Historical information

The photo shows the conversion of Swanston Street cable trams to electric trams at the intersection with Lonsdale Street. The former cable tram curves into Lonsdale Street can be seen with cable track demolition works well underway. A "W "class tram is waiting to return to "Bakers Rd" (North Coburg). A cable tram set in Lonsdale Street is waiting to cross east over Swanston Street bound for either Collingwood or North Carlton. The new track for the cable tram crossing Swanston St is being wood blocked over the "H" track crossing. The new electric track on the north side of Lonsdale Street is being connected up to the existing electric track at the cross over. Welding is also taking place on the new track work. The Britannia Hotel has occupied the north-west corner of the intersection since the 1860's with current premises completed in 1920. Further up Swanston Street at 289-299, is the four story Barnet Glass building completed in 1909. Mr. Barnet Glass sold his successful business to Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company in 1905 and continued to trade at this location until 1939 as the Barnet Glass Rubber Company Limited manufacturing water-proof clothing. See item 9075 for a photo of the cable tram track on 30/12/1975 being installed.

Significance

Yields information about the conversion of the Swanston St cable tram line to electric trams.

Physical description

Black and white photograph with photographer's stamp on the rear.

Inscriptions & markings

Has the stamp of C J Fraser's on the rear with address.