Peter Weaver, Altona Laverton Historical Society president and a “third generation Altona boy”, has dedicated his life to unearthing and preserving Hobsons Bay’s history. He spoke with Goya Dmytryshchak.
How did you get involved in researching the history of Altona and Laverton?
Approximately seven years ago, my youngest daughter (then 10) was asking regards her grandfather, Harry Weaver, ex-mayor (1973/1974) and builder. I decided to take her to the Altona Homestead to show her some of the history of the area. This was when I saw the potential for Altona’s history to have a more substantial exposure.
What’s your connection to Altona?
Born and bred, mum being born at 40 Queen Street, Altona, three doors down from where I was born and still live. Father started his building business in 1949 with another local Bill Smith – Weaver & Smith. My Dad built the senior citizens centre, youth hall, post office, St Eanswythe’s Anglican Church, part of Mount St Joseph Girls’ College and part of Altona hospital.
I left Altona in the late ’80s; came back in 2000 and they will bury me here!
Are there any historic gems in the area people might not know about?
Where do I start? Probably my fave is the history that’s coming out about the Williamstown racecourse. It ran from 1865-1945. They used to close it down during the wars to use it as a staging ground for troops.
The other gem is the racecourse around Cherry Lake. When you walk around the north side of Cherry Lake, there’s still remnants of the bitumen that they spent £35,000 pounds on in 1952.
What do you love about Altona?
Everything! The community spirit. The thing I love about it is it’s getting back to how it was when we were kids. People are caring about each other, helping each other out. It’s like a small country town.
What would you like to change about the area?
Parking in Pier Street, better train services. Community gardens would be a great addition to Altona – we have so much open space that could accommodate multiple community gardens and further enhance the community spirit.
What’s your favourite cafe and eatery?
All of them. I try to eat at all of them as we have great local eateries. New favourites are Bezirk and Between 2 Buns.
