Showing 160 items matching "the birches"
-
Marysville & District Historical Society
Postcard (item) - Colour postcard, Nucolorvue Productions Pty. Ltd, Silvery Birch Motel & Restaurant-Marysville, Unknown
... the birches ...A colour postcard from the Silver Birch Motel and Restaurant in Marysville.A colour postcard from the Silver Birch Motel and Restaurant in Marysville.NU-COLOR-VUE/ OF/ AUSTRALIA MAC 1/ NCV 2767 NUCOLORVUE PRODUCTIONS PTY. LTD./ COPYRIGHT PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA SILVER BIRCH MOTEL &/ RESTAURANT/ Cumberland Road, Marysville/ 3779/ Phone (059) 63 3392 Situated 500 metres out of town/ in lovely garden setting. Double &/ Family units are equipped with all/ modern facilities. 1. RESTAURANT 2. UNITS 3. INTERIOR 4. STEAVENSON FALLS Became/ KUFSTEIN INN/ EDITH + RON HANNANmarysville, victoria, australia, kerami guesthouse, sister elizabeth glover, wood's point road, kerami house, pack road, murchison street, marysville & district tourist & progress association, sister helena brayshay, marion bethia curdie, sister margaret vincent thomas, sister elsie rose beatrice bolam mbe, lesley archibald elinor macgowan, mary lodge, silver birch motel, kufstein inn, the birches, kerami gardens resort, nucolorvue productions pty. ltd., postcard, souvenir -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, Reverend Gray Birch Secretary Frontier Services, undated c.1988
Rev. Gray Birch was ordained in 1966 and served in Midland, Kwinana, Karratha, AIM, AIM National Mission/Frotntier Services, Commission for National Mission, Frontier Services. Lockhart and Lyneham.B&W head and shoulders photograph of Rev. Gray Birch, Secretary Frontier Services."Rev Gray Birch - Sec Frontier Services"birch, gray, rev. -
Clunes Museum
Photograph, HORNBY STUDIO - BALLARAT, C. 1937
IT IS ON PERMAMENT LOAN FROM HEPBURN SHIRE COUNCIL. CR. W. BIRCH WAS ELECTED TO CLUNES BOROUGH COUNCIL JANUARY 9TH. 1935 AND ELECTED MAYOR 1937 - 1938. PHOTOGRAPH ORIGINAL HUNG IN CLUNES TOWN HALL DURING HIS TERM AS MAYOR.PHOTOGRAPH OF CR. WILLIAM L. BIRCH. FRAMEDCLUNES BOROUGH COUNCIL. WILLIAM L. BIRCH. ELECTED COUNCILLOR 9.1.35 MAYOR 1937-1938local history, photography, photographs, councillors & officers -
Emerald Museum & Nobelius Heritage Park
Photograph - Image of 5 silver birch trees at the Emerald Country Club, Rocky Koopmans, The Five Sisters, 1971-1973
Photograph taken by Rocky Koopmans in 1971/73 of 5 silver birch trees at the Emerald Country Club. Trees known as the five sistersBlack & White photograph of 5 silver birch trees 'The Five Sisters' at the Emerald Country Club 'The Five Sisters birches at Emerald Coiuntry Club, Photo by Rocky Koopmans, Taken 1971/73photograph, emerald country club -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Book - THE PAULL AND JONES LINEAGES - PATERNAL ANCESTORS OF THE BIRCH FAMILY
The Paull and Jones lineages - paternal ancestors of the Birch Family by Willaim Birch. 110 page soft cover book first published 2021 and printed by Kwik Kopy, Melbourne. Illustrated with colour and B&W photos and Family Trees. Chapter headings - The Paull family, The Jones family, The Birch family.William Birchpaull family, jones family, genealogy, family history -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Letter - Correspondence, Finding of gold at Blackburn Lake, 1986
Letter to Norma Jamieson from Dr Bill BirchLetter to Norma Jamieson from Dr Bill Birch, curator of Mineralogy, and Petrology, answering her query about gold being found at Blackburn Lake.Letter to Norma Jamieson from Dr Bill Birchmines and mining, jamieson, norma, goldmining -
4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment Unit History Room
Framed photograph, Lt Lewis Birch 4th Light Horse Regiment, c 1915
Framed b & w photo of Lt Lewis Birch, 4th Light Horse Regiment, in work dress standing in front of wooden building, probably stables4th Light Horse Regiment No 540 Lieut Lewis Birch Enlisted 20 Aug 1914 RTA 15 Nov 1918 -
Clunes Museum
Photograph
ORIGINAL WATER SUPPLY FOR CLUNES VIA BIRCH'S CREEK, BEFORE PIPES WERE LAID.SEPIA PHOTOGRAPH OF WEIR ON BIRCH CREEK - CLUNES WATER SUPPLY. PICKET FENCES SURROUNDING AREA. ONE MAN STANDING BY POND. TUSSOCKS BESIDE WATER. A HOUSE IN RIGHT HAND UPPER CORNER.local history, photographs, water supply -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Ephemera (Item) - Tourist Guide, Michael Nash et al, Mystic Mountains Tourist Guide Vol. 1 1994, 1994
