Elias Samuel BABIDGE No 1312 (born Heathcote, enlisted Heathcote) in the 2nd reinforcements 6 th Batt AIF on 18.11.1914. Embarked for Egypt 2.2.1915 then Gallipoli 5.4.1915. WIA 14.5.1915 GSW to the shoulder. Hospitalised 3.12.1915 with enteritis. Embarked for Australia 9.2.1916 enteric. He embarked for England on 3.7.1916 with the 18th reinforcements 6th Batt. Regt No. changes to 2194. Transferred to the 59th Batt 8.10.1916. WIA 21.12.1916 with GSW to the buttocks but changed legs slight. Hospitalised 21.7.1917 with old GSW (ulcer). WIA 25.6.1918 with GSW chest penetrating. DOW's 25.6.1918. Collection re Mrs May Burns.Post card photo of the grave of Sam BABIDGE, other graves and buildings in the back ground.On photo “2194 Pte S BABIDGE”. On rear “Sam Babidges grave at Gallipoli” in blue ink.photography, war graves, head stones, military history

Gravestone photographs of Keith William "Bluey" TRUSCOTT 400213 Awarded DFC & Bar - Born 17/5/1916 Prahran Victoria WW2 RAAF Squadron Leader and Ace fighter pilot who served in Europe, South West Pacific and Milne Bay. Played for Melbourne Football Club. Died at sea and buried at Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth Western Australia. Three coloured photographs depicting head stones in cemetery400213 Squadron Leader K.W. Truscott DFC & Bar Royal Australian Air Force 28th March 1943 Aged 26 In Loving Memory of our Darling Son His duty nobly done. truscott, raaf, ww2, dfc

Thomas Kennedy was Linton's policeman from about 1865 to 1885. He served as a Shire of Grenville Councillor and was President on multiple occasions. He purchased farming land at Spring Vale (later known as Pittong) and named the property 'Fingal Park'. In retirement he built a house, 'Kin-Kora', in Cumberland Street, Linton. He married Eliza Brophy in 1861 and they had thirteen children.The cemetery memorial names several of their children who died in childhood.Black and white copy of original photograph of the Kennedy Family Head Stone.thomas kennedy, linton cemetery, thomas lawrance kennedy, eliza kennedy nee brophy, lucy gertrude kennedy, margaret ann kennedy

Coloured Photo of Family Graves (Kinsella and Jennings) enclosed with iron railings at left hand side of Main Gate Stawell Cemetery. Kinsella & Jennings families were some of the first residents of Stawell. Names on right headstone Luke Kinsella William George Kinsella Joseph Thomas Kinsella Margaret Risely Jane E. Kinsella Names on Centre headstone George Jennings. Left headstone Jane Teresa Kinsella Thomas Luke Kinsella Thomas Kinsella William Jennings Kinsella Sarah Kinsella Coloured photograph of a family grave enclosed with iron railings. Three granite head stones, centre one featuring a Celtic cross.stawell

aboriginal stone axe head found on Jack Bourke's property (Albert Road) January 1972Stone axe head. Hole at one end and groove made for twinelocal history, ethnographic material, hunting, fishing, gathering, stone, aboriginal

This photograph is the grave of William Jago, 12 August 1864, aged 26 yearsBlack & White photograph of a grave with a timber headstone. The grave has a fence enclosing the grave. The timber headstone has a hand carved into the head stone with a heart in the middle. stawell cemetery

Black and white photograph of cross on grave of Albert Howlett in Cairo Memorial Cemetery Egypt. Also black and white photograph of head stone on grave of Albert Howlett world war 1914-1918 aif, soldiers, armed forces

Out & About in Bendigo. History of Bendigo and District. Plaques, monuments and head stones. Photographs. ISBN:978 1 875 342 69 3. Inscriptions: Ken Arnold December 2007.Ken & Jean Arnoldbendigo, history, bendigo, bendigo and district, plaques monuments headstones poppet heads fortuna geographical centre of victoria memorials

Cast iron grain sickle with hand-cranked wooden handle, stone grinder head, and 4 wheels, on a wooden base.International Harvestersickles, grinding tools

