Arts & Culture » History
Where government found a home
Although today Spring St is synonymous with government, in Melbourne’s early days, government was centred on the western end of what is now the CBD. Superintendent La Trobe and other government officials occupied a range of temporary accommodation in the area, including John Batman’s old house near Batman’s Hill.
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Melbourne’s first “respectable” theatre
Early theatrical performances in Melbourne usually took place in temporary or makeshift venues and were often of a rowdy and disorderly nature.
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Where “Chloe” once hung
The curious passer-by in Lonsdale St may wonder why an old-fashioned pair of wrought iron gates, slung between two stone pillars, stand in splendid isolation beside the modern office buildings at No. 460.
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Palace of Winged Words
A 19th century three-storey redbrick building in Wills St in the CBD hardly rates a glance from most passers-by who are unaware that this building was once Melbourne’s first purpose-built telephone exchange.
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“The Smith House” – 300 Queen St
The Lord Mayor lampooned and criticised for questionable electioneering tactics! No, not 2018, we have stepped back in time 167 years.
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Melbourne’s 1854 Exhibition
In 1851 London staged The Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park.
Read MorePerhaps a book for Christmas?
In November-December the RHSV is gearing up for Christmas.
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Fink’s Buildings
When built in 1888, at a cost of 110,000(pounds), Fink’s Building was one of Melbourne’s tallest office blocks.
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Finding ghosts and inspiration in Chinatown
It’s mid-afternoon in Melbourne and I’m surrounded by the familiar heritage buildings in Chinatown, though without much time to appreciate them.
Read MoreSt Patrick’s Hall
St Patrick’s Hall, on Bourke St between William and Queen streets, was designed by Samuel Jackson and built in 1849 on land purchased by the St Patrick’s Society.
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National rally to honour victims of gender-based violence
Love in the time of epidemic
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