Showing 78 items
matching local poems
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Tatura Irrigation & Wartime Camps Museum
Document, Our Saleyards War, 1950
... local poems... in Tatura and reference to floods our saleyards war local poems ...Humorus poems regarding moving of saleyards in Tatura and reference to floods2 Humorous Poems and letter to the Editor (1950) copied from Tatura Guardianour saleyards war, local poems, letter, tatura, document, newspaper -
Clunes Museum
Magazine, THE WEEKLY TIMES ANNUAL, THE WEEKLY TIMES ANNUAL 1932, 10 OCTOBER 1932
... PICTORIAL STORIES AND POEMS LOCAL HISTORY THE WEEKLY TIMES ANNUAL ...THE WEEKLY TIMES ANNUAL 1932. PICTORIAL (COLOURED). SPECIAL NUMBER OF THE WEEKLY TIMES, OCTOBER 10, 1932. 22ND YEAR. PRICE 1/6.australia, pictorial, stories and poems, local history -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Book, Curly, 2003
... A collection of poems by local author, Joyce Suto... U3A Nunawading Suto Joyce A collection of poems by local ...A collection of poems by local author, Joyce SutoA collection of poems by local author, Joyce SutoA collection of poems by local author, Joyce Sutopoetry, mountview uniting church, mitcham, orobus, u3a nunawading, suto, joyce -
Lakes Entrance Historical Society
Book, Past Pictures and Poems of East Gippsland, 1993
... An anthology of poems by local people, illustrated...Celebrations Land Settlement Township An anthology of poems ...An anthology of poems by local people, illustrated with photographs, compiled for the 'Back to Bairnsdale' celebrations in 1993. Facts are not resourced, captions are known to be suspect.celebrations, land settlement, township -
Wycheproof & District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Roamin' Round the Mount
... A Wycheproof and District 95 page book of local stories... A Wycheproof and District 95 page book of local stories and poems ...A town no matter how small has stories to tell. This book celebrates some of the colourful, creative, successful, struggling, non- conforming and sometimes irreverent locals who have called Wycheproof and District"home' - some for a short time , others for a life- time.This is a slice of local culture and life.A Wycheproof and District 95 page book of local stories and poems. The coloured wrap-around cover photopraphs show early Mt Wycheproof with cows grazing on the mountain. On the back cover are photographs of the early Wycheproof Railway Station and a later day view taken on Mount Wycheproof . On the lower part of the cover: THE WYCHEPROOF AND DISTRICT hISTORICAL sOCIETY INChistory, poetry, wycheproof, local residents, mallee bush poetry, mallee, local history, farming, economy -
Peterborough History Group
Book - J. S. Irvine Scrapbook
... locals, and various poems and articles. Mentions C Felstead... locals, and various poems and articles. Mentions C Felstead ...Eclectic collection of newspaper clippings from around 1906 to 1908, including original cuttings about the wreck of the Falls of Halladale, obituary of a young family member and other notable locals, and various poems and articles. Mentions C Felstead, Golfer and Australian Open Champion and Obituary of Mr Thomas Shaw of Wooriwyrite. Some articles appear to be from 1882 but may just be reprints.Local resident's collection of articles which took his interest around 1906 to 1908Scrapbook made using a catalogue for Lancaster Window Blinds - Bordered. Newspaper clippings are pasted over printed patterns of window blinds available in 1905. Compiled by W. H IrvineName J. S. Irvine handwritten on the front and different name inscribed on the first page: W.H Irvine, Bayof Islands, Peterboroughpeterborough, bay of islands, window blind patterns, falls of halladale, c. felstead, thomas shaw, j. s. irvine, w. h. irvine, scrapbooks -
Orbost & District Historical Society
autograph book, Early 20th century
This item was owned by Ethel M. Lynn of Fairleigh, Orbost. The Lynn family is well-known in the Orbost area. Ethel Lynn, a general nurse, is believed to have been working at Bairnsdale in 1924.The album is historically-significant because it documents personal voices from before World War I in the form of poems, witticisms, well wishes and drawings.A black, dimpled leatherette covered autograph book. It contains autographs and sketches attributed to Orbost and Bairnsdale locals,On cover - Autographsautograph-book lynn-ethel -
Phillip Island and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Articles on severance poll concerning split from Shire of Phillip Island and Woolamai 1925-1929, 1925-1929
Issue of severance of Phillip Island from the Shire of Phillip Island and Woolamai to become Shire of Phillip Island 1925-1929. This issue had strong opinions on both sides amongst Island residents and shows the political landscape of the times. This is a snapshot of life on Phillip Island in the 1920s. Book also contains notes, poem by D.H. Robb in his handwriting.HistoricalGreen exercise book with handwritten notes, articles from newspapers, pamphlets.Cover states D.H.Robb, Cowes. Lists of absentee ratepayers and householders, objectors,d.h.robb, severance of phillip island, local government, w.d.davie, akt sambell, women's progress association, phillip island early roads, phillip island valuations, local identities, reverend rath, tourism, phillip island 1920s, farming -
