Historical information

In the minutes of the 21st meeting of the Victoria Mission to Seamen, held at the Harbour Trust Board Room on Thursday, 8th October 1925 , the Treasurer, Mr Perry reported that he had obtained a fresh lease of land of the Central Institute with an extra piece of land to be used for the future tennis court. The lease started on the 1st of January 1926 and was for 21 years.
The tennis court was funded by the Hawtorn branch of Ladies Harbour Lights Guild.

Significance

The tennis court was a feature of other missions overseas and it seems seamen were asking for one in Melbourne. It was in use until the mid fifties.

Physical description

Small silvertone photograph depicting four men working with horses are preparing the ground of the future tennis court. Behind is the Mission to Seafarers (chapel side) and the docks on the Australian Wharf. The photograph is glued to the photographic album with the caution below

Inscriptions & markings

Below in white ink: Making the tennis court