3.2 Commercial Frankston

The Nineteenth Century Traders

In 1865 Bailliere's Guide made no mention of Frankston's commercial importance and Victorian Post Office Directories listed few commercial activities beyond fishing and the several hotels in Frankston.1 The Pier Hotel (see Sec. 1) was an early hub and small shops stood nearby from mid-century. Gradually the main commercial activity moved away from this waterfront location towards the new focus of the railway station.

By the turn of the century this small commercial district was concentrated around the railway station with Young Street emerging as the principal shopping strip. Some specialised outlets remained near the water and the Pier Hotel now had to compete with new residential and liquor retailers in different parts of Frankston. Several traders remained along the course of the Melbourne Road where they sought to tap passing trade.2