historical trail bro art:mhwt - city of kingston · 2016. 10. 14. · small & edwards estate...

This publication has been compiled and published by the City of Kingston, PO Box 1000 Mentone Vic 3195.

BIBLIOGRAPHYBryce Rayworth Pty Ltd 2003, City of Kingston Heritage Study, VicLeo Gamble 2003, Mentone Through the Years, Mentone, Vic.Graham Whitehead, (ed) Kingston Historical Website,www.localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.auMargaret Bennett 1996, A Heritage Tour of Mentone, City ofMordialloc Historical Society, Vic.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:The City of Kingston, Mordialloc & District Historical Society,Friends of Mentone Station & Gardens, Mentone Chamber ofCommerce, Connex, Heritage Victoria and to all those whohave kindly permitted their property to be included in the trailand provided information.

CONTRIBUTORS:Mentone Historical Trail Steering Committee: Cnr Bill Nixon, Veronica Hahn, Margaret Hunter, DorothyBooth, Rosa Zouzoulas, Trish Smyth, Catherine Rinaudo. Jennifer Pratt (text & editing), Graham Whitehead (City Historian), Leo Gamble (Historian), Graphic PartnersAustralia (Design), Scribblers & Writers Pty Ltd (text)

www.localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au

Mentone

Historical

walking

Trail

Mentone Historical walking Trail map overleaf

Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM

Mentone Station & Gardens

The railway line was firstextended to Mentone in 1881.At the time, it was known asBalcombe Road Station.

In 1914, a devastating firedestroyed the platformstructures located on ComoParade. In its stead, this simplebut attractive weatherboardbuilding was erected.Featuring simply adornedgable–style roofing anddecorative timber trim, it is awell-preserved example of anEdwardian station.

The gardens date back to 1910and include a stunning NorfolkIsland Pine, Peppercorn andPalm trees. In 1990 acommemorative horse troughwas relocated to the gardensin honour of ‘Garryowen’, thechampion race horse, and hiscourageous owners whoattempted to rescue him froma burning stable.

ESTABLISHED 1881 – Classified Heritage Victoria 2007

MAP REF:

1

PHOTOS

(top) View of the station

from Kilbreda tower, 1928

Image courtesy of the

Mordialloc & District Historical

Society

(below) Mentone Station

today

MAP REF:

1

The Mentone Historical Walking Trail is intended to be an introduction to the rich history of Mentone,celebrating both its charming architecture and enduringvillage character.

Unlike other towns which grew from pioneer settlements,Mentone was founded during the prosperous land-boomof the 1880s.

Developer, Sir Matthew Davies, envisaged the town as astylish new Riviera. Embracing Mediterranean themes,the concept unfolded with Italian street names andextravagant buildings. The most impressive of these was the luxurious Mentone Coffee Palace, which is now Kilbreda College.

Styled as a ‘salubrious’ destination, holiday-makersflocked to the town to enjoy its hot sea baths andprestigious racecourse.

Although the boom period was short-lived, Mentonewas endowed with a lasting architectural legacy, whichwas complimented by the classic Edwardian styles oflater development.

Map located at the back of this brochure.

Mentone –

the fashionableresort

Photos: (L) Mentone Hot Sea Baths 1907, (R) Kilbreda College 1906 Image courtesy of the Mordialloc & District Historical Society

Corner of

Como Parade West and

Balcombe Road,

Mentone

Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM

Kilbreda College

The Mentone Coffee Palacemarked the pinnacle of SirMathew Davies’ grand vision ofMentone. Featuring an imposingspire-tower and ornate design,the lavish guest-house offeredsumptuous food andaccommodation.

Enjoying only ten prosperousyears, economic downturn andcompetition from the MentoneHotel forced the unlicensedPalace to close its doors in 1898.

In 1904 the disused property wassold for a bargain price to theBrigidine Sisters who opened aschool with only three pupils.Now known as Kilbreda College,the school presently houses over1000 students.

Incorporating Greek andRomanesque styles, the buildingwas conceived by Reed,Henderson & Smart. The design isespecially significant for itselaborate contrastingbrick-render and iron lace work.

118 Mentone Parade,

Mentone

Strictly no access to school

grounds. The front

entranceway and stained

glass windows may be

viewed by appointment.

THE MENTONE COFFEE PALACE – Built 1887

MAP REF:

3Mentone’s Triangle

This triangular piece of landwas once a picturesquegarden, designed to enhancethe grand entrance to theMentone Coffee Palace (nowKilbreda College).

In 1896, during the height ofdepression, the small isle ofland was sold. Small andEdwards established an estateagency on the site in 1906which they maintained forover 50 years.

