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
Places
The Fascinating Story of the First Victoria Bridge
Due to political bastardry, bad contracting, financial crisis and the forces of nature, the first Victoria Bridge took 10 years to build at more than double the expected cost. Twenty years later it was replaced. Here's the fascinating story.
Holy Hawthorne Street
Once the location of two bora rings, there are now three churches on Hawthorne Street in Woolloongabba. The spiritual nature of the location disappeared with modern development and the building of the freeway which cuts the street in two.
Vulture Street – From Dotted Line to Bitumen
Vulture Street started life as a dotted staight line drawn across a map of Brisbane in the 1840s. It took another 40 years to become a useful through road.
The Origins of Orleigh Park
With its huge spreading shade trees and pleasant breezy riverside location, Orleigh Park is understandably a great favourite with many residents and visitors. However, this pleasant place of recreation had its origins in tragedy.
More Tales from Musgrave Park
After reaching a peak of social prominence in the early 20th century, Musgrave Park underwent many changes, survived numerous threats to its existence and has emerged with a new identity.
Musgrave Park – The Early Days
Over time, Musgrave Park in South Brisbane has been perceived in many different ways, reflecting changes in our society and the demographics of the surrounding neighbourhood. Come with me on a journey through its past.
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.
South Brisbane War Memorial Park and the Disappearing Ridge
The little South Brisbane Memorial Park is not well known, but it sits in the centre of a late 19th century precinct, split by busy Vulture Street.
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.
