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. The End of a Childhood Author: Henry Handel Richardson Publisher: William Heinemann Ltd Date: 1934 The label on the spine cover with typed text PAT FIC RIC Pastedown frontend paper 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 Front loose endpaper has a stamp 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, the end of a childhood, henry handel richardson

Reverend Weller succeeded the senior chaplain role after Rev Gurney Goldsmith in the mid 1920s until the end of the decade. He was a keen photographer himself. Freda Kathleen Oxley (1882-1969) pictured here holding a camera took pictures during a voyage to Melbourne on S.S. Persic via Cape Town in 1925. An album of 126 photographs is now held at the National Library of Australia in Canberra., containing views of the Mission to Seamen, Melbourne, with visiting sailors and clergy; family groups, gardens, ships, church picnics, a wedding, some views of Portsea. She seems to have been a childhood friend of Mrs Weller as she was like her born in Windsor, UK. She lived in the chaplaincy for 3 years and became a volunteer; she can be seen in a few photographs of picnics. She left in 1929 shortly after the Wellers (see Jottings Easter 1929) and went back to the UK.Provides early 20th C. records of MTS senior personnel and images of LHLG supporters and members.small black and white photograph mounted on an album page depicting clerically dressed male figure flanked by two females in 1920s dress posed in front of a large palm tree. on page 12On album page handwritten: "Reverend JR Weller, Mrs Weller, Mrs Orley (holding a Kodak Brownie camera)"alexina weller (nee caley), reverend john reginald weller, finhaven, kew, mr john inerrarity buchan, cup day, freda oxley, 1928, ss persic, fan album, annie alexandrina caley (known as alexina) 1885-1934, freda kathleen oxley 1882-1969

Christening gowns are traditional outfits made just for baby’s baptism. They are almost always white and can be very ornate, highly decorated garments. Usually, the christening gown is quite long – much longer than the baby being christened, particularly when it is worn by a young or very small baby. Many families keep a “family” christening gown that has been passed down through various family members and is used for the baptism ceremony. This christening robe was probably used by the Cameron family.The christening gown was a late 18th century innovation usually made of white lawn, muslin or net, longer than the baby and fancier than a day gown. The design was a more moderate version of contemporary adult fashion. Most 19th century christening gowns featured lace. All, until the end of the century, had low necklines and short sleeves. This gown reflects the style of christening robes in the early 20th century. A high waisted, short-sleeved long white broderie anglaise christening robe made of fine cotton. It is hand made edged with machine stitched cut work lace. The bodice is pin tucked.christening-robe clothing-childhood

Index, ill, maps, p.376.non-fictionSigi Siegreich and his family were expelled from their home when the Germans invaded Poland in 1939. By the end of 1942, his parents and 167 members of his extended family had been exterminated in the death camps of Treblinka, Belzec and Auschwitz. Fifteen-year-old Sigi was first enslaved in the labour camp at Skarzysko-Kamienna and later at Czestochowa, where he met Hanka, a young girl and fellow prisoner who would eventually save his life. After the war ended, Sigi and Hanka married and began to rebuild their lives. Their daughter Evelyne was the first Jewish child born to Holocaust survivors in Katowice, Sigi's home town. Thanks to a chance meeting with a childhood friend in Munich, Sigi and his family eventually ended up in Melbourne, Australia, where he established a successful import business.holocaust survivors - australia - history, holocaust - poland - 1939-1945

