This and next week’s Friday Facts and Fotos will feature the Tarp Shop/Shed at Newport.
The Tarpaulin Shop was constructed in the Northern section of the Newport Workshop’s site to produce tarps to protect perishable goods in open wagons. The original part of the building was built in 1887. However, demand for tarps was so great that it was extended on the southern side in 1890, doubling its size in just four years. It was further extended on the northern side in 1912.
“Sailmakers” made or repaired tarpaulin on the floor of the central building’s high bays, then hung them from the high roof to dry and stretch – as can be seen in photo 1 – photo 2 shows what the area looks like today. The later extensions with lower roofs would have housed sowing machines, benches and rope-making. This is part of Victoria’s heritage that needs to be retained.
Next week we will take a look at what the Tarp Shop looked like from the outside when it was in operation, and what it looks like today.
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