This item was used well before European settlement and clearly demonstrates the development of the local Aboriginal tribes, Dhudhuroa and Yaitmathang in the use of a cutting /chopping implement, made from Mount William sourced material i.e. greenstone. This item was probably traded at the Bogong Mountain tribal yearly summer ceremoniesThe significance of this item places it at the fore front of human development in this region. The period when this tool was manufactured represents the time when the natural landscape had not been altered and the natural vegetation, fauna and flora, had not been subjected to imported species.This also proves that local tribes did live in this area and or the Bogong High Plains.Small ground edge stone axe head. Leading cutting edge very smooth and chiseled to a fine edge. Weight is, for its size fairly heavy. It is made from Greenstoneaboriginal tool stone ground-edge axe indigenous tool

This stone was held by a European family for 200 years and was found on the family farm. It was gifted to Uncle Brien Nelson in Castlemaine. This implement could be many thousands of years old. This unusually large axe head would not have been carried from place to place and was probably hidden for occasional use crafting large objects.This stone axe head is shaped to a sharpened rounded edge at one end and is broad and blunt at the other end. It is an elongated teardrop shape in cross section. It has a distinctive waist in the middle where the haft was attached using hide and or fibre.This axe displays grooves caused by a disk plough.jaara, heavy stone axe head

The items were souveniered by Henry Thomas Ridge V57996, VX148845, CMF &AIF. Refer Cat No 475.10 for service details.Shells and Axe head from New Guinea re H.T Ridge. .1) Stone axe head. Dense Roche material. Blade one end only. .2) Native comb, made out of bamboo. decorative engraveings on handle section. .3) Shell, Pearl .4) Shell, Pearl ethnographic material - tools + implements/ dress + ornaments, natural history specimens - molluses, military history - souvenirs

Dark grey to black stone axe head. Finely shaped and smoothed with knapped edge on longer end. Sides are beveled off. This axe is markedly different to other artefacts in this collection. No provenance but was in a collection of stone tools found in the Axedale, Strathfieldsaye and Loddon regions. Further research required, could be Mt. William greenstone.indigenous artifact, victoria, stone axe

On the 29th of May 1954, a local Eltham carpenter by the name of John Swallow, committed a double murder at his home on New Street. This happened on the same day as the federal election of that year. John 48, his wife Mary 47, and stepdaughter Patricia 25, all went to the Eltham Courthouse on Main Road to cast their vote in the election that Saturday. After voting they returned home to their New Street house around midday. Patricia would later recall to ambulance officers, that she was feeling unwell, and so went to lay down when she heard an argument erupt over voting between her mother Mary and stepfather John. A concerned neighbour heard loud thudding noises and yelling coming from John and Mary’s house, he went to investigate. When he arrived at the house he was met by John at the front door. He would later describe John as “having a frantic look upon his face, and manic eyes”. John must have been a sight, bleeding and clutching a cut throat razor by his side. He then announced to the neighbour, “they voted commie!” before turning and going back inside. The distressed neighbour immediately raced home to call the Police. When the police arrived, they found Mary dead on the kitchen floor from catastrophic head injuries; her daughter, Patricia, clinging to life, slumped on her bed. Both women had been attacked by the same weapon, a large hammer, or sledge hammer as reported by the newspapers. John was also discovered in the house, bleeding from self-inflicted wounds from the razor, and had attempted to ingest caustic soda. Patricia was taken to St Vincent’s hospital, but died the following day, the 30th of May. John was also taken to St Vincent’s, where he remained under constant police guard for several months while he recovered from his injuries, at least the physical. He was eventually well enough to be taken to the City Watch House and then Pentridge Prison before his trial in October of the same year. When it came time for John to face the courts, the Judge called a mistrial, the Crown would not prosecute on the grounds of insanity. John was led away from the dock of The Magistrates Court and taken directly to Willsmere, the Kew Mental Asylum. On the 9th of August 1962, John Mervyn Swallow died of heart failure, he was 57. He had been a resident of Kew for four years. John’s body was returned to Eltham Cemetery and buried in the same grave as Mary. There is no mention of his name on the head stone. Patricia’s grave is next to Mary and John. A sad irony has an angel upon her grave, “its head missing”, possibly vandals or just an accident of time and events. What became of the home where all of this took place on New Street shall remain a mystery but within six months of this horrific event, the street had been re-named to Lavender Park Road after the original property near the end of the road, Lavender Park. In Memory Of Mary Josephine Swallow Died 29th May 1954 aged 47 Also Patricia Cathryn Hill Dearly beloved wife of Kel Called home 30th May 1954 Aged 25 yearsBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, mary josephine swallow, patricia catherine hill, john swallow