John Goold double Premiership PlayerA scrap Book dedicated to twice Premiership Player 1968 - 1970 John Goold Career : 1963 - 1970 Debut : Round 7, 1963 vs Footscray, aged 21 years, 338 days Carlton Player No. 754 Games : 108 Goals : 3 Last Game : Grand Final, 1970 vs Collingwood, aged 29 years, 90 days Guernsey No. 11 Height : 184 cm (6 ft ½ in.) Weight : 76 kg (12 stone, 0 lbs.) DOB : June 27, 1941 Premiership Player 1968, 1970 Carlton Hall of Fame All Australian 1966 A brilliant, flamboyant, two-time Premiership player for Carlton during the Barassi years in the ‘swingin’ sixties,’ John William Crosbie Goold became almost as famous for his dapper appearance off the field, as for his exploits on it. At the height of his football career, he was also a prominent ladies fashion designer – which led to him being dubbed ‘Mr Elegance’ by leading football commentator Lou Richards. Supporters and team-mates however, called him ‘Rags’ or ‘Ragsy,’ because of his involvement in the clothing, or ‘rag’ trade. Goold first came under notice as an outstanding junior athlete at Melbourne Grammar School. A true all-round sportsman, he shone at tennis, athletics, football and cricket. He was also a keen horseman who loved the game of polo and the rough and tumble of fox hunting. While at school he was a fervent Melbourne supporter, but strangely, never had much confidence in his football ability. “If I thought I was good enough, I would certainly have gone to Melbourne,” he said many years later. “But I honestly didn’t think I would ever amount to anything in this game. Cricket and tennis were the games that really interested me.’ However, after graduating from MGS, Goold went home to Healesville to star in the Bloods’ 1962 Yarra Valley Football Association Premiership team – an achievement that brought tempting offers from more than one VFL club. “Incentives were offered elsewhere,” he recalled, “but I gravitated to Carlton – partly because the deep blue of their guernsey attracted me, but mostly because of the good advice I got from people who even then were longsighted enough to predict that big things were ahead for this club.” The Blues were confident enough in Goold’s potential to offer him the guernsey number 11 previously worn with distinction by the likes of Jack Hale, Jim Knight, Ron Hines and Laurie Kerr, and his first senior game came in round 7, 1963 against Footscray at the Western Oval. He played on a half-forward flank alongside Brownlow Medallists Gordon Collis and John James on that Saturday afternoon, and kicked his first career goal in an 8-point win. Little did he know though, that it would be another six seasons before he would again experience the thrill of sending a football spinning between the big posts, because his future lay in defence. By his own admission, Goold struggled to find his feet in VFL football during his first two seasons, until the shock appointment of Ron Barassi as captain-coach of Carlton in 1965 began steering his career back on track. “I think you could say that 1965 was my first year of League football,” he said, “That’s the way I felt - that’s the way I reacted to Barassi.” Under Barassi, Goold rapidly developed into a superb running half-back flanker. Tenacious, and an often freakish high mark, he was unmistakable on the field thanks to his mane of dark hair, his loping running style and somewhat awkward kicking action. Furthermore, he had boundless courage. There is no doubt that he would have played many more games had he not been regularly pole-axed under the high ball – a fact he later freely admitted. “I was always getting knocked out,” he said, “and spent half my bloody time in hospital.” In the second half of 1965, an injury to centre half-back Gordon Collis forced Barassi to use Goold in the key defensive post. While it curtailed his rebounding instincts somewhat, ‘Ragsy’ rose to the challenge and rarely lowered his colours. Testament to his improvement, he finished third behind John Nicholls and Sergio Silvagni in Carlton’s 1965 Best and Fairest award, and followed up by being selected in the Victorian team for the 1966 Hobart Carnival. There, he had a superb series in which he was runner-up to West Australian Barry Cable in voting for the Tassie Medal, and capped it off by being named on a half-back flank in the All Australian team. Barassi’s influence at Carlton bore fruit in his third year, when