This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Lady Billie Author: Lillian Turner (Mrs F. Lindsay Turner) Publisher: Ward, Lock & Co Date: 1929Label on spine cover with typed text PAT FIC TUR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Children’s Library covered by a sticker 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, lady billie, lillian turner

Group of seven postcards from various people addressed to Mrs. A Stephens (nee Palmer). Five of the cards are depicting Theatre Actresses. (a) Unknown Actress, (b) Caricature of a surprised face with the words ' I was very surprised ' hand written underneath, (c) Miss Delia Mason, (d) Miss Gabrielle Ray in ' The Lady Dandies ', (e) Billie Burke , (f) Hand tinted card depicting women at an Aboriginal Camp, entitled ' Lubras camp, Maloga ' , (g) Unknown Actress.postcard, actresses, actresses, delia mason, billie burke, gabrielle ray, lubras camp maloga

A photo of widows at trading tables in the Clubrooms at Legacy House. It is one of the annual fetes usually held in November. Items for sale included home made food items like relish and jams, and craft items. Legacy House held craft lessons throughout the year and often the items made were sold at the fetes or at a stall outside Legacy House during Legacy Week for fundraising. The lady in red is Billie Sims who has been President of the Widows Club. It is likely to be 1988 due to the photographers reference number meaning 17 November 1988 (ref no. 881117). These regular meetings, fetes and workshops provided important opportunities for widows to meet, socialise and be active.A record of the type of activities Legacy provided for fundraising and as a social outlet for the widows.Colour photo x 2 of widows at Legacy House selling items at trading tables.Stamped on the back with Copyright of the Keesing Photographic Pty Ltd. And hand written reference numbers 881117-5 and 881117-15 in blue pen.widows, activities, fete, widows function

A widows' function, possibly a craft exhibition (some of the same ladies are in 00654 and 00655) or a time when craft items are sold on trading tables. Second from left is Billie Sims, president of the Widows Club in the early 1990s, the lady on the left is Vera Lang (see 00664), other names are unknown. The date is assumed as 1992 due to the reference number from the photographic studio 920609 could mean 9 June 1992.Legacy provided the opportunity for many gatherings of widows to enjoy social interaction and companionship.Black and white photo of 4 Legacy widows at Legacy House with craft items exhibited on tables and a proof sheet.Label on the back from Keesing Photographic with Reference No: 920609A-19.widows, widows club, activities

Photos from a 10th birthday celebration at a widows club, it is unknown which one. There appears to have been singing and merriment as well as cutting an anniversary cake. The lady cutting the cake is Billie Sims, who was president of the Melbourne Widows Club in the early 1990s. Photos were in a folder of photos from 1993.A record of the importance of the widows clubs as a social outlet for the widows that their 10th anniversary was celebrated. There were many clubs throughout Melbourne.Colour photo x 7 of a 10th birthday celebration for a widows club.widows, widows clubs, cake

Book: 'BILLIE JEAN KING: THE LADY OF THE COURT'. Hardcover. Materials: Ink, Paper, Cardboardtennis

Book: 'BILLIE JEAN KING: THE LADY OF THE COURT'. Hardcover. Materials: Ink, Paper, Cardboardtennis