Images from the State Library of WA and Royal WA Historical Society offer a captivating glimpse into Perth at the dawn of the 20th century, contrasting sharply with modern views. Historian Richard Offen's book Perth Then and Now showcases these transformations, with one striking example being St Georges Terrace in 1905 versus today.
St Georges Terrace: Then and Now
The 1905 photo of St Georges Terrace shows a wide street lined with elegant low-rise buildings. Horse-drawn carts dominate the traffic, while well-dressed men in suits and hats stand watching the parade. An updated image taken by The West Australian this week, featuring Offen standing in roughly the same spot, reveals a dramatically different scene. Yet, St Georges Terrace remains Perth's premier street, a constant amid change.
Other Historic Views
Additional images in the collection include Barrack Street in 1901, looking up towards the Town Hall from the Beaufort Street bridge near Perth train station, and a view of Mounts Bay Road from Kings Park. These photos, part of the State Library's archives, document the city's architectural and social evolution over more than a century.
Book Details
Offen's Perth Then and Now compiles these fascinating comparisons, drawing from the State Library of WA and Royal WA Historical Society collections. The book provides a visual journey through Perth's history, highlighting how the city has grown and modernized while retaining key landmarks.
For the full story, visit The West Australian.