Bendigo Military Museum
Magazine - MAGAZINE - REGIMENTAL, "Gun Flash", March 1944
Common for units of the Armed Forces to have their own magazine and newspaper to be a source of news and gossip for the group.Regimental Magazine, cream white paper, 20 pages stapled together. Front page headed "Gun Flash" with "RAA" Insignia. Dated March 1944 and marked Vol 1, No.3. Content varies from Local news, Sport, Quizzes, Editorials, Poems etc.Dated March “44 and Vol 1, No. 3”royal aust artillery, gun flash, ww2 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Poems - Australian poetry lovers society, 1952
This book was published in 1952 by the Australian Poetry Lovers’ Society. This group was based in Melbourne and was founded in 1934 by George and Ethel Fielding. In 1973 a member, Harry Hastings Pearce, wrote a history of the society. This 1952 volume contains two poems by Thomas Terrington (born 1897) - ‘Henry Lawson’ and ‘Stella’. Tom Terrington was a well-known local poet and writer from Framlingham. He has been described as a ‘rhymster of flair and skill’. He was a self-taught person with little formal education and he worked at various jobs until he took over the general store at Framlingham in his middle age. He also recorded some of the history of Framlingham, a small settlement about 24 kilometres north east of Warrnambool. The identity of ‘Fred’ in the inscription is not known. This book is of interest because it contains two poems written by Tom Terrington, a local 20th century writer and poet. This is a soft cover book of 50 pages. The cover is green with black printing and an image of two kookaburras on the front cover. The book has poems by 18 writers and a black and white photograph on page 10 of the late George Fielding. The cover is somewhat soiled. The book has been stapled but the staples have been removed. The inscription is handwritten in black ink. ‘To Fred with best wishes from Tom Terrington Framlingham 21.11.52’ tom terrington, history of framlingham -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Booklet, The caravan of dreams, 1923
This book contains poems written by Lindsay Russell. This was the pen name of Ethel Stonehouse (1883-1964) who was born in Nhill, Victoria and published verse, short stories and novels. She gained a national reputation for her novels, many of which were controversial at the time, dealing with rebellious women and they were often critical of some aspects of the Catholic Church. Her first novel, ‘Smouldering Fires’ sold 100,000 copies in Australia alone. In 1914 Ethel Stonehouse married Dr John Scott and came to live in Mortlake, Victoria. ‘The Caravan of Dreams’ was her last publication. This book is of considerable significance as a book of original poems by Lindsay Russell, an Australian author who lived in the local area (Mortlake). The book was printed at the Terang Express newspaper office in 1923. This is a soft cover book of 32 pages. It has a dark blue cover with a border at the top and bottom of the front cover and black printing. The ornate borders are repeated throughout the pages. The book contains 28 poems. The cover is a little stained. lindsay russell (ethel stonehouse), history of mortlake, australian literature, warrnambool history -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, A section of Poems, Mid 1930s
This booklet of poems has been compiled by Thomas Terrington. Born in 1897 Tom Terrington worked at dairying, fencing, carpentering and woodcutting before taking over the Framlingham store when he was in his forties. He was a scholarly person with a wide knowledge of English literature. He was a well-known local poet and a member of the Australian Poetry Lovers’ Society. He wrote extensively on local history and his unpublished ‘History of Framlingham’ is in the State Library. Framlingham is a small settlement 25 kilometres north east of Warrnambool. This booklet is of interest as it contains some of the poems written by Tom Terrington, an important resident of Framlingham in the 20th century. This is a soft cover book of 24 pages. The cover is green with black decorative borders and black binding. The pages have black printing on green paper. The last few pages are missing. The cover is faded and a little torn. There are ornamental scrolls and patterns in black throughout the pages. tom terrington, history of framlingham -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs x 2- Khancoban Station and Comet the horse
