Foreword by Councillor A. D. Renton. A photocopy of a few pages of the Canterbury Courier. A series of reminiscences, stories and pictures from the Canterbury Courier.A series of reminiscences, stories and pictures from the Canterbury Courier.(mr) david staig, canterbury, surrey hills, southern cloud, first football club, first librarian, first pictures, first post office, canterbury football club, (mr) james bennett, 1934, empire day, surrey hills station, 1884, 1906, 1883, kenneally's farm, (mr) george robinson, sanitation

Articles in this annual report include: the need for additional workshop space to accommodate the growing number of workers, the refurbishment of Ormond Hall has proven successful with it being hired out regularly and the Board of Health requesting the Committee expand the cloak room accommodation due the number of attendees, fancy dancing is now being taught by Miss Ada Bosworth and typewriting by Donald Forbes, a space has now been provided for a school library with Norman Rees as the first librarian, an approach was made to the Federal Treasurer requesting that the pension be available to all workers irrespective of earnings on property or income, the Orchestra and Concert Party are still proving popular, 3LO has broadcasted the first Wireless Concert in Australia by blind musicians and singers, the commitment to obtain Wireless sets remains however no particular set has been decided upon yet, the passing of W. Cole and R.P. Nightingale, and the cricket final was won by the Braille team.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, george findlay, ada bosworth, donald forbes, norman rees, ormond hall, walter cole, buildings, cricket

Arthur Henry Schutt. Born 18th July 1912 at Spotswood He was the third child of John Ralph and Mary Jane Schutt. His grandfather was the first librarian of the Victorian Law Courts and his uncle, William Schutt, was a lawyer who later became the Chief Justice Sir William Schutt. His mother was born a Clutha House, stony Creek Yarraville, a was one of ten children. John Schutt opened a chaff mill at the corner of Williamstown and Geelong Roads at West Footscray. The mill was placed on in an old quarry below the ground which saved much of the backbreaking labour of heaving sheaves of hay up into the machinery, the below ground location enable the hay to be fed directly into the railway trucks into the cutters. An elevator then carried the chaff up from the ground directly into the waiting transport, at a great saving in manpower. The chaff mill became on of the largest in Victoria employing more than forty men, and later moved into flour milling.Schutt and Barrie Flour Mills, Melton South site. Opposite this Mill was a Public Weighbridge. A rail siding crossed Brooklyn road to serve chaff mill. The rail line crossed west of the Methodist Churchlocal identities, agriculture

Sephia-toned photograph of May D. Harrison from the shoulders upwards. Nameplate at base of photograph reads 'May D. Harrison / First / Hon. Secretary & Librarian / 1894-1912'. Mrs Harrison looks to the right of the frame, and is wearing a dress with gathered bodice, puffed sleeves and lace neckline. Her small drop earrings are visible, as her hair is swept up, with two brooches on the bodice and neckline. A length of chain is worn around her neck, although its base remains out of shot. May Harrison was one of the first Braille transcribers trained by Tilly Aston and undertook the position of Honorary Secretary at the formation of the Victorian Association of Braille Writers (VABW) in 1894. Offering use of a room in her home in St Kilda for the storage of Braille books, she became the first librarian for the VABW. Mrs Harrison also taught Braille to other participants and her house became a meeting point for readers and transcribers alike. Her death in 1912 was greatly mourned, and a Memorial Fund set up in her honour, as well as a grave marker and tablet at the Braille library. Her niece Minnie Crabb, who assisted her work, assumed the role of librarian after Mrs Harrison's death. Inscribed in the lower right 'J O'S & Co, Melbourne'.Photograph in frame of woman in 19th century dressvictorian association of braille writers, may harrison

