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.
1920 – 1940
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.
Westbourne St. 1930s Architecture
Westbourne Street in Highgate Hill illustrates how the break up of large estates in the first half of the twentieth century resulted in new architectural styles being explored.
Who Shot “Spider” Raper? 1926
The shooting of a notorious criminal at Highgate Hill made big headlines in 1926. Was the man who pulled the trigger guilty of murder?
Doctor A. Jefferis Turner
Doctor Jefferis Turner made great contributions to children’s health in Queensland. He was also an expert in moths.
A Highgate Hill Counterfeiter 1934
In the 1930s it was worthwhile for criminals to produce counterfeit coins as their buying power was still significant and times were tough.
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.
Tram Assists Horse Drawn Dray Highgate Hill 1926
In 1926, a horse drawn dray can’t get moving up steep Gladstone Road. A passing tram gives it a hand.
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.
Gold found in Highgate Hill 1925
The discovery of gold in a Highgate Hill backyard in 1925 created a lot of excitement with talk of a gold rush.
