Present Nos. 40-42 were originally 43-41. Vacant land between Simpson and Hoddle Street till 1866. MCC BR: 1868. Wright and Smith to build 2 x 4 room houses for Mr. McLean. (Letter from Elizabeth Barter to Slim McBeath states that: Built by McLean of McLean Brothers and Rigg -
subsequently McEwans Hardware. One was for his father, the other for another grandparent. The 2 cottages were at street level originally, but George Street level was raised when the railtrack was routed under Hoddle Street - refer Index Cards). 1870: No.42 J.A. Francis - occ. No.40 Mrs. Ainslee - occ. McLean - owner of both. Directory shows 1872-1876 William McLean in this area. For No.42 (old No.41) Andrew Arnott occ. 1877-1903. Vacant in 1904. For No.40 (old No.43) Peter McLean snr. occ. 1880-1886, Peter McLean 1887-1903. Vacant 1904. Refer photo. Frontage has been modernized. Note that first floor is now level with George Street.
Part of Winston Burchett's index card set, created and used by Winston Burchett to support his research and writings. The set of cards is held by the East Melbourne Library and is fully digitised and published by the East Melbourne Historical Society with the permission of the Library.
The reliability of the information in this set of cards varies considerably. It should not be used as a primary source but as a lead to other sources.