woodblock

[Thanks State Records NSW] Between 1887 (James Barnet rebuild) and 1896 (Walter Liberty Vernon additions), see www.sydneyarchitecture.com/ROC/QUA05.htm . See also comments here - and

Note the streets paved with woodblocks. And no trams tracks. Should help us narrow the date further.

Trams were 1899; woodblocking first done in 1887 at Circular Quay - (SMH 16/8/1887, para 8) - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/28350536 . So no closer, except the woodblocks do look shiny and new (they mistakenly used the wrong unseasoned wood and the blocks rotted - letter from John Young in SMH 3/7/1894 - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13958155 ) And the 'ghosts' imply a long exposure and earlier photographic techniques. I reckon this is a record of the newly completed Customs House and newly woodblocked Circular Quay in 1887. Or not?

beachcomber australia We can practically hear your brain ticking this one over! 1887-1896 is a great start and more than we had. AB

Whirr - buzz - tick - tock - bleep . . . . ! The 1887 date on the building is easier to see on this Henry King photo or the persistent URL at full zoom - from.ph/31441

c. 1890 - see comments at the related photos - The buildings were resumed and demolished for the creation of Martin Place, previously Moore Street.

Wow I didn't know that, thanks BC. Martin Place figuratively speaking no doubt, as it remained a street for quite a while more?

Highranger This is more complicated than I imagined. The road between George and Pitt Streets was known as "St Martin's Lane"; and "Moore Street" between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets (see 1880 map) "St Martin's Lane" became "Martin Place" and "Moore Street" stayed (see 1895 map). I am not yet sure when the whole street became known as Martin Place, maybe not until the 1920s when it was knocked right through to Macquarie Street. How very confusing! Interesting detailed article about the 'new' street, including the compensation payments to Palings etc - SMH 11/05/1892 p.8 - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13843677 .

Museums of History NSW - State Archives Collection Ahem! It is 356 George Street, and on Photo Investigator. All very confusing ...

The persistent URL shows very clearly what I think is wooden street paving. in Clarence Street.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edouard_Branly