Smith Street

While it is actually in the inner north and referred to as being in Collingwood, a map tells me Smith Street is in Fitzroy. We took a wander, had some Subway and then coffee.

Poorly educated locals in the early 20th century probably called it Smiff Street. It has a riches to rags past and now is firmly on its way up. It has many places to eat, from cheap to average, bars and a number of other businesses.

Below says:

You wouldn't dream of holding anything on Friday night because it was Smith Street night. That was the social gathering night of(sic) everyone. You couldn't move outside...the rest is unreadable.

This old post office was right up there with other grand post offices at the time.

You can now buy a taco at Hotel Jesus. Jesus bloody Christ.

An original Coles variety store and while empty, it still has its lovely original curved front windows. Coles supermarket is right next door. Developers seem to have gotten their hands on what they can but I should think most of what is left has a decent level of protection.

The very old Grace Darling Hotel. We dined there with friends in the 1980s.

The side street is Peel Street leads to a long gone gay sex on premises venue, Club 80, its adjoined accommodation The Gatehouse, The gay Peel Hotel, still operating is further down Peel Street and around the corner the is gay sauna Wet on Wellington. Also in Peel Street was another gay bar and we were friends with the owners. The bar was originally called Jocks but changed its name to Gay Trade Bar. I think before that it was quite an expensive restaurant and I've forgotten the name. I recall reportage that the late silver spoon bred Prime Ministerial aspirant Andrew Peacock had an affair with US actor Shirley MacLaine and they dined there often.  Wiki just informs me she also had an affair with Lord Mountbatten obviously before he was blown to pieces by the IRA.

They are quite bolshie greenies in Fitzroy. The Federal Government member for the seat is leader of the Greens Party.  Adam Bandt is a very reasonable and personable man.

A gay bar called Sircuit. When it opened we had already stopped going to bars. I believe it is quite popular.

Another all purpose bar it seems.

Foresters Hall 1868. 

Court Perseverance 2727. 

1868 would have the year it was built. I've no idea what 2727 is, let alone Court Perseverance.

I am not saying and it is impolite to ask me about my wah wah.

The cafe/bar Kent Street was terrifically grungy, if even if a little challenging to sensitive souls. The staff were pleasant and friendly and the coffee ok. You know Dorothy is not in Kansas anymore when all the outdoor street tables have ashtrays.

The flag on the left is the Australian Aboriginal flag and the one on the right is Torres Strait Island flag, with them identifying differently.

The finer print says, Theft happens here unfortunately...we are on Smith Street after all.

Grungy cool.

Brilliant.

Pattersons was a furniture and homewares department store.

Before Afterpay.