The Mason jar, named after American tinsmith John Landis Mason, who patented it in 1858, is a molded glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. The jar's mouth has a screw thread on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring or "band". The band, when screwed down, presses a separate stamped steel disc-shaped lid against the jar's rim. An integral rubber ring on the underside of the lid creates a hermetic seal. The bands and lids usually come with new jars, but they are also sold separately. While the bands are reusable, the lids are intended for single-use when canning. Glass jars and metal lids are still commonly used in home canning while they have been largely supplanted by other methods for commercial canning (such as tin cans and plastic containers). Item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset.Clear glass preserving jar with metal screw lid grooved base for lid clip."AGEE / MASON / JAR" imprinted into side of glassflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, jar, glass jar, preserving jar, food preserving, food storage, agee mason, agee mason jar, john landis mason

The Mason jar, named after American tinsmith John Landis Mason, who patented it in 1858, is a molded glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. The jar's mouth has a screw thread on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring or "band". The band, when screwed down, presses a separate stamped steel disc-shaped lid against the jar's rim. An integral rubber ring on the underside of the lid creates a hermetic seal. The bands and lids usually come with new jars, but they are also sold separately. While the bands are reusable, the lids are intended for single-use when canning. Glass jars and metal lids are still commonly used in home canning while they have been largely supplanted by other methods for commercial canning (such as tin cans and plastic containers). Item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset.Clear glass preserving jar "Agee Special" with metal screw lid grooved base for lid clip "AGEE Special MASON / JAR" imprinted into side of glassflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, jar, glass jar, preserving jar, food preserving, food storage, agee mason, agee mason jar, john landis mason, agee special

The Mason jar, named after American tinsmith John Landis Mason, who patented it in 1858, is a molded glass jar used in home canning to preserve food. The jar's mouth has a screw thread on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring or "band". The band, when screwed down, presses a separate stamped steel disc-shaped lid against the jar's rim. An integral rubber ring on the underside of the lid creates a hermetic seal. The bands and lids usually come with new jars, but they are also sold separately. While the bands are reusable, the lids are intended for single-use when canning. Glass jars and metal lids are still commonly used in home canning while they have been largely supplanted by other methods for commercial canning (such as tin cans and plastic containers). Item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as a collection asset.Clear glass preserving jar "Agee Special" with metal screw lid grooved base for lid clip "AGEE Special imprinted into side of glassflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, jar, glass jar, preserving jar, food preserving, food storage, agee mason, agee mason jar, john landis mason, agee special

Agee Victory glass preserving jar with glass lid, wire clips, paper instructions & rubber sealing ring.M813 M AGM Agee Victorypreserving jar, agee victory

The Masons patent of Nov 30th, 1858 phrase was originally embossed on countless glass fruit jars and canning jars, most ranging in age from circa 1858 to the mid-1910s. John Landis Mason was awarded patent No 22186, issued on November 30, 1858, by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office it was termed an "Improvement in screw-neck bottles", for his invention concerning the process of creating a threaded screw-type closure on bottles and jars. Similar screw-threading had been done before on some bottles, but the process of forming the upper lip area of the container so that it was smooth, even, and sturdy enough for a lid of standard size to be screwed thereon was difficult and expensive to do properly, often with unsatisfactory results. His improvement revolutionized home canning in the United States and many other countries. In any case, throughout the next 60-odd years, production of jars with the Nov. 30, 1858 embossing continued at a high rate, with untold tens of millions being produced. The phrase was soon considered an important marketing device, adding to the perception of quality and reliability of the container to the average consumer. This perception continued to at least 1879 21 years after the patent was issued, nearly every glass bottle factory was likely producing their version. The 1880s and 1890s likely saw the peak of popularity of these jars. A considerable percentage have a mold number or letter on the base, a means of identifying the particular mold in use at the factory.An early item used in most kitchens by women who preserved fruit and vegetables before the arrival of refrigeration giving a snapshot into the domestic lives of families during the late 19th to early 20th century's and how they preserved food for later use without refrigeration. Preserving glass jar. Glass lip with metal screw top lid. Inscription pressed into glass."Mason's Patent Nov 30th 1858"warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, food preserving, mason jar, john landis mason, domestic container, glass jar, fruit & vegetable jar, food storage, preserving jar