... the birches resort ...A tourist guide outlining services, accommodation, activities and places of interest to visit in and around Marysville and the local district.A tourist guide outlining services, accommodation, activities and places of interest to visit in and around Marysville and the local district.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:/ Marysville and District Tourist and Progress Association, Marysville/ Office of the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Shire/ of Alexandra Visitors Guide and all our advertisers whom without/ their support this publication would not have been possible.marysville, victoria, australia, tourist guide, mystic mountains, michael nash, dudley jones, marysville and district tourist and progress association, department of conservation & natural resources, shire of alexandra, paperwork professionals, pp art services, harrier printing, darrowby deer farm, heidi boesch, hidden talent craft gallery, olde yarra track shoppe, lady talbot forest drive, mathilde's of marysville country guest house, wishing well, taggerty river picnic area, taggery river, phantom falls, keppel falls, the beeches walking track, mount sugarloaf, beauty spot walk, tree fern gully walk, michaeldene track, keppel track, woods lookout track, marysville caravan park, baree mud brick cottages, cumberland scenic reserve, nanda binya lodge, cambarville, the big tree, barton's lookout, cumberland falls, our lady of the snows catholic church, anglican church christ, marysville christian fellowship, sovereign view, the big culvert, st fillan, steavenson's restaurant, the birches resort, cathedral range state park, tower motel, marysville post shop, lake mountain, wirreanda festival, cross country ski hire, marysville hotel motel, kerami house, marysville holiday cottages, missing links miniature golf, top shop pancake parlour, marylands guest house, dalrymples guest cottages, crossways country inn, esa camping & conference centre, scenic motel, the cumberland, maryton park holiday cottages, lomatia lodge holiday house, willowbank gallery and art centre, igloo roadhouse, a model tours, geoffrey pope & associates -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Ephemera (Item) - Tourist Guide, Graeme Haycraft, Mystic Mountains Tourist Guide July 1995, 07-1995
... the birches resort ...A tourist guide outlining services, accommodation, activities and places of interest to visit in and around Marysville, Lake Mountain and the local district.A tourist guide outlining services, accommodation, activities and places of interest to visit in and around Marysville, Lake Mountain and the local district.Acknowledgements/ Mystic Mountains Tourism Association, Marysville Office of the Dept. of Conser/ vation & Natural Resources, Mrs Elaine Postlethwaite, Ms Sue Henry & every/ advertiser without whose support this Guide would not have been possible.marysville, victoria, australia, tourist guide, mystic mountains, lake mountain, tourism australia, graeme haycraft, magic creek nursery, missing links miniature golf, phelps bakery, blackwood cottages, marysville hotel motel, tower motel, kerami house, marylands guest house, lomatia lodge, willowbank at taggerty, barree mud brick cottages, scenic motel, somerled mountain retreat, dalrymples guest cottages, nanda binya lodge, mathilde's of marysville country guest house, the birches resort, mystic mountains tourist information, marysville caravan park, the cumberland, igloo roadhouse, top shop pancake parlour, the silver birch restaurant, steavenson's restaurant, olde yarra track shoppe, danish coffee gardens, oscars take-away, country touch pottery studio & gallery, cumberland memorial scenic reserve, cathedral range state park, lady talbot forest drive, wishing well, taggerty river picnic area, taggerty river, phantom falls, keppels falls, the beeches walking track, mount sugarloaf, maryton park holiday cottages, snowviews, esa camping & conference centre, wirreanda festival, marysville post shop, hidden talent craft gallery, marysville automotive repairs, geoffrey pope & associates, beauty spot walk, tree fern gully walk, michaeldene track, marysville riding school, gerraty's ski centre, marysville holiday cottages, marysville triangle taxi service, fruit salad farm, lake mountain alpine resort, marysville ski hire, lake mountain ski school, cross country ski hire, lake mountain ski hire, marysville country club -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Ephemera (Item) - Tourist Guide, Graeme Haycraft, Mystic Mountains Tourist Guide July 1995, 07-1995
