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.
1940 -1960
Tom Garrick and his West End Theatres
Thomas (Dad) Garrick, after a nautical career, became a pioneer of cinema in Queensland. His family company established the Lyric Theatre in West End in 1912 and in 1923 they built the Rialto in Hill End. Only the Rialto survives, repurposed as commercial premises.
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.
The Three Torbrecks
Since the early 1960s, the Torbreck apartment building on Highgate Hill has been a Brisbane landmark. The original Torbreck on the site was demolished in 1958 but another was built nearby by the same family in 1908.
Sheep, a House and Three Churches
The large house "Marly", later called "St. Malo", was a landmark on Hampstead Road in Highgate Hill for 80 years. It was built by the Appel family on the site of their sheep paddock. A succession of people who lived interesting lives lived there before it was demolished in 1951.
Brisbane’s Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre is a survivor. It's gone through numerous cycles of popularity and obscurity and come close to destruction by fire and demolition but the show goes on.
The West End School of Arts
The School of Arts in Boundary Street, West End, played an important role in the community for 80 years. Today it is all but forgotten. The Kurilpa Library, built as an extension to the School of Arts in 1928, carries on an over 130 year old tradition.
Beer, Books and a Bookie – the Story of a Highgate Hill House
An imposing house from stone at the peak of Highgate Hill, built in 1893, was home to just 3 families over a large part of its life. As a rental property, it's been the home to many.
The Davies Park Story
Davies Park has been a place of sport and leisure for 120 years. Well known for Rugby League football, its also seen patriotic carnivals, prize fights, speedway racing, square dancing and much more.
“Dorra Tor” – Plywood, Politics and Punters
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
Highgate Hill and Its History 