The Masons patent of Nov 30th, 1858 phrase was originally embossed on countless glass fruit jars and canning jars, most ranging in age from circa 1858 to the mid-1910s. John Landis Mason was awarded patent No 22186, issued on November 30, 1858, by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office it was termed an "Improvement in screw-neck bottles", for his invention concerning the process of creating a threaded screw-type closure on bottles and jars. Similar screw-threading had been done before on some bottles, but the process of forming the upper lip area of the container so that it was smooth, even, and sturdy enough for a lid of standard size to be screwed thereon was difficult and expensive to do properly, often with unsatisfactory results. His improvement revolutionized home canning in the United States and many other countries. In any case, throughout the next 60-odd years, production of jars with the Nov. 30, 1858 embossing continued at a high rate, with untold tens of millions being produced. The phrase was soon considered an important marketing device, adding to the perception of quality and reliability of the container to the average consumer. This perception continued to at least 1879 21 years after the patent was issued, nearly every glass bottle factory was likely producing their version. The 1880s and 1890s likely saw the peak of popularity of these jars. A considerable percentage have a mold number or letter on the base, a means of identifying the particular mold in use at the factory.An early item used in most kitchens by women who preserved fruit and vegetables before the arrival of refrigeration giving a snapshot into the domestic lives of families during the late 19th to early 20th century's and how they preserved food for later use without refrigeration. Preserving jar, glass, with metal screw top lid. Glass has side seams, impurities and slightly concave base. It has been hand blown into a mould. Inscription is moulded into glass. Moulded into glass: MASON'S / PATENT / NOV 30TH / 1838"warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, food preserving, mason jar, john landis mason, domestic container, glass jar, fruit & vegetable jar, domestic jar, food preparation, handmade glass, blown glass

This preserving jar was used in the first half of the 20th century to preserve cooked food - pickles. Preserving home produce in bottles is a method that applies heat to food in a closed glass home canning jar to stop the natural spoilage that would otherwise take place. It removes air from the jar to create a seal. he bottling process forms an air tight seal between the bottle and the lid. Residents of Orbost have long been self sufficient growing their own fruit and vegetables with earlier market gardeners They preserved their produce for use all year. Fowlers Vacola preserving kits were common in most kitchens.A brown glass Fowler's Vacola preserving jar filled with pickles. It is a No. 27 bottle with a size 3 metal clip. It has an 850ml capacity. The lid has metal tension clips which are secured during the canning process and are removed once a vacuum seal has formed. The lid is tin-plated with a lacquer coating, double-coated on the underside.On lid Fowlers Vacola Size 3 Top of jar- embossed with the words Fowlers Vacola food-preservation fowlers-vacola container-glass

Agee jars, known for food preserving, originated in New Zealand and were initially recognizable by their banded collar neck and glass lids. The company later transitioned to screw-on metal lids, releasing the Agee Utility jars around the 1940s or 1950s. These jars are a piece of New Zealand's canning history, with older models featuring glass lids and the newer ones using screw-on metal lids. A tall cylindrical, glass Agee preserving jar with a screw on metal lid. It has embossed on the front 'Improved Agee Utility'It has embossed on the front 'Improved Agee Utility'food preserving jars, food storage containers, containers

Fowler's Vacola preserving jars have a rich history, beginning in 1915 with Joseph Fowler in Melbourne, Australia. Inspired by his uncle's fruit-preserving business in England, Fowler developed a method for home bottling and preserving food, which became particularly popular during the Depression era. The system relies on heating contents to a specific temperature (92°C) for a set time (one hour) to achieve a sterile and sealed product. Fowler's Vacola is still a popular method for preserving food today, and the company continues to manufacture preserving kits and accessories. Five mixed Fowler's clear glass preserving or storage jars with no lids. They have embossed Fowler's branding on them. 1 tall 'No 40' jar with a long neck. 2 'No 28' jars. 1 'Fowler's Patent Vacola No 45 Home Preserving Jar'. 1 'Fowler's Patent Vacola No 15 Home Preserving Jar'.'No 40' 'No 28' 'Fowler's Patent Vacola No 45 Home Preserving Jar' 'Fowler's Patent Vacola No 15 Home Preserving Jar'.food preserving jars, food storage containers, containers