This unique red brick buildingis regarded affectionately bylocals for its intimate size andlocation. Four raised pedimentsand an elegantEdwardian-style veranda givethis quaint structure anunmistakable charm.

48 Como Parade West,

Mentone

Corners Mentone Parade,

Como Parade West and

Florence Street

PHOTO

Small & Edwards Estate

Agents, c1918



Society

FORMERLY SMALL & EDWARDS REAL ESTATE – Built 1906

MAP REF:

2

PHOTO

Mentone Coffee Palace,

c1906

Image from the Leader

collection, courtesy of

Kevin Wilson

Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 4

St Patrick’s School

St Patrick’s was the firstCatholic primary school in thedistrict. Established in 1904with just 25 pupils, the schoolwas originally housed in theold timber church built in1885, next to the CoffeePalace.

By 1928 the school had grownto include 150 students andthis new redbrick building waserected in Childers Street.Incorporating religious statuesand cement decorativedressings, the two storeyedifice is an attractive exampleof the unique architecturalstyle adopted by early Catholicschools.

During the 1940s the schooldoubled as the church while St Patrick’s new parish buildingwas being erected on the sitenext door. The church wasfinally completed in 1960.

Built 1928

MAP REF:

5Mentone Primary School

During Mentone’s rapidland-boom growth, the needfor a school became clearlyapparent. After some lobbyingby townsfolk and developers,the new school building wasofficially opened in 1889. The launch was celebrated in style, with 60 enrolledstudents invited to sip tea atthe Mentone Coffee Palace.

Depression in the 1890s forcedthe school to merge withCheltenham Primary School,sharing just five teachersbetween them. By 1934students at Mentonenumbered 530 and additionalland was acquired from anadjacent timberyard to createa playing area.

Despite subsequent additions,the character of the originalsingle-storey building is stillintact, denoted by the mainentrance with its steeplypitched tiled roof and timbershingles.

6 Childers Street,

Mentone

No public access 8.30am -

4.30pm on school days

PHOTO

Children at Mentone

Primary School, 1910



Society

MENTONE LEASED SCHOOL No 2950 – Built 1889

MAP REF:

4

16 Childers Street,

Mentone

Strictly no access to

school grounds without

permission

PHOTO

St Patrick's Primary School,

1929



Society


41 Como Parade East

This classic Victorian brickhome raises local interest fortwo distinct reasons.

The first is for its architecturalsignificance. It is the onlydouble-storey example of anineteenth century dwellinglocated within the City ofKingston.

Of mildly classicised style, it is characterized by anasymmetrical projecting baywindow and double storeybalcony.

The second reason is far moreperplexing, as conversationturns to answer an unsolvedmystery: Why had no occupantever remained in the house formore than three years?

The first known occupant wasG. Waghorn in 1889, followedby a long list of successivebuyers. By 1965 the house hadbeen turned into rental flatsand is now a medical practice.

FIRST TWO STOREY RESIDENCE – Built c1887

MAP REF:

7Villa d’Este

One of the most remarkablehouses in Mentone is the Villad’Este, located on the corner ofWarrigal Road and ComoParade East.

Featuring a corrugated ironogee shaped roof (doublecurved), the house reflects thefashion in Europeanarchitecture during the latenineteenth century toincorporate oriental decorativedevices with Italianate trim.

The name, meaning Villa of theEast, is likely both to referenceits appearance and the famousItalian building by the samename which is situated onLake Como in Italy.

For some years occupied by the Catholic Church, the weatherboard house isextensively decorated withornate stained glass, ogeeshaped archways andattractive bay windows.

58 Warrigal Road,

Mentone

Corner of Warrigal Road and

East Como Parade

PHOTO

Villa D'Este 1950's



Society

Built from 1890

MAP REF:

6

41 Como Parade East,

Mentone

Corner of Como Parade and

East Warrigal Rd

PHOTO

41 Como Parade East, 2003

Image from the Kingston

Heritage Study


Combers Building

In 1908 a prominent localman, Mr H. Peterson, built aconfectionary store and cafeon this site. Like many otherstores in Mentone erectedafter the land-boom collapse,the small timber structure wasa vast contrast to the lavishCoffee Palace building locatedopposite.

The existing two-storeyredbrick building wasconstructed in 1925-6 by theComber family. Comprisingseveral shopfronts, each storeis divided by decorative stuccocolumns and crowned bycontrasting semicircularpediments.

This image, taken in 1927,features the prominent baywindow overlooking the busystreet corner. At the time itwas S.J. Hendy’s - ‘Mentone’sLeading House for Books,Gramophones, Records,Wireless and Sporting Goods’.

