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. The view from Dorra Tor. (P. Granville) Thomas Blacket Stephens Thomas Blacket Stephens arrived in Brisbane with his wife Anne nee Connah in around … Continue reading “Dorra Tor” – Plywood, Politics and Punters
1940 -1960
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.
Daphne Mayo – Brisbane Sculptor lo
Daphne Mayo is most famous for her work on Brisbane's City Hall. She was highly successful in both an artistic and commercial sense thriving as a women sculptor in the Depression years. She lived in Highgate Hill on and off for 40 years.
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.
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.
Ernie and Mabel Lane – Radical Activists
Ernie and Mabel Lane were both dedicated communists. After spending some time in an Australian socialist colony in Paraguay, they settled into a home in Dauphine Terrace, Highgate Hill. Both continued to be activists for social change.
Brisbane Prepares for Air Raids
In 1941, fears of aerial attacks led to the instigation of black-out exercises in Brisbane. The first casualty was in Highgate Hill and inflicted by a dog! In 1942, householders were being urged to construct back yard air raid shelters.
Children on the Loose
How much society norms regarding the rearing of children have changed is brought home by these stories from not that long ago.
Inigo Jones Long Range Weather Forecaster
Inigo Jones, at one time a resident of Highgate Hill, was famous around Australia as a long range weather forecaster.
The Yodelling Milk Money Thief and Other Scoundrels
Over the years descriptions of a number of unusual Highgate Hill thefts have appeared in newspapers including a yodelling milk money thief and an audacious gas meter thief.
Highgate Hill and Its History 