Fowlers Vacola jar, lid and clamp. Reg. No., 28195 / 3" [on lid]. Fowler's No. 20 imprinted in jar at side bottom. M107/M/7 imprinted in base of jar.(see above)preserving, fowler's vacola

Glass jar, cylindrical, with "Improved Agee Utility" in raised lettering on side..Improved Agee Utility

1. Fowler's preserving jar with lid. 2. Preserving thermometer for preserving fruit. 3. Book - Fowler's Method of Bottling Fruits and Vegetables Jar - FOWLER'S No. 27 Lid - FOWLER'S VACOLA - 3 Thermometer- Registered Vacola trade mark, temperature markings.fowler's, glass jar, preserving fruit and vegetables

Preserving jar with tin screw-on lidOn lid:"Improved "Kilner" Ltd." "The Kilner jar improved Regd." On bottom: 1 lb.containers, preserving jars

8 sided glass preserving jar, with wide neck and no lidAt bottom of one side: "RD. NO. 15895" On base: "M".food preserving jars

Light green tinted preserving jar. Embossed writing on front. Glass lid. Metal frame around top to seal lid. Has wire bail and neck tie wire lever.Front- Chicago Fruit Jar-trade mark. Bottom- "M" top of lid- "See rubber ring is level before closing the jar, Registered Patent 1893preserving bottle glass chicago-fruit-jar

Small AGEE glass jar with detachable lid and metal clips.Front - AGEE ; Victory Bottom - M88, AGM ; Top AGEE Victorystorage jar preserving agee food-preparation

Agee jars, known for food preserving, originated in New Zealand and were initially recognizable by their banded collar neck and glass lids. The company later transitioned to screw-on metal lids, releasing the Agee Utility jars around the 1940s or 1950s. These jars are a piece of New Zealand's canning history, with older models featuring glass lids and the newer ones using screw-on metal lids. Eight mixed Agee glass preserving or storage jars. They have embossed Agee branding on the front. 1 large 'Special' jar with a black bakelite screw-on lid and wide ridge on? 2x medium 'Victory' jars with clipped wire springs and glass lids. One of these jars has flour in it and the other has brown paper on the lid. 3 medium 'Utility' jars; two have metal lids and one has no lid. 2 small 'Victory' jars with clipped wire springs and glass lids. One has salt, one has sugar inside. 2 single spare small glass lids.A cylindrical, glass Agee preserving jar with a screw on metal lid.On the front of the jar: 'Improved Agee Utility'. On the base is embossed: 'F 121' and 'M.food preserving jars, food storage containers, containers

A Mason jar is a moulded glass jar used in canning to preserve food. The mouth of the jar has screw threads on its outer perimeter to accept a metal ring (or "band"). The band, when screwed down, presses a separate stamped steel disc-shaped lid against the rim of the jar. An integral rubber ring on the underside of the lid creates a hermetic seal to the jar. The bands and lids usually come with new jars, and bands and lids are also sold separately; while the bands are reusable, the lids are intended for single use when canning.The Mason jar was invented and patented in November1858 by Philadelphia tinsmith John Landis Mason. The same design was used on the jars well into the 1900'sThe early settlers of Moorabbin Shire had to be self sufficient and grew their own fruit and vegetables even if not market gardeners They preserved their produce for use all year. A clear, glass jar with a metal screw top lid used for preserving food c1900. This jar has a 'keystone' symbol. 'keystone' symbol / MASON'S / PATENT / NOV 30TH / 1858 base 67. PAT NOV 96early settlers, market gardeners, mason's jar, mason john landis, food preservation, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham

The red cloth covered front hardcover has the title printed in black lettering and an illustration of a woman wearing an apron holding a dessert with a child beside her. At the bottom left is a kookaburra. The title page has full details of the collection and arrangements of the recipes, a short Anon poem about cooking and the publisher details. The spine has the title printed in black lettering. There is an advertisement opposite the title page for Maize Products Pty. Ltd. Inside is a Foreword, Preface to Second Edition an Editor's Note, several advertisements for cooing related products, Contents, followed by hundreds of recipes. At the back is an Index and a list of The Popular Series Competition Card Games for sale from all stationers. The back cover advertises Agee Preserving Jars. Pp.330.non-fictionA vintage hardcover Kookaburra Cookery Book first published in 1911 in Adelaide, South Australia, as a charity fundraiser compiled by the Committee of the Lady Victoria Buxton Girls' Club. cookbooks, cookery books, domestic objects, p.w.m.u., reference books

