Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 1

Mentone Historical walking Trail

Mentone Historical walking Trail map overleaf This publication has been compiled and published by the , PO Box 1000 Mentone Vic 3195.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Bryce Rayworth Pty Ltd 2003, City of Kingston Heritage Study, Vic Leo Gamble 2003, Mentone Through the Years, Mentone, Vic. Graham Whitehead, (ed) Kingston Historical Website, www.localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au Margaret Bennett 1996, A Heritage Tour of Mentone, City of Mordialloc Historical Society, Vic.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: The City of Kingston, Mordialloc & District Historical Society, Friends of Mentone Station & Gardens, Mentone Chamber of Commerce, Connex, Heritage and to all those who have kindly permitted their property to be included in the trail and provided information.

CONTRIBUTORS: Mentone Historical Trail Steering Committee: Cnr Bill Nixon, Veronica Hahn, Margaret Hunter, Dorothy Booth, Rosa Zouzoulas, Trish Smyth, Catherine Rinaudo. Jennifer Pratt (text & editing), Graham Whitehead (City Historian), Leo Gamble (Historian), Graphic Partners (Design), Scribblers & Writers Pty Ltd (text)

www.localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 2

Mentone – the fashionable resort

The Mentone Historical Walking Trail is intended to be an introduction to the rich history of Mentone, celebrating both its charming architecture and enduring village character. Mentone Station & Gardens MAP REF: 1 Unlike other towns which grew from pioneer settlements, ESTABLISHED 1881 – Classified Heritage Victoria 2007 Mentone was founded during the prosperous land-boom of the 1880s. The railway line was first extended to Mentone in 1881. Corner of At the time, it was known as Como Parade West and Balcombe Road Station. Balcombe Road, Mentone In 1914, a devastating fire destroyed the platform structures located on Como Parade. In its stead, this simple but attractive weatherboard Developer, Sir Matthew Davies, envisaged the town as a building was erected. stylish new Riviera. Embracing Mediterranean themes, Featuring simply adorned the concept unfolded with Italian street names and gable–style roofing and extravagant buildings. The most impressive of these decorative timber trim, it is a was the luxurious Mentone , which is well-preserved example of an now Kilbreda College. Edwardian station. Styled as a ‘salubrious’ destination, holiday-makers flocked to the town to enjoy its hot sea baths and The gardens date back to 1910 prestigious racecourse. and include a stunning Norfolk Island Pine, Peppercorn and PHOTOS Although the boom period was short-lived, Mentone Palm trees. In 1990 a (top) View of the station was endowed with a lasting architectural legacy, which commemorative horse trough from Kilbreda tower, 1928 was complimented by the classic Edwardian styles of was relocated to the gardens Image courtesy of the later development. in honour of ‘Garryowen’, the champion race horse, and his Mordialloc & District Historical Map located at the back of this brochure. courageous owners who Society attempted to rescue him from (below) Mentone Station a burning stable. today Photos: (L) Mentone Hot Sea Baths 1907, (R) Kilbreda College 1906 Image courtesy of the Mordialloc & District Historical Society Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 4

MAP REF: MAP REF: Mentone’s Triangle 2 Kilbreda College 3 FORMERLY SMALL & EDWARDS REAL ESTATE – Built 1906 THE MENTONE COFFEE PALACE – Built 1887

This triangular piece of land The Mentone Coffee Palace was once a picturesque 48 Como Parade West, marked the pinnacle of Sir 118 Mentone Parade, garden, designed to enhance Mentone Mathew Davies’ grand vision of Mentone the grand entrance to the Mentone. Featuring an imposing Mentone Coffee Palace (now Corners Mentone Parade, spire-tower and ornate design, Strictly no access to school Kilbreda College). Como Parade West and the lavish guest-house offered grounds. The front sumptuous food and Florence Street entranceway and stained In 1896, during the height of accommodation. glass windows may be depression, the small isle of viewed by appointment. land was sold. Small and Enjoying only ten prosperous Edwards established an estate years, economic downturn and agency on the site in 1906 competition from the Mentone which they maintained for Hotel forced the unlicensed over 50 years. Palace to close its doors in 1898.