Mary Halls "Minnie" Crabb (1885-1974) was the niece of the first librarian (May Harrison) for the Victorian Association of Braille Writers. After her aunt's death in 1912, Miss Crabb took on the role of librarian for the constantly expanding collection. In 1934, the Victorian Association of Braille Writers annual report advised that it had acquired a Crabb-Hulme Braille Printing Press. Two years in development, the Press was designed by Miss Crabb and built to her specifications by Mr Hulme. Invented to produce ephemeral material quickly, such as programs, catalogues and newsletters, it provided more opportunities for information to be quickly sent out to Braille readers. The daughter of James Hall Crabb, who ran the Prahran Telegraph from1882 until his death and the niece of J.M. Yelland who took over the paper until he sold it in 1895, Minnie would have seen printing presses in her youth and recognised the usefulness when producing large numbers of ephemeral materials. In March 1944, Miss Crabb retired from the library, in 1956 she married Charles Foster and she lived until in the St Kilda area until her passing in 1974, aged 89. This iconic image of Miss Crabb using the press has appeared in many reports since.High quality image of Minnie Crabbvictorian association of braille writers, minnie crabb

Henry Watts (1828_1889) Died at Melbourne, 16th December, 1889. He was a good microscopist. His botanical studies were chiefly devoted to algae, both fresh-water and marine, and while living for many years at Warrnambool he was a contributor of algae to Harvey, who figured Wrangelia wattsii, Harv., and Crouania wattsii, Harv., in his “Phycologia Australica " He was the author of "On the Fresh-water Algae of Victoria " (Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., 1861-4, 67) ; .also a paper "On Fossil Polyzoa" (ib.. 82); "A Trip to Mt. Macedon in Search of Fresh-water Algae" (Wing's S. S. Record, iii., 252); "On a Species of fresh-water Algae from Victoria" (Vict. Nat., i., 21); "Some Recent Additions to our Knowledge of Microscopic Natural History" (ib., iii., I33) (includes lists of fresh-water algae and Desmidieae ), First librarian (1881-2), also a vice-president of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria. He is further commemorated by Acacia wattsiana. F. v. M. www.anbg.gov.au/biography/watts-henry.html . Henry Watts worked as a bootmaker in Timor and Liebig streets Warrnambool in the 1860’s but it was as an amateur scientist that Watts gained public notice.For an exhibiton in Melbourne in 1861 Henry Watts prepared a collection of over 100 different species of seaweed from the Warrnambool district. It is recorded in the Examiner in 1863 that he had been elected as an honorary member of the Bristol Microscopical Society of England He was a member of the Warrnambool Horticultural society and in 1865 he opted to become a flower distiller.At the 1866 MelbourneExhibition, Henry Watts exhibited 44 bottles of his perfumes. He had a keen interest in microscopes and microscopic organisms.He spent many hours combing the caves and examining the guano of local bats. This letter is written to Professor Quekett advising him that he has sent a collection of packets of samples of diatomaceae asking him to examine and name the same.. Professor Quekett was a famous microscopist of the Victorian era with the Quekett microscopist club one of the oldest in the world dedicated to the use of the microscope and its discoveries. Henry Watts was one of Warrnambool’s first botanists and marine scientists. He also established a flower distilling and perfume manufacturing business in Warrnambool. In 1861 he sent a collection of over 100 species of seaweed to the Melbourne Exhibition.Framed, handwritten letter, ink on blue paper. Transcript of letter is typed black on white paper. Five small numbered pieces of paper containing specimens of diatomaceae collected from marine and fresh water areas around Warrnambool.Names Henry Watts, Professor Quekett. Handwritten along the bottom of the frame, “The above was bought at a London Auction for $12-10-00 by Miss Eddey a Melbourne Book shop Proprietress and recently presented to the W.F.N. Club.: warrnambool, henry watts, watts henry, botanist,microscope, microscopic, quekett, john thomas quekett

