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Yesterday was surely a red letter day in Kilbreda’s story. However, rather than say much more than that it was on this day 120 years ago that classes were first held here, I thought I would share something which rarely sees the light of day and which does not feature in Kilbreda’s history A View from the Tower. On the weekend after this, 120 years ago, the sisters held a clearing sale, to offload some of the trimmings of the former Coffee Palace and its other identities, the Royal Palace Hotel (1897) and Como House (1900-3). I’ve often wondered what became of all these pieces and whether someone shows them off as having come from the Mentone Coffee Palace.
The Age newspaper featured the following advertisement on August 6 1904.
“AUCTIONS
THURSDAY, 11th AUGUST.
At 11 o’clock sharp,
On the Premises,
COMO HOUSE
MENTONE.
By order of the Rev Mother Superior, on account of the property having been purchased by the Brigidine Nuns, to be used as a school.
IMPORTANT UNRESERVED SALE OF SURPLUS FURNITURE AND EFFECTS.
Magnificent Full-sized Billiard Table, by Alcock and Co, nearly new; Cues, Billiard Balls, and all the accessories of a complete Billiard Room. Superior Large Kitchen Range. Very fine Walnut Cases, Tables, Walnut Dining Room Suite. The splendid Bar Counter, and Fittings, also the Entrance Doors, fitted with Cathedral Glass, fitted and finished regardless of cost (a rare chance for anyone building an hotel). Solid Cedar Duchess Chests of Drawers, Solid Cedar Dressing Tables, and Solid Cedar Washstands. Large assortment of Double and Single Bedsteads. Solid Walnut Sideboard and Overmantels, iron Fire and Burglar Proof Safe (nearly new). Crockery in great variety. Table Cutlery, Knives, Forks and Spoons. Cruets. Tables, Chairs, Bedding, Ice chest, Children’s Cots, and the whole splendid lot of First-class Furnishings.
BAYLEE & CO.
(W.L.Eddy will sell as above).
ENTIRELY WITHOUT RESERVE
Rare chance to secure a lot of First-class Articles”.
Damian Smith Archives
(Photos included are not those mentioned)