In 1895, John David Hennessey published his first novel "The Dis-Honourable". In it he describes the tricks of real estate sales in 1880s Brisbane. In this post, I look for evidence of these tricks being used.
Making a Splash 2 – South Brisbane’s Early Swimming Baths
With a sad history of regular destruction of Brisbane's floating baths by floods, advances in pumping technology allowed Brisbane's swimming pools to move from the river. This post looks at these early pools on the southside.
Making a Splash – Brisbane’s Floating Swimming Baths
Brisbane's sticky climate and a lack of reticulated water made the prospect of swimming baths very attractive. Brisbane had a total of twelve floating baths on the river almost all were by floods.
All That Glitters – Brisbane Gold Rushes
On three occasions, inner Southside Brisbane experienced the thrill of a gold discovery but no one got rich.
George and Amelia Croft’s South Brisbane Amphitheatre
In 1846, George and Amelia Croft travelled to Moreton Bay and performed tight rope acts at both Ipswich and Brisbane. With a tiny European population, the venture put them into financial problems, This post looks at their topsy turvy lives.
Life with Brisbane’s Trams
It's hard to over estimate the importance of the tram system to Brisbane's daily life over many decades. In 1930, for example, trams were carrying around 200,000 passengers a day, with the city's population at around 318,000. In this post I'll look at how trams were a part of our everyday life.
The Dutton Park Garden Theatre
Dutton Park on Gladstone Road was briefly leading Australia in popularising moving pictures with crowds of up to 7,000 attending a screening in 1909. It then returned to being a rubbish dump.
The Lang Family of Rosecliffe Street
Mr David Lang has lived in Rosecliffe Street, Highgate Hill, since his birth over 90 years ago and the Lang family have owned their property for some 135 years. David has many recollections of daily life in times gone by.
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.
Highgate Hill and Its History 