This book published by the Australian Red Cross Society has been written by Joan and Daryl Lindsay. The book features the work of many Australian artists in the 1940s. The inscription shows that the book was a prize awarded to Joyce Goodall, a pupil at Warrnambool Technical School. This school commenced in 1913 in Timor Street, Warrnambool, a site now occupied by T.A.F.E. Warrnambool Technical School moved to a Caramut Road site and is now called Brauer College. The book was the James Swan Memorial Prize. Swan had a furniture business in Warrnambool. He was a City Councillor (1922-1936) and Mayor (1926-1928) and Swan Reserve in Raglan Parade is named after him. The donor of the prize, Mrs R. Pattison, was the daughter of James Swan and the wife of Ralph Pattison, Warrnambool Librarian. The winner of the prize, Joyce Goodall (Mrs Joyce Milne) was a member of the Goodall families which have been in the Warrnambool and Mortlake areas since the 1860s. John King was the first Head Teacher of Warrnambool Technical School and remained in that position for 29 years. This book is of interest as all of the names mentioned in the inscription plate in this book have a place in Warrnambool’s history. This is a hard cover book with the pages unnumbered. The cover is yellow with black lettering and the front cover has an emblem of the Red Cross and a laurel wreath in red and black. The cover is partly torn and has been mended with adhesive tape. The contents of the book are largely pictorial and illustrative with some text. The inscription is typed. ‘Warrnambool Technical School, Labor to Efficiency, 9th Dec. 1942, for Proficiency in English, James Swan Memorial Prize, donated by Mrs R. Pattison, Awarded to Joyce Goodall, John King, Principal.’ warrnambool technical school, history of warrnambool, john king, james swan, joyce goodall

This is a catalogue with a reinforced plastic-covered cover. It has 87 pages with illustrations and photographs. The sepia-coloured cover features a portion of a James Meek work of calligraphy.james meek, the inimitable mr meek, james meek artist

From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert) Pocket watches were the most common type of watch from their development in the 16th century until wristwatches became popular after World War I. Pocket watches were either stem-wound or key-wound. The very first pocket watches, since their creation in the 16th century, up until the third quarter of the 19th century, had key-wind and key-set movements. On a key-wind watch the mainspring is wound by turning a key which usually fits through a hole in the back inner-lid of the watch case. This item is a key wind watch. A silver lady's pocket watch. There are two keys attached with brown tape. The case has engraved patterns on the top and bottom. There is a small ring for attaching a chain. It opens at the back for winding.46792 anchor lion indecipherable mark (could be a duty stamp) scratched -1864 6 M.S.watch sterling-silver cooke-elsie

Australia’s first silver sixpences were struck in sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) dated 1910 from the London Mint and don’t feature a mintmark. From 1916 to 1926, the Melbourne and Sydney mints were striking sixpences with dates between 1916-1920. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert) This is an early example of a pre-decimal coin.This 1918 Australian sixpence obverse has the robed and crowned bust of King George V facing left, with the legend: 'GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT:OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP:' and a dot below. The reverse shows the word 'SIXPENCE' and the Australian Coat of Arms. A kangaroo and an emu hold a shield, with a star above. Below this is a scroll with the words 'ADVANCE AUSTRALIA'. Underneath that is 1918.Obverse: 'GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT:OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP:' and a dot below. Reverse: 'SIXPENCE' and the Australian Coat of Arms. A kangaroo and an emu hold a shield, with a star above. Below this is a scroll with the words 'ADVANCE AUSTRALIA'. Underneath that is 1918.coin sixpence-1918 cooke-elsie