the Blues returned to finals football at last. Richmond, Carlton, Geelong and Collingwood fought out the 1967 Premiership, and Ragsy Goold won the hearts of the Carlton faithful with two lion-hearted performances. Although Carlton was knocked out of contention by successive losses to Richmond and Geelong, Goold was tireless throughout both games, and it was obvious that he thrived on the added pressure of finals football. Precisely twelve months later, the bitter taste of those defeats was washed away when Barassi’s Blues edged out Essendon by 3 points in the 1968 Grand Final, and ended 21 years of despair at Princes Park. To win Carlton’s ninth VFL flag, the Blues had had to defeat the minor premier Bombers twice during the finals – and did so, thanks to a watertight defence led by Goold, and a dominant ruck division headed by John Nicholls. In round 5, 1969, Carlton hosted South Melbourne at Princes Park in a match significant for a number of reasons. As he regularly did, Ron Barassi swung his team around prior to the opening bounce, and Goold found himself in the unaccustomed role of ruck-rover. While the Blues set about establishing a good break on the scoreboard, Ragsy relished the freedom to kick two first half goals - his first majors for 78 games. Just before half-time however, he was flattened in a pack, concussed again, and replaced during the long break by Barry Gill. Alex Jesaulenko was substituted at the same time – by a shy, ambitious youngster named Bruce Doull, making his senior debut for Carlton in guernsey number 4. In September, 1969 the Navy Blues began their third straight finals campaign with an impressive 6-goal Semi Final win over Collingwood in front of more than 108,000 fans at the MCG. A fortnight later, Richmond stunned the flag favourites with a withering last quarter in the Grand Final, and knocked Carlton out of the Premiership race again at the last hurdle. Half-way through the year, Carlton's club doctor discovered that Goold had been playing with shin splints in both of his lower legs. The pain they caused was considerable, but Ragsy soldiered on and held down centre half-back throughout the season. John Goold’s VFL career at Carlton culminated in the fabled 1970 Grand Final triumph over Collingwood. What is not so well known is that Ragsy was only cleared to play in that game on the morning of the match. After narrowly losing to Collingwood in the second Semi Final, the Navy Blues destroyed St Kilda by 62 points in the Preliminary Final, and earned another shot at the Magpies in the decider. But one of Carlton’s problems was that Goold had been kicked on a shin against St Kilda, causing a burst blood vessel and serious swelling. Despite the best efforts of the club medical staff, Ragsy had only a slim chance of playing in the Grand Final right up until game day, when his worried coach reluctantly allowed him to take his place in the side. Later, Barassi justified his decision by saying that in his opinion, a less than fully fit Goold was still worth his place in the team. By half time in the Grand Final however, he was probably questioning that judgement - because Carlton had been totally outplayed, and trailed an impressive, cohesive Collingwood by 44 points. Therefore, Carlton’s magnificent comeback – orchestrated by Barassi, and sparked by the fairytale exploits of 19th man Ted Hopkins – is one of the greatest of all football stories. Against enormous odds, the Navy Blues fought their way back into the contest, and eventually, rolled over the top of the frantic Magpies to snatch victory by 10 points in the last few minutes of the match. Hopkins ended up with four goals, Barassi was hailed a genius, and Ragsy Goold was carted off to hospital immediately after the game to have further urgent treatment. While there, he decided that there was no better time to end his VFL career – especially because his burgeoning business interests were demanding more and more of his time. In the years after his football career ended, John Goold created a remarkably successful business empire. In 1971 he sold his fashion label and took up farming at Mortlake in western Victoria, where he coached the local football team for three seasons. Later, he formed a diversified pastoral company, and purchased a magnificent complex called Ballangeich Run at nearby Ellerslie. While his passion for farming and livestock grew, he