CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB - HOME OF THE SEAGULLS

CHELSEA GRIT

1929 - LEAD UP TO THE GREAT DEPRESSION

Chelsea Jetty take's shape using government employed labour during the great depression.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION
The dramatic collapse of the world economy leading to the Great Depression is usually linked to the collapse of the New York stock exchange in October, 1929, but times were tough for several years prior to that in the local municipalities of Chelsea, Mordialloc and Moorabbin with unemployment issues occurring as early as 1925.
Fund raising events were held and the Public Works Department  provided some funding for projects that could be used to engage unemployed men.
When the big crash eventually happened levels of unemployment  and social distress exploded, providing governments with a massive challenge of creating employment through the ensuing years.
But it wasn’t all bad for the Chelsea Football Club as an inspired choice of Les Warren as captain-coach in 1929 saw the senior team contest the finals for the first time. Playing as Chelsea City, in line with the proclamation of the City of Chelsea, they defeated top team Mentone in the semi-final before losing to eventual premiers Mordialloc by 17 points in a hard fought match. Warren was an inspiring leader and a brilliant player. He won Chelsea’s Best and Fairest Award during his two years at the club and backed it up with Association honours on both occasions.

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