This ticket was for a grand ball to celebrate the second anniversary of the Loyal Orbost M.U.I.O.O.F. Lodge. It was held in the Mechanics Institute hall on Friday 20th July, 1888. The cost of a single ticket was 5/-. The secretary of the lodge was John Rowe, the first teacher of the state school in Orbost. From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows (MUIOOF) had its origins in Manchester, England. It was established in Melbourne on 7 December 1840 when Augustus Greeves, a member of the MUIOOF in England, migrated to Australia and formed the first friendly society. In 1840 Manchester Unity IOOF was founded in Victoria. Friendly Societies were founded in the Australian Colonies in the mid-19th Century by immigrants from England who had been members in Societies which dated back to the 18th Century. Like all working people these immigrants experienced sickness, accidents, unemployment, death and burial. They needed help of like fellows to tide their families over these times. So they formed a branch of one of the Friendly Societies back in the mother country. The idea was to make fixed contributions to a fund and when they were off work they would receive a payment. When they died funeral benefits would be paid and the widow and children would be cared for. It was a form of local insurance for hard times. This was a time of 'look after yourself' as the Colonial Governments did not provide pensions or benefits. This item reflects those times.A small white rectangular paper ticket with black print. It is for the Loyal Orbost Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. Grand Ball.front - "Dancing to Commence at 8pm."public-event-orbost document-ticket m.u.i.o.o.f

This concert was held in the Mechanics' Institute on Friday, October 16th, 1891 commencing at 8pm. A dance was held after the concert. The secretary at that time was J. McNair. The first Orbost Brass Band was formed in 1889. Around 1908 the town band split and the Orbost Workers' Band was formed. Eventually the two bands merged in 1913 to reform as the Orbost Municipal Band under conductorship of Charles Spink. The band continued for many years but was later disbanded and again reformed. This was to happen a number of times, the last time being in 1961 and continuing through to the late 1970's. Further info and Ref: In Times Gone By - Deborah Hall From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke was a librarian in Orbost for many years. She was the daughter of John Cooke early Brodribb settler. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert)The various Orbost bands over the years played a major role in community activities providing entertainment and musical experiences for the many members.An orange, paper program with black print. The program and details are inside a black frame. It is for a concert in aid of the Orbost Brass Band.At the top handwritten in black pen is" Donated by Mrs Elsie Cooke".orbost-brass-band-programme cooke-elsie

From the estate of Elsie Cooke who was the Orbost librarian for many years before 1940's. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref. Mary Gilbert) Elsie Cooke was a well-respected Orbost identity. This item is an example of a fashionable accessory used by women in the first half of the 20th century.Small black velvet lady's change purse. Metal clasp and black holding string. Velvet has floral design. Purse has two coins inside - 1938 threepence (3d) and 1918 sixpence (6d) purse personal-effects money-containers

From the estate of Elsie Cooke. Elsie Cooke lived all her life in Gippsland,. She was born at Brodribb in 1895 and died in 1970, Elsie Cooke lived at Bruthen for a short time and, in 1937, moved to live with her aunt, Miss Jean Munro. Miss Cooke was Librarian at the Mechanics Institute for many years. Kindness and consideration for other were Miss Cooke’s attributes and she endeared herself to all who knew her. She was a loyal member of the Presbyterian Church and a stalwart of the Ladies’ Guild, an energetic worker for the Municipal Auxiliary and a member of the Red Cross. (ref Mary Gilbert) This item is an example of a handcrafted item and reflects the needlework skills of women in the first half of the 20th century.Small round hand-crocheted doily of white thread.doily handcraft knitted cook-elsie

Keith Charles Hofmaier (1927 - 1994) was one of Ballarat College's most distinguished sons. He attended the school from 1941 - 1945 serving as librarian, school prefect (1945) and member of the Rowing Firsts (1945). After school he became a successful farmer, well-known historian, organist, Freemason, philanthropist and community worker. He continued to give generously to the school and the Weatherly Library throughout his life. He endowed poetry and music prizes in memory of his daughter Ann who died in an accident. The Students' Representative Council gave a clock tot he school library in memory of his contribution to the school in 1994. Wooden surround, glass front roman numerals on pale yellow face, battery operated; clock accompanied by frame description. Plaque on clock glass: Keith Hofmaier 1927 - 1994keith charles hofmaier, weatherly library, ballarat college

Guest at the opening of Eltham Library; Left to Right: Mr. John Williams from Messrs. Leith & Bartlett Pty Ltd., Architects who were responsible for the interior architecture. Miss Pa, Mrs. Susan Groundwater, Children's Librarian Heidelberg Regional Library with her husband. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, eltham library, opening day, john williams, miss pa, susan groundwater, mr groundwater, heidelberg regional library

