Do you have any memories or memorabilia of post-war Footscray’s night time entertainment venues? Read on to find out how you can be part of an exciting new (old) exhibition.
The grandeur and vibrancy of Footscray’s nighttime past is to be celebrated this October with an exhibition titled Friday Nights in Footscray. The exhibition will tell the story of the ‘Cinderella Suburb’, a place which once had five picture houses and multiple ballrooms within the main city block.
The curatorial focus is on Footscray ballrooms, picture theatres, pubs, clubs and popular late night merchants during the post-war period up until the 1980s. Old photos, newsreels and historical paraphernalia (think dance programs or ticket stubs) will be displayed plus a section of recorded oral histories from some Footscray pioneers.
Much of the content has been drawn from council archives and the Footscray Historical Society but Maribyrnong council is calling for submissions from locals who may have slides, photos or old diary entries stuffed away in forgotten shoe boxes.
Submissions can be made until 5pm on Friday 23 August 2024 by contacting Council’s City Experience and Visitation team on 9688 0200, or sending an email to festivalcity@ maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
