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One of the first free libraries in the world is still a treasured meeting place for Melburnians who seek to study, explode the vast collection, or bask in the grand splendour of the Reading Room.
Established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, it also housed the museum and gallery for many years.
In this unofficial history, Drive listeners share their memories of the State Library of Victoria, from finding an obscure book to finding a husband.
And Raf gets a behind the scenes tour of the Reading Room, the rare books section, and the old pendulum staircase.
Drive with Raf Epstein wants to uncover in to the real history of iconic Melbourne spots by hearing your stories. If you have a great suggestion of a location for us to delve in to, email us.
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Melburnian s know it as Jeff s Shed; the mammoth multi-purpose building on the Yarra s south bank is formally titled the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre a blank canvas for big events, drive-in movies, and Windows 95.
There for the opening in 1996 was long-time employee Suzanne Gray, who told us people were lined up all the way to Flinders Street.
Drive listeners tell us what was there before Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett built his shed, and what they have seen since…
The big question came up pretty quick - what do you call the Centre? Allison writes: It will always be known as Jeff s shed!
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A mecca for vintage fashion enthusiasts, bargain hunters and international tourists – the long-running Sunday flea market in Melbourne s east is remembered by Drive listeners.
Wedding dresses, the famous saxophonist, Elvis and many found treasures make up this crowd-sourced history…
Rae in Thornbury bought her future wedding dress at the Camberwell market when I was a teenager ! Wow!
Suzanne had a case of an item finding it s way back to her: We sold a ghastly (in my mind) painting on a stall which was in my husband s room as a boy. Years later we saw it for sale on another stall there. My husband bought it back. Now it hangs in the box room with old doonas, photos, wine!
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Originally gifted to Melbourne by Swiss watchmakers in 1966, the grand floral clock on busy St Kilda Road opposite the NGV is redesigned twice a year in spring and autumn.
Drive listeners remember their relatives building the clock, meeting new friends there, and waking up next to it…
Mim in Healesville: My husband Fredy is from Switzerland and there were many watchmakers in his family. The floral clock was donated to Melbourne by Swiss watchmakers. We have 5 grandchildren and the oldest is now 23. All their lives, every time we walk past or drive past this clock they say thanks Papu, for the Swiss clock. It s now a tradition, as if he was personally responsible.