Launch of "Pioneers and Painters: One Hundred years of Eltham and its Shire" by Alan Marshall. The history was commissioned by the Shire of Eltham and published as part of the Shire of Eltham centenary celebrations. Left to Right: Alan Marshall, Editor, Cr. G.C. Dreverman, Shire President, Cr. (Mrs.) Charis M. Pelling, Peter Stansfield, Ex Chief Librarian, Heidelberg Regional Library, Mr. Max B. Watson, Shire Secretary. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, pioneers and painters, book launch, heidelberg regional library, cr. g.c. dreverman, m.b. watson, max b. watson, peter stansfield, alan marshall, charris pelling

Launch of "Pioneers and Painters: One Hundred years of Eltham and its Shire" by Alan Marshall. The history was commissioned by the Shire of Eltham and published as part of the Shire of Eltham centenary celebrations. Mary Stansfield, wife of Peter Stansfield (ex Chief Librarian Heidelberg Regional Library and Miss Jean Truebridge, (Deputy Librarian, Heidelberg Regional Library). In November Miss Truebridge was appointed Chief Librarian at the City of Heidelberg municipal library. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as 'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, pioneers and painters, book launch, peter stansfield, heidelberg regional library, jean truebridge, mary stansfield

Contents: • Next meeting, guest speaker; Liz Pidgeon: Local History Librarian • May Meeting • The Reynolds/Prior Photograph Collection • Office Bearers 2006-7 • Walking with Henry Dendy • Subscriptions • President’s Notes • Mystery Painting • Other News The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 photocopied newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

A collection of documents and reports related to the NMIT library strategic plan 2006-2009. This plan recognises changes to library service and sets down the plan for NMIT libraries in the first decade of the 21st century. Includes 2 copies of Library Operational Plan August 2007The role of libraries and librarians changed in response to changing client expectations, and new and emerging technologies. This document is NMIT's strategic plan to deliver services relevant to the needs of its clientele.A collection of documents and reports, text printed on white paper. Each document stapled in top left corner, collection held together with large clip.Some passages highlighted with pencilled stars.libraries, student focus in libraries, library operational plan, library staff, nmit,

Produced in conjuction with the Women of Port Melbourne exhibition and launched 20.10.2005 at the Port Melbourne library by History Librarian Kay Rowan. Phyllis lives in Williamstown but revisits Port often. .01- note that this copy was signed by the author, but is the first incorrect printing. A caption on page 2 was altered and a paragraph changed on page 6 to eliminate personal reference and the first print supposedly destroyed so it is unknown how she obtained this copy."Port Melbourne"s Child - Memories of early years in Pickles Street" A5 book, 24 pages with 9 photos and map, by Phyllis Albinson Kelly. Yellow ochre cover Misprinted edition erroneously signed by author Signed by the author "To Port Melbourne Historical Society - Thank You - Phyllis Kellyfamilies, built environment, education, war - world war ii, health - general health, phyllis albinson kelly, knights staples, dawsons emporium, our lady of mt carmel

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. WARRNAMBOOL'S MECHANICS' INSTITUTE 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 November 1884 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 1860s the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fundraising 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 courthouse 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 artworks 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 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. An Unsocial Socialist Author: Bernard Shaw Publisher: Constable & Company Ltd Date: 1924 Further Information: Popular Edition 1924The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT FIC SHA Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute. 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, an unsocial socialist, bernard shaw

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, 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 WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to a lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up a home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the 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 NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY 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 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. 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. Barnaby Rudge Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: First Published 1840 - 1841 Further Information: A Tale of the Riots of 'Eighty. Wth Seventy six Illustrations by George Cattermole and Hoblot K Browne ('Phiz')The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT 823.8 DIC Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service. 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, barnaby rudge, charles dickens, george cattermole, hoblot k browne ('phiz'), 'phiz'