by David Radcliffe In the late 19th century, life for many in “Marvellous Melbourne” was often tenuous. Living conditions were fairly basic and the economic depression that lingered from the 1890s until the First World War meant there was no … [Read more...]
A Corner Shop
In the days before supermarkets and large shopping centres the people of Port Melbourne and other inner suburbs shopped every day at small local shops located cheek by jowl amongst their own houses. One such shop was located on the corner of … [Read more...]
Changing Fortunes by David F Radcliffe
Changing Fortunes: Ebb and Flow of People and Place in a Pocket in Port Melbourne by David F Radcliffe PenFolk Publishing , Blackburn, 2021, soft cover, colour illustrated, 266 pp. $39.95. With forewords by Janet Bolitho and Dr Gary … [Read more...]
An Exciting Incident
by David Radcliffe On Saturday evening, 7th February 1903 a series of robberies took place in Esplanade East followed by a high speed chase down Spring Street East culminating in a dangerous collision with a cable drawn tram in Bay Street opposite … [Read more...]
What’s in a name? Quinn St, Quinn Ave, or Quinn Rd?
As was the custom of the time, many streets in Port Melbourne were named after prominent citizens, including mayors and councillors. In this tradition you will discover a small roadway, Quinn Road, tucked away in a new housing … [Read more...]
321 Imagined Settlement by Ray Jelley
321 Imagined Settlement by Ray Jelley softcover, 197 pp $20.00 This fascinating venture into the history of a relatively typical, highly modernised house in Port Melbourne reveals a rich and often contrasting history. The story of its … [Read more...]
