The Sunbury Library and the George Evans Museum are housed in buildings which were once extensions of the Shire of Bulla Municipal Offices. The Library was built in 1974 and the George Evans Museum formerly the Museum of History and Art was opened by the Mayor Pauline De Luca on 12 March 1987.A coloured photograph of the iron stairway and glass tiled passage way which links the library and the George Evans Museum as well as the former Shire of Bulla municipal offices. A dark green wheelie bin is at the foot of the stairs.shire of bulla council offices, george evans museum, sunbury library, shire of bulla, hume city council, george evans collection

The lady was standing beside a glass case, that was displaying an Aboriginal Ceremonial dress at the 'Wear This' exhibition that was mounted at the George Evans Museum in Sunbury in the late 1990s. The exhibition featured a variety of ceremonial clothing worn by a variety of ethnic groups who lived within the Hume City area.The variety of ceremonial dress displayed at the exhibition showed the number of diverse groups that reside within the City of Hume.A copy of a non-digital coloured photograph of a lady standing next to a glass display case where a ceremonial dress is exhibited. An information board is in the background.'wear this exhibition', hume city council, george evans museum, sunbury

The display of advertisements were part of a 'Times Past' exhibition mounted in the former George Evans Museum in Sunbury in October 1998. As the name suggests the exhibition featured a variety of domestic items that were used by many people in past years. IT was mounted by the members of the Sunbury & District Heritage Association. The exhibition was one of many featuring aspects of Sunbury's history that have been mounted in the George Evans Museum.A non-digital coloured photograph of a variety of copies of advertisements of domestic items from past times. hey are displayed on two boards in a museum.exhibitions, 'times past' exhibition, george evans museum, sunbury, sunbury & district heritage association

A photograph of two of the showcases and display boards that were used at an exhibition on early Sunbury wineries, that was mounted at the George Evans Museum from August 1996 to January 1997. On display were photographs of the early wine-makers and their vineyards as well as some equipment used in wine-making. The displays in the museum featured a variety of items relevant to the vineyard history in Sunbury in the nineteenth century A non-digital coloured photograph of two glass showcases and two display boards featuring photographs of people and buildings as well as items relevant to vineyards and wine making in an exhibition.george evans museum, vineyards, wine making, sunbury, exhibitions

The people in the photographed were honoured in the 'Heroes of Hume', exhibition that was mounted by Hume City Council in the George Evans Museum in Sunbury in May 2000. Each person featured had contributed to aspects of community life in the Hume City area over many years. The people are from Back L-: Gary Jungwirth, J.J McMahon, -------, Wayne Drew, Wally Maxwell, -------. Middle Row L-R: ---- , Bert Kelly, ----. Front Row L-R: Kath Tremlett, Roma , Glenda Wade.----- . Seated: Hilda Baird.The exhibition, 'Heroes of Hume' featured members of the community who over the years had given much of their time to community work in their area.A non-digital coloured photograph of 14 people standing two rows and one older lady seated.heroes of hume, gary jungwirth, j.j. mcmahon, wayne drew, bert kelly, kath tremlett, glenda wade, hilda baird, george evans museum, sunbury, city of hume

The photo is one of the images from the Eric Boardman collection which is held by the George Evans Museum.A black and white photograph of one of the two bridges which were constructed in the Rupertswood Estate. There are gum trees which have partially hidden the bridge, in the foreground. The railway incline and embankment are across the middle distance and barehills are across the skyline.rupertswood, railway bridges, bridges, rupertswood estate, estates, newspapers, boardman, eric, sunbury news, george evans collection

The bottle was donated to the Council by Hedley Elliott for an exhibition in the Art Gallery (George Evans Museum). Note that Goonawarra is misspelt on the label.Green glass bottle used for 1975 claret and bottled for the first Sunbury Fair. The label is printed in brown and cream and features a sketch of the Goonawarra Winery and surrounding area. There is a brief statement on the back about the winery and the background to production of the wine. On the back is a hand-written label, stuck on with clear tape giving an account of the origin of the bottle of wine, its donor and storage instructions. It has a black metal cap and miscellaneous markings on the flat bottom."Sunbury Fair / Goonawarra Vineyard (above) was established / in Sunbury in 1858 by the / Hon. J. G. Francis, former Premier of Victoria. / This 1975 Claret from the Stanley Wine Co. / was bottled by Emerald Wines especially / for the Sunbury Fair / WINE PRODUCED IN AUSTRALIA F100 750ml". The hand-written label is signed by John McKerrow in 1985.sunbury fair, wines, goonawarra vineyard, stanley wine company, emerald wines, elliott, hedley, mckerrow, john, festivals and celebrations, francis, j.g. (hon.), george evans collection, 1970s

