Local History Publications

The history of the City of Stonnington, comprising the former Cities of Malvern and Prahran (lying east or west of Kooyong Road respectively), is well documented by more than two dozen publications currently in print.  These range from substantial commissioned histories by J.B. Cooper (Prahran, 1924 and Malvern, 1935) to smaller thematic studies published by the two historical societies. 

Both of Cooper's histories have now been electronically re-published on this website.  In addition, both Councils have commissioned supplementary municipal histories:  Sally Wilde's 'History of Prahran' (1993) and Lynne Strahan's 'Private and public  memory' (1989), and these too have been e-published, along with their supplements.  With the exception of Cooper's 'History of Malvern', they are all available in print for loan or purchase.

In the 1980s, Prahran Historical Society published the 'Prahran Historical Series', comprising a dozen very useful booklets on themes such as schools, churches, pubs and Chapel Street.  Later, the 'Discovering Prahran' series by Betty Malone traced the development of each part of Prahran in sixteen essays published in a set of eight booklets.

In Malvern, a recent series of four booklets by Di Foster and Steve Stefanopoulos ('Walk into history') explains the historical context of various landmarks as you explore the district on foot.

Not to be overlooked are the many general books on the history of Melbourne which place the development of our municipality into a broader context.  Michael Cannon's work, for example, can be highly recommended.  Try shelf-browsing around Dewey number 994.54.  Books on architecture will be found in the 720s, and church histories in the 280s.