This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. A Natural History of the Nests and Eggs of British Birds Vol 2 Author: The Rev. F. O. Morris Publisher: Groombridge & Sons Date: 1855Label on spine cover with typed text PAT F598.2942 MOR Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, a natural history of the nests and eggs of british birds vol 2, a natural history, the rev. f. o. morris, f. o. morris

Crow's Nest Queenscliff was a camp owned by the Government that the Ballarat Teachers' College utilised for camps.Black and white photograph of ladies from the Ballarat Teachers' College taken at Crow's Nest, Queenscliff List of names on the back of photograph. Photographers stamp Crow's Nest Queenscliff written in lead pencil.ballarat teachers' college, crow's nest, queenscliff, verna lees, margaret reynolds, s.j. read, p.j. malkin, margaret normoyle, dawn prowse, kath liston, betty maloney, a.m. panther, kitty o'shannessy, alma lloyd, shirley j. russell, mavis j. miller, k. miller, nancy lee, p.m. nield, p.v. ryan, photograph, women

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of three nests with eggs. A Swan's nest between two Ibis nests - these birds must all get on quite well!local history, photography, photographs, natural history - birds' nests, coloured photograph, birds, nests, john jenner, bryant west

An advertising brochure for Eagles Nest Antiques and Collectables in Buxton in Victoria.An advertising brochure for Eagles Nest Antiques and Collectables in Buxton in Victoria.eagles nest antiques and collectables, buxton, victoria, rose flarherty

An information flyer regarding Eagle Nest House Mountain Hideaway in Buxton.An information flyer regarding Eagle Nest House Mountain Hideaway in Buxton.buxton, victoria, australia, eagle nest house, accommodation, information flyer

An information flyer regarding Eagle Nest House Mountain Hideaway in Buxton.An information flyer regarding Eagle Nest House Mountain Hideaway in Buxton.buxton, victoria, australia, eagle nest house, accommodation, information flyer

Crows Nest was a Government owned camp in Queenscliff that was used by the Ballarat Teacher's CollegePhotocopy of black and white photograph from the Ballarat Teachers' College taken at Crow's Nest, Queenscliff.ballarat teachers' college, crow's nest, queenscliff, photograph, black and white photograph

This may not be an original complete set. There appears to be a slight variation in the colour of the specula. The largest is quite definitely brown. The other three appear black at certain angles. Some difficulty was experienced fitting the smallest speculum into the nest.A set (nest) of four brown bakelite speculums in graded sizes.dilatation

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of Black Swan's nest and eggs in Rhyll Swamp.local history, photography, photographs, natural history - birds, coloured photograph, birds, black swan, nests, john jenner, bryant west

Newspaper clipping 14/11/1968. Account of high tides at Phillip Island which have eroded the dunes endangering the penguins because the adults can't get to the babies in the nests. Account of high tides at Phillip Island which have eroded the dunes endangering the penguins because the adults can't get to the babies in the nests.phillip island, penguins, high tide erosion

Egg and nest collecting was considered a hobby for the 19thC Victorian gentlemen and the handwritten notes that often accompany the eggs can be as valuable to curators as the eggs themselves. Details have helped scientists understand the changes in bird nesting behavior in the past century and some of these historical eggs have also played a role in major scientific discoveries. Early settlers in Moorabbin Shire were fascinated by the new flora and fauna they found in the local and wider countryside.This is a typical collection of natural objects of an early settler in Moorabbin Shire 19thC when Charles Darwin inspired a general interest in the evolution of speciesA collection of bird eggs, nests and a seahorse in a wooden display box with a glass lid .bird's eggs c1900, bird's nests c1900, victorian era collectors, early settlers, pioneers, moorabbin shire, bentleigh, cheltenham, natural sciences, ornithology, darwin charles,

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - nest of Grebe eggs covered by parent before leaving nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, little grebe, birds eggs

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of nest and eggs of a White Ibislocal history, photography, photographs, natural history - birds, coloured photograph, birds, john jenner, bryant west

History of Shelley Memorial Hospital A'Beckett Road, Bunyip 1930 - 1991, soft cover 66 pages with black & white plus some coloured photographs, printed by Drouin Commercial Printers.Denise M Nestmedicine, nursing, hospital, victoria-bunyip-hospitals

One of a collection of Over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of two young Ibis standing on nestlocal history, photography, photographs, natural history - birds, coloured photograph, birds, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of four Black Swan Cygnets in nestlocal history, photography, photographs, natural history - birds, coloured photograph, birds, john jenner, bryant west

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - nest and young Australian Pipitslocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, australian pipits

Commonwealth government issue. This nest of tables are currently in use by the lighthouse staff.The set of three tables of descending size are designed in the same distinctive style as the bookcases and share the same wood type and finish (GILS 0012.2). Information on the underside of the tables indicates they were purchased by the Commonwealth through the Department of Transport for the CLS. The design bears the stylistic marks of the easily recognisable furnishings produced by the Kalmar firm, Sydney. Steven Kalmar (1909-1989), who migrated to Australia in 1939 and opened his own interiors business in 1949, played a significant role in popularising modernist design concepts in Australia drawing his ideas from Scandinavian and American trends. Born in Hungary, he trained as an architect and his contemporary affordable furnishings were especially suitable for the open-plan houses built in Australia’s new post-war suburbs. He closed the retail side of this in 1957 and concentrated on commissions, some for large-scale orders. One of these bulk orders came from the Commonwealth Government sometime between 1957 and the early 1970s, with several examples of light, compact and functional domestic furnishings supplied to lightstations in Victoria. Because the order was placed by the CLS, it is possible that Kalmar furnishings were also provided to lightstations in other states. Additional examples at Gabo Island include three bedside tables (GILS 0042.2 & 0076.10), chest of drawers (GILS 0077) and two bookcases (GILS 0012.2), with the backs of at least two of the furnishings bearing the Kalmar label. Kalmar furnishings in the other Victorian lightstations investigated by this study include bookcases at Cape Otway, Cape Nelson (3 examples) and Point Hicks (2 examples); two bedside tables at Cape Otway, and a long coffee table at Wilsons Promontory. The set of tables has first level contributory significance for their clear provenance, completeness and association with Steven Kalmar whose functional designs introduced modern, low cost furnishings to a number of Australia’s lightstations.Nest of three Scandinavian style tables, solid wood. Curved U shaped legs, one bar at base of table.Underside of GILS007.3:"C of A / D.O.T 1444248" (Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Transport.) •All tables have "16" on underside.

The world’s most ecologically distinct bird lives in the native grasslands of Victoria - but only just. The plains-wanderer is a small bird that was once widespread across the grasslands of south-eastern Australia. Today there are fewer than 1000 mature birds in the wild. The plains-wanderer is under threat due to habitat loss caused by overgrazing, cropping and suburban sprawl. Unlike most other birds, female wanderers are larger and more colourful and the males take care of the chicks. They are only about 15cm tall and weigh between 40-80g for the male and 55-90g for the female. Their intricate plumage mirrors the colours of their grassland home so they blend in perfectly with their surroundings. The plains-wanderer’s origins date back to when Australia was part of the Gondwana supercontinent over 60 million years ago. They are so biologically distinct that their extinction would result in the loss of a branch of the tree of life. A fussy grass dweller, they like neither too much nor too little grass. That is where sheep grazing can help. After years of low numbers in Victoria, plains-wanderer populations have been increasing in Terrick Terrick National Park in north west Victoria, as sheep grazing maintains the grass in the park at a suitable level. With the right management, this ecologically important bird species is continuing to survive in the native grasslands of Victoria. Managing these habitats for the plains-wanderer can also support the conservation of many other threatened plant and animal species. Object: Nest of plains-wanderers by Mary-Jane Walker, 2020. Outer made from upcycled paper, internal structure steel. Nest of plains-wanderers by Mary-Jane Walker, 2020. Outer made from up cycled paper, internal structure steel. native grasslands, plains-wanderer, terrick terrick national park

One of a collection of over 400 photographs in an album commenced in 1960 and presented to the Phillip Island & Westernport Historical Society by the Shire of Phillip IslandPhotograph of four Plovers eggs in a nest at "Innis Howen"local history, photography, plovers eggs, black & white photograph, wild life, plovers, innis howen, john jenner, bryant west

Item given to Geoff MURRAY in Vietnam by Sister Augustine from the Baria Orphanage. The figure, a bird feeding its young with rice in its mouth reminded the Sister of Geoff feeding the Orphanage with all his help he gave to them. Refer Reg No 638P for Geoffs service history and other items re the Baria Orphanage.Small arrangement, bone china representing a tree trunk, birds nest, floral arrangement with bird in nest & mother feeding. Colours range from white, pink, green & blue.On base: "Bone China SEYEA"ceramics - porcelain, military history - souvenirs, vietnam

This kit belonged to VX19808 William James Curtis. WWII sgnigificance.2 x metal nested mess tins with swivel handlesHand inscribed with VX19808 Curtis W.J. Palestine, Egypt, Libia, Greece, Crete, Syria, India and Ceylon. Also inscribed with Dunera, Arayabank, Heroward, Costa Rica, Hero, Kimberley, Nurmahal, Smaller mess tin inscribed with VX19808 Curtis. W. J. Also engraved on side contour of a dog.

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - Grey Shrike Thrush on nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, grey shrike thrush

One of a collection of thirty-six photographs selected for representation in the National Photographic Index of Australian BirdsColour Photograph - Yellow Robin sitting on nest. Bryant West Albumlocal history, photographs, national history, birds, coloured photograph, yellow robin, birds nests