Author(s): Middle Park and Albert Park History Group

Australian Studies | May 2024 New Releases | Winter Reading Guide 2024

Who would have thought that Vegemite originated in Albert Park? Or that 30 private
ladies colleges would be established in this small suburb? Or that we would be
home to three moving picture theatres one of which included not just a Hammond
electric organ, but also the Hawaiian drinking room, copied from the
Mexican Hotel in Hollywood?

In this second volume from the good people at Middle Park & Albert Park History Group, you can embark
on a walking tour, book in hand to learn more of the many significant landmarks
of Albert Park. The Biltmore, for example was established in 1888 to offset men
partaking of the demon drink but it soon emerged that "the idea of men
relaxing and having non-alcoholic drinks after work in a coffee palace ...
never really captured local imaginations" ... well we could have told them
that.

The centre of Albert Park is the shopping centre in Bridport Street and Dundas Place. This dates from 1870. Readers are invited to take a self-guided walk past the buildings to discover their history and heritage. Albert Park is however a largely residential suburb between the 96 tram-line and the foreshore, incorporating St Vincent Gardens. This books explores the history of the churches, hotels, theatres, and private schools that competed with each other for the hearts and souls of its residents.