Citation No:
City of Port Phillip Heritage Review Identifier
War Memorial Scout Hall
Formerly
unknown
132
Av sy s e nn He
Ave
on nys Ten
ca Avo
St Heritage Precinct Overlay HO7 Heritage Overlay(s)
Address
26 Avoca Ave ST. KILDA
Constructed c1910-1942
Category Public Designer unknown
Amendment C 29 Comment Significance (Mapped as a Significant heritage property.) The significance of this building lies in its association with the St Kilda Jewish community. In the building, various aspects of the assimilation of Jewish culture into Melbourne are reflected. Significant elements of the conversion of this former residence include the Functionalist entrance porch, which was added when it became a Talmud Torah, and the signage above the door (overlaying the Star of David) and the war memorial constructed in the front yard, which is related to its use as a Scout Hall. The Scout Hall is associated with the endeavours of Rabbi Danglow to encourage the assimilation of Jews into British culture. It is a reminder of St Kilda's role as an important staging post for Jewish immigration.
Primary Source Robert Peck von Hartel Trethowan, St Kilda 20th century Architectural Study Vol. 3, 1992
Other Studies Description Style : Arts and Crafts, Functionalist Scout hall, former school, former residence The property at 26 Avoca Avenue was purchased in late 1942 for the purposes of establishing a Talmud Torah (Jewish Sunday School). The school was intended to supplement the education of Jewish students attending State and private schools and taught Hebrew and Jewish law. The construction of the building can be seen as a response to the influx into Australia of Jewish refugees from Europe. Its construction coincided with the beginning of a trend in the Jewish community towards stronger identification of the Jewish people as an ethnic or racial grouping, an idea which reached maturity after the Second World War. (1)