Uncovering the past: Old North Melbourne, by Dr Fiona Gatt

The Hotham History Project was delighted to host the launch of Fiona’s book Old North Melbourne on Thursday, August 28.

The book covers North Melbourne’s very early years, from 1852 to 1905. Fiona’s aim was to make connections between the people and the place.

Fiona has a connection with North Melbourne stretching back three generations. Her three-times great-grandfather, George Simpson, was a tailor who had moved to the area in 1862. He moved several times within the locality before settling elsewhere. In the meantime, he had nine children, at least two of whom were born in the vicinity.

Fiona was intrigued that her two great aunts vigorously denied having been born in North Melbourne. Why? It had some grand buildings and a vibrant community, yet it was not an “in” place’ to have been born.

It was regarded, post-gold rush, as the “wild west”, with an uninviting landscape and little in the way of planning regulations. Dogs, goats and children thronged the streets, making for an inescapable soundscape.

North Melbourne was anxious to dissociate itself with the City of Melbourne, and indeed travel between the two areas was made difficult by the unmade and often flooded roads.

The book touches on several important identities, including Brettana Smyth, John Buncle and and Albert Mattingley. It also relates some of the Indigenous history that saw its people and culture obliterated by the invasion of Europeans.

The book is based on Fiona’s PhD thesis, and is therefore a scholarly work, with tables and an extensive list of references and other resources.

The book launch was preceded by a short introductory talk by Sean Reynolds who is becoming well known around Melbourne for his fascination with, and research into, "ghost signs" – old advertisements on the sides of buildings for a shop’s wares or services where the shop has gone out of business, but the advertising remains.

One good example that Sean talked about is the Maison Marnay Remy advertisement in Canning St. Sean has also published a fascinating book – Melbourne Ghost Signs.

Fiona’s book was launched at the City of Melbourne Bowls Club in Flagstaff Gardens. This is to be the venue for the Hotham History Project’s next Annual General Meeting, to be held on November 9, which will also coincide with celebrations to commemorate the Hotham History Project’s 30th anniversary.

As the aims and objectives of the Project have changed over the years a new constitution is to be adopted and there is a proposal to change its name. The change is proposed to reflect our coverage of both North and West Melbourne.

Anyone interested in knowing more about the Project and its proposed changes is invited to visit the website hothamhistory.org.au or make contact through email: [email protected] •