began breeding top quality polo ponies, and represented Australia in international competition. During the 1997 and 1998 seasons, John's son Ed Goold played reserve grade football for Carlton. MEMORIES.... Ragsy Goold; the name stirs memories form my long ago childhood. Ragsy, with his unique kicking style, where he'd hold the ball (always a drop punt - in a time when the drop kick and the torpedo punt still reigned supreme) at the point of the ball, elbows bent and he'd lavishly drop the ball, his right arm then flinging back and up dramatically. That was the thing about Ragsy (so named because he worked in the clothing, or 'rag' trade), he was always dramatic. He always ensured his ankle guards and wrist guard were glowing white to match the great white CFC monogram he wore proudly on his chest, and with his long flowing locks, cut a dynamic figure through a young boy's mind. Ragsy was my idol. I loved his dashes from half back, his long accurate drop punts, most of all I loved his flair for the game. Ragsy played the game as an entertainer as well as a sportsman - he leapt high to punch or mark, and always seemed to have a bit of the thoroughbred about him - which is probably why after he retired, he took up fox chasing, polo, and riding his beloved thoroughbreds across the paddocks and over the fences of his property, I think he may have even represented Australia at the sport – really, that’s sort of how he played as a footballer. All sinewy muscle, long legs and famous leaps for the saving punch. Ragsy was part of the great backline that helped revive Carlton's fortunes. Legendary players Wes Lofts, Ian Collins, Kevin 'Racehorse' Hall, Vinnie Waite among them. All great teams have a great defence and the defence that Ragsy was an integral part of was no different. Where others provided the biffo, the muscle or the defensive pressure, Ragsy provided the dash, the flair, the sense of adventure that all great backlines must have. AND MORE.... I have had many favourite players while following the Blues, but there will always be a special spot for Ragsy Goold - running the lines, all long hair and flashing white guards. As a young man I moved to Carlton and began acting in a place called one-c-one. One night after a play, I was walking home. It was winter, and I was wearing my favouritte overcoat, a genuine ankle length tweed affair I had picked up in an Op Shop in Oakleigh for three dollars. As I strutted across Lygon Street, a deep male voice behind me called, 'hey laddie, how much for the overcoat?' I turned, and there was my childhood idol, Ragsy Goold, two beautiful women in tow, smiling and waiting for my answer. I loved that coat too much to part with it, even to Ragsy, so I shook my head - and he smiled, then walked off. I stood for a moment in the middle of the street shaking my head in disbelief. Ragsy bloody Goold had just offered to buy my overcoat! I knew at that point, as a young man of about twenty three, that life was going to be full of surprises and very entertaining - a bit like John ‘Ragsy’ Goold. ONE MORE.... A cold, wet day in the mid 1960's at the MCG and Victoria were playing South Australia (?) The ball that day was like a piece of soap, with players finding it impossible to mark. Just before half time a long kick sailed toward the mud heap that was the centre of the ground, and the pack rose to meet it. From this group of players an arm shot straight up, and the ball instantly came to a dead stop. The footy stuck in the player's palm as if the hand was coated in Tarzan's Grip. After all these years, it's the only recollection I have of that match, and that player was 'Mr. Elegance' John Goold. HUMOROUS HUNGRY.... Former opponent Richmond's Kevin Bartlett on Radio SEN in 2012 received a phone call from John. After the call Kevin told his listeners how "Mr Elegance" would always be dressed in a nice suit, shirt-tie and highly polished shoes. He then cracked a joke saying something like; "You know, John was so 'posh' that he used to play football wearing a cravat!" Milestones 50 Games: Round 15, 1967 vs Melbourne 100 Games: Round 13, 1970 vs Geelong Career Highlights 1965 - Percy Bentley Trophy - 3rd Best & Fairest 1966 - 5th Best & Fairest 1967 - Maurie Sankey Memorial Trophy - 4th Best & Fairest (on count back) 1968 - Premiership Player 1970 - 7th Best & Fairest 1970 - Premiership PlayerFoolscap Scrap Book

