The secrets of Black Rock house
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Reference desk, Victorian history:
Learn about the mysteries that have surrounded Black Rock house since its construction over 160 years ago
Articles by: Kylie Best
Melbourne celebrates Victory in the Pacific Day
Social life & customs, Such was life, War:
Melbourne has likely never seen such an outbreak of spontaneous rejoicing and mass celebration, as it did on Victory in the Pacific Day, August 15 1945.
The grandstand in Beech Forest
Ask a librarian, Our stories, Reference desk, Victorian history:
A grandstand made out of a tree stump? A racecourse in a forest? Join us as we ponder our question of the week.
The marvellous and macabre Waxworks, part two: sideshow magic and human curiosities
Social life & customs, Such was life:
Part two of the story of the Melbourne Waxworks, featuring a water nymph, the Chinese giant and the ‘half lady’ illusion.
The marvellous and macabre Waxworks, part one: ‘…the more murderers, the more it thrives.’
Social life & customs, Such was life:
Before true crime podcasts and books on serial killers, where did Melburnians go for their taste of the macabre? To the waxworks of course.
‘I’m the boy that brings the news, so a Christmas box I won’t refuse.’
People & professions, Social life & customs, Such was life:
Don’t forget the postie, milkman and garbo!
Fighting Jack: Melbourne’s first boxing kangaroo
Social life & customs, Such was life:
What are the origins of our national sporting symbol, the boxing kangaroo?
The Myer Christmas windows
Social life & customs, Such was life:
The Myer Christmas windows hold a special place in the heart of most Melburnians. The brainchild of Fred Asmussen (1913-1974), who began his career at the Myer emporium in 1928 as a ‘wheeler’ boy, moving products from one place to another in wicker cart, the much-loved tradition is now in its 67th year.