This unique red brick building In 1904 the disused property was is regarded affectionately by sold for a bargain price to the PHOTO locals for its intimate size and who opened a Small & Edwards Estate location. Four raised pediments school with only three pupils. and an elegant Agents, c1918 Now known as Kilbreda College, Edwardian-style veranda give Image courtesy of the the school presently houses over this quaint structure an Mordialloc & District Historical 1000 students. unmistakable charm. Society Incorporating Greek and PHOTO Romanesque styles, the building Mentone Coffee Palace, was conceived by Reed, Henderson & Smart. The design is c1906 especially significant for its Image from the Leader elaborate contrasting collection, courtesy of brick-render and iron lace work. Kevin Wilson Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 6

Mentone Primary School MAP REF: MAP REF: 4 St Patrick’s School 5 MENTONE LEASED SCHOOL No 2950 – Built 1889 Built 1928

During Mentone’s rapid St Patrick’s was the first land-boom growth, the need 6 Childers Street, Catholic primary school in the 16 Childers Street, for a school became clearly Mentone district. Established in 1904 Mentone apparent. After some lobbying with just 25 pupils, the school by townsfolk and developers, No public access 8.30am - was originally housed in the Strictly no access to the new school building was 4.30pm on school days old timber church built in school grounds without officially opened in 1889. 1885, next to the Coffee permission The launch was celebrated Palace. in style, with 60 enrolled students invited to sip tea at By 1928 the school had grown the Mentone Coffee Palace. to include 150 students and this new redbrick building was Depression in the 1890s forced erected in Childers Street. the school to merge with Incorporating religious statues Cheltenham Primary School, and cement decorative sharing just five teachers dressings, the two storey between them. By 1934 edifice is an attractive example students at Mentone of the unique architectural numbered 530 and additional style adopted by early Catholic land was acquired from an schools. adjacent timberyard to create PHOTO a playing area. During the 1940s the school doubled as the church while St Patrick's Primary School, Despite subsequent additions, St Patrick’s new parish building 1929 PHOTO the character of the original was being erected on the site Image courtesy of the Children at Mentone single-storey building is still next door. The church was Mordialloc & District Historical Primary School, 1910 intact, denoted by the main finally completed in 1960. Society entrance with its steeply Image courtesy of the pitched tiled roof and timber Mordialloc & District Historical shingles. Society Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 8

MAP REF: MAP REF: Villa d’Este 6 41 Como Parade East 7 Built from 1890 FIRST TWO STOREY RESIDENCE – Built c1887

One of the most remarkable This classic Victorian brick houses in Mentone is the Villa 58 Warrigal Road, home raises local interest for 41 Como Parade East, d’Este, located on the corner of Mentone two distinct reasons. Mentone Warrigal Road and Como Parade East. Corner of Warrigal Road and The first is for its architectural Corner of Como Parade and East Como Parade significance. It is the only East Warrigal Rd Featuring a corrugated iron double-storey example of a ogee shaped roof (double nineteenth century dwelling curved), the house reflects the located within the City of fashion in European Kingston. architecture during the late nineteenth century to Of mildly classicised style, incorporate oriental decorative it is characterized by an devices with Italianate trim. asymmetrical projecting bay window and double storey The name, meaning Villa of the balcony. East, is likely both to reference its appearance and the famous The second reason is far more Italian building by the same perplexing, as conversation name which is situated on turns to answer an unsolved Lake Como in Italy. mystery: Why had no occupant ever remained in the house for For some years occupied more than three years? by the Catholic Church, the weatherboard house is PHOTO The first known occupant was extensively decorated with Villa D'Este 1950's G. Waghorn in 1889, followed ornate stained glass, ogee Image courtesy of the by a long list of successive PHOTO shaped archways and Mordialloc & District Historical buyers. By 1965 the house had 41 Como Parade East, 2003 attractive bay windows. Society been turned into rental flats Image from the Kingston and is now a medical practice. Heritage Study Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 10

St Augustine’s Anglican Church MAP REF: MAP REF: 8 Combers Building 9 Founded 1888 Built 1925-6