... the birches resort ...A tourist guide outlining services, accommodation, activities and places of interest to visit in and around Marysville, Lake Mountain and the local district.A tourist guide outlining services, accommodation, activities and places of interest to visit in and around Marysville, Lake Mountain and the local district.Acknowledgements/ Mystic Mountains Tourism Association, Marysville Office of the Dept. of Conser/ vation & Natural Resources, Mrs Elaine Postlethwaite, Ms Sue Henry & every/ advertiser without whose support this Guide would not have been possible.marysville, victoria, australia, tourist guide, mystic mountains, lake mountain, tourism australia, graeme haycraft, magic creek nursery, missing links miniature golf, phelps bakery, blackwood cottages, marysville hotel motel, tower motel, kerami house, marylands guest house, lomatia lodge, willowbank at taggerty, barree mud brick cottages, scenic motel, somerled mountain retreat, dalrymples guest cottages, nanda binya lodge, mathilde's of marysville country guest house, the birches resort, mystic mountains tourist information, marysville caravan park, the cumberland, igloo roadhouse, top shop pancake parlour, the silver birch restaurant, steavenson's restaurant, olde yarra track shoppe, danish coffee gardens, oscars take-away, country touch pottery studio & gallery, cumberland memorial scenic reserve, cathedral range state park, lady talbot forest drive, wishing well, taggerty river picnic area, taggerty river, phantom falls, keppels falls, the beeches walking track, mount sugarloaf, maryton park holiday cottages, snowviews, esa camping & conference centre, wirreanda festival, marysville post shop, hidden talent craft gallery, marysville automotive repairs, geoffrey pope & associates, beauty spot walk, tree fern gully walk, michaeldene track, marysville riding school, gerraty's ski centre, marysville holiday cottages, marysville triangle taxi service, fruit salad farm, lake mountain alpine resort, marysville ski hire, lake mountain ski school, cross country ski hire, lake mountain ski hire, marysville country club -
Marysville & District Historical Society
Document (item) - Research document, Judith Vimpani, 22 Woods Point Road, 09-2022
... the birches ...A research document outlining the history of the various guest houses that were built on the site at 22 Wood's Point Road in Marysville.A research document outlining the history of the various guest houses that were built on the site at 22 Wood's Point Road in Marysville.marysville, victoria, australia, kerami guesthouse, sister elizabeth glover, wood's point road, kerami house, pack road, murchison street, marysville & district tourist & progress association, sister helena brayshay, marion bethia curdie, sister margaret vincent thomas, sister elsie rose beatrice bolam mbe, lesley archibald elinor macgowan, mary lodge, silver birch motel, kufstein inn, the birches, kerami gardens resort -
The 69 Collective
Painting, Nikki D'Emden, Dead Azalea
This artwork is part of 69Fifteen, the book published in 2013 celebrating 69 Smith Street Gallery’s 15th year in operation as an artist-run space.Oil painting and gold leaf on a birch panelnikki d'emden, 69 smith street gallery, artist-run initiative, painting, artist-run space, melbourne art galleries, nikkidemden.com -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CORRESPONDENCE AND RESEARCH DOCUMENTATION: JANET STEWART AND CHARLES BIRCH
Correspondence and research documentation re Janet Stewart and Charles Birch (husband of Janet) Includes photograph (headstone) and newspaper reproduction (Argus, 1874) re death of Charles Birch.The Argus.person, individual, stewart family, sandhurst cemetery -
Uniting Church Archives - Synod of Victoria
Photograph, c. 1979
Charles Birth was Professor at Sydney University and Vice Chairman of the WCC Commission on Church and Society, the body organizing the 1979 World Conference on Faith, Science and the Future.B&W head and shoulders photograph of Professor Charles Birch.charles birch; sydney university; wcc commission on church and society; 1979 world conference on faith, science and the future; scientist -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Map, G C Birch Mining Surveyor, Magdala Cum Moonlight Co. Plan of Stawell Goldfield, c1900
Shows Sloanes & Scotchmans Coy AreaShowing underground drives. c1900G C Birch Mining Surveyor mining, gold, map -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Map, Gold Mines of Australia, Plan of Stawell Goldfield. Mining Leases, 1952
And Shaft Locations 1952 G G Birch Mining Surveyormining, gold, map -
Southern Sherbrooke Historical Society Inc.
