Ye Olde Coke Vending Machine

Centre Road, Bentleigh East

For some unknown reason, Laundromats are like little time capsules for old stuff that probably should have been replaced years ago. This Coke vending machine lives in a laundromat in East Bentleigh. It's in surprisingly good condition - alas no Tab or Mello Yello, and cans no longer cost 70 cents. Still, a nice flashback to my childhood, as this would have to be a good 20 or 25 years old.

Footscrayzy

Corner Orford Road and Waverley Street, Essendon

This sign is an institution if you've ever lived in Essendon or the surrounding area.

For years, dedicated locals have painted (or more recently stencilled) 'zy' onto the end of this sign. For years, dedicated council workers have cleaned it off again. For years, other dedicated locals have put it right back up again. The fact that the sign is a good couple of metres off the ground is a legacy of this ongoing battle.

So famous is this particular sign that it even has its own online presence: The Footscrayzy Sign Society on Facebook.

Playground

Grandview Street, Essendon

Nothing particularly remarkable about this old street sign. Until you get closer and realise the triangle at the top is handmade from four pieces of metal, and that the whole thing is hand painted.

Say Marchants Please!

Buckley Street, Essendon

Post Office Receiving Pillar

Buckley Street, Essendon

I love it that it's called a 'receiving pillar'. Now there's a few of these still kicking around the inner suburbs, but this one is worthy of attention for two reasons. First, it is in stunning condition, and has been beautifully restored. Second, this one is still in active use - note the standard Aussie Post labels on it.

For the trainspotters out there, this was made by W. Anderson and Sons, of Jeffcott St West Melbourne.