The foundation stone for In 1908 a prominent local St Augustine’s church was laid in 90 Como Parade, man, Mr H. Peterson, built a Corner of Mentone Parade 1888 on land donated by the Mentone confectionary store and cafe and Florence Street, Davies family. Modest in size but on this site. Like many other Mentone beautifully adorned, the church stores in Mentone erected building was extended in the after the land-boom collapse, 1950s to comprise a traditional the small timber structure was cruciform floor plan. The original a vast contrast to the lavish redbrick building was retained to Coffee Palace building located form the nave of the church and opposite. transepts of contrasting grey brick were added. The existing two-storey redbrick building was Surmounted by steeply pitched constructed in 1925-6 by the slate roofs, St Augustine’s exudes Comber family. Comprising the quiet charm of a village several shopfronts, each store chapel, replete with stunning is divided by decorative stucco stained glass windows and a columns and crowned by Finchum pipe organ. contrasting semicircular pediments. The church is associated with author Manning Clarke. This image, taken in 1927, His father, Reverend Clarke, is features the prominent bay PHOTO fondly remembered as being the window overlooking the busy vicar from 1934 until 1951, St Augustine's Church, street corner. At the time it PHOTO where he tended not only to his c.1945 was S.J. Hendy’s - ‘Mentone’s Combers Building, 1927 parishioners but also to the Image courtesy of the Kingston Leading House for Books, Image courtesy of the vicarage geese. Leader Collection Gramophones, Records, Mordialloc & District Historical Wireless and Sporting Goods’. Society Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 12

MAP REF: MAP REF: Abbot Buildings 10 Old Bakery Building 11 Constructed 1923 HAHN’S BAKERY & POST OFFICE – Built c.1928

When others were suffering This understated building once from the Depression of the 133 Mentone Parade, housed ovens for a bakery on Granary Lane, land-boom collapse in the Mentone Florence Street. It was among Mentone 1890s, Scottish printer, several structures which were John Harkins was purchasing Corner of Mentone Parade essential to the local baking (Rear of Mentone Dry significant properties in and Florence Street industry located on Granary Cleaners) Mentone. Among them were Lane, including a round three retail outlets on the store-house for grain and corner of Mentone Parade and stables for delivery horses Florence Street - the ‘Mentone and carts. Emporium’, Teahouse & Bakery and a general store. From 1928 the bakery was operated by A. E. Hahn who In 1904 the shops were sold to provided the community with Abbott and Mason. Abbott bread throughout the lean eventually built the brick years of the Depression and shopfront which is visible rations during the War. today, operating a successful grocery firm until the 1930s. Constructed of solid redbrick, PHOTO this rustic building retains Old Bakery Building, 2003 PHOTOS It was during this time that some of its original rough Image courtesy of City of (top) Abbot & Sons 1918 the prominent corner is timberwork. Kingston Heritage Study (below) Abbot & Masons remembered as being the site of political debates, where c1925 election candidates would Images courtesy of the make campaign speeches Mordialloc & District Historical from their soapboxes. Society Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 14

Hodges Real Estate MAP REF: Laura & Charles Ferguson MAP REF: 12 Museum 13 STATE SAVINGS BANK BUILDING – Built 1926 FORMER MENTONE BAKERY – Built c1922

This building was constructed The original Mentone Bakery in 1926 for the State Savings 44 Florence Street, was established on this site Old Bakery Lane, Bank, which occupied it for Mentone in the early 1890s by George Mentone almost 50 years. Barnett. However the (Enter via Florence Street) charming building which now Like other banks of this era, stands here was constructed Open Sun 2pm to 4 pm or by the building adopts a in 1922-4 by bakers, John appointment. A small entry Free-Classical approach. Murphy and William Oliver. fee applies. An elegant rendered façade adorns the two-storey Considered a very modern building, with graceful establishment in its time, the rectangular columns rising bakery is composed simply of from a simple, banded base. two-storey redbrick with a Elaborate cornice pieces create gable-ended roof. Complete an unusual staggered effect with original wood-fire ovens, at the roofline, while a hint the old bakery now serves as a of Art Deco influence can be local museum and centre for traced in the patterning of the Mordialloc & District the railings, balustrade and Historical Society. geometric motifs. Featuring a unique collection PHOTOS PHOTO In 1974 the building was of photographs and local (top) W.H. Olivers, 1920s acquired by Mordialloc Council State Savings Bank, 1928 memorabilia, the museum was Images courtesy of the for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau Images courtesy of the renamed in 1999 to honour Mordialloc & District Historical and was later sold to Hodges Mordialloc & District Historical two well-loved local history Society Real Estate in 1995. Society enthusiasts. (below) Laura & Charles Ferguson Museum, Kingston Heritage Study, 2003 Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 16

C. H. Soppett Pavilion MAP REF: Memorial Gates & Drinking MAP REF: 14 Fountain 15 MENTONE RESERVE GRANDSTAND – Built 1928 GATES (erected) 1923 FOUNTAIN (erected) 1910

