Historical information

This postcard depicts the urban setting of the Mission to Seafarers a few years after its construction. (the Dome, the last part erected, was opened on 21 October 1921). It demonstrates a lack of urban surrounds or buildings as well as a paved road and a horse-drawn wagon. The figure in the photo is also a record of the dress style of the era.
The lady is most likely a member of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild.

Significance

This postcard demonstrates that the building was deemed important enough to be photographed for a postcard. It is a record of what the Mission to Seafarers looked like two years after its construction, and its urban surrounding.

Physical description

Sepia postcard of the Mission to Seafarers building complex and surrounding streets. The postcard depicts a wagon and a woman walking by the complex wearing a black dress and coat and black hat and holding an umbrella.

Inscriptions & markings

Front: THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN INSTITUTE, MELBOURNE VICTORIA REAL PHOTO SERIES.M.1696
Reverse: PUBLISHED BY THE VALENTINE & SONS PUBLISHING
CO.LTD / MELBOURNE SYDNEY & BRISBANE.
Contains logo of VALENTINES REAL PHOTO SERIES POSTCARD.
Stamp logo lists: BRANCHES / SYDNEY / LONDON / DUNDEE / DUBLIN / CAPETOWN / MONTREAL / TORONTO
Handwritten in blue: 1919