probably By Joan Walter Cocky - Probably By Joan Walter George - By Kenneth Palmer Topple - Probably By Joan Walter Jukes - Probably By Joan Walter .6 Artwork Mr Barker - Possibly By Maxwell D. Berlyn Mr Aston - By Shirley M. Ross John - Possibly By Maxwell D. Berlyn Chris - By Shirley M. Ross Rus - By Shirley M. Ross Pimp - By Robert Tantau Phonso - By Robert Tantau The Stud Room - By Robert Tantau Auntie Shirl - Possibly By Maxwell D. Berlyn Miss Morgan - By Rosemary Hullick Hand Grenade - By Shirley M. Ross Plane - By William E. Ross Potty - Possibly By Maxwell D. Berlyn Beverley - By Shirley M. Ross Beth - By Rosemary Hullick Gwen - By Rosemary Hullick Sadie - By Shirley Ross M. Cutter - Possibly By Maxwell D. Berlyn Dingdong - By Robert Tantau Blue - By Shirley M. Ross Hoffy - By Shirley M. Ross ballarat school of mines, magazine, joan walter, kevin j. whiter, kingsley bremmer, d. spence, neville reeve, p. banfield, r. sudholz, n. lumsden, john g. procter, peter j. wilson, john w. jolly, stanley s. parker, john a. mckenzie, beatrice e. burgess, p. maloney, f. daykin, margaret mcleod, dr pound, peter h. marxsen, f. g. procter, c. fairbank, dawn williams, c. hoffman, t. trengrove, n. t. bunning, d. t. kellock, a. f. heseltine, dr h. hirst, w. s. stuckey, e. j. mcconnon, ron cairns, gwen spiers, f. l. collins, a. w. bridson, j. j. hanrahan, h. brew, g. w. cornell, j. t. collins, r. w. whitla, s. mayo, n. bunning, l. o. brown, g. v. bergin, r. r. watson, t. kellock, a. j. murdock, r. w. richards, a. c. miller, a. v. gilpin, t. r. gordon, r. p. flower, h. yates, d. mullins, w. wilkinson, l. hillman, alison johnson, a. jones, m. fogarty, hester darby, j. allsop, w. paterson, a. lambert, h. goldsmith, m. mctaggett, c. king, m. harland, g. g. procter, n. w. penrose, r. r. calder, s. williams, c. g. jeffery, d. i. johnston, j. sutherland, r. h. lonie, f. e. ferguson, b. law, j. lochhead, david coburn, jack scala, douglas dean, alan wilson, doris pengalley, roma sudholz, ken palmer, winnie beckwith, tonie hilton, jean waller, david hobson, william rowe, robert allen, mrs smail, betty young, william blackie, alfred mckenzie, peggy crosbie, lloyd lehman, d. judd, rex h. holliocke, david j. jelbart, ian d. mclachlan, frederick g. savage, john m. blainey, b. hewitt, roy e. mawby, maxwell f. murray, g. sewell, lindsay g. pattenden, neville morton, william h. wray, john e. ambrosio, ronald d. cairns, kenneth s. lindsay, graeme w. scarfe, john middlin, william hewett, victor m. mcgrath, john s. spittle, alfred e. temby, d. young, willis brown, b. sherrit, r. jillet, nola hornbuckle, jean sewell, maureen walsh, margery ross, m. james, n. sewell, winifred m. beckwith, olive whitworth, winifred stevens, j. waller, mavis connell, r. gladman, n. pitcher, heather duncan, patricia gleeson, margaret stevens, edna stevens, reita rowe, rosemary gillett, roy mawby, kevin whiter, robert morgan, laurie krausgrill, don lucas, gilbert j. troplis, j. hanrahan, w. sutherland, b. bowman, l. clifton, w. coad, i. james, k. eberhart, g. jukes, k. dean, k. george, ronald healey, r. montgomery, t. aggett, r. hocking, m. grinham, m. lawless, k. cartledge, g. clifton, d. halson, g. hindson, w. hon, howard mcwilliam, w. haire, r. sargent, m. mccarthy, c. sadoe, a. spicer, w. nunn, m. tweedale, l. weir, r. watson, l. wilson, k. spalding, k. east, w. holdsworth, e. jackson, j. anderson, t. shaw, w. whittle, d. morris, w. fisher, g. toplis, a. hughes, w. coles, f. atchinson, f. gallagher, t. hewitt, a. ward, r. lambert, w. brogden, r. farquhar, j. james, l. keen, s. h. jones, max coward, esme atkins, maxwell d. berlyn, shirley campbell, dorothy a. casey, patricia j. coates, shirley m.j. cook, patricia a. fitzsimmons, denise l. gilbert, maurine o. grose, barbara c. hanrahan, louis c. huisman, rosemary hullick, kevin a. mcphee, dorothy p. parker, lois m. pedrazzi, jean m. rizzoli, shirley m. ross, william e. ross, shirley m. roepcke, robert w. tantau, w. howard tozer, john b. vernon, delores weatherill