In 1824, Hume and Hovell were the first Europeans to pass through the district and graziers soon followed, impressed by the abundance of fodder and water. The first cattle run in the area was settled in about 1838 in what was known as Swampy Plains. Later, this run became known as “Khancoban Station”. Khancoban lies in the heart of the high country and is home of Australia’s mountain cattlemen. This heritage is celebrated in Banjo Paterson’s epic poem, “The Man from Snowy River”. In 1962, Bruce and Jo Chisholm relocated from Bond Springs to Khancoban Station, which Bruce had acquired in 1959. Khancoban Hereford and thoroughbred stud progeny were keenly sought after whenever they were presented in the sale ring. Bruce imported a stallion, Comet, from England in 1964. Comet stood at Khancoban for 15 years and was the sire of numerous winners, including Cobbermine, Kelly's Eye, Boack and Starglow. Photographs demonstrate local Kiewa Valley residents enjoying a community visit to the historic homestead at Khancoban Station which holds significance to the early history of the area. Its heritage is celebrated in Banjo Paterson’s epic poem, “The Man from Snowy River”. Also demonstrates a pictorial history of social activities undertaken during this period Black and white photographs mounted on buff card 1. Kiewa Valley residents visiting Khancoban Station 2. Photo of thoroughbred horse Comet and handler at Khancoban Station1. Handwritten in black ink below photo- Khancoban Station. Mrs. Young, Mrs Van Der Weyde 2. Handwritten in black ink above photo- "Comet' at Khancobankiewa valley residents, clare roper -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Photographs x 2- Groups of Kiewa Valley residents on tour of Khancoban area
Demonstrates a pictorial history of social activities undertaken by Kiewa Valley residents during this period possibly 1970’s to 1980’s. Also a pictorial record of residents of the Kiewa Valley during this period. Photographs demonstrate local Kiewa Valley residents enjoying a community visit to the Khancoban area, which holds significance to the early history of the district. Its heritage is celebrated in Banjo Paterson’s epic poem, “The Man from Snowy River”. 2 black and white photographs mounted on buff card. 1. Group of ladies on a tour of the Khancoban area 2. Mixed group of ladies and men on a tour of the Khancoban area 1. Handwritten in black ink below photo 'Mrs Van Der Weyde, Mrs Storey, Mrs Temple 2. Handwritten in black pen below photo 'A.O. Smith, A. Angus, Mrs. Pullin, S. Ross, C. Roper, Mrs Temple, A. E. Campbell (name of last person obscured)kiewa valley residents, clare roper -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Letters - Dorothy Anderson Collection
... Dorothy Anderson collected these original poems about... Anderson collected these original poems about the local area ...Dorothy Anderson collected these original poems about the local area - Mount Bogong and the Old Tawonga Hall and written by local people.These items were the property of Tawonga citizen, Mrs Dorothy Anderson, who passed away in 2014 aged 90 years. Michael Thwaites and Pricilla Johnson (nee Reid) were also local people who lived in the Kiewa Valley.1. Newspaper cutting titled "Address To Mount Bogong by Michael Thwaites" in the form of a poem. 2. Handwritten poem re "The Tawonga Hall Ghost" by Mary Pricilla Johnson (nee Reid) 3. A copy of each of the above.poems, dorothy anderson, mt bogong, tawonga hall -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Book - English Reader, Victorian Readers Sixth Book, 1940
This book is a sixth grade reader which all Victorian students would have read during the 1940's. The book is made up of poems and stories, some which are still known and told today. Some pages have drawings that relate to the story of poems. This is historically significant due to showing what children read during the 1940's in schools across Victoria. Also it is a good comparison to what grade six children read now. Therefore it has good interpretation value and would be good in local school exhibitions. The names on the book indicate that this book came from a local famil, the Johnson and was read to two children of that family which gives this good social history. Some of the pages have had their pictured colored in by the student and words that have been underlined. These could have been harder words for the students to learn and seem advanced for grade six children to read. Book has a blue coverVICTORIAN READERS SIXTH BOOK, second edition, Victorian education stamp on front cover, SIXTH BOOK and EDUCATION DEPARTMENT VICTORIA ON SPIN. Inside cover has the names, Lorraine Margaret Johnson, Allan Johnson and Alice Payork? but that name has been crossed out and John with the son crossed out. All these names hand written in ink pen. book, school, reader, grade 6, department of education. children, stories, poems. -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Book, Avis Quarrell, My Web of Life, 2015
