James Cole establish a small tinsmith business in 1885. His firm, later the Queensland Can Company, steadily grew over the years at its Vulture Street, West End, location to become a major local employer. The remaining buildings are a reminder of this industrial heritage.
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Dornoch Terrace – A Pathway Through Time Part 2
In part 1 of my history of Dornoch Terrace, I looked at its ancient origins as an Aboriginal pathway and early European settlement through the 19th century. This post covers the development of the street into a prestigious "dress circle" in the 1920s and 30s, followed by a period of decline, and finally the emergence … Continue reading Dornoch Terrace – A Pathway Through Time Part 2
Dornoch Terrace – A Pathway Through Time Part 1
Few of those travelling up and down Dornoch Terrace realise that they are following a path that has been in use for tens of thousands of years. Since the arrival of Europeans , the pathway through the bush has been transformed to a rough dirt track, then to a genteel residential dress circle and finally to a heavily trafficked and at times dangerous thoroughfare. This is its story.
The Rosicrucians of Dutton Park
In my local history research, from time to time I’ve come across references to a Dutton Park Rosicrucian temple, with veiled references to strange goings on. It’s also been mentioned to me by a few long term residents of nearby streets. When I finally started to dig into the story, I soon realised that it would be the most bizarre piece of local history that I have written to date.
Margaret Gregson – The Duchess of Montague Road
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".
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.
Highgate Hill and Its History 