This is a history of the villa, Riviera, Mentone Parade, Mentone, built for Charles Potts in 1888. Since 1952 it has been the home of the Mentone R.S.L.
Riviera/Mentone R.S.L., February 2, 1970.
Photographer: John T. Collins. State Library of Victoria image H98.250/259
In January 1888, Architect William Salway advertised for tenders to erect a large brick villa in Mentone for C.J. Potts. William Salway (1844-1902) was responsible for many civic and private buildings including the Benalla Town Hall, Excelsior House in Elizabeth Street, the Australian Church in Flinders Street, the Athenaenum Club, and the Mercantile Bank in Collins Street (1).
Tenders for the construction of Riviera
The Age, January 28, 1888 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/191204116
Charles James Potts was a Solicitor and was involved with many organisations in Mentone. He was a member of the Mentone Board of Works, a private company which operated 1887 to 1892 to provide infrastructure in the developing suburb of Mentone; a member of the Moorabbin Shire Council, and a Director of the Mentone Racing Club, established in 1888. (2) His architect, William Salway in conjunction with William Pitts, designed the handsome and commodious grand stand at the Mentone racecourse. (3) Charles seemed to be a 'colourful character' and was involved in many legal cases, acting either as a Solicitor for others, or representing himself as a plaintiff in other cases. (4)
Charles married Frances Mary Daley in 1882. She was only 38 when she died on April 19, 1898 in Prahran and their children, as listed on her death certificate were Mary (deceased), Charles (aged 13), Dulcie (aged 10), Lucy (aged 8), Francis (aged 6), William (aged 4), Ellen (aged 3) and Estella (aged 2). (5) The death of Frances was a tragedy for the family, and it would be interesting to know who helped look after the children after her death.
In February 1909, Charles was charged with intent to do grievous bodily harm to his son, William Newman Potts, by shooting at him in their home in Motherwell Street, Hawksburn, on the night of February 12th. William was 15 years old at the time and the bullet fortunately missed him. Potts was described as being blind drunk and in a mad condition from the effects of drink at the time of the incident. He was committed to stand trial and at the hearing on March 8, 1909, was found not guilty of the offence. (6) Perhaps, not surprisingly, when William enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1915, he was living on King Island and stated on his enlistment papers that his parents were unknown. (7)
Charles died in 1930, aged 80, in unusual circumstances -
The body of the man who was found dead in Little Bourke Street yesterday was identified today by a solicitor as that of Charles J. Potts, retired solicitor. The police state that Potts was a prosperous solicitor in Melbourne at one time, but suffered reverses during the land boom. He had been in ill-health for some time. The police are anxious to hear from his two sons, who it is believed, are is Melbourne. (8)
As we just saw, Potts was a victim of the 1890s land bust and by 1891 was no longer living at Riviera, and the ownership in the Shire of Moorabbin Rate Books was listed as the Mercantile Bank. (9) Interestingly in 1892 he was living in a rented property in Carroll Street, North Melbourne in a house called Revira. (10) Which begs the question - did Potts name his Mentone home Riviera and also the house in North Melbourne and Revira was a typo? They just seen so similar in name, but I have no information that it was actually Potts who introduced the name Riviera.
In 1891 and 1892 the Shire of Moorabbin Rate Books lists Frederick Carter of the occupier of Riviera. In February 1893, Miss Harcourt, opened a Sanatorium for Ladies at Riviera. Later in 1893 Riviera was advertised as a Sanatorium for Invalids and convalescent patients; refined and comfortable home and later still as Comfortable board and residence, ladies, gentlemen and married couples; large rooms and good table (11)
Miss Harcourt at Riviera
The Leader, February 4, 1893 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198026943
The 1894 and 1895 Rate Books show that John H. Maddock, a solicitor, was leasing Riviera, and it was still owned by the Mercantile Bank. John Maddock died in 1933, aged 77 and his obituary noted that he was the founder of the firm Maddock, Jamieson and Lonie and that the late Mr. Maddock was a leading Freemason holding many high offices including that of Past Deputy Grand Master. He was a member of the City of Prahran Lodge No. 115 and in September of this year he celebrated his 50th year as a member of the Craft. He also took an active interest in the Young Men's Christian Association. He was an ardent worker for the Church of England particularly at St Matthew's Prahran and later at St John's Toorak. For many years he was a member of the Prahran City Council. (12)
The next year, 1896 the only name associated with the property in the Rate Books was the Mercantile Bank; and the next reference I can find is January 1899 when James Nunan, manufacturer, was in residence. Whilst the family was at Mentone Mrs Nunan (nee Annie Morrison) gave birth to two sons - in July 1899 and June 1901. (13)
Sometime after this, and certainly by 1903, Riviera was taken over by Peter and Marcella (nee Darlington) Dawson. Peter Dawson was an accountant at the British Australasian Tobacco Company. It was used as both their home and a guest house (at least initially) (14).
