OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Main Street, Grand Hotel, Mornington

DATE1970s

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1249

HISTORY

In the 1860’s the Roads Board pressed on with its work of extending the paths of communication between the settlements. As these works were proceeding, plans were being made for the grubbing of stumps and clearing of the Tanti Road in the town, and members of the Board had inspected the recently cleared Main Street, reporting “...a good depth of gravel in several places which could be used fro making the road good” In spite of this optimism, a deputation of Schnapper Point residents complained in November 1861 that the street had become impassable for drays because of the heavy drag through sand. Early survey plans showed the route of Main Street as being completely straight from the main road to the Esplanade. The present changes in direction at its intersections with Cromwell and Barkly Streets probably were cause by the presence of large trees on the surveyed line of the road, and to avoid the expense and trouble of their removal, the contractor changed the road direction accordingly. A picture taken in 1870 near the corner of Blake and Main streets shows a large gum tree in the vicinity.
The Grand Hotel was built in 1889 and was the Grand Coffee Palace, as was popular at that time.

DESCRIPTION

This is a view of Main Street showing the Grand Hotel. The view is looking away from the beach. It is taken from the opposite side of the road to the hotel. There are two red telephone boxes shown, one on either side of the road. The Classic Furniture shop is adjacent left to the Grand Hotel and to the right a real estate office. There is a cloudless sky, bright blue.

SUBJECTS

Hotels, Roads and streets, Shops

KEYWORDS

Hotels, Main Street, Mornington, Roads and streets, Shops