Birch brush
Small brush. Wooden handle with metal collar. Bristles made of birch? -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - NATIONAL TRUST COLLECTION: CAMP HOTEL WHIPSTICK
Camp Hotel Whipstick Letter to Mrs B Mullins from E.M. Starke re condition of hotel. Letter to Colonel Birch from E.M. Birch re change of ownership of hotel. National Trust memorandum and photo of hotel.bendigo, education -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Black and white print, 331/5/7, 1947
"July 1947." EMG Birch tree in front of P.R.L. planted by Charles French Jnr.birch tree, plant research laboratory, charles french jnr., e. m. gibson collection -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Honor Birch, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Honor Birch (nee Young) was married to Edwin Samuel Birch. Their children were Honor Mary Birch, known as Nora, born 1900, Margaret Martin, Bert Birch and Brigidene Brinkotter. In 1903 a Miner’s Right of one acre in area beside the Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. Documents show that the cottage existed at that time. Upon Birch’s death in 1932, his daughter, Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. Honor died in 1950 and was buried in Eltham Cemetery. Her memorial states: In Memory Of Our dear mother Honor Birch Who passed away 16th August 1950 Aged 86 years R.I.P.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, honor birch -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph - Photograph - Black and White, Silver Birch in the Ballarat School of Mines Gardens
The Ballarat School of Mines Botanical Gardens were established in 1879, and are situated at the rear of the current administration building. The gardens enabled the students to sit for examinations for registration by the Pharmacy Board of Victoria. An important aspect of this course was the study of Materia Medica, or botanical materials used for medicinal purposes.Black and white photograph of the garden at the back of the Ballarat School of Mines Administration Building. In central position is a Silver Birch.smb botanical gardens, botanical gardens, smb, ballarat school of mines, school of mines ballarat, ballarat, photograph -
Buninyong & District Historical Society
Photograph - Original Colour Photograph, Ann Beggs Sunter, Lal Lal House, Yendon, October 1993
House built for early settler Archibald Fisken.Colour photo Lal Lal House, Yendon, cottage-style garden, gravel driveway, Birch Tree centre.lal lal house, yendon, garden, fisken -
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus Archives
Photograph - Colour print, Burnley Campus Archives, The Same View 1997, 1997
Appears to be have been used for an exhibition.Colour photograph pasted on polystyrene board for an exhibition. Administration Building in Autumn. Magnolia grandiflora, Birch trees and MelaleucaCaption, "The Same View 1997."administration building, magnolia grandiflora, birch trees, melaleuca styphelioides, autumn -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills, c.Mar. 1989
Historical property that sits beside Watsons Creek. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure its preservation - NL18235mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAR 89Mbirch cottage, christmas hills, smiths gully, watson's creek, yarra glen road -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Slide - Photograph, Birch Cottage, Yarra Glen Road, Christmas Hills, c.Mar. 1989
Historical property that sits beside Watsons Creek. In 1903 a Miners Right of one acre in area was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. The house existed at that time. Birch died in 1932 and his daughter Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. The future of the cottage remains precarious because of its location on Crown land. In 2007 the Andrew Ross Museum began a campaign to ensure its preservation - NL18235mm colour positive transparency (1 of 28) Mount - Kodak KodachromeProcess Date MAR 89Mbirch cottage, christmas hills, smiths gully, watson's creek, yarra glen road -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 1
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. The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 1 set 2 (Abbott to Birch) Editor-In - Chief: Alec H. Chisholm Publisher: Angus & Robertson Date: 1958Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 032 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Warrnambool Public 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, the australian encyclopaedia vol 1, alec h. chisholm -
Buninyong & District Historical Society
Photograph - Original Photograph, "Brim Brim" Simpson St. Buninyong, 1995
Industry"Brim Brim" Simpson St. Buninyong, laurel hedge on left, box hedge around lawn and birches on right, garden rejuvenated 1980'sbuninyong, brim brim, warrington rogers -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Book, The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 1
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. The Australian Encyclopaedia Vol 1 set 1 ( Abbott to Birch) Editor-In - Chief: Alec H. Chisholm Publisher: The Grolier Society of Aus Date: 1965Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 032 AUS Pastedown front endpaper has sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Warrnambool Public Librarywarrnambool, 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, the australian encyclopaedia vol 1, alec h. chisholm -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, George W. Bell, Dead Parrot Eltham, 1960s
Dead parrot c.1960s, possibly at Birch CottageBlack and white printbirds, george w bell collection, birch cottage