History
WHEN FRANKSTON HAD A SEA BATHS (1883-1898) By Val Latimer – Mornington Peninsula Family History Society
I
n the early days of settlement in Melbourne, public baths were a popular means of keeping clean. In the 1840's there were several public baths along the Yarra River. Bathing in the sea was an alternative to bathing in a river. The problem with sea bathing was that bathing in public view from sunrise to sunset was forbidden. Early ventures On 3 November, 1843 The Melbourne Times reported: FLOATING BATHS The Council having heard that His Honor had granted permission to Mr. Palmer to erect floating baths above the falls, His Worship the Mayor had been requested to enter into correspondence with His Honor upon the subject, and to point out to him the extreme impolicy of such a step, the Town of Melbourne being supplied with water from the particular spot upon which the erection of floating baths was contemplated. His Honor in reply stated, that he had not granted any particular spot for the purpose, but had merely suggested that immediately below the basin would be the most eligible situation.
This item was followed up eleven days later, again in Melbourne Times:
The
FLOATING BATH A Floating Bath is in the course of erection, we believe, by Dr. Palmer; whilst we admit the utility of baths for the preservation of the health of the inhabitants, we would draw the attention of the projector to the selection of a judicious spot; to allow the floating bath to remain in its present spot would be a great eye-sore. An item in The Port Phillip Gazette on 13 January, 1844 reported that Mr. Riddle of Collins Street had great pleasure in announcing that a new Bathing Establishment had been erected on the south side of the Yarra, nearly opposite the Customs House, and consisted of an oblong apartment divided into two by a substantial partition. One bath was for the respectable portion of the community who brought their own towels, &c.; the other was for those who chose not to be at that trouble. Mr. Riddle also went to considerable trouble to construct a boat punt above the falls, where he would give passage gratis to those who frequented his baths. continued next page...
October 2019
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