Riviera, operated as a guest house with the Dawsons.
The Age, November 24, 1906 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201688717
In 1914 Punch reported that -
Mr. and Mrs. P. Dawson, of "The Riviera," Mentone, gave a dance in honour of the coming of age of their son Keith on 23rd January. The young friends of their son and daughter were invited. The lovely grounds were brilliantly illuminated by Lux lights, which added much to the enjoyment of the guests, who numbered about one hundred. When not dancing, the young people seemed to take great pleasure in exploring the many nooks and shrubberies. The central hall and dining-room were utilised for dancing, the musicians being stationed between. The decorations were especially lovely. Festoons of cut crystals and greenery were suspended from the ceilings. Supper was laid in the large vestibule, and in the court yard adjoining small tables for those, who preferred theirs in the open air. This square was lighted by multi-coloured Chinese lanterns, which added to the general effect. Although the reason of the dance was supposed to be a profound secret, it must have become known, as many handsome presents were received by Mr. Keith Dawson. (15)
The vestibule, where supper was held at Keith Dawson's 21st Birthday party, has a wonderful wood-lined ceiling and ceiling rose and lead light windows.
The vestibule ceiling and ceiling rose at Riviera.
Image: Heather Arnold, August 2024
The vestibule lead light windows at Riviera.
Image: Heather Arnold, August 2024
The vestibule lead light windows at Riviera.
Image: Heather Arnold, August 2024
Peter Dawson died on May 14, 1914, a few months after his son's 21st birthday celebration (16). In May 1915, Keith Cyril Darlington Dawson enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the A.I.F., and during his service, was Mentioned in Despatches. In February 1918 he resigned from the A.I.F to take up a commission in the Indian Army. (17) In 1925 Keith was appointed aide-de-camp to Field Marshall, General Sir William Birdwood, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. In 1928 he married Anne Bromhead, in India; she was the niece of Lady Birdwood and Sir William gave her away. By 1940 he was in command of the British forces at Nasirabad, Rajputana, India. Keith and Anne returned to Victoria and in 1948 purchased Kimbolton, in Upper Beaconsfield; they were there until 1965 and then relocated to Mornington, where he died in 1977. (18) Marcella died in October 1940 and her short obituary noted that she was the aunt of Peter Dawson, the Australian Baritone. (19)
However, by this time the Dawsons had already left Riviera and around 1921 the Andersons arrived - John Allan Anderson and Ethel Margaret Anderson. (20). J. Allan Anderson, as he seems to have always been referred to, was a Solicitor and was instrumental in establishing Mentone Grammar School, which officially opened on March 3, 1923. Their website notes -
A proposal developed by local solicitor J. Allan Anderson, presented the option to open Mentone Grammar School as a new public company. At a public meeting of parents and interested parties held on 18 January 1923, the finer details were discussed and agreed upon. J. Allan’s proposal of developing Mentone as a ‘Grammar School of some consequence', swayed parents and attracted the support of others. J. Allan’s patient and informed replies to the questions and concerns led to a show of hands passing the motion for a reconstituted school. The new Mentone Grammar was born under the leadership of a new School Council led by J. Allan and well-qualified Headmaster, Henry Tonkin. (21)
Mrs Anderson hosted various events at Riviera - in 1932 it was reported that she had lent her home, Riviera, Mentone Parade, Mentone, on Saturday evening for a dance and bridge party to aid the funds of the local association of the Mentone and District Girl Guides. The spacious hall was cleared for dancing and bridge was played in the lounge and dining room, where almond blossom and japonica were effectively arranged. (22) The next year Riviera was the location of the establishment of the Mentone branch of the League of Mission Helpers for the Mission of St James and St John. (23)
The Anderson's daughter, Dorothy, was in Europe at the outbreak of World War Two, and immediately enlisted in the W.A.A.F., in London. She spent two years as a staff officer in England, then was commissioned to take a party of W.A.A.F.s to Egypt. Dorothy met William Hallett, who was an economist with the National Bank of Egypt, and they married at the Cairo Cathedral in Cairo in April 1943. Sadly, Dorothy died suddenly on December 30, 1943 aged only 26 and was buried in Cairo. Perhaps this shock loss of their daughter was the catalyst for the Andersons to leave Riviera in early 1945 and relocate to near-by Elbana Avenue in Mentone. (24) J. Allan died in 1959, aged 83, and Ethel in 1952, aged 75, and they are buried at the Cheltenham Memorial Park. (25)
Harold and Maggie Irene Lee were the next residents of Riviera and they operated a guest house, although it is probably more correct to say that Maggie operated the guest house - her occupation in the Electoral roll was Guest House proprietress and Harold was a fitter. They advertised on a regular basis from January 1946, and emphasised the spacious grounds and in the winter, the open fires, so it was a suitable holiday location in all seasons. (26)
The Argus, May 24 1946 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22245236
The Argus, December 24, 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22526577
In 1950, Harold and Maggie moved to Ash Grove in East Malvern and in the November, Riviera was advertised for sale, with an auction on November 23. The property was of 13 main rooms and many bathrooms on three acres, with frontages to Naples Road, Palermo Streets and Mentone Parade. (27)
Riviera for sale.
