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.
People
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.
The Forlorn Death of Mary Emmett
Queensland's abortion laws sometimes led to tragic outcomes as was the case with Mary Emmett, whose body was found rudely dumped on a Brisbane street.
Of Tobacconists, Brewers and Other Things
A house in Franklin Street, Highgate Hill, has connections to France, the gold rush in Victoria, an early Brisbane tobacconist, a Brisbane brewery and philanthropic women. Find out about a remnant of the long forgotten brewery.
Douglas Price – Tragic Modernist
Douglas Price was a popular but controversial Anglican priest early 20th century Brisbane. He became the spiritual leader of the "Modernist Society" but met a tragic early death.