Fowlers Vacola manufactured home fruit and vegetable bottling/preserving outfits. This opener was used for breaking the seal and opening the metal lids on jars of preserves. [Fowlers Vacola Bottle Openers were advertised as late as 1955]Metal blade with white plastic handle."Vacola" inscribed on handle; "Fowlers Vacola Bottle Opener" engraved on blade.fowler vacola, vacola, preserves

This clear, light green, glass "hand blown" fruit preservation jar was used before the mass manufacturing of "screw topped" fruit preservation glass jars imported from Asia or great Britain. The "Mason's Patent" on the jar was for the screw-neck form of the jar top. The screw neck provided the jar with a vacuum seal (preservation) method of fruit jar storage. The reference on the jar of the actual date that the patent was established was in effect for 13 years with extension of a further 7 years. It was an American world wide patent which resulted in only specific manufacture to Glass Works that had paid the manufacturing levy imposed. The air bubbles in the glass suggests that this jar was "hand blown". This would then place the manufacture date before 1900. Preserves came in glass jars bought at the local grocery store or at a large city store on a shopping expedition. The shape of the jar changed as did the stopper used to seal it. Jars were recycled remaining the property of the manufacturer. History of Mason's.This fruit jar is significant to a rural area such as the Kiewa Valley and in the early 1900's when the preservation of fruit and vegetables was an intrinsic part of the typical rural farm/property family. Local shops could only supply fruit and vegetables as seasons permitted. The travelling "green grocer" was more prevalent in towns and cities but not in semi remote rural areas. Historical: Change of jars - shape, glass, stopper, embossing & use. Aesthetic: Display showing embossing & shape especially if in good condition.This vintage "Mason's Patent", screw on thread lid fruit jar was hand blown (air bubbles). It was produced for the home canning of local fruit. The jar is made from thick glass and is tinted light green. Clear glass jar with slight green tinge used for preserves. sides almost straight but jar has a slight bulge almost all the way to the top. Heavily embossed on 1 side. Horizontal print in large capital letters. At the top - manufacturer's name with emblem beneath it. The base has a slight bulge inwards with embossing.In a half ecliptical form "MASON'S" and underneath the Mason's logo.Under the logo "PATENT/ NOV 30 th / 1858". On the base "C201" (double molded).fruit and vegetable preserves, domestic fruit and vegetables bottling, off seasonal fruit and vegetable storage, jar, bottle, preserves, mason's preserves

THE PATTISON COLLECTION Flagstaff Hill’s ‘Pattison Collection’ includes rare books such as “The Birds of Australia” by Broinowsky. The collection of books and records was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. In 1935, Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library, as the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute was called. When the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute 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 Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. At this time, some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually, the components of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute 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 to trace all of the items that 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 (1891-1969) 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 from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as a 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 1950s, 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, because 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 he died in 1969. The photograph of Ralph Eric Pattison is significant as it represents the connection of Pattison with the Warrnambool community from the 1930s to 1960s. Pattison enthusiastically worked to index and catalogue the existing books, expand the library's contents to suit a wide variety of topics, and make the material accessible to all people, including the first library for children. He went on to establish an Art Gallery and Museum for the City of Warrnambool.Photograph, sepia, in dark frame with white matte, behind glass. Portrait of Ralph Eric Pattison, City Librarian 1936 - 1960, City of Warrnambool. Printed below photograph: "Ralph Eric Pattison" "City Librarian" "1936 - 1960"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, maritime museum, ralph eric pattison, city librarian 1936-1960, pattison collection, warrnambool mechanics' institute, ralph pattison, warrnambool library, city librarian, warrnambool art gallery, warrnambool historical society, royal australian navy, volunteer reserve, lieutenant pattison, children's library, victorian library board

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 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 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 2-1 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 2-1, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18

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 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 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. Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 Vol 3-1 Author: C E W Bean Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1937 shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, official history of australia in the war of 1914-18 vol 3