A look back at our suburb

President of the Australian Art Deco Society, Robin Grow, last month provided locals with an insightful look back in time at how our suburb once appeared in the early 20th century.

As part of the Boyd Community Hub library’s Night School series, Mr Grow gave a presentation on Southbank’s industrial and historical past titled Southbank Between the Wars.

Many still remember Southbank as “the armpit of Melbourne” during the days when the Yarra River was a dumping ground and the area was home to a variety of industry and manufacturing.

However, beyond that, Robin took guests on a detailed journey through the suburb, which showed there was much more to the “armpit” that was Southbank.

Some of the many interesting former sites that were discussed included an artificial limb factory (cnr of Sturt and Miles streets), a German department store (City Rd), a dressmaking school (Sturt St) and an ice skating rink (City Rd).

Boyd’s next Night School, Yesterday Once More – The Changing Face of Melbourne, will be held on Wednesday, February 15 from 6pm until 7pm.

Photographer David Collopy will explain how the city’s streetscapes have changed over the years through his exhibition of imagery taken recapturing some of the scenes.

To book your place visit: eventbrite.com.au or contact the library on 9658 8300.