Leaning against the Meta Street bridge, can you imagine the changes this area has seen? Erskineville, the suburb we are in, wasn’t always called Erskineville. It was once known as Macdonaldtown. This bridge stands as a silent witness to that transformation.
Let’s dive into the story of how Meta Street and Erskineville came to be. Back in 1846, a subdivision owned by Stephen Macdonald led to the area being named Macdonaldtown. Streets like Amy, Flora, and Eve are named after Macdonald’s relatives. Even Knight Street pays homage to Henry Knight, an early brickmaker and Macdonaldtown’s first mayor.
But Erskineville got its name from Erskine Villa. Reverend George Erskine, a Wesleyan minister, built his home in 1830. His house eventually became the rectory for Holy Trinity Church. This area was first officially recognised on May 23, 1872. It was then called the “Municipal District of Macdonald Town”. Henry Knight became its first mayor on July 23, 1872.
The name changed in 1893. The Parliament of New South Wales passed the “Borough of Erskineville Naming Act”. Thus, Macdonaldtown became Erskineville. Originally, market gardens thrived here. Brick making and tanning quickly became important too. The Victorian cottages housed workers in these industries. A four-metre wide terrace was considered large.
In the early 20th century, Erskineville transformed into a working-class suburb. In 1938, the Erskineville Public Housing Scheme started. It was an early effort to address slum clearance. From the 1970s, Erskineville began to change again. New residents were drawn to its village feel and easy access to the city.
Meta Street itself played a role in this evolution. From the 19th century, the south-eastern part of Erskineville became industrial. Bakewell Brothers brickworks operated until 1956. Metters Limited made “Kooka” stoves from 1907 to 1974. Steelworks like McPherson’s and Hadfields Steel Works also operated until the 1970s.
Since 1998, the area east of the rail line has been redeveloped. This area is known as the “Ashmore Estate”. It is now largely residential. Meta Street helps connect these modern developments with Erskineville’s history.
Erskineville has many heritage conservation areas. These areas help preserve its history. These include the Burren Estate and the Former Macdonaldtown Heritage Conservation Area.
Consider the Erskineville Town Hall. It was designed in the Inter-War Mediterranean style. Lindsay Scott designed it. It served as the council seat until 1948.
As you stand here on Meta Street, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From market gardens to brickyards to modern homes, Erskineville and Meta Street continue to evolve. The bridge remains. It is a constant reminder of the past and a pathway to the future.