During the land-boom of MEMORIAL GATES the 1880s, Davies’ designated Mentone Reserve, The gates were built in 1923 in Keith Styles Reserve, this area for sports and Remo Street, tribute to “the glorious men of Mentone Parade, amusements. At considerable Mentone Mentone who gave their lives Mentone cost, the swampy paddocks for our freedom” during World were drained and a Public access from War I. Assembled from coarsely recreational hall, skating rink hewn granite to resemble Brindisi Street and tennis courts were ancient monoliths, the established. gateway is formed by two columns etched with honour In 1926 a committee was rolls and capped with a formed to raise £1200 to build triangular stone, similar to a the grandstand. It was opened classical temple entrance. in 1928; the same year the Mentone Tigers won their first FOUNTAIN premiership in forty years. This obelisk-shaped drinking The celebrations lasted fountain is thought to be the for weeks. earliest existing monument in Mentone. It was erected in The pavilion was named after 1910 by the Mentone Progress Sol Soppett in recognition for Association. Shaped from PHOTO his involvement with the granite with a bluestone base, PHOTO football club. Of typical design, the fountain was originally (top) War Memorial Gates the grandstand is comprised Mentone Sports Pavilion, situated at the corner of (below) Drinking Fountain of elevated seating under a 1928 Mentone Parade and Images courtesy of City of simple gable-ended roof, and Image courtesy of the Venice Street. Kingston Heritage Study, 2003 set with pressed metal ends Mordialloc & District Historical and a smaller traverse gable. Society Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 18

Mabernoul MAP REF: Davies Memorial Uniting MAP REF: 16 Church 17 SIR MATTHEW DAVIES’ DWELLING – Built c1900-7 Founded in 1889

During his impressive career, Mentone was moved by news Sir Mathew Davies worked 86 Mentone Parade, of the passing of Mrs Mary 74 Venice Street, energetically to realise his Mentone Davies in 1887. Mother to nine Mentone vision of Mentone; creating a children, she had been a fashionable resort from rural Private dwelling, tireless worker for the swamp lands. strictly no access community and devoted member of the Presbyterian Knighted at the age of forty, church. In honour of her name, Davies was an active member her husband, the brother of of Victorian parliament, Sir Matthew Davies, donated solicitor, and philanthropist. land and raised funds for a However, just as Davies’ riches new church. The foundation had peaked with the stone was laid in 1889. land-boom of the 1880s, they collapsed just as suddenly. The church was styled after the Gothic Revival approach Despite owning many by architect Charles Figgis, mansions during his lifetime, who also created the Mentone Davies ended his days in this Hotel. Comprising a steeply PHOTO classic Victorian bungalow in pitched roof, pointed arches PHOTO 1912. Modest but elegant, it is and stained glass windows; Davies Memorial Uniting typical of the Italianate style; Mabernoul, 1940's the redbrick structure is Church, 1970's featuring a hipped roof with Image courtesy of the augmented by an elegant Image courtesy of the bracketed eaves and attractive Mordialloc & District Historical steeple with parapets and Mordialloc & District Historical bay windows. Society separate bell tower. Society Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 20

MAP REF: MAP REF: Frogmore House 18 Mentone RSL 19 MENTONE BOYS GRAMMAR SCHOOL – Built c1910 RIVIERA GUEST HOUSE – Built 1884-6

Inspired by English medieval This striking Italianate building homesteads, Frogmore House 63 Venice Street, is one of five tower houses 9 Palermo Street, incorporates elements of the Mentone built in Mentone during the Mentone Tudor revival and the Arts and land-boom of the 1880s. Crafts styles of architecture. Strictly no public access Elaborately decorated with Palermo Road Gates are The two story residence to school grounds ornamental balustrades and open 10am daily until late comprises roughcast walls set urns, the large octagonal with decorative Tudor-style tower commands an Memorial Park Gates timberwork. A steeply pitched impressive view of the bay. close 4pm roof clad in Marseilles tiles, features dominant projecting For many years, the house was gables, while striking timber the residence of the Dawson arches frame a broad corner family, but after World War I veranda and deeply recessed it was purchased by John entrance. Floor length stained Anderson who generously glass windows and leadlight hosted dances to support glass doors add delicate returned servicemen. In 1946, elegance to the otherwise the property was operated as heavy edifice. the Riviera Guest House before being bought by the Mentone The house was initially built on Returned Services League (RSL) six acres of land sometime in 1952. PHOTO before 1891 as the residence PHOTO for Reverend Robert Fergus. A stunning view of the RSL Mentone RSL, 1950's A charming manse, Frogmore Frogmore House, 1060's and adjacent war memorial is Image courtesy of the House was later sold to Image courtesy of the available from Mentone Mordialloc & District Historical Mentone Boys Grammar Mordialloc & District Historical Parade. Society in 1923. Society Historical Trail Bro ART:MHWT 11/8/08 12:51 PM Page 22

