Palm Trees in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Lonsdale Street in Dandenong was once lined with Palm Trees; they were removed in 1954 and replaced with other trees. This wasn't the first time Lonsdale Street (also called Main Street or the Princes Highway) was redesigned, as the Dandenong Journal reported in July 1954 on the removal of the pines 32 years ago, by Walker and Sons, before making the street from kerb to kerb for the first time. It was then that the concrete islands and palms which have just been pulled out, were put in....The Walkers used a big traction engine to root out the pines, and Dooley [Walker] recalls that when it got bogged down in front of the Bridge Hotel, it was pulled out by 7 elephants from Wirth’s Circus! ....In those days Walker & Sons had 45 horses and drays engaged on roadwork throughout the Shire of Dandenong. (1)

So we can take from this that some of the Palm Trees were planted in 1922 or 1923, even though if the aerial photograph, below, dated as 1932 is actually correctly dated, then many Palm Trees were planted a decade later, as there is a row of very small trees on the left side of  Lonsdale Street.

Recently planted Palms in Lonsdale Street, 1932.

Dandenong looking South, February 19, 1932

Photographer: Charles Danie Pratt/Airspy. 

State Library of Victoria image H91.160/1749 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/20449

The palms grew so well that by October 1928 the Dandenong Journal could report that -
Numerous complaints have been made that the lower branches of the palm trees in the plots in the centre of Lonsdale street, Dandenong, often prevent pedestrians and drivers of motor cars and other vehicles from having a proper view of approaching traffic. It is stated that there have been several narrow escapes from accident, and the suggestion has been made that the Council should have the lower branches cut and the palms trimmed so that the danger of collision and people being knocked down might be greatly reduced. (2)

A row of young Palm Trees, fenced off, in Lonsdale Street.

Dandenong, dated between 1922 and 1928. Photographer: Albert Arnell. 

State Library of Victoria H2013.48/87. http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/252981

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, c. 1920s.

Photographer: Valentine Publishing. Postcard from my collection.

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, 1920s.

Photographer: Valentine Publishing. Postcard from my collection.

In 1931, the same paper praised the Palms, when they reported on some vandalism or wanton destruction towards them -

Happily there are many in Dandenong who are noticing with pleasure the growth of the ornamental trees which have been planted throughout the town. Some magnificent palms occupy an exalted place. They are a slow growing tree, beautiful almost from infancy. The fear is some of them are being ruthlessly handled. A sharp instrument, or a pocket knife, it is feared, has been used on them, and the leaves hacked from plant to tip. The belief is that it is the work of a thoughtless boy, and it be well if each child possessed of a knife, were warned of the wrong which has been occasioned. Certainly it is an indictable offence, and one for which the punishment should be severe. The desire of all should be that they might see those adornments growing in all beauty. (3)

There was more praise in 1934 from the Dandenong Journal -

Suggestion is made that councillors would be wise if they at once saw to it that attention is given to the further beautification of Dandenong, especially so on that part lying along the northern-area of the town, and embracing the Melbourne road. Here there has, with commendable foresight, been provided a system of palm and of tree plantation which is surely growing into loveliness. The Dandenong road is an immense area of virtually three chains in width. It is divided into a spacious centreway of modern road, fringed on either side by an avenue of palms which are. reaching sky wards, and growing luxuriantly they will soon become so beautiful that all will admire them. (4)

Palms in the centre of Lonsdale Street, 1938

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong,  February 21, 1938. Photographer: Herald & Weekly Times. 

State Library of Victoria image H19741 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/296662

However in 1947 was a debate as to whether the palm trees should be removed as their shadows spoil the lighting and cause deep shadows (5) and poor lighting was seen to be a reason why there had been a spate of crimes in Dandenong. But the Palms still had their defenders - this was in a letter to the Editor of the Dandenong Journal -

Reading between the lines one can see that there is a growing threat to the life of the palms, which so gracefully ornament Dandenong’s main street, and impart a little bit of individuality to it. The palms are being blamed for throwing shadows on the main thoroughfare through our town, and are threatened because of that. Has it ever occurred to the councillors that if the lights were suspended over the middle of the road - where they should be - then there would be no shadows from the palms. (6)

Palm Trees and the Dandenong Town Hall, c. 1930s

Image: The Grand Old Lady of Dandenong, 1890-1990 (Dandenong & District Historical Society, 1990), p. 49