A collection of poems by Avis Quarrell published in 2015This is a soft-cover book of 80 pages. It has a gold-coloured cover with a colour photograph of a spider web on the front cover and the same photograph in a smaller size on the back cover. The book contains an introduction, 78 poems by Avis Quarrell about her life, thoughts and feelings and 78 colour photographs. The book contains Avis Quarrell’s signature on the first page. A collection of poems by Avis Quarrell published in 2015warrnambool poetry, avis quarrell -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Literary work, The Reverie of Capt. Grace, 1873
These verses are handwritten and this suggests they originated locally but they were published in a Melbourne paper in 1874 and the writer is unknown.The verses refer to the cricket match in Warrnambool in January 1874 when a team of 22 players representing the Western District played the touring All-England Eleven captained by William Gilbert Grace, the famous English cricketer. The match in Warrnambool, one of 15 matches played in Australia, was won easily by the English team after one and a half days in a scheduled three day match but W.G.Grace did not star, making only 18 runs in the first innings and not required to bat in the second innings. Frank Allan of Allansford,who played for Victoria and Australia and was later called 'the bowler of the century.' took 6 for 28 in the first innings. Grace made a bad impression in Warrnambool with his brusque and insolent tone, refusing to attend the local Ball put on for the English team because the 'professional' players would be in attendance. The poem echoes the lack of goodwill and condescension shown in Warrnambool by Grace and refers to 'the greatest bat in all the world' making only 18 and sends a message to the English team - 'Don't quarrel and don't blow!'This poem is of considerable interest because it shows the ill-feeling in Warrnambool engendered by the attitude taken by W.G.Grace when his English Eleven was playing in Warrnambool in January in 1874. It is a reminder also of one of the 19th century highlights in Warrnambool's sporting history.These are two sheets of blue paper with 15 stanzas of poetry in black handwriting. The paper has ruled red lines and probably came from a ledger. It is torn at the edges in places where it has been folded.all england cricket team in warrnambool 1874, w.g.grace in warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Magazine, Edgar Baillie for the Herald & Weekly Times, The weekly times annual 1929, 1929
This is the Weekly Times Annual of 1929. The Weekly Times newspaper was established in 1869 and was taken over by the Herald Newspaper group in 1892. It is a paper dedicated to rural affairs and is now the oldest rural newspaper in Australia. It has long been known as the ‘Bible of the Bush’. This annual contains many advertisements and photographs and sketches of places in rural Australia. It also has many articles, short stories and illustrations. Notable people that have contributed to this annual include Will Dyson (sketches), C.J.Dennis (poem), Vance Palmer (short story) and Norman Lindsay (reproduction of an art work). It also has a short story by Gertrude Hart, a novelist and short story writer. Her parents lived in Warrnambool in the 1850s (her father was the local Wesleyan minister) and her father retired to a place near to Warrnambool – Kirkstall. This attractive booklet is retained as an excellent example of Weekly Times Annuals in the past. It is also important because it has a short story by Gertrude Hart, a writer with connections to Warrnambool. This is a newspaper annual booklet of 68 pages. The cover has a buff-coloured background with a colour illustration of a stately building on the front with red printing and five colour photographs on the back page with black printing. The booklet has many advertisements, articles, short stories and photographs. Some pages are missing and a couple of pages are torn. the weekly times, gertrude hart, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Magazines, 1 W.D. James & Co .2 H.J. Paynter & Co, The Link, Early 1920s
These magazines originally belonged to Catherine Mary Stewart who taught at Penshurst State School. She was the grandmother of the donor of the two magazines. These magazines were produced in the 1920s by the inspectorate of the Warrnambool district schools and they featured contributions by the pupils and teachers from the schools in the area. The magazine, ‘The Link’ was first published in September 1921 and came out once or twice a year in the early 1920s. In 1924 the magazine had a circulation of 1500 covering 107 State Schools, one Technical School, one High School, two Higher Elementary Schools and 17 registered schools. The contributions from the pupils are of special interest today as many of the names later became important locally and some of the photographs are of interest as they are ones not in local collections today. These magazines are of considerable importance as they contain many photographs not previously seen and much original material (articles, poems etc) produced by pupils and teachers in the Western District of Victoria in the early 1920s. They are of value to researchers. .1 A soft cover booklet of 42 pages. The booklet is stapled. The cover is buff-coloured with blue printing and it has images of children, schools, sporting equipment, technical classes and other decorative material. The booklet contains printed material, black and white photographs and advertisements. .2 as above except that there are 72 pages and a different publication date education in the western district, “the link” schools magazine, history of warrnambool -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Journal, Peter Doughtery, ArtStreams: News in arts and cultural heritage; Vol. 3, No. 4, Aug-Sep 1998, 1998
