Moving personal stories of the impact of war on our little suburb of Highgate Hill give us a glimpse of what the nation went through in those difficult years.
1900 -1920
Highgate Hill Park
Since 1903, the little park on the peak of Highgate Hill has been a popular spot for Brisbane residents. It has seen famous visitors and has been proposed for various memorials.
John Sankey and Sankey Street
Sankey Street is one of the steepest in Brisbane and is named after a Sergeant-Major with links to early Queensland military history. A house on the corner has an interesting history.
Runaway Horse and Cart 1907
In 1907 three small children are terrified when a horse bolts carrying them off at breakneck speed in a butcher’s cart.
James Allen, Brisbane Retail Pioneer 1938
James Allen was cofounder of the Allen and Stark company, later taken over by Myers. He and his wife built the beautiful ‘Wairuna’ on Hampstead Road.
Tom Garrick, Cinema Pioneer
In 1912 Tom Garrick established the now demolished Lyric Cinema in West End, and later the Rialto on Hardgrave Street. Both served the community in more roles than cinemas.
Shark Attack at Highgate Hill 1902
In 1902 boys enjoyed swimming in the Brisbane River but they had to share it with sharks.
Glenview – A Highgate Hill House circa 1883
If you’re lucky, a search through Trove digitised newspapers can reveal much about a house’s history, especially in the period when houses were known by their names.
A Strawberry Afternoon Tea Highgate Hill 1905
In 1905, a wealthy young girl’s party in Highgate Hill is described, with an interesting present for the winner of a game.
The Cabby and the Couple Highgate Hill 1906
This verbatim account from the driver of a horse drawn cab is probably as risqué as newspaper articles got in 1906.
