Shire Hall Beach, Mornington, Vic
Shire Hall Beach, Mornington, Vic
DATE1950s
MEDIAImage
COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society
REG NO.1444.2
HISTORYMr Herbert Downward remembers his father speaking of corroborees being held every now and then on the cliffs above Shire Hall Beach, and in the area of Mornington Park. Whether these spots were chosen because of ritual significance or because of the nearness to the early townsfolk who would reward the dancers with tobacco is not clear.
The Shire Council met on alternate Saturdays at 3pm in the offices at the corner of Cook Street, and the Esplanade,.The beach opposite the Shire offices had been known as “Constable’s Beach”, because of its proximity to the home of the Constable family, but the name was altered by local usage to Shire Hall Beach.
In 1927 the Foreshore Reform Committee caused indignation in its original sponsoring body , the Progress Association by turning down the request to replace gates on Shire Hall and Mills Beach.
1. This shows a sweeping view of the beach from a high point above. There are many bathing boxes, and bathers. It appears to be summer. A few roof tops can be seen above the trees at the top of the embankment.
2. This is a sweeping view of the beach from the other end. There is a boat hire business to the right of the image, there are several boats on the sand. The bathing boxes can be seen in the distance to the right of the photo.
