If you have passed the corner of Glebe Point Rd and Hereford St during the past week you will have seen the rather large scaffolding that has been erected on the terrace house wall opposite the Valhalla. This is for the painting of a mural featuring a tram, reproduced from an historic photo taken in Glebe in 1953 by Leon Manny. The artist, Kelly Wallwork, is waiting impatiently for the preparation work to be completed so that she may commence the artwork.

This is a Glebe Society project to celebrate one aspect of Glebe’s history and heritage, funded by a cultural grant from the City of Sydney. It will also include audio recordings of Glebe residents, recalling their experiences of Glebe trams, available on the Glebe Society website and accessible by Smart phone, so that an observer may hear people reminiscing as they enjoy the visual tribute.

To date, several people have elected to share their memories and to be recorded. These are obviously senior members of our community because trams ceased operation in Glebe in 1958. Among these generous people is Glebe historian and Society stalwart, Max Solling who provided a potted history of that aspect of our transport heritage.

There are another one or two people who are yet to be recorded, but we would like to add several more if they are willing to come forward and help us create a primary history resource.

If you or someone you know have stories to tell about trams in Glebe then please contact me at community@glebesociety.org.au or phone 0401 505 657. I’d love to hear from you.

Artist’s Impression of the ‘Memories of Trams’ mural to be painted on the corner of Glebe Point Rd and Hereford St (Image supplied by artist)
Artist’s Impression of the ‘Memories of Trams’ mural to be painted on the corner of Glebe Point Rd and Hereford St (Image supplied by artist)