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Town Hall, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Town Hall, 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne

Sad record

Last week, Steve Tserkezidis introduced members to the wealth of resources available at the Public Record Office of Victoria. It just so happened that this week, the PRO's record of the week relates to a Port Melbourne story: Women convicted of Murder. Here is the sad story of Emma Courtenay Williams, Prisoner 6391, 1855 - 1895: 'Emma and her husband arrived…

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Finding

The difference between joy and frustration in local history research is being able to find things. This was a theme of Monday's meeting. Further integrating the Society's computer records, catalogue database and paper files will make it easier for researchers to find what they're looking for in the fascinating PMHPS collection. Steve Tserkezidis, guest speaker,  brings a particular tenacity to finding.…

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On the Beach

For these hot days, a summer photo. This is a favourite picture from the PMH&PS collection.  While charming in itself, there is much to be gleaned from the background. It is taken approximately where the Life Saving Headquarters at Sandridge is today. You can see a house in the immediate background with Princes Pier and the chimney of the Starch Factory…

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All England Eleven Hotel

All posts on this site must pass the Port Melbourne connection test. PMHPS suggests that it is not straining this test to say that Port Melbourne has a connection with the history of the Ashes. Read on. Over Christmas 1861, the colony of Victoria was in a fever of anticipation for the arrival of the All England Eleven - the…

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Cottage on the corner

PMHPS has observed a notice of application for a planning permit for this house on the corner of Nott and Farrell Sts, Port Melbourne. Morley's Cottage: cnr Nott and Farrell Streets This is where William Morley lived. Morley was the the first chairman of Sandridge when it became a municipality in 1860. He was Mayor in 1867 and remained a Councillor until…

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Beginning and ending: Holden

Today, after weeks of uncertainty but with an increasing sense of foreboding, Holden announced that it will cease to make cars in Australia from 2017. Holden, Port Melbourne, Fishermans Bend - inseparable. This is where Australia began its journey into automobile manufacture and where it will end. There will be much more said, but PMHPS wanted to mark this sad…

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More Tales from the Bend

showing the location of the abattoir Whenever PMHPS speaks with people who grew up in Port, tales from the Bend emerge. It seems that the Bend offered the best kind of adventures a boy could have. (Girls seldom went down there). Boys roamed about in a way that would not be permitted in our safety preoccupied times. Many of these stories start…

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My Time at Engine Works

The Commonwealth Government Marine Engine Works was a recognisable landmark on Port Melbourne foreshore since it was built during World War II until the development of the Beacon Cove residential area.. In My Time at Engine Works, Glen Stuart details the making of marine engines during his 29-year career at the works. My Time at Engine Works is available for purchase…

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PMHPS acknowledges the generous support of the City of Port Phillip.

 

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Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet and work, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.