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.
Pre 1880
“Hamlet’s Ghost”
A number of reminiscences of early Brisbane make references to a Count Von Attems and "Hamlet's Ghost". Intrigued, I found that the story had been retold in newspaper articles on and off from 1868 until the 1950s. After further research, I uncovered other facets to the story which is really about a ship, its reincarnation … Continue reading “Hamlet’s Ghost”
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.
Ferdinand and Josephine Papi – an Edwardian Power Couple
Ferdinand Papi was an early Italian migrant who became a highly respected teacher. Josephine Papi was a philanthropist involved in countless community activities. Images from an old family album help bring their lives and this period of our history to life.
Kurilpa – Water, Water, Everywhere
Early residents of South Brisbane faced a shortage of water and at the same time there were problems with stagnant foul water courses and swamps.
Alfred Hockings and his “Rosaville” Nursery
Albert Hockings spent decades acclimatising and breeding plants suitable for the Queenslands climate at his ""Rosaville Nursery" on Montague Road. Discover the fascinating story of Albert and his family.
The Fascinating Story of the First Victoria Bridge
Due to political bastardry, bad contracting, financial crisis and the forces of nature, the first Victoria Bridge took 10 years to build at more than double the expected cost. Twenty years later it was replaced. Here's the fascinating story.
Omnibus Families of the Southside
For some 40 years, horse drawn omnibuses provided the principle mode of public transport in Brisbane, Now they are all but forgotten.
Brisbane’s Omnibuses
For some 40 years, horse drawn omnibuses provided the principle mode of public transport in Brisbane, Now they are all but forgotten.
Highgate Hill and Its History 