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.
“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
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.
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.
Vulture Street – From Dotted Line to Bitumen
Vulture Street started life as a dotted staight line drawn across a map of Brisbane in the 1840s. It took another 40 years to become a useful through road.
The Origins of Orleigh Park
With its huge spreading shade trees and pleasant breezy riverside location, Orleigh Park is understandably a great favourite with many residents and visitors. However, this pleasant place of recreation had its origins in tragedy.
Daphne Mayo – Brisbane Sculptor
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.
