Misadventure In Little Lon offers insights into the complex class, gender and power structures that shaped peoples lives and formed the bones of Melbourne's society today. Click on the images below for themes and further discussion points for each scene. Click here for printable table format and map of all locations.

1. Paper Boy - State Library Vic

State Library Victoria established 1854 - oldest public library in Australia. Newsboys Foundation est 1897.
Discussion - Many paper boys worked for Bourke Street Rats (led by Squizzy Taylor). Why?

2. Constable Barclay - Exploration Hotel

Scene of the crime. 1910 first motor vehicle ambulance in Melbourne. Vast quantities of bottles found in archaeological dig.
Discussion - Why did the police use a door to carry the man to hospital? What are your first impressions of the crime?
Newspaper Article

3. Maud Gunter - Russell St Police

Old Melbourne Gaol established 1842. Maud Gunter was a powerful woman in Little Lon (called Squizzy Taylor a “little worm”). Could do flying kicks and used a hat pin as a weapon. Strong ties to the Chinese community.
Recommendation - Take a City Watch House tour where John Evans was locked up.

4. Cecilia Hamilton - Kindergarten

1910 free kindergarten opened for Little Lon families. New job opportunities for women. Aimed to reduce high infant mortality rates in Little Lon. Many toys uncovered in archaeological dig.
Discussion - what was the impact of the first kindergarten in Little Lon?

5. John Evans - Brogans Lane

John Evans member of Bourke Street Rats. The disreputable Brittania 'wine bar’ and (narrow) alley way was the scene of many crimes.
Discussion: Study the chilling poem 'Brogans Lane' written by Louis Esson in 1910.
Read Poem

6. Ernest Gunter - Melbourne Hostpital

The Queen Victoria Women's Centre testifies to the contribution of women to Victoria's social, economic and cultural heritage. The whole block used to be the Melbourne hospital.
Discussion: Early medical theories & procedures from 1910. Changing use of buildings over time.

7. Reverend Edgar - Wesleyan Church

Reverend Edgar was a persuasive evangelist and dedicated social reformer. Early childhood story of Ernest Gunter and Sunday picnic races for children from Little Lon.
Discussion: The role of the church and social welfare in slum district.
Newspaper Article

8. McAuliffe/Barry - Black Eagle Ln

Illegal Two-Up Schools in Old Black Eagle Lane. Gambling culture & police raids. Now only legal on Anzac Day.
Discussion: What is the history of Two-Up? What makes it a part of Australia culture?
Newspaper Article

9. Constable Barclay - 34 Lonsdale Street

Court system from 1910 – Coroner found ‘death by misadventure’ so there would be no criminal trial. Alias names & multiple identities in Little Lon.
Discussion: Study the newspaper article about the raid on the Two-Up School
Newspaper Article (1)

10. Cecilia Hamilton - 17 Casselden Place

Last single story workers cottage in Melbourne. Using legitmate businesses as a front for illegal operations, e.g. Lolly shops as a fronts for brothels.
Discussion: Whose side of the story did you believe and why?
Newspaper Article (2)

11. Maud Gunter/Brown - Oddfellows

Oddfellows Hotel - Original building from 1853. Remnant of early social life in the slum quarter. Vast quantities of oyster shells found in archaeological dig.
Discussion: Why was Maud so bent on revenge? What would you do in Maud’s situation?

12. Epilogue - Old Exhibition Building

World heritage listed building. Challenges of life in Little Lon in 1910.
Recommendation: Visit the Melbourne Museum to learn more about the artefacts hidden in the game on display in the Little Lon exhibit.
Newspaper Article

Image Credits: State Library Victoria, Public Records Office Victoria and Melbourne Museum.