Margaret Eleena Gregson became something of a household name in Brisbane in the early twentieth century through her highly successful "bawdy house" on Montague Road West End, and the frequent newspaper reports of efforts to shut her down. She became known as the "Duchess of Montague Road".
Author: Paul's Blogs
Getting the mail in Kurilpa
The early days A convict colony was established at Moreton Bay in 1824 and postal communications were a military affair. However, in 1833, 9 years before its opening to free European settlement, a Mr. Allman was appointed assistant postmaster. In 1842, Gilbert White became the first non-military postmaster. Brisbane's first post office utilised the convict … Continue reading Getting the mail in Kurilpa
The Tragic Tale of Mary Anne Williams
While researching the early days of European settlement in South Brisbane, I came across numerous newspaper references to Mary Anne Williams. She was often in trouble with the police and became quite well known in the small community. Her story seemed poignant, and I decided to find out what I could about Mary. But first let's have a look at the South Brisbane she lived in.
The Granvilles come to Brisbane
After a bigamous marriage in 1842, my great-great-grandparents William Henry and Anne Amelia Granville spent the next 22 years working as school teachers in 8 different locations around Britain. They were then recruited as teachers by Anglican Bishop Tufnell, and in 1864 with most of their children migrated to Brisbane. Here their lives took some unexpected twists and turns.
Brisbane – Horse and Carriage
The first horses appeared in what would later become Brisbane with the establishment of the Moreton Bay convict settlement in 1824. The number of horses grew rapidly along with the population after the Queensland Government sponsored immigration of the 1860s, passing 3,000 by 1870 and 13,000 by 1890. In this post I look at how horses were an integral part of life in Brisbane.
Grange House South Brisbane
Grange House has stood prominently on a ridge in South Brisbane overlooking the city for over 140 years. It's had many interesting occupants over that time, many of whom have made significant contributions to Queensland.
Dishonourable Real Estate Practices of the 1880s
In 1895, John David Hennessey published his first novel "The Dis-Honourable". In it he describes the tricks of real estate sales in 1880s Brisbane. In this post, I look for evidence of these tricks being used.
Making a Splash 2 – South Brisbane’s Early Swimming Baths
With a sad history of regular destruction of Brisbane's floating baths by floods, advances in pumping technology allowed Brisbane's swimming pools to move from the river. This post looks at these early pools on the southside.
Making a Splash – Brisbane’s Floating Swimming Baths
Brisbane's sticky climate and a lack of reticulated water made the prospect of swimming baths very attractive. Brisbane had a total of twelve floating baths on the river almost all were by floods.
All That Glitters – Brisbane Gold Rushes
On three occasions, inner Southside Brisbane experienced the thrill of a gold discovery but no one got rich.
Highgate Hill and Its History 