Present Nos. 40-42 were originally 43-41. Vacant land between Simpson and Hoddle Street till 1866. MCC BR: 1868. Wright and Smith to build 2 x 4 room houses for Mr. McLean. (Letter from Elizabeth Barter to Slim McBeath states that: Built by McLean of McLean Brothers and Rigg -
subsequently McEwans Hardware. One was for his father, the other for another grandparent. The 2 cottages were at street level originally, but George Street level was raised when the railtrack was routed under Hoddle Street - refer Index Cards). 1870: No.42 J.A. Francis - occ. No.40 Mrs. Ainslee - occ. McLean - owner of both. Directory shows 1872-1876 William McLean in this area. For No.42 (old No.41) Andrew Arnott occ. 1877-1903. Vacant in 1904. For No.40 (old No.43) Peter McLean snr. occ. 1880-1886, Peter McLean 1887-1903. Vacant 1904. Refer photo. Frontage has been modernized. Note that first floor is now level with George Street.