Standing proud, still here, the spirit of ten ancestral matriarchs adorned in contemporary ceremonial cloaks. Representing our women past, present and future, her Spirit, our culture, our Country (spelt with a capital for its importance and this is part of First Peoples protocols on acknowledging Country, our strength, our resilience and healing towards a sustainable future). The circle and diamond pattern are ancient symbols used by Wadawurrung people dating pre-colonisation on possum skin and kangaroo skin cloaks, other artefacts like spear heads (carved), wooden shields, stone tools and caves were painted with blood, ochre and bound with grass tree sap, black wattle tree sap and kangaroo fats. The diamond pattern was a strong design used by men on shields and women on baskets and adornments. Shields were taken from the tree in the colder months when the tree was cold as the wood came off cleaner. Ochre colours of red, white, yellow and charcoal were often used to colour in and decorate the skin side of possum skin cloaks, wooden shields, spear heads, baskets and some coolamon bowls.The design for this cloak has been simplified from the original artefact design.Cloak with black and white diamond and circle design on outer cloak and coral and white line pattern within lining. Trimming is solid black. Cloak is machine sewn and handstitched with hand stitching on shoulder seam.deanne gilson, wadawurrung, first nations, cloak

Black and white photograph. Poppet head on LH side, stone building, centre, tall brick chimney, RH side in front of timber building. Inscriptions: on front - 'Victoria Quartz'. On back - typewritten description as follows: 'Situated on the rich Victoria Hill, Ironbark. Steel girders? rams type poppet legs - 60ft high. Vertical winding engines; pair of 24' dia. Winding drums. Made and erected by Roberts & Sons, Bendigo, in 1897. Then one of the best in the state. In 1910 it was the deepest gold mine in the world, having reached a depth of 4,613 ft in the winze. The shaft was then sunk to a depth of 4,588 ft. in an endeavour to reach a depth of 4,870 ft. to effectively work the deepest gold bearing reef in the world. On the night of June 14th, 1910, the mine was flooded out by the rising waters from the deep New Chum mines to the south, all of which had either ceased operations or had returned back to shallow workings. For details of the mine's record, see 'The Historical Guide to Bendigo'. Mine details completed by A Richardson, 29 Harrison Street, Bendigo.place, mining site, victoria quartz

The Church of St Michael and All Angels dates from the 15th century and is the Parish Church for Ashton under Lyne. It is believed there was a church on this site before the Norman Conquest as the Domesday Book mentions a St Michael's Church in the east of the ancient parish of Manchester. Much of the structure was re-constructed in Victorian times. The church with large windows in Perpendicular style. Buttresses were required with this type of building as the large window area reduced the strength of the walls. The church boasts boasts some of the best examples of fifteenth century stained glass left in Britain. There are eighteen panels illustrating the life of St. Helena. The church tower is 145 feet high and has a peel of thirteen bells. (From ashton-under-lyne.com) Holy Trinity Church, Bardsley was consecrated on the 10th October 1844 by the Bishop of Chester. The church was only the third church in the Borough of Ashton-under-Lyne to be carved out of the parish of St. Michael & All Angels, Ashton. The church was built on land donated by the Hulme Trustees..1) Sepia photograph mounted onto card showing Holy Trinity, Bardsley, Ashton-under-Lyne. Snow is evident in the foreground and the church is surrounded by a graveyard. .2) Sepia photograph mounted onto card showing St Michael's and All Angels church, alongside a graveyard.Signed lower LHS "J.W. Mellor" Lower RHS "Ashton-under-Lyne"cemetery, st michael s and all angels, ashton under lyne, j w mellor, tombstone, tomb stone, headstone, head stone, holy trinity church, bardsley