Built 1925-6

MAP REF:

9St Augustine’s Anglican Church

The foundation stone for St Augustine’s church was laid in1888 on land donated by theDavies family. Modest in size butbeautifully adorned, the churchbuilding was extended in the1950s to comprise a traditionalcruciform floor plan. The originalredbrick building was retained toform the nave of the church andtransepts of contrasting greybrick were added.

Surmounted by steeply pitchedslate roofs, St Augustine’s exudesthe quiet charm of a villagechapel, replete with stunningstained glass windows and aFinchum pipe organ.

The church is associated withauthor Manning Clarke. His father, Reverend Clarke, isfondly remembered as being thevicar from 1934 until 1951,where he tended not only to hisparishioners but also to thevicarage geese.

90 Como Parade,

Mentone

PHOTO

St Augustine's Church,

c.1945

Image courtesy of the Kingston

Leader Collection

Founded 1888

MAP REF:

8

Corner of Mentone Parade

and Florence Street,

Mentone

PHOTO

Combers Building, 1927



Society


Old Bakery Building

This understated building oncehoused ovens for a bakery onFlorence Street. It was amongseveral structures which wereessential to the local bakingindustry located on GranaryLane, including a roundstore-house for grain andstables for delivery horses and carts.

From 1928 the bakery wasoperated by A. E. Hahn whoprovided the community withbread throughout the leanyears of the Depression andrations during the War.

Constructed of solid redbrick,this rustic building retainssome of its original roughtimberwork.

HAHN’S BAKERY & POST OFFICE – Built c.1928

MAP REF:

11Abbot Buildings

When others were sufferingfrom the Depression of theland-boom collapse in the1890s, Scottish printer, John Harkins was purchasingsignificant properties inMentone. Among them werethree retail outlets on thecorner of Mentone Parade andFlorence Street - the ‘MentoneEmporium’, Teahouse & Bakeryand a general store.

In 1904 the shops were sold toAbbott and Mason. Abbotteventually built the brickshopfront which is visibletoday, operating a successfulgrocery firm until the 1930s.

It was during this time thatthe prominent corner isremembered as being the siteof political debates, whereelection candidates wouldmake campaign speeches from their soapboxes.

133 Mentone Parade,

Mentone

Corner of Mentone Parade

and Florence Street

PHOTOS

(top) Abbot & Sons 1918

(below) Abbot & Masons

c1925

Images courtesy of the


Society

Constructed 1923

MAP REF:

10

Granary Lane,

Mentone

(Rear of Mentone Dry

Cleaners)

PHOTO

Old Bakery Building, 2003

Image courtesy of City of

Kingston Heritage Study


Laura & Charles FergusonMuseum

The original Mentone Bakerywas established on this site in the early 1890s by GeorgeBarnett. However thecharming building which nowstands here was constructed in 1922-4 by bakers, JohnMurphy and William Oliver.

Considered a very modernestablishment in its time, thebakery is composed simply oftwo-storey redbrick with agable-ended roof. Completewith original wood-fire ovens,the old bakery now serves as alocal museum and centre forthe Mordialloc & DistrictHistorical Society.

Featuring a unique collectionof photographs and localmemorabilia, the museum wasrenamed in 1999 to honourtwo well-loved local historyenthusiasts.

FORMER MENTONE BAKERY – Built c1922

MAP REF:

13Hodges Real Estate

This building was constructedin 1926 for the State SavingsBank, which occupied it foralmost 50 years.

Like other banks of this era,the building adopts aFree-Classical approach. An elegant rendered façadeadorns the two-storeybuilding, with gracefulrectangular columns risingfrom a simple, banded base.Elaborate cornice pieces createan unusual staggered effect at the roofline, while a hint of Art Deco influence can betraced in the patterning of the railings, balustrade andgeometric motifs.

In 1974 the building wasacquired by Mordialloc Councilfor the Citizen’s Advice Bureauand was later sold to HodgesReal Estate in 1995.

44 Florence Street,

Mentone

PHOTO

State Savings Bank, 1928



Society

STATE SAVINGS BANK BUILDING – Built 1926

MAP REF:

12

Old Bakery Lane,

Mentone

(Enter via Florence Street)

Open Sun 2pm to 4 pm or by

appointment. A small entry

fee applies.