The Age, November 21, 1950 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206412491
Did the R.S.L. purchase Riviera at this auction? Riviera was still being advertised in January 1951 as a guest house (28), but I can't find a 1952 sale or auction notice. However, either way they certainly owned it in 1952 as in the September they held an auction of the surplus furniture of Riviera including a floral Axminister carpet, beds and mattresses and other bedroom furniture. (29)
Surplus furniture auction at Riviera
The Age, September 20, 1952 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205421208
These following two photographs show Riviera in the 1960s.
Riviera/Mentone R.S.L., September 28, 1963
Photographer: John T. Collins. State Library of Victoria image H98.250/258
Riviera/Mentone R.S.L., February 12, 1967
Photographer: John T. Collins. State Library of Victoria image H98.250/257
Riviera is now surrounded by houses, and its address is 9 Palermo Street, however it still has a frontage to Mentone Parade through the Mentone Memorial Gardens.
Riviera, from the Mentone Memorial Gardens.
Memorial wall at the Mentone Memorial Gardens.
Acknowledgement - The basis of this post was the article written by Leo Gamble - Mentone Mansions: Riviera (Now Mentone RSL Headquarters) https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/articles/544
Trove list - I gave created a list of newspaper items connected to Riviera and its owners, access it here.
Footnotes(1) Tender - The Age, January 28, 1888, see here; Information on William Salway is from The work of Melbourne architect William Salway by David Stray https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3178583799/view
(2) Gamble, Leo Mentone Board of Works: 1887-1892 https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/articles/299 ; Moorabbin Council - Caulfield and Elsternwick Leader, August 11, 1888 see here; Hahn, Veronica Mentone Race Club https://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/articles/1
(3) The Leader, September 8, 1888, see here.
(4) See my Trove list here for some cases.
(5) Frances' death certificate. Interestingly, I have checked the Index to the Victorian Births, Death and Marriages and cannot find the reference to their marriage and can only find the registration of one child, Charles in 1884 and that of little Mary's death, who died 1885, aged 2.
(6) Reports of the shooting - The Argus, February 26, 1909, see here; The Age, March 9, 1909, see here; The Argus, March 9, 1909, see here.
(7) William's Attestation papers from the National Archives of Australia https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8021383
(8) The Herald, October 11, 1930, see here.
(9) Shire of Moorabbin rate books available on Ancestry.com
(10) The Argus, August 13, 1892, see here.
(11) The Leader, February 4, 1893, see here; The Argus, April 20, 1893, see here; The Argus, May 27, 1893, see here.
(12) The Argus, November 21, 1933, see here.
(14) The Dawsons are listed in the 1903 Electoral Roll at Mentone Parade, Mentone and his occupation was an accountant; The Age October 7, 1940, see here; The Age, November 24, 1906, see here.
(15) Punch, February 12, 1914, see here.
(16) The Argus, May 15, 1914, see here.
(17) Keith's Attestation papers from the National Archives of Australia https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3493439
(18) The Herald, February 21, 1928, see here; Table Talk, May 31, 1928, see here. Kimbolton residence - https://upperbeaconsfieldhistory.au/g0/p110.htm#i3272
(19) The Age, October 7, 1940, see here
(20) The Dawsons are listed in the 1920 Sands & McDougall's Directory at Riviera; and the Andersons in the 1922 Electoral Roll at Riviera.
(22) Sun News-Pictorial, August 8, 1932, see here;
(23) The Herald, July 19, 1933, see here; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com
(24) The Argus, March 27, 1943, see here; The Argus, January 5, 1944, see here; Horsham Times, January 11, 1944, see here. Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com.
(25) Ethel - Death notice The Age, May 31, 1952, see here; Friends of Cheltenham Regional Cemeteries database https://www.focrc.org/
(26) Electoral Rolls, Sands & McDougall's Directory. Advertisements - see my Trove list, here.
(27) Electoral Rolls, The Age, November 21, 1950, see here.
(28) Advertisements - see my Trove list, here.
(29) The Age, September 20, 1952, see here
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