This photo is part of a collection of World War II and returned soldiers held in the George Evans Museum and collected by Jeff Cossum, previous curator (1989-1995)A black and white photograph of Owen Edwards wearing a RAAF uniform. (Bust only)on back: Owen Edwards / 119995 LAC RATworld war 2, raaf, uniforms, portraits, royal australian air force, clothing and dress, exservicemen, cossum, jeff, george evans collection

The photograph of the drawing was obtained by George Evans Museum from the Road Construction Authority at 60 Denmark Street Kew. The negative No. 59 909 is held by that organisation.A photograph of a black and white drawing of a head and shoulders portrait of Mr McCormack, former Shire Engineer of the Shire of Bulla, drawn by P G White. Black and white with a white border."P G White"mccormack, thomas, shire of bulla, white, p.g., road construction authority, shire engineers, george evans collection

The bottle was donated to the museum by Ron and Joan Parker for use in the exhibition ' A history of the Vineyards in Sunbury' held in the George Evans Museum in 1996. The vineyard was planted in 1992.Conventional bronze green glass bottle with indented base. Cream, gold & maroon printed labels. On the front there is a map impression of Longview Gorge in Sunbury. On the back there is geographical and historical information about the vineyard. There is black cap with a thin gold band at its base which covers the neck and opening of the bottle.Front label: " LONGVIEW CREEK / SUNBURY / PINOT NOIR / 1994 / Produce of Australia"; " S A A 5300" embossed on the glass around the base of the bottle.wines, wineries, longview creek vineyard, longview gorge, parker, joan, winemakers, hodgson, david, ron, george evans collection, 1990s

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A black and white head and shoulders image of John Callaghan in summer army uniform. He is wearing an open necked cotton shirt and a turned down slouch hat with a khaki band.world war 2, uniforms, clothing and dress, portraits, armed forces, soldiers, hats, callaghan, john, cossum, jeff, george evans collection

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A head and shoulder photograph of Alan Rhodes in his army uniform. He is hatless. The AIF badge is on his right collar.uniforms, portraits, armed forces, clothing and dress, badges, exservicemen, rhodes, alan, george evans collection

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A head and shoulders photograph of William McGregor, who is wearing an army uniform. The badges and colours indicatiing rank are seen on the collars, epaulette and top sleeve.world war 2, armed forces, portraits, uniforms, clothing and dress, badges, mcgregor, william, cossum, jeff, george evans collection

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A photograph of the bust of airman Max Davis.world war 2, raaf, royal australian air force, portraits, davis, max, george evans collection

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A head and shoulder photograph of John H. Moran, a sailor in the Royal Australian Navy.world war 2, hmas cerebus, hmas cerberus, royal australian navy, portraits, sailors, moran, john h., george evans collection

This photograph is part of a collection of World War II returned soldiers from Sunbury. The collection was collated by Jeff Cossum, curator of the George Evans Museum from 1989-1995.A head and shoulders photograph of RAAF aircrew trainee Forbes. There is a white band around the top of his hat band.world war 2, raaf, royal australian air force, armed forces, uniforms, clothing and dress, hats, forbes, john, cossum, jeff, george evans collection

In 1963 construction of the new municipal shire offices began and the new offices were opened in October 1963. Over the years other buildings were added to the complex which included the Library and the George Evans Museum.A coloured photograph of the front view of the former Shire of Bull, Shire offices and a part of the garden area in the front with trees and a wooden seat.shire of bulla council offices, shire of bulla, george evans collection

The photo is part of the Eric Boardman Collection which is held in the George Evans Museum. There are two bridges constructed in the Rupertswood Estate. The bridge in this photograph has been built across Jackson's Creek beyond Rupertswood Mansion.A black and white photograph of one of the two railway bridges within the Rupertswood Estate. There are gnarled gum trees in the foreground and hilltops across the skyline. In the middle distance there is a view of the railway embankment.rupertswood, railway bridges, rupertswood estate, estates, bridges, boardman, eric, sunbury news, newspapers, george evans collection

The sign was erected outside the former Sunbury Council Chambers and the Sunbury Library which also housed the George Evans Museum. These facilities closed in 2017 when Council Administration moved to Broadmeadows and the Sunbury Library was demolished to make way for a more modern facility.A coloured print of a digital photograph of a sign showing directions to public facilities.signage, sunbury library, council offices, macedon street

