MAJOR PROJECT FOR 2009
One of our major projects for 2009 is a study of the history of Rathdowne Street, North Carlton from Princes Street to Park Street.We plan to investigate changes in shops and shopping patterns, transport, the comings and goings of successive ethnic groups and how they contributed to the life of the street. We already know the story of the street includes the work of blacksmiths, dairies, banks, post offices, hotels and wine salons, real estate agents, libraries, at least one film maker, religious groups, small private schools as well as that of the people who owned or worked in the local shops.
We want to investigate how Curtain Square has developed and changed and how it and the various cafes and other meeting places have contributed to life and literature in this part of the suburb.
It is fascinating material and there is a lot of it yet we want more. We need photos, anecdotes, names of books set in the area, almost anything which adds to the accuracy and colour of the picture. This means we would be very glad to have more interested helpers.
Photo: Rowan Crowe
Rathdowne Street North Carlton, viewed north of Curtain Street