Paperback with black & white photographs grouped at centre. Cover worn & creased. 214pp. Small tear to upper back cover at spine. Good condition.non-fictionStory of the childhood and early adult years of the Princesses Elizabeth & Margaret written by their former governess, Marion Crawford.british royalty

Book has a light blue cover, with title, author's and publisher's name embossed in grey on the spine.non-fictionThis book recounts the life of Edith Cavell, a British nurse who became a key figure in the Belgian resistance during World War I. The book explores Cavell's background, from her childhood to her time as a governess and her eventual entry into the nursing profession. It details her establishment of Belgium's first nursing school, her work with wounded soldiers, and the events leading to her execution by German authorities.edith cavell, nurses-biography

This photograph, taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, captures a relaxed and festive moment believed to have occurred at Greenvale Reservoir, a popular recreational destination in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image shows a group of children seated on the grass, engaging with a person dressed as Santa Claus, who is standing and interacting warmly with them. Balloons and a natural backdrop of trees contribute to the cheerful, outdoor atmosphere. The event reflects the community spirit and traditions of the time, where schools often organised end-of-year gatherings to celebrate the holiday season. Greenvale Reservoir, known for its open spaces and family-friendly environment, served as an ideal location for such festivities. This photograph offers a glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of suburban Melbourne in the early 1990s, highlighting the importance of communal celebration and childhood joy.This photograph holds cultural and historical value as a visual record of Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir, a cherished recreational site in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It captures a moment of community celebration, showcasing the traditions of Australian public schools in the late 20th century, where end-of-year gatherings fostered social bonds among students, families, and staff. The presence of Santa Claus engaging with children in an informal outdoor setting reflects the blending of festive customs with local recreational culture. The image is significant not only for its depiction of childhood joy and seasonal festivity but also for its connection to the broader social history of Melbourne’s suburban communities. It offers insight into the ways schools and families utilised public spaces to create meaningful shared experiences, contributing to the collective memory of the area. As a document of place, time, and tradition, this photograph is a valuable artifact for understanding the lived experiences of school communities and the role of public spaces in fostering social cohesion.Colour photograph on glossy paper in portrait format.PH18289 (crossed out) PH4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana, jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, father christmas

This photograph captures a festive moment from Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have been held at Greenvale Reservoir in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image reflects a cherished tradition in Australian school communities, where end-of-year celebrations marked the close of the academic calendar and the beginning of the summer holidays. Greenvale Reservoir, known for its expansive parklands and family-friendly amenities, was a popular choice for such gatherings. The presence of Santa Claus and children seated on the grass highlights the joyful and informal nature of the event, emphasising the importance of community, celebration, and childhood experiences in suburban Melbourne during the early 1990s. This scene offers a nostalgic glimpse into the social fabric of the time, illustrating how schools fostered a sense of belonging and festive spirit through outdoor events that brought together students, staff, and families.This photograph holds cultural and social significance as a visual record of Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, an event believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir—a well-known recreational site in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It represents community-based celebrations typical of suburban Australian life in the late 20th century. The image captures the spirit of school-end festivities that brought together students, families, and educators in a relaxed, outdoor setting. The presence of Santa Claus and festive decorations reflects the traditions and values of the time, highlighting the role of public education in fostering community cohesion and shared cultural experiences. As a historical document, the photograph offers insight into the social fabric of the era, the use of public spaces for communal gatherings, and the enduring importance of childhood celebration in Australian life.Colour photograph on glossy paper of children in a park.PH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana, jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, santa claus

This photograph captures a joyful moment from Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image shows a person dressed as Santa Claus distributing gifts to a group of children seated on the grass in an outdoor setting, surrounded by trees and open space. Such events were a common tradition in Australian schools, marking the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer holidays. The relaxed, outdoor atmosphere and festive elements—such as Santa’s presence and the children’s engagement—reflect the community spirit and celebratory practices of the time. This photo offers a glimpse into the social and cultural life of suburban Melbourne in the early 1990s, highlighting the importance of shared experiences, public spaces, and the joy of childhood during the holiday season.This photograph is of cultural and social significance as a visual record of Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, believed to have taken place at Greenvale Reservoir in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It captures a moment of festive generosity, with Santa Claus handing out gifts to children gathered in an outdoor setting, reflecting the communal spirit and celebratory traditions of Australian school life in the late 20th century. The image illustrates the role of public education in fostering inclusive, community-oriented experiences, where end-of-year events provided opportunities for joy, connection, and shared memory-making. The use of natural public spaces for such gatherings underscores the importance of accessible environments in supporting social cohesion and childhood wellbeing. As a historical document, the photograph offers insight into the values and practices of the time, highlighting the enduring significance of holiday celebrations in shaping the cultural identity of suburban Melbourne communities. Colour photograph on glossy paper in portrait format.PH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana, jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, father christmas