Vol. 3, No. 4, Aug-Sep 1998 CONTENTS THE GREAT DAREBIN MUSIC EXPO Celebrating cultural diversity 3 THE FINAL TOUCH Dangers of inappropriate picture framing 6 BOOK REVIEW Michele Lonsdale reviews Raymond Gaita's Romulus May Father 9 A NEW FACE IN ELTHAM ARTS From Brown's Town, Jamaica, to Eltham Wiregrass 10 BANYULE YOUTH ART AWARDS Young artists throw down the gauntlet 12 CD REVIEWS Authentic and Get A Handle On It 14 PHOTOGRAPHY John Fitzgerald's first exhibition 16 SHORT STORY Girl in a Yellow Sweater by Morag Kirk 18 POETRY REVIEW Ray Liversidge reviews Ian McBryde 22 THEATRE Carolyn Pickett at Heidelberg Theatre company 23 DAG HOUSE ON HIGH STREET New home for Darebin Arts Action Group 24 SIGMUND JORGENSEN DINES OUT Food and wine as culture 25 POETRY Sandy Jeffs' Poems From the Madhouse 27 RAY MOONEY PLAY REVIEW 27 THEATRE Alabaster Youth Theatre and Daniel Kahans at La Mama 28, 29 WINING, DINING & ENTERTAINING 30 PICASSO AND TUCKER AT HEIDE 32 "Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 36 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/06) art streams, john fitzgerald, annie keil-taggart, just add water, melanie shanahan, darebinn music expo, ruby hunter, cretan brotherhood dance academy, tim nikolsky, margaret leighton, paper moon, alfie massoud, conga pa gozar, neville crawford, framing, dymocks booksellers, raimond gaita, michelle lonsdale, eltham wiregrass gallery, charmaine sheppard, banyule young artists award, brett wood, rebecca james, saramcfarland, michael hebden, heath warwick, michelle wood, victoria ashton, pietro ristorante grossi, la mama theatre, robbie greig, nerida kirov, george kirov, mathew arnold, john skinner, jeff buckland, laurie strickland, eltham high school, montsalvat, eltham library community gallery, alan marshall short story award, morag kirk, dynamic vegies, jenni mitchell, ruth johnstone, la trobe university art museum, ian mcbryde, ray liversidge, heidelberg thearte company, carolyn pickett, darebin artists action group, sigmund jorgensen, sandy jeffs, la piazza restaurant bar & cafe, adams of north riding, llobex image wizards, yarra valley country club, daniel kahans, bulleen art & garden centre, museum of modern art at heide, monty deli & catering services, albert tucker, volumes -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Journal, Peter Doughtery, ArtStreams: Whittlesea, Banyule, Darebin, Manningham, Nillumbik & Yarra; Vol. 8, No. 5, Summer Edition 2003-04, 2003
Vol. 8, No. 5, Summer Edition 2003-04 CONTENTS Clive Dickson talks to Steffie Wallace 3 Les Barnes - Bird Man by Elizabeth Gooding 6 The DVA Theatre Company 8 Fiona Sievers at Menzies Theatre 9 Odette Kelada at la Mama 10 Poetry News and Reviews 12 Vale Neil Douglas 16 Long Ride to Benares - Julian Chapple 18 Sarah Hammond on Leanne Mooney 19 Corrina Tauschke on Kathe Kollwitz 21 Visualising Pure Realms 23 Poem 24 CD Reviews 25 Artin' About 27 Wining & Dining 30 Listings 32 "Peter Dougherty has been involved in the local art scene for many years. As publisher and editor of the arts magazine Artstreams, his comments on the various branches of the arts are widely respected. His "The Arts" column in the Diamond Valley Leader presents a brief summary for a much wider cross section of the local community. Peter also operates his own gallery and the Artstreams Cafe at the St Andrews market. Peter has a wealth of knowledge about present day and historical aspects of local art and artists." - Eltham District Historical Society Newsletter No. 161, March 2005Colour front and back cover with feature articles and literary pieces with photographs and advertisements printed in black and white. 36 pages, 30 cm. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Nov. 1996) - Vol. 10, no. 5 (summer ed. 2005/06) art streams, neil douglas, steffie wallace, clive dickson, bundoora homestead, sushi wushi eltham, les barnes, elizabeth gooding, dva thearte company, odette kelada, eltham fullife pharmacy, eltham wiregrass gallery, john jenkins, poetry, montsalvat, julian chapple, sarah hammond, leanne mooney, eltham gourmet poultry & game, dynamic vegies, corrina tauschke, potters, nerina lascelles, warrandyte cafe, bulleen art & garden centre, hurstbridge galleries, il primo restaurant carlton, leigh conkie, alan marshall short story award, ruth anderson, sylvia halpern, gus mclaren, northcote pottery, st andrews hotel, thompsons amcal pharmacy, bendigo bank, hurstbridge & districts community bank branch, mia mia gallery and cafe -