"The United Pyrites Company's Works are situated about three quarters of a mile from Spargo Brothers, and are on the northern side of the Marong road, in Pinch-gut Gully. Two processes are followed at these works, viz., the amalgamating process and the treatment by means of chlorine gas. The latter is called the Newbery-Vautin system, and the mode pursued is that laid down by Mr. Cosmo Newbery and Mr Vautin, whose names have been given to the process. Mr. Edwards manages these works. Three reverbatory furnaces are used to roast the pyrites, which is weighed in the truck before being put into the furnaces. At this weighbridge a sample of each lot is kept, and if the yield is not equal to expectation, the works are carefully gone over to see where the fault occurs. Care is taken at the furnace to regulate the heat, otherwise the pyrites might slag instead of roasting evenly right through. An immense revolving furnace (made of boiler iron) was used at these works. It was found to be suitable for treating blanket sand, but was not a success for roasting coarse pyrites. The process of amalgamating by means of Chilian mills is the same in these works as at the Western Works, but the United Works are on a larger scale, and eleven mills are utilised. It is the chlorine gas process which is most interesting here. The gas is made from sulphuric acid, black oxide of manganese, and common salt, and the gas is introduced into huge vats, where it works its way through a filter of pieces of quartz and then through the bed of roasted pyrites lying above. The action of the gas transforms the gold into chloride of gold. This is easily dissolved in water, and in that form is drawn off into huge delf jars, where the use of sulphate of iron precipitates the gold to the bottom. A small battery—eight head of stamps in two boxes—is in use here to crush small consignments of stone sent for trial. Test crushings come from all the Australasian colonies, and even from India. The jars used are manufactured at Epsom, and some of the salt used is also of home manufacture, from the Salt Lakes on the Northern plains. Mr. Edwards took us over a new building in course of erection, and in which the chlorine gas is to be generated in the midst of the pyrites— a still further advancement in the new process. There is some very good machinery in this new building, and the tailings from the ordinary pyrites works will also be treated by this chlorine gas system, which has been found to work well at Mount Morgan, in Queensland. The purest of gold is obtained by this process, the gold passing in solution into a charcoal filter, from which it emerges in the shape of metallic gold. We saw some nice cakes of retorted gold at the works. One of 26oz. was from some New Zealand pyrites (2½ tons), and assayed over 23 carats. There were also cakes of Avoca gold, of silver, and of the tremulous amalgam." (The Argus, 4 February 1887)Two handwritten letters to the Ballarat School of Mines on Bendigo United Pyrites Company Letterhead.bendigo united pyrites company, pyrites, ballarat school of mines, j.j. deeble, joel deeble, joel james deeble, a.m. dean, fred j. martell, martell, s.h. cowan, letterhead

Atomiser tube and attachment head for a perfume bottle. Atomizers, which vaporised liquid into fine droplets using air, were first used in the medical field around c. 1859. By the late 1870s, French perfume makers were using vaporizers to scent the air in their sales booths.This item is part of a collection that represent the urban development occurring in the Warrnambool.Container brass for perfume bottle. Ribbed cylinder with screw lid. Blue and white stones inlaid on top. warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, brass container, perfume bottle, perfume

A wooden Mallet could be found in most homes, and nearly all tradesmans tool box or bag, its most common use was working with wooden handled wood Chisels, because they did not damage the end of the chisel like a steel headed hammer,also they were used to fit joints of wood together as they would not damage the timber like steel hammers......Wooden mallets were also used by stone masons back to the time of the pyramids, but they were usually shaped differentlyWooden Mallet A handmade wooden mallet with a handle with a rectangular head. Carved ET on sidewood, mallet, tradesman, carpenter, cabinet maker

Hilliard and Thomason was established in Birmingham, and closed in 1908.Sterling silver presentation trowel in blue leather hinged presentation trowel with blue suade and satin lining. The trowel handle is silver plate and can be screwed off the trowel, and is hollow. The trowel is hallmarked H&T = Hilliard and Thomason - Sovereign Head/Duty Stamp = 1784 - 1890 - Lion passant guardant = silver quality- Anchor = Birmingham - b in oval = 1876Engraved into the trowel "Presented by the President & Council School of Mines Ballarat to the Hon. A.J. Peacock Minister of Public Instruction on his laying the Foundation Stone of New Buildings April 14th 1899hilliard and thomason, silver, presentation trowel, ballarat school of mines, new classrooms, administration building, buildings, andrew peacock, andrew j. peacock, silversmith, a building

Flt Lt J S Austin DFC, 400363. No 608 Sqn RAF, Nos 32, 13 & 2 Sqns. Stock agent of Lara, Vic; b Melbourne 15 May 1918. Died of illness 9 Nov 1943. Timor was the target for the night of 6 July, when Flight Lieutenant "Bunny" Austin (A16-207) led five Hudsons to bomb Koepang town. The next night he led back seven aircraft against the airfield at Penfoei, attacking before dawn on the 8th prior to United States Liberators bombing the runways and barracks. 75 Austin's aircraft was caught by Penfoei's master defensive searchlight, and Austin used violent evasion and switching on and off of his IFF equipment, a tactic used in Europe. The radar-controlled searchlights went out. Flying Officer Mick Helsham (A16-160) attacked first to act as a pathfinder and mark the target for the other Hudsons and Liberators:Full service records of J. S. Austin held by Lara R.S.L.Plain Sheet A4 paper with 2 photographs 1. A. Bowler W. 9.8 cm H. 13.8 cm photograph 2. J.S. Austin W. 1`5.9 cm H. 10.0 cmA4 sheet heading as: W.W. 2 War Graves of Lara Men. Note on photograph 1. Grave of A. Bowler, Bomana War Cemetery.r.a.f., graves, lara

