OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Mothers Beach & The Baths, Mornington

DATE1950 to 960

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1242.21

HISTORY

Sea bathing in specially erected structures built over the water enjoyed a heyday of popularity in the latter part of the 19th century, and the early 1900’s. The Baths which were built at the base of a cliff between Shire Hall Beach and the Pier at Mornington offered facilities of dressing rooms and diving boards. They continued to be used by large numbers of people up to and beyond the time of World War 2. In the 1890’s the proprietor was William Irvine, who advertised the bathing hours at his Royal Baths with different times for gentlemen and ladies, so they didn’t bath together.

DESCRIPTION

This shows a sweeping view of the beach with the Baths in the centre of the photo. There are several people on the beach, with a mother and small child in the foreground centre. It appears to be a warm sunny day. There are lots of bathing huts shown. There are lots of houses on the crest of the embankment. The waters of Port Philip Bay are still and clear. There are a row of Kayaks shown on the beach, and several just on the water’s edge.

SUBJECTS

Bathing boxes, Beaches

KEYWORDS

Bathing boxes, Beaches, Mornington, Mothers Beach, Port Phillip Bay