Historical information

Laying of foundation stone of Kew Civic Hall, Cotham Road, Kew. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street, as the site for the civic precinct. The hall, designed by Harold Bartlett, was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. Speaker at microphone believed to be Cr Frank O'Brien.

Physical description

Colourised photograph, showing the Mayor, Cr Frank O'Brien (1958-59), in a dark suit speaking at microphone, holding paper, in front of scaffolding and brick foundation stone partly covered with hessian. Workman in apron at left, wooden trestle table, pile of sand at right. Australian flag on scaffolding. Crowd of about 30 adults watching, women in hats and coats in foreground. Large brick mansion, 'Wilton' with turret in background, cars on road behind.