Elsie and Minna Street, Burwood on Sunday, 12 July 2020

Elsie Street is just a shadowy wind tunnel between high office buildings. Its past is wiped out. There could have been the type of houses I saw near Mary Street. Dark brick, one-storey, squat and sombre looking. 

Walking through the parallel back lane which is also the backside of Burwood Road, I am amazed at how make-shift and run down these in-between alleys often are. The dirtiest ibis I have ever seen is picking its way through some overflowing rubbish bins. The Burwood Medical Centre looks like something where Netflix serial killers keep their victims. Nearby is the Ninety Plus Education Centre. I wonder if the name indicates an IQ score or an age group. The owner must be doing well as a new black Audi is parked near the fire stairs. “No customer parking”. The neighbour is more drastic: “Don’t even think about parking here” is written on a proper custom-made metal sign. The wire mesh gate guarding the carport is rusty and twisted by someone trying to force it open. Dead leaves, paper and plastic bags litter the floor. There is a peeling wall painting that says Hardwick’s Shoes.

Now, more than a year later, I read up about this shop. It was a family business, founded in 1902 and closed in 2016. The article says the history of the shop is written on its interior walls. I am curious about what would be in there now and if they’ve kept the writing. I look up Google photos. It’s “Mr Vitamins - Best Price + Expert Advice”. I can’t go there to have a look as we are in another lockdown, Burwood is more than 5km away from my home and a no-entry red zone. 

Minna Street is a bit further along from the Burwood Road shopping centre. By the time I arrive there, a storm is brewing, the sky has turned dark. It’s an entirely residential street with big houses of different architectural periods. All are kept in perfect condition. There is an empty lot that has a banner on the fence saying cross = love in symbols. In one of the gardens, a Magnolia tree is starting to flower. Spring is not far.