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.
1880 – 1900
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.
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
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.
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.
The Lang Family of Rosecliffe Street
Mr David Lang has lived in Rosecliffe Street, Highgate Hill, since his birth over 90 years ago and the Lang family have owned their property for some 135 years. David has many recollections of daily life in times gone by.
A Walk Down Norfolk Road
Norfolk Road in South Brisbane has 6 heritage listed houses as well as a number of other 19th century dwellings. Each one has a story to tell.
Highgate Hill and Its History 