Take a look back at these vintage photos of Freo’s maritime history
It was just last month that we were looking back at Freo’s sun-drenched ’80s and ’90s heyday… But really, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the Port City’s vibrant history.
Yet again, we’ve delved into the wonderful, fantastic, very excellent State Library of Western Australia Facebook page and emerged with a stunning collection of photos of Freo’s maritime history for all you salty sea dogs out there!
Lets start not quite at the beginning, but way back in 1870(ish) with this photo of Bathers Beach and its original jetty – before even the Old Kerosene Store (now the Kidogo Arthouse) was built in 1884.
As a working port, Freo’s been home to all manner of vessels – from humble dinghies to sleek sailboats, warships and grand ocean liners to heaving cargo ships, loaded with grain or, as seen below, behemoth loads of sandalwood.
Other loads were more humble – but also much more delicious. Freo is known for its seafood, after all!
(For the record, we wouldn’t mind a cheeky 40lb of tuna crudo, mercury poisoning be damned…)
As our previous dive into the America’s Cup-infused heyday of Freo would attest, it ain’t all fishing and cargo, though! Sailing races have been taking place off Fremantle for generations – including this 1902 race which also featured tugboat Gannet.
We’re also rather enchanted by the glamorous appeal of ocean liners – just imagine cruising from Sicily to Fremantle in the ’60s, arriving at that parquet-floored terminal.
Of course, Fremantle’s maritime history is inextricably intertwined with the local Italian community – perhaps most vibrantly seen on display at the annual Blessing of the Fleet procession which takes place every October, beginning in 1948 and echoing the traditions of Adriatic fishing communities Molfetta and Capo d’Orlando.
Some photos are available to purchase via the State Library of WA. All photos, unless stated, via the State Library of WA.