Three cheers for the start of OCAV

The weather in July 1869, as now, was rainy and cold but it certainly did not dampen the spirits of old colonists’ Judge Pohlman, George Coppin and J B Were who travelled from Queen Street to North Fitzroy to lay the foundation stones of the first two cottages in what was then known as the Old Colonists’ Almshouses.

Once the foundation stones had been laid, the Reverend Mackie blessed the stones which he declared ‘well and truly laid.’

After the ceremony, three hearty cheers were given for founders George Coppin and Judge Pohlman, and Mr McKean MLA – who had granted the land.

The foundation stones’ ceremony occurred just after the Association’s first anniversary meeting at the Menzies Hotel in Melbourne. There Judge Pohlman briefed members that the fencing around the village was complete and the council had approved plans for two semi-detached cottages, and tenders accepted at a cost of six hundred and seventy-seven pounds.

https://aboundcommunities.org.au/news-events/foundation-stones-laid-first-two-cottages/