Albert Hockings spent decades acclimatising and breeding plants suitable for the Queenslands climate at his ""Rosaville Nursery" on Montague Road. Discover the fascinating story of Albert and his family.
People
“Dorra Tor” – Plywood, Politics and Punters
There's a quiet corner of Highgate Hill bordering South Brisbane where many surviving old houses boast spectacular views. One of these is the home "Dorra Tor" which has a fascinating history. Thomas Blacket Stephens Thomas Blacket Stephens arrived in Brisbane with his wife Anne nee Connah in around 1856. He established a fellmongery and tanning … Continue reading “Dorra Tor” – Plywood, Politics and Punters
Featured
Daphne Mayo – Brisbane Sculptor
Daphne Mayo is most famous for her work on Brisbane's City Hall. She was highly successful in both an artistic and commercial sense thriving as a women sculptor in the Depression years. She lived in Highgate Hill on and off for 40 years.
Sankey Street, Steeped in History
Sankey Street is one of the steepest in Brisbane and is named after a family who lived in the area well before the street was conceived. The family has connections with Queensland's early military history as well as optometry.
Ernie and Mabel Lane – Radical Activists
Ernie and Mabel Lane were both dedicated communists. After spending some time in an Australian socialist colony in Paraguay, they settled into a home in Dauphine Terrace, Highgate Hill. Both continued to be activists for social change.
Doctor A. Jefferis Turner – “Gentle Annie”
Doctor Jefferis Turner made great contributions to children’s health in Queensland. He was also an expert in moths.
Mon Abri – Brighton Road
The distinctive house "Mon Abri" in Brighton road, Highgate Hill cost thousands of pounds to build in 1890 and still today is a landmark in the suburb.
The Pastor’s House
After the unusual beginnings of this house as a home built for a man estranged from his family and his new companion, it was sold to the Lutheran church. From here the Church’s missions in New Guinea were run, with some unexpected episodes.
The Mistresses’ House
A distinctive old house on Dornoch Terrace was built by a man, estranged from his family, for his new companion but it was taken from her after his death by the Supreme Court.
The Blakeneys of Highgate Hill
The Blakeney family owned two substantial houses in Highgate Hill located on huge blocks of land. Unfortunately neither have survived but memories of the family linger on as street names.
