Views of Mornington c.1895 approx.
Views of Mornington c.1895 approx.
DATE1890s
MEDIAImage
COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society
REG NO.1461.3
HISTORYConstruction of the Mornington Pier commenced in 1857 and is significant as one of a small group of piers build in the 1850’s by the new Colonial Government to open up the movement of produce to and from the more remote settlements. It remained the major point of entry into the district for many years and aided in the development of fishing and other local industries. The pier has been much altered and improved over the years. An extension to the pier known as the North Arm was added c 1900 to improve access for the paddle steamers which brought large numbers of day-trippers and tourists. Badly damaged by storms, the North arm was dismantled in 1948.
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.
1. This shows a view of the Mornington Pier from the unmade road. There is a wooden fence running down to the Pier. Several masts can be seen in the centre of the image. On the left is a shed.
2. This photo shows the Pier. There are two or three boats moored.
3. This image shows Main Street from the beach end. On the right there are a few buildings. One is The Federal Cash Company which sold “Grocery, Wine & Spirits”. In the centre of the picture are two or three horse drawn vehicles.
4. This is a photo of the Mornington Baths. It shows a narrow bridge from the foreshore out to an entrance building. There is a fenced off area of the sea for bathing.
Baths, public, Baths, sea, Horse drawn vehicles, Piers
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