Bank Houses – Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society

Growing up in Port Melbourne – Port Melbourne 1920 – 1940

Growing up in PortMay 29, 2024

In 1920, as Australians emerged from the events of the First World War and the Spanish Flu epidemic, many people were ready to settle down to life as it had been before either of these traumas, yet here in Port Melbourne the people and their suburb were actually entering a period of transformation. Until 1920 most industry and housing was…

Growing up in Port Melbourne – Housing

Growing up in PortMay 29, 2024

In 1920 there was an eclectic mix of houses in Port Melbourne from grand, two story houses built in the 1870-1900 period to the shacks on Fisherman’s Bend behind New Pier. Some of the worst of the 19th century slums had been cleared as a result of Dr George Cuscaden’s work but many still remained as the photographs on the panel…

Leith Crescent

People, Places, Port Melbourne HistoryFebruary 2, 2024

by David Thompson Leith Crescent looking towards Howe Parade (2024). Photograph by David Thompson Leith Crescent is a short curving street running between Howe Parade and Williamstown Road. It is closed at Williamstown Road creating a cul-de-sac for the small number of ‘bank houses’ that face onto the street. And ‘bank houses’ are the key behind the naming of Leith Crescent.…

Tucker Avenue

People, Places, Port Melbourne HistoryJuly 8, 2022

Albert Tucker served two terms as Mayor of Port Melbourne - in 1916-17 and 1927-28. His time on council was not continuous. He stood for election on three separate occasions. Nevertheless it was said that "One can hardly conceive the Port Melbourne Council without Albert Tucker". Tucker was a stalwart Labour man. He was clearly well respected by his peers and…

Emery Street

People, Places, Port Melbourne HistoryMay 8, 2020

by Margaret Bride Emery Street is one of the shortest streets in Port Melbourne. It runs between Williamstown Road south to Edwards Avenue opposite Letts Reserve, Garden City. It is named in honour of George Emery, General Manager of the State Savings Bank of Victoria from 1897 to 1929. Bankers are not often seen to be people of imagination but…

Go Port: Port United Boys Cricket Team

Port Melbourne HistoryJanuary 12, 2017

Port United Boys Cricket Team at JL Murphy Reserve, 1952. The photo was taken in 1952 at JL Murphy Reserve, corner of Williamstown Road and Graham Street. The area was Port Melbourne Municipal Council’s depot for electric light and bluestone. This local junior boy’s cricket team was organised by ourselves without adult help and was successful as undefeated premiers. The boys lived in…

Finding

Places, Port Melbourne HistoryJanuary 29, 2014

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.…

Metropolitan Planning 1929

Port Melbourne HistoryOctober 16, 2013

Last week, Premier Napthine and Planning Minister Guy released Plan Melbourne which sets out the government's vision for Melbourne to 2050. In the Society's collection is a copy of the first plan for Melbourne prepared by the newly formed Metropolitan Town Planning Commission in 1929. While the whole report is full of interest, unsurprisingly PMHPS headed straight for the Port Melbourne references.…

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians