Victorian history

Skyline Preston

It’s summer, let’s go to the drive-in!

January 31, 2023

Ask a librarian, Our stories, Victorian history:

In the mid 1950s, the American craze of drive-in theatres took off in Australia. A night out for the whole family without leaving the car, dressed any old how, chatting, eating, and watching a movie. What’s not to like? By the early 1980s 20 acres of prime land, given over to a drive-in only operating at night, seemed an extravagance. Several drive-ins still survive though, attracting crowds eager for the unique ‘drive-in’ experience.

Cheap holiday fares… advertising posters of the Victorian Railways

Cheap holiday fares… advertising posters of the Victorian Railways

January 27, 2023

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Social life & customs, Victorian history:

Let’s take a look at a selection of advertising posters used by the Victorian Railways in the 1930s and 1940s

‘Listen … quick. It’s Mr Whippy!’

‘Listen … quick. It’s Mr Whippy!’

January 20, 2023

Ask a librarian, Social life & customs, Such was life, Victorian history:

There are few sounds as synonymous with the beginning of summer as the strains of a Mr Whippy van floating on the breeze. But who was Mr Whippy really, and how did he get his start in Australia?

Wilsons Promontory – treasure trove and haven

Wilsons Promontory – treasure trove and haven

January 6, 2023

Ask a librarian, Social life & customs, Victorian history:

Wilson’s Prom is a much loved holiday destination. Surrounding visitors with the natural world, a treasure trove and a haven.

Postcards from the beach

Postcards from the beach

December 30, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

It wouldn’t be a summer holiday without a hastily sent postcard that arrives home a few days after you do. Explore some of Victoria’s favourite beach towns through images from our extensive postcard collection.

Six Ft Hick live at The Tote, 2016. Photograph by Zo Damage. This work is in copyright. H2022.177/1-560.

40+ years of the Tote

December 23, 2022

Ask a librarian, Music, Our stories, Popular music, rock, Victorian history:

Music, protests and sticky carpet; as the Tote Hotel celebrates 40 years of live music, we look back on the long history of this iconic Melbourne pub.

Christmas and holiday traditions we love

Christmas and holiday traditions we love

December 19, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

Take a festive jaunt through our image archive as we explore some of our most beloved Christmas and holiday traditions.

Luna Park: 110 years of fun

Luna Park: 110 years of fun

December 13, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

You can’t visit Melbourne and not at least have a selfie with the iconic entrance of Luna Park, a favourite spot for fun-seekers of any age.

Exterior view of milkbars in North Carlton, Victoria, 1983/1984. Photo by Christopher van der Craats. This work is in copyright; H2019.250/28

Your local milk bar

December 2, 2022

Ask a librarian, Collection spotlights, Victorian history:

Take a walk down memory lane as we explore a newly digitised collection of photographs of milkbars from the 70s and 80s taken by Melbourne photographer, Christopher van der Craats.

Lucy Lucy. Photograph by Shannyn Higgins, 2020. H2021.6/1-14

Melbourne’s murals: capturing a history of our street art scene

November 28, 2022

Ask a librarian, Victorian history:

Melbourne is famous for its cafes, laneways and of course, its street art. CBD sites like Hosier Lane and Duckboard Place boast bright murals that people from all around the world now travel to see and to take that quintessential selfie in a painted laneway. We truly own our title as the street art capital of Australia!