The Ballarat School of Mines is a predecessor organisation of Federation University Australia.Black and white photographThis building was officially opened on 4th July, 1978 by E.J.T. Tippett, M.B.E. in whose honour the library was named thus commemorating dedicated service since 1934 as a member of the Council of the School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Stamp Battery The stamp battery for treating gold ores was first intriduced in California. A heavy iron stamp is raised on a cam and let fall so that its weight causes the quartz which is held in the mortar box. This three head battery was installed in the mining laboratory of The School of Mines, Ballarat in 1898 and crused many hundreds of tons of quartz. It was reected on this site to commeorate the centenary of the School of Mines in 1870. School of Mines & Industries Ballarat Established - 1870 Stage one of The Vocational Skills Centre was officially opened by The Hon. Robert Fordham M.P. Minister of Education on 29th April 1983 P.R. Shiells K.J. Flecknoe Principal President The School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Established - 1870 This plaque commemorates the opening of the Hairdressing School on 9 March 1983 by Peter Cutter, B. Comms, M. Ed. General Manager - Programs, TAFE Board School of Mines and Industries Ballarat Ltd Land Laboratory officially opened by Dr D.F. Smith Director of Agriculture on 12th November 1980. School of Mines & Industries Ballarat Amenities Building was officially opened by His excellency The Hon. Sir Henry Winneke K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., O.B.E.. K. St. J., O.C., Governor of Victoria on 7th October 1981 G.H. Beanland K.J. Beanland Principal President This room is known as the Yates Geological Centre in recognition of a professional lifetime of service from 1920=1962 as' head of Geology in The SChool of Mines and Industries Ballarat by Harold Yates M.Sc Plaque presented by former students This stone was laid by The Hon. Alexr J. Peacock Minister of Public Instruction April 14th 1899 Abdrew Anderson, Presidentbuildings, ballarat school of mines, smb campus, premier of victoria, plaque, e.j.t. tippett library, tippett learning research centre, smb library, ballarat school of mines library, e.j. tippett, smb foundation stone, smb stamp battery plaque, geology centre - yates, yates geological centre, smb amenities building opening, smb land laborarory opening, smb hairdressing school opening, smb vocational centre (stage 1) opening, smb e.j. tippett library opening, former ballarat gaol national trust plaque, former ballarat supreme court national trust plaque, smb buildings - administration national trust plaque, foundation of technical education in australia, ballarat school of mines foundation stone, yates geology centre, amenities building, land laboratory, former ballarat gaol, former ballarat supreme court, courthouse theatre, stamp battery, stamper battery, centenary, anniversary, mortar box, peter shiells, ken flecknoe, vocatonal skills centre, haidressing school, peter cutter, museum building, former wesley church, henry winneke, graham beanland, harold yates, alexander peacock, andrew anderson, a building, administration building

