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    History

    THE NEWPORT COFFEE PALACE

    In the 1880s Melbourne's temperance movement spawned grand coffee palaces, alcohol-free alternatives to hotels.

    THE STRAND HOTEL

    Toward the end of the hotel’s life it hosted the ‘Happy Half Hour’ every Friday

    TROCADERO THEATRE

    The Trocadero Theatre witnessed almost a century of transformations in the inner-west suburb.

    HOW A SHOPPER’S PARADISE HELPED FOOTSCRAY OVERCOME A STINKY REPUTATION

    Trips to Footscray shopping centre were part of the fabric of living out west.

    DRINK CINZANO VERMOUTH

    The Cinzano sign was most likely painted in the late 1950s, when Mr. E. S. Jean ran the grocery.

    ALTONA’S SEASIDE LANDMARK REIMAGINED

    Through each iteration of the suburb of Altona, the grand old pier has been central.

    HISTORIC RAILWAY BUILDING UNDER RESTORATION

    The volunteers are enthusiastic about the project. We are all retirees, with various trade skills and experience, and we are delighted to be doing something of benefit to the community.

    GHOST SIGNS

    The Yarra Coffee Palace, a 1914 icon in Yarraville, exudes charm with its brick facade, vintage tobacco advertisements, and a grand hand-painted Coffee Palace sign. 

    Latest edition

    #103 December 2024

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