Seeking map of Commercial Lane, Melbourne

[abcsydney]

I'm seeking a map of Commercial Lane, off Little Bourke Street, Melbourne Victoria c1850-1900.

Thanks

[Siouxsie]

Hi,

I would try the Victorian State Library's help centre as my first port of call.....http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/services/information/index.html

Their La Trobe Reading room has a collection of old maps.
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/about/visiting/spaces/latrobe.html

Cheers
Siouxsie

[mrwilson]

Here's an option for online maps..  Melbourne University Library Digital Repository

http://dtl.unimelb.edu.au/R/P5XAIPF9S88FJBQVQUV5CVX2VEKSIGVKFK4NGAKXY5PCGF6HNM-00638?func=collections-result&collection_id=2483&pds_handle=GUEST

I think all of the city's lanes avoided redevelopment until mid-late 20th century, so any map up to the 1950's may show it. Some lanes have been renamed over the years. eg Corporation Lane renamed ACDC Lane after the rock band in 2004 .

[abcsydney]

Thank you Siouxsie & Mr Wilson for your replies.

[mrwilson]

Sewerage, an overlooked resource. MMBW Sewerage maps 1895. Street numbers and more! 

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au  >> search 'mmbw' >> Browse the MMBW Plans online (over on far right after you click a mmbw subject)>> grid 10E and follow the dicky instructions (it's the government for you!).

[mrwilson]

..................... 2010..  entrance to 'Croft Alley'

[abcsydney]

Thank you very much for your research Mr Wilson.

regards,
Abcsydney

[mrwilson]

You're welcome. 

[mrwilson]

The book Essential but unplanned: The story of Melbourne's lanes by Bate, Weston, 1994,  will give some insight to past life in Melbournes laneways. Whilst not listing Commercial Lane, there are references to it in Brien Lane, Croft Alley and Paynes Place...

"Paynes Place runs off Little Bourke Street between Russell and Exhibition streets. The other end of the place connects to Croft Alley. The place was formerly known as Commercial Lane and Kytes Lane.

In July 1873, the Argus reported that Henrietta Nott and Esther Moss were found 'fighting like tigers' in the then Commercial Lane, which was strewn with the ladies' hair, 'while they were urged on and applauded by a crowd of larrikins'.

In September 1910, the property owners of Kytes Lane petitioned the Melbourne City Council to change the name to Paynes Place. The main reason for their request was to shed the image of brothels and gambling dens that had come to be associated with Kytes Lane. The owners noted that the dens has now been removed and replaced with substantial brick warehouses. Their efforts may have been premature, with the Argus reporting a raid on an opium den in the lane in December 1911.

Paynes Place was given its new name after John Payne of Payne's Bon Marche, located in Bourke Street. In 1920, Paynes Stables were located in Paynes Place. In 1930, there were two fruit merchants in the place.
"
http://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM00826b.htm

There's a 1909 etching by Victor Cobb of Kytes Lane. Not available online. http://www.printsandprintmaking.gov.au/catalogues/work/24871/victor-cobb-kytes-lane-bourke-street.aspx?impression=85462

And a 1908 photo, also not available online, but you may be able to order a copy (see btm of page). http://www.chia.chinesemuseum.com.au/bib/PCH001061.htm