PHOTOS

(top) W.H. Olivers, 1920s



Society

(below) Laura & Charles

Ferguson Museum,

Kingston Heritage Study,

2003


Memorial Gates & DrinkingFountain

MEMORIAL GATESThe gates were built in 1923 intribute to “the glorious men ofMentone who gave their livesfor our freedom” during WorldWar I. Assembled from coarselyhewn granite to resembleancient monoliths, thegateway is formed by twocolumns etched with honourrolls and capped with atriangular stone, similar to aclassical temple entrance.

FOUNTAINThis obelisk-shaped drinkingfountain is thought to be theearliest existing monument inMentone. It was erected in1910 by the Mentone ProgressAssociation. Shaped fromgranite with a bluestone base,the fountain was originallysituated at the corner ofMentone Parade and Venice Street.

GATES (erected) 1923 FOUNTAIN (erected) 1910

MAP REF:

15C. H. Soppett Pavilion

During the land-boom of the 1880s, Davies’ designatedthis area for sports andamusements. At considerablecost, the swampy paddockswere drained and arecreational hall, skating rinkand tennis courts wereestablished.

In 1926 a committee wasformed to raise £1200 to buildthe grandstand. It was openedin 1928; the same year theMentone Tigers won their firstpremiership in forty years. The celebrations lasted for weeks.

The pavilion was named afterSol Soppett in recognition forhis involvement with thefootball club. Of typical design,the grandstand is comprised of elevated seating under asimple gable-ended roof, andset with pressed metal endsand a smaller traverse gable.

Mentone Reserve,

Remo Street,

Mentone

Public access from

Brindisi Street

PHOTO

Mentone Sports Pavilion,

1928



Society

MENTONE RESERVE GRANDSTAND – Built 1928

MAP REF:

14

Keith Styles Reserve,

Mentone Parade,

Mentone

PHOTO

(top) War Memorial Gates

(below) Drinking Fountain

Images courtesy of City of

Kingston Heritage Study, 2003


Davies Memorial UnitingChurch

Mentone was moved by newsof the passing of Mrs MaryDavies in 1887. Mother to ninechildren, she had been atireless worker for thecommunity and devotedmember of the Presbyterianchurch. In honour of her name,her husband, the brother of Sir Matthew Davies, donatedland and raised funds for anew church. The foundationstone was laid in 1889.

The church was styled afterthe Gothic Revival approach by architect Charles Figgis,who also created the MentoneHotel. Comprising a steeplypitched roof, pointed archesand stained glass windows; the redbrick structure isaugmented by an elegantsteeple with parapets andseparate bell tower.

Founded in 1889

MAP REF:

17Mabernoul

During his impressive career,Sir Mathew Davies workedenergetically to realise hisvision of Mentone; creating afashionable resort from ruralswamp lands.

Knighted at the age of forty,Davies was an active memberof Victorian parliament,solicitor, and philanthropist.However, just as Davies’ richeshad peaked with theland-boom of the 1880s, theycollapsed just as suddenly.

Despite owning manymansions during his lifetime,Davies ended his days in thisclassic Victorian bungalow in1912. Modest but elegant, it istypical of the Italianate style;featuring a hipped roof withbracketed eaves and attractivebay windows.

86 Mentone Parade,

Mentone

Private dwelling,

strictly no access

PHOTO

Mabernoul, 1940's



Society

SIR MATTHEW DAVIES’ DWELLING – Built c1900-7

MAP REF:

16

74 Venice Street,

Mentone

PHOTO

Davies Memorial Uniting

Church, 1970's



Society


Mentone RSL

This striking Italianate buildingis one of five tower housesbuilt in Mentone during theland-boom of the 1880s.Elaborately decorated withornamental balustrades andurns, the large octagonaltower commands animpressive view of the bay.

For many years, the house wasthe residence of the Dawsonfamily, but after World War I it was purchased by JohnAnderson who generouslyhosted dances to supportreturned servicemen. In 1946,the property was operated asthe Riviera Guest House beforebeing bought by the MentoneReturned Services League (RSL)in 1952.

A stunning view of the RSLand adjacent war memorial isavailable from MentoneParade.

RIVIERA GUEST HOUSE – Built 1884-6

MAP REF:

19Frogmore House

Inspired by English medievalhomesteads, Frogmore Houseincorporates elements of theTudor revival and the Arts andCrafts styles of architecture.The two story residencecomprises roughcast walls setwith decorative Tudor-styletimberwork. A steeply pitchedroof clad in Marseilles tiles,features dominant projectinggables, while striking timberarches frame a broad cornerveranda and deeply recessedentrance. Floor length stainedglass windows and leadlightglass doors add delicateelegance to the otherwiseheavy edifice.

