Chapel Street, South Yarra, C.1891
The great flood of 1891 (the worst since 1863) began with a violent rainstorm on Saturday 11 July which continued into Sunday. Because of a concurrent south-westerly gale, the floodwater from over four inches of rain was unable to escape into Port Phillip. In South Yarra, whole streets were inundated at the foot of Chapel Street, and two hundred refugees retreated to the Prahran Town Hall. Trams on the Toorak line ceased running because of floodwater across the road.
This image shows Chapel Street north of Toorak Road looking south, with the Toorak Cable Tram engine house with its tall chimney on the right. In the far distance is the clock tower of the Prahran Town Hall. In the foreground, enterprising carters transport paying passengers across the flooded section of Chapel Street. By 1896 a tram shed had been added to the side of the engine house nearest the photographer.