Bendigo Military Museum
Literary work - POEM 38TH BN, J.H. McColl, 17 May 1916
Published in the Bendigonian 18th May 1916. J.H. McCOLL believed to be James Hiers McCOLL father of Lieut. Hugh McCOLL, C Coy 38th Battalion AIF. Pre war Hugh McColl spent 11 years in the junior and senior cadets and then 1 year as a Commissioned Officer in the local 67th Batt. He enlisted in the AIF with the rank of 2nd Lieut on 1.3.1916 aged 27 years 4 months. Embarked for England on 20.6.1916 and then France in November 1916. WIA on 12.10.1917 with concussion, hospital 7.4.1918 with sprained ankle, KIA by machine gun fire on 12.8.1918 during an advance near Proyart. There was a possibility he was awarded the Military Cross but this needs investigating.The Bendigo 38th Battalion Poem. A printed written copy. Seven verses. Two pages.documents - poetry, military history - army, 38th -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Dylan Thomas Collected Poems 1934 to 1952
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. Dylan Thomas Collected Poems 1934 to 1952 Author: Dylan Thomas Publisher: J.M.Dent & Sons LTD Date: 1959 First Published in 1952 then reprinted in 1952 to1959 The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 821.9 THO Front loose 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 Serviceflagstaff 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, dylan thomas, dylan thomas collected poems 1934 to 1952 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Lays of The Scottish Cavaliers
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. WARRNAMBOOL 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 November1884 in the National School building at the corner of Banyan and Timor Streets. The Institute was funded by member subscription, payable on a quarterly, half yearly or yearly basis. Samuel Hannaford, the Manager of the Warrnambool Bank of Australasia, was the first Honorary Secretary of the Mechanics' Institutes, and an early President and Vice-President. He also gave several of the early lectures in the Reading Room. Another early Secretary, Librarian and lecturer was Marmaduke Fisher, the teacher at the National School. Lecture topics included The Poets and Poetry of Ireland', 'The Birth and Development of the Earth', 'The Vertebrae - with Remarks on the pleasures resulting from the study of Natural History' and 'Architecture'. In 1856 the Reading Room was moved to James Hider's shop in Timor Street, and by 1864 it was located in the bookshop of Davies and Read. In the 1860's the Mechanics' Institute struggled as membership waned but in 1866, after a series of fund raising efforts, the committee was able to purchase land in Liebig Street, on a site then called Market Square, between the weighbridge and the fire station. A Mechanics' Institute building was opened at this site in August 1871. The following year four more rooms were added to the main Reading Room and in 1873 the Artisan School of Design was incorporated into the Institute. The same year Joseph Archibald established a Museum; however it deteriorated when he was transferred to Bendigo in 1877. In 1880, with Archibald's return to Warrnambool, the Museum was re-established, and in 1885 a new building was built at the back of the Institute to accommodate the re-created School of Design, the Art Gallery and the Museum. In 1887 the Museum section was moved to the former court house in Timor Street (for some time the walls of the building formed part of the TAFE cafeteria but all is now demolished)). In 1911 the Museum was transferred back to the original building and the management of the Mechanics' Institute was handed over to the Warrnambool City Council. The Museum and Art Gallery became one and housed many fine works of art, and the Library continued to grow. The building was well patronised, with records showing that at the beginning of the 20th century there were between 500 and 800 visitors. During World War One the monthly figures were in the thousands, with 3,400 people visiting in January 1915. The Museum was a much loved Institution in Warrnambool until the contents of the Museum and Art Gallery were removed to make room for the Warrnambool City Council Engineers' Department. The contents were stored but many of the items were scattered or lost. When the original building was demolished the site became occupied by the Civic Centre, which included the new City Library. (The library was temporarily located in the old Palais building in Koroit Street.) In the process of reorganisation the Collection was distributed amongst the community groups: -The new City Library took some of the historic books and some important documents, historic photographs and newspapers. -The Art Gallery kept the 19th Century art collection and some of the artefacts from the museum. -The Historic Society has some items -The State Museum has some items -Some items were destroyed -Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village has old newspapers, Government Gazettes, most of the Mechanics' Institute Library, ledgers and documents connected to the Mechanics' Institute Library, some framed and unframed art works and some photographs. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute Library book collection is deemed to be of great importance because it is one of the few collections in an almost intact state, and many of the books are now very rare and of great value. 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. Lays of The Scottish Cavaliers And Other Poems Author: William Edmondstoune Aytoun Publisher: William Blackwood and Sons Date: 1875 Edition: Twenty-Fifth EditionThe label on spine cover with typed text R.H. 821 AYT Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Inside of the front endpaper has stamps from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and 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, lays of the scottish cavaliers, william edmondstoune aytoun, lays of the scottish cavaliers and other poems -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Selected Poems by William Blocksidge
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. Selected Poems by William Blocksidge Author: William Blocksidge Publisher: Gordon & Gotch Date: 1919 The label on spine cover with typed text RA 821.91 BLO Front loose endpaper has a card that reads "with the Author's Compliments" and an address. Box 1826, G.P.O. Sydney Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Library Inside front, loose endpaper has a sticker 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, selected poems by william blocksidge, william blocksidge -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Persian Poems
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. 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 it's 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 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent 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 have 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 1950s 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. Persian Poems An Anthology of Verse Translations Edited by A. J. Arberry Publisher: J M Dent & Sons Date: 1954 The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 891.51 ARB Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has 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, persian poems, a. j. arberry -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Selections from Goldsmiths Poems and Helps's Essays
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. WARRNAMBOOL 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 1860's 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 historical 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 Historical 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. Selections from Goldsmiths Poems and Helps's Essays Notes on Goldsmith's Poems by Rev A R Vardy. Notes on Helps's Essays by F J Rowe and W T Webb As prescribed for the Matriculation Examinations at the Melbourne University Publisher: Melville, Mullen & Slade Date: 1894 The label is a black square that is unreadable The top and front of the text block have the name "T Alston" on them in black ink. The top text block also has the date 9/8/94 written in black ink on it. 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 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, goldsmiths poems, melbourne university, selections from goldsmiths poems and helps's essays, rev a r vardy, helps's essays, f j rowe, w t webb -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
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. WARRNAMBOOL 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 1860's 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 historical 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 Historical 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. Poems by Elizabeth Barrett Browning Author: Elizabeth Browning (Mrs E B Browning) Publisher: George Routledge & Sons Date: 1887 The label on spine cover with typed text PAT 821 BRO Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library Front loose endpaper has 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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, Poems
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. 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. Poems Author: John Masefield Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: 1946 Edition: The Revised Edition of the Poet Laureate's Collected poemsThe label on spine cover has typed text PAT 821 MAS Pastedown front endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service Flyleaf has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Libraryflagstaff 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, poems, john masefield