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr. R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 percent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 percent reference and 40 percent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items has become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850’s to the late 1950’s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison. 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 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, and to 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. As with many Mechanics' Institutes in Australia, the one which operated in Warrnambool was established and overseen for many years by key individuals associated with the development of the city itself. The WMI publication collection is historically significant because of its association with local people, places and the key historical themes in the development of Warrnambool of rural development, industry, farming, education, and community. The collection documents and illustrates the changing interests, focus and tastes of Victorians, especially those in regional cities. Generally the individual items in the collection are not particularly rare, as examples of all probably exist in other public collections in Victoria. It is primarily because there are so very few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections in Victoria, which lends this overall collection its significance. Many items in the WMI Collection have the potential to support further research, both as individual objects and through the collection in its entirety. This material is significant for its ability to assist in the interpretation of the history of the area and adds to the general understanding of the development of the township. Many components of the WMI publication collection complement and reinforce the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum Collection, the Warrnambool Art Gallery Collection, and that in the Warrnambool Historical Society, and also contribute to a clearer understanding of the original Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute collections. This will greatly enhance the appreciation of the few surviving Mechanics' Institute collections across Victoria, and also in New South Wales. The similarities and differences between the small number of collections that have survived can provide further insights into how the people of Victoria in general, and Warrnambool in particular, constructed a civic culture of adult learning to foster an informed citizenry. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute publication collection is of both local and state significance. (This Statement of Significance is quoted from the Significance Assessment : Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Book Collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, February 2009, by Annette Welkamp, Cultural Connections, for Delise Oldfied, FHMV) References Juvenile Department in Warrnambool Public Library In August 1903 The Age newspaper reported in its Warrnambool news section that “With the object of discouraging boys from reading literature of the “penny dreadful” class, the committee of the local public library has decided to open a juvenile department and to stock it with hundreds of suitable books attractive to the youthful mind.” 100 new novels added to Warrnambool Public Library Shelves In November 1905 The Argue newspaper’s Warrnambool news section announced “The committee of the Public Library is bringing the collection of books more up to date. It has recently added 100 new novels to the shelves, and arrangements have been made for a supply of the latest novels immediately they arrive in the state.” Warrnambool Town Council takes over Mechanics’ Institute, Art Gallery, Public Library, Museum – and will double the building’s size In 1912 The Age reported in its Warrnambool news section “Considerable improvements are being effected by the town council in the most picturesque part of Liebig Street. Between the fire brigade station and the mechanics’ institute and art gallery a vacant block of land is being transformed a garden for carpet bedding and flowering plants. The council, which recently took over the control of the art gallery, public library, museum and mechanics’ institute, is doubling the size of the substantial stone building containing these institutions. The new building will contain a supper room for use in conjunction with functions in the town hall, adjoining, and a new reading room.” Mr Pattison, Public Librarian, says Library has a book per head of population In 1953 The Age reported an interview with the Public Librarian, Mr. R. Pattison, who said “Warrnambool has an insatiable thirst for reading. And its reading recipe contains a strong dash of fiction – 73 percent of it. Fiction makes up 10,000 of the 13,000 books in the senior section of the public library. That works out at a book per head of population. Warrnambool today is really book minded. This city has an almost insatiable thirst for knowledge as well as fiction. We’re lending 400 books a day. We supply 33 percent of the reading population of Warrnambool.” The reporter goes on to say “Warrnambool Public Library also has an ultra-modern children’s section of 3,400 books, open to every boy and girl attending school in Warrnambool. Mr Pattison hopes to show travel-talk films and install a radiogram in the children’s section “later on”. But it won’t disturb adult reading next door because the junior section is sound proof. “ Mechanics’ Institutes and Museums Mechanics’ Institutes were important sites for collecting in country Victoria … Warrnambool … all had museums attached to Mechanics’ Institutes before the end of the twentieth century” Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Ms Tierney said FHMV holds the collection of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute in three different locations on its site. “The Mechanics’ Institute opened in 1871, was demolished in the 1960s and was one of the oldest in Victoria. “FHMV intends to create a new storage area and bring the collection together in one place which will greatly facilitate access and research. “The collection consists of books and archives dating from the 1850s to 1959s. “Some of the books are rare and valuable but it is unclear as to their relevance to the history of Warrnambool or Victoria,” Ms Tierney said. Warrnambool TAFE History South West TAFE has a long and proud history of providing technical and specialist education, with links back to the formation of the Mechanic’s Institute in 1853. Warrnambool Art Gallery’s History The Warrnambool Art Gallery began in 1886 when retired police officer Joseph Archibald opened its doors in a building behind the mechanics institute in Liebig Street. The Gallery began with an eclectic mix of artworks and museum curios. Before long Archibald mobilised public support and paid for a new gallery annex. Loans and grants allowed the Gallery collection to grow with significant early acquisitions by French, German, and Belgian artists, which were less expensive than British works. Despite its enthusiastic start the economic downturn of the 1890s brought the Collection to a halt. In 1910 the Council took control of the Mechanics Institute and ran the Gallery there until 1963 when the building was allocated for municipal offices. The Collection was dispersed on loan to galleries in Shepparton and Hamilton and not reunited until 1971. In 1986 the Gallery’s Centenary year, a permanent home was built next to the ‘Civic Green’ and named in memory of one its champions Sir Fletcher Jones O.B.E. 2016 Warrnibald Entries Joseph Archibald established the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery in 1886 while his son Jules Francois Archibald founded the Archibald Prize through his bequest of 1919. His aim was to foster portraiture, as well as support artists, and perpetuate the memory of great Australians. Haunted Island Author: Isabel Maude Peacocke Publisher: Ward Lock & Co Date: 1930Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC PEA Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Children’s Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, haunted island, isabel maude peacocke