1. Mentone Railway Station BALCOMBE RD - COMO PDE GRANARY LANE START MENTONE RAILWAY 2. Mentone’s triangle 1 STATION T formerly Small & Edwards Real Estate - ST

RS 48 COMO PDE WEST E

STATION ST 3. Kilbreda College 11 ROG FLORENCE ST CHILDERS ST formerly Mentone Coffee House - 10 118 MENTONE PDE 2 4 4. Mentone Primary School 12 9 3 5 - 6 CHILDERS ST 13 5. ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL - ERY LANE 16 CHILDERS STREET K MITCHELL ST

MENTONE PDE 6. VILLA D’ESTE - 58 WARRIGAL RD OLD BA COMO PDE WEST BRINDISI ST 7. OLDEST TWO-STOREY COMO PDE RESIDENCE - 41 COMO PDE EAST T EAST RD 8. ST AUGUSTINE’S CHURCH MENTONE

RESERVE ST RIGAL

R MAP REF: - 90 COMO PARADE WEST STAWELL ST REMO ST Mentone Hotel WA 9. COMBER’S BUILDING ROGERS 20 15 COMMERCIAL RD - cnr MENTONE PDE & FLORENCE ST Opened 1889 14 16 10. ABBOT’S BUILDING - 133 MENTONE PARADE The Mentone Hotel is an 11. Old bakery building CREMONA ST BARRY ST enduring icon on Mentone’s Corner of Beach Road and VENICE ST 8 formerly Hahn’s Bakery - GRANARY LANE foreshore. Drawing crowds from Mentone Parade, COMO P the nearby beaches, its location 12. Hodges Real Estate formerly Mentone DE State Savings Banks - 44 FLORENCE ST AVE opposite the former hot sea WEST 13. Laura & Charles baths ensured that it was always KILARA RD Ferguson Museum formerly HARKIN 7 a popular destination. Operating Olivers Bakery - OLD BAKERY LANE 17 6 since 1888, the hotel was the 14. C.H. SOPPETT PAVILION first licensed venue in the area - MENTONE RESERVE, REMO ST and provided significant 15. WAR MEMORIAL GATES &

competition to the Coffee Palace. FOUNTAIN - KEITH STYLES RESERVE, ELBANA AVE MENTONE PDE 18

N A majestic building, it features 16. Mabernoul Matthew Davies final APLES RD residence - 86 MENTONE PDE spacious lounges and impressive LUCERNE ST stairways. A grand entrance 17. DAVIES MEMORIAL CHURCH

tower at the apex of the site is - 74 VENICE ST PDE MENTONE

RD 18. FROGMORE HOUSE flanked symmetrically by smaller - MENTONE 19 AL BOYS GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 63 VENICE ST turrets and curved balconies, NAPLES RD 19. Mentone RSL WARRIG showing a talented response to formerly Rivera BEACH Guest House - 9 PALMERO ST the wedge-shaped land. RD

20. MENTONE HOTEL T Architect, C. D. Figgis is - cnr BEACH RD & MENTONE PDE PHOTO PALERMO S responsible for the design. Postcard of the Mentone Typical of the land-boom Start: Mentone Railway Station, Como Parade T Toilets period, Figgis combines an Hotel, c1900 Finish: Mentone Hotel, Beach Road MENTONEMENTONE Distance: Approx 4km Level Railway Crossing Image courtesy of the MENTONE unconventional array of Time: 1 hr HISTORICALHISTORICAL HOTEL Railway Line architectural styles and Mordialloc & District Historical Difficulty: Easy – Moderate 20 Parkland classical elements. Society END viewing point for historical site STRICTLY NO ACCESS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY WALKINGWALKING TRAILTRAIL OR SCHOOL PREMISES