Trevor and Margaret Dunn and Sue Barnett are the three people who were invited to attend the official opening of the Alister Clark Rose Garden in Bulla on the 12th December 1999. At the time Sue Barnett was the curator at the George Evans Museum in Sunbury and Margaret and Trevor worked there as volunteers.A non-digital photograph of two ladies and a man standing in a garden at an official function. A display board with photographs is behind one of the ladiesehind one of the ladies and a small grey cement brick outbuilding is in the background.alister clark memorial rose garden, bulla, trevor dunn, margaret dunn, sue barnett

The photograph was taken when an exhibition was mounted in the former George Evans Museum in Sunbury. The Sunbury & District Heritage Association researched the history of the Sunbury vineyards and mounted the display which ran from August 1996 to January 1997. The photograph is one of 18 images that were taken of the display that featured the wineries that were established in Sunbury in the nineteenth century and the early vignerons.The wine producing industry was one of the first agricultural pursuits that European settlers established in Sunbury.A non-digital coloured photograph of two glass display cabinets and two wallboards displaying a variety of documents and objects in a museum.wineries, winery production, vignerons, sunbury

The group was taken at a function celebrating the work of volunteers in the City of Hume. The six ladies seated were honoured as they had worked as volunteers within the community for over 30 years. Margaret Dunn and Rosa McCall, seated on the far right have been working as volunteers in the Sunbury George Evans Museum since 1997. The people standing behind the volunteers are councillors and council employees.A coloured photograph of a group of people at a function. Six ladies are seated in the front and are holding framed certificates with two other women and two men standing behind them.volunteers, city of hume, broadmeadows

The photograph of The Nook is one of a series of photographs that was included in an exhibition organised by the former Sunbury & District Heritage Association in March 2001 and displayed in the George Evans Museum. Local; people were invited to submit photographs for the exhibition. The Nook is a major recreational area in Sunbury and over the years out has been an areas where grazing and cereal growing was practised before it became the original town's swimming area before the Aquatic Centre was opened in Ligar Street in 1966.Jacksons Creek at The Nook was the site of the original Sunbury Swimming Club for 49 Years from 1917 to 1966, when the Aquatic Centre opened in Ligar StreetA non-digital coloured photograph of river with trees growing along the banks and open ground across the river flats.the nook, swimming, sunbury swimming club

The vineyards exhibition was mounted by the Sunbury & District Heritage Association in the former George Evans Museum from August 1996 to January 1997. It featured the establishment of the vineyards and the wine industry in Sunbury from the 1860s to the present day. From the early days of European settlement in Sunbury, it was found that the soils and climate suited the growing of grapes, especially the east facing slopes along Vineyard Road. A number of people of German origin established vineyards along there. By the end of the nineteenth century and limited spending power as a result of the 1890s depression, the demand for wine declined in Victoria with beer being the preferred beverage.While Phylloxera destroyed the vines in many areas of Victoria, Sunbury's grapevines were not affected. As the demand for wine increased in the 1960s - 70s, some vineyards in the Sunbury area were replanted.The vineyards established in Sunbury in the 1860s were one of the earliest agricultural pursuits taken up by European settlers in the area and remained an important industry for 40 years.A non-digital coloured photograph of a display board advertising an exhibition of vineyards in the Sunbury area.vineyards, sunbury, vignerons, wine production

Softcover, cardboard, pale green print and photo on white background. 34 pages with black and white photos. Biography of Major-General George James Rankin on the Australian Light Horse 1887-1957.Handwritten in black on title page "With the compliments of the Bendigo Historical Society, Jim Evans, President." RSL stamp on front end paper.books, military

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 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 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. The Mill On The Floss Author: George Eliot Publisher: Ward Lock & Co Date: First Published in 1860 Illustrated by Bertha Newcombe. Further Information: Mary Ann Evans used the pen name George Eliot. The label on the spine is unreadable Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker 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, the mill on the floss, george eliot, mary ann evans, bertha newcombe

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. Middlemarch Vol 1 Author: George Eliot Publisher: Collins' Clear-Type Press Date: First Published 1871-1872 Further Information: Illustrated by A A DixonThe label on the spine cover with typed text PAT FIC ELI Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, 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, middlemarch vol 1, george eliot, a a dixon, mary ann evans

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. Middlemarch Vol 2 Author: George Eliot Publisher: Collins' Clear-Type Press Date: First Published 1871-1872 Further Information: Illustrated by A A Dixon The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT FIC ELI Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service. Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library.flagstaff hil, warrnambool, 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, middlemarch vol 2, george eliot, a a dixon, mary ann evans