Historical Themes

This environmental history is presented as an aid to the identification and management of significant historic sites in Frankston. It traces the principal forces at work in shaping the existing townscape and identifies the major elements in the changing material form of Frankston. These have been identified as:

• The changes about the shoreline;
• The changes in agriculture, industry and housing;
• The forces at work in altering the central core of modern Frankston.

Frankston today is largely a product of the years between 1950 and 1990. Yet within this modern landscape are many sites of real historical and architectural interest.

Their significance becomes more apparent when individual buildings, landforms and areas are set against the themes outlined in this history.

The rural areas to the east had close links with Frankston last century and were subject to many of the same changes that took place this century, particularly relating to agriculture, industry and housing. However, because of some differences in development patterns, some of the historic themes identified as most important in understanding the character of modern Frankston, are less relevant when considering the townships to its east. The manner in which these themes may diverge is related to factors such as the longer period of pastoral and farming activity: the village-like character of some eastern townships until quite recently; and the unique quality of sites like the Langwarrin Army Reserve, which relates to the history of military establishments on the Mornington Peninsula rather than to the various themes associated with suburban Frankston.