This photograph, likely taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic at Greenvale Reservoir, captures a dynamic moment of childhood play and joy. A group of children is seen mid-jump in a grassy park surrounded by tall trees, their movement and energy reflecting the carefree spirit of the occasion. The image offers a vivid snapshot of outdoor recreational activities that were central to the school’s end-of-year celebrations. Jacana Primary School, established in 1959 and closed in the early 2000s, was a vital institution in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Known for its strong emphasis on both academic and social development, the school fostered a culture of inclusivity and community engagement. Events like the annual Christmas picnic were more than festive gatherings—they were opportunities for students, staff, and families to connect, celebrate, and reinforce the school’s values in a relaxed, natural setting. This photograph is historically significant as it documents the lived experiences of students during a period when outdoor play and communal events were integral to primary education. It reflects broader educational practices of the time, where physical activity, social interaction, and connection to nature were seen as essential components of a well-rounded schooling experience.This photograph is a culturally and historically significant record of Jacana Primary School’s community life in the late 20th century. Captured during the 1990 Christmas picnic—likely held at Greenvale Reservoir—it depicts a group of children mid-jump in a moment of spontaneous outdoor play. The image embodies the spirit of joy, freedom, and social connection that characterised the school’s end-of-year celebrations. Jacana Primary School, which operated from 1959 until the early 2000s, was a cornerstone of Melbourne’s northern suburbs, known for its commitment to inclusive education and community engagement. Events such as the annual picnic were integral to the school’s ethos, reinforcing bonds between students, staff, and families in informal, nature-based settings. The photograph is significant not only as a visual document of a specific event but also as a broader representation of educational values of the time—emphasising physical activity, social development, and the importance of shared experiences. It contributes to the historical narrative of public schooling in Victoria and preserves the memory of a school community that played a formative role in the lives of many local families.Colour Photograph on glossy paper in portrait formatPH18289 (crossed out) PH-4209 (crossed out) PH-4868/this paper/manufactured/by Kodakjacana primary school, christmas party, 1990, jacana

This photograph, taken during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, captures a joyful and festive moment believed to have occurred at Greenvale Reservoir, a popular recreational site in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. The image shows a group of children seated on the grass, gathered around a person dressed as Santa Claus who is warmly engaging with them. The natural backdrop of trees and open space contributes to the relaxed, outdoor atmosphere typical of school-organised community events of the time. The picnic reflects the traditions and community spirit of Jacana Primary School, where end-of-year gatherings were an opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and strengthen connections among students, families, and staff. Greenvale Reservoir, known for its expansive grounds and family-friendly environment, provided an ideal setting for such occasions. As part of the school’s visual archive, this photograph offers insight into the social and cultural fabric of suburban Melbourne in the early 1990s. It highlights the role of public schools in fostering communal celebration, childhood joy, and inclusive engagement during a formative period in the region’s history.This photograph, believed to have been taken at Greenvale Reservoir during Jacana Primary School’s 1990 Christmas picnic, is a valuable visual record of community-based educational traditions in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It captures a moment of festive interaction between a person dressed as Santa Claus and a group of children, set against a natural outdoor backdrop. The image is significant for its representation of end-of-year school celebrations that fostered social cohesion, family involvement, and student joy. Such events were central to the school’s role as a community hub, reflecting broader educational values of inclusion, cultural celebration, and holistic development. As part of Jacana Primary School’s visual archive, this photograph contributes to a deeper understanding of how public schools supported communal identity and seasonal traditions in suburban Victoria during the early 1990s. It stands as a testament to the enduring importance of shared experiences in shaping school culture and community life.Colour photograph on glossy paper in portrait format.PH18289 (crossed out) PH4209 (crossed out) PH-4868jacana, jacana primary school, christmas picnic, 1990, father christmas, santa