The house was initially built onsix acres of land sometimebefore 1891 as the residencefor Reverend Robert Fergus. A charming manse, FrogmoreHouse was later sold toMentone Boys Grammar in 1923.

63 Venice Street,

Mentone

Strictly no public access

to school grounds

PHOTO

Frogmore House, 1060's



Society

MENTONE BOYS GRAMMAR SCHOOL – Built c1910

MAP REF:

18

9 Palermo Street,

Mentone

Palermo Road Gates are

open 10am daily until late

Memorial Park Gates

close 4pm

PHOTO

Mentone RSL, 1950's



Society


COMO PDE EAST

COMO PDE W

EST

COMO PDE W

EST

COMMERCIAL RD

VENICE ST

ELBA

NA

AVE

CREMONA ST

NAPLES RD

NAPLES RD

MEN

TON

E PD

E

PALERMO ST

LUCERNE ST

BARRY ST

STAWELL ST

MITCHELL ST

CHILDERS ST

ROG

ERS

ST

ROG

ERS

ST

BALCOMBE RD

FLORENCE ST

BRINDISI ST

REM

O S

T

STAT

ION

ST

KILA

RA R

D

HA

RKIN

AVE

BEACH RD

GRANARY LANE

OLD

BA

KERY

LA

NE

WA

RRIG

AL

RD

WA

RRIG

AL

RD

MEN

TON

E PD

E

MENTONERAILWAYSTATION

MENTONEHOTEL

MENTONERESERVE

START

END

1

1110 2

3912

13

6

7

8

17

18

19

20

14

1516

45

MENTONE MENTONE HISTORICAL HISTORICAL WALKING TRAILWALKING TRAIL

MENTONE HISTORICAL WALKING TRAIL

T

T

Mentone Hotel

The Mentone Hotel is anenduring icon on Mentone’sforeshore. Drawing crowds fromthe nearby beaches, its locationopposite the former hot seabaths ensured that it was alwaysa popular destination. Operatingsince 1888, the hotel was thefirst licensed venue in the areaand provided significantcompetition to the Coffee Palace.

A majestic building, it featuresspacious lounges and impressivestairways. A grand entrancetower at the apex of the site isflanked symmetrically by smallerturrets and curved balconies,showing a talented response tothe wedge-shaped land.

Architect, C. D. Figgis isresponsible for the design.Typical of the land-boom period, Figgis combines anunconventional array ofarchitectural styles and classical elements.

1. Mentone Railway Station- COMO PDE

2. Mentone’s triangleformerly Small & Edwards Real Estate -48 COMO PDE WEST

3. Kilbreda Collegeformerly Mentone Coffee House - 118 MENTONE PDE

4. Mentone Primary School- 6 CHILDERS ST

5. ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL - 16 CHILDERS STREET

6. VILLA D’ESTE - 58 WARRIGAL RD

7. OLDEST TWO-STOREYRESIDENCE - 41 COMO PDE EAST

8. ST AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH- 90 COMO PARADE WEST

9. COMBER’S BUILDING- cnr MENTONE PDE & FLORENCE ST

10. ABBOT’S BUILDING- 133 MENTONE PARADE

11. Old bakery buildingformerly Hahn’s Bakery - GRANARY LANE

12. Hodges Real Estate formerlyState Savings Banks - 44 FLORENCE ST

13. Laura & CharlesFerguson Museum formerlyOlivers Bakery - OLD BAKERY LANE

14. C.H. SOPPETT PAVILION- MENTONE RESERVE, REMO ST

15. WAR MEMORIAL GATES &FOUNTAIN - KEITH STYLES RESERVE,MENTONE PDE

16. Mabernoul Matthew Davies finalresidence - 86 MENTONE PDE

17. DAVIES MEMORIAL CHURCH- 74 VENICE ST

18. FROGMORE HOUSE - MENTONEBOYS GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 63 VENICE ST

19. Mentone RSL formerly RiveraGuest House - 9 PALMERO ST

20. MENTONE HOTEL- cnr BEACH RD & MENTONE PDE

Start: Mentone Railway Station, Como ParadeFinish: Mentone Hotel, Beach RoadDistance: Approx 4km Time: 1 hrDifficulty: Easy – Moderate

STRICTLY NO ACCESS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY OR SCHOOL PREMISES

Corner of Beach Road and

Mentone Parade,

Mentone

PHOTO

Postcard of the Mentone

Hotel, c1900



Society

Opened 1889

MAP REF:

20

Toilets

Level Railway Crossing

Railway Line

Parkland

viewing point for historical site

T


historical trail bro art:mhwt - city of kingston · 2016. 10. 14. · small & edwards estate...

Documents