But their time was coming to an end and the question of their removal was played out in the Letters to the Editor section  of the Dandenong Journal. In August 1953 Mr Berner of Stud Road wrote - 

I think that it would greatly improve the appearance of this town if the palm trees that present so untidy an appearance in the main street were removed. This type of tree is really only in its element in Eastern countries and is certainly incongruous at the "Gate of Gippsland."A number of Australian towns have their typical, ornamental trees - a shining example being Grafton with its wonderful Jacarandas - why not Dandenong with its, for instance, Lillipillys or flowering gums? Perhaps the local Horticultural Society could suggest an outstanding and suitable tree. Incidentally, the present palm trees are a harbour for numerous vermin. (7)

In response 'Save the Pines' wrote - 

Unlike your correspondent, S. Berner (“Journal’ August 5th), I would hate to see Dandenong’s main street deprived of its palms. To my mind they are quite a refreshing change from the habitual trees. If they are to be ripped out, I’d suggest they be replaced with other palms. I travel through Dandenong, quite a lot and there are two things to my mind that “register” in the minds of passers-through and set Dandenong apart—your beautiful old Town Hall and the unusual palm plantations in the main street. When it loses either of them, Dandenong will lose a lot of its charm. Spare those palms—and let me assure Mr. Berner that although palms in Gippsland might be unusual, it is no crime to be different. In fact, it’s quite an asset for a town. (8)

In September 1952 'Saw the Pines' wrote -

Coming from an Eastern country, and seeing Dandenong the first time with its array Date Palms reminded me of home and, as this town was termed the “Gateway of Gippsland”, I assumed that beyond the site would be stretches of burning sand, with an oasis here and there, plus an Arab or two with attendant camels. However, I was pleased to find that the nasty (9) palm trees did not presage such a scene, as one might anticipate, but, in contrast, green and lush fields, with contented cows met my gaze throughout Gippsland. Why not replace these aliens with magnolias, which seem to do well here—with all their glory of pink and white blossom—or even flowering cherry trees. All trees are beautiful in themselves, but these palms are definitely out of their element and, moreover, like the calendar of yester year, are negative as to dates. (10)

Lonsdale Street, Dandenong,  c.1940s.

Photographer: Valentine Publishing. Postcard from my collection.

Lonsdale Street, 1945

Image: The Grand Old Lady of Dandenong, 1890-1990 (Dandenong & District Historical Society, 1990), p. 30

Princes Highway, Dandenong showing the palm trees, 1940s maybe early 1950s.

Photographer: Valentine Publishing. Postcard from my collection.

In December 1953 the Dandenong Journal reported, under the headline, Lonsdale St. Palms to Go, that -

In connection with the C.R.B's re-designing of Lonsdale St., Dandenong Council has agreed to the removal of the main street palms, but the Board is to be asked to provide for replanting with suitable trees. So that Dandenong will not have the “bare look” for any longer than, is necessary, Crs. Jeffers and Terry moved that the Board be asked to plant the trees immediately in the median reserve. (11)

Dandenong Journal, May 19, 1954 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218509385

In May 1954 under the headline Slaughter of Main St. Palms on Way, the same paper reported 
Lonsdale St., Dandenong, has taken on a new to are look and certainly not a prepossessing one-with the start on the removal of the palms. It is to be hoped that our civic fathers and the C.R.B. have plans for their replacement with some attractive substitutes. (12)

And that was the end of the the Palm Trees gracing the Main Street of Dandenong. 

Trove List
I have created a list of article which reference the Lonsdale Street Palm Trees, on Trove. Access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Dandenong Journal, July 21, 1954, see here.
(2)  Dandenong Journal, October 25, 1928, see here.

(3) Dandenong Journal, January 29, 1931, see here.
(4) Dandenong Journal, April 19, 1934, see here.
(5) Dandenong Journal, July 2, 1947, see here.
(6) Dandenong Journal, August 20, 1947, see here.
(7) Dandenong Journal, August 12, 1953, see here.
(8) Dandenong Journal, August 26, 1953, see here  
(9) Dandenong Journal, September 9, 1953, see here - part of this word is obscured and I can't tell if the original word was nasty or it may be pasty.
(10) Dandenong Journal, September 9, 1953, see here
(11) Dandenong Journal, December 23, 1953, see here.
(12) Dandenong Journal, May 19, 1954, see here.