Labassa – If these walls could talk | Compass

Key Concepts

• Labassa: A historic 35-room mansion in Melbourne, Australia, built in 1887, known for its architectural significance and diverse social history.
• Mezuzah: A small decorative case containing a parchment scroll with Torah verses, traditionally affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes.
• Kosher: Dietary laws followed by Jewish families, requiring specific preparation of food.
• Counterculture Movement: A late 1960s social phenomenon characterized by non-traditional lifestyles, communal living, and artistic experimentation.
• National Trust of Australia: A non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Australia's natural and cultural heritage.
• Labassa Lives: A project dedicated to documenting the personal stories and historical observations of the mansion’s former residents.

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1. Historical Evolution of Labassa

Labassa has undergone several distinct cultural phases since its construction in 1887:

• The Marvelous Melbourne Era: Originally a lavish 35-room family residence.
• The 1920s Transition: The mansion was subdivided into 10 flats, housing a mix of socialites and professionals.
• Post-WWII (1950s): The top floor became a sanctuary for Jewish refugees, including the Appelbaum, Traig, and Gruner families. This era saw the establishment of religious traditions, such as the observance of Shabbat and the maintenance of kosher kitchens.
• The Bohemian Era (Late 1960s–1970s): The mansion became a hub for art students, musicians, and theater groups (such as the "Tribe" theater group). This period was marked by communal living, artistic expression, and a more permissive, party-centric lifestyle.

2. The Jewish Refugee Experience (1950s)

The mansion served as a vital community hub for Holocaust survivors who arrived in Australia with few possessions.

• Community Dynamics: Families lived in close proximity, often sharing resources through partitions that did not reach the ceiling.
• Cultural Preservation: Despite the trauma of the Holocaust, families established a sense of normalcy through religious practice. The presence of a mezuzah indentation remains a physical testament to this era.
• The "Bagel Belt": The migration of Jewish families to Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, starting with the first Jewish day school in St Kilda in 1949, eventually drew families away from Labassa as they achieved financial stability and purchased their own homes.

3. The Bohemian Counterculture (1960s–1970s)

The mansion’s affordability and aesthetic appeal attracted young creatives during the counterculture movement.

• Lifestyle: Residents prioritized artistic pursuits over traditional careers. The mansion hosted frequent parties, music sessions, and experimental theater rehearsals.
• Custodianship: Despite the chaotic nature of the parties—which included incidents like motorcycles being ridden indoors—the Bohemian residents are credited with preserving the mansion’s original architectural integrity. They viewed the house as a "living, breathing entity" rather than just a property.

4. Preservation and Legacy

• The National Trust Intervention: In 1980, following the death of the last private owner, the National Trust of Australia purchased Labassa for $282,500 to prevent its loss to private development.
• Labassa Lives Project: This initiative has been instrumental in reconnecting former residents, allowing them to share memories and reconcile past personal conflicts.
• Notable Figures:
  • Mrs. Brley: The long-term caretaker (43 years) who maintained the mansion’s condition and acted as a maternal figure to the children living there.
  • Randall and Antwanette: Former residents whose story highlights the emotional impact of the house; their reconciliation through the Labassa Lives project serves as a poignant example of the mansion's role in personal healing.

5. Synthesis and Conclusion

Labassa stands as a unique historical site because it is not merely a static monument, but a repository of human experience. Its survival is attributed to the diverse groups—from post-war refugees to 1960s bohemians—who, despite their vastly different lifestyles, shared a profound, almost mystical connection to the building. The mansion’s transition from a private residence to a public heritage site managed by the National Trust ensures that its "layers of lived history" remain accessible, serving as a bridge between Melbourne’s past and present. As noted by former residents, the house possesses a "pull" that continues to define the lives of those who once called it home.