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Welcome to the Kangaroo Point and Districts History Group.  Our goal is to collect and preserve the history of the early Brisbane suburb of Kangaroo Point and adjoining suburbs of East Brisbane, Woolloongabba and South Brisbane.

These suburbs have a fascinating and diverse history which must be recorded and preserved for both current and future generations. In these times of change and fast-paced development, it is vital that the heritage and memories of the past are not lost.

Our history is like a giant jigsaw puzzle with many interlocking pieces reflecting the various aspects of each area – with each piece an important link to a better

understanding of the past. It is the people and their stories which help to put the pieces together and preserve the jigsaw for future generations.

Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge is our starting point, reaching out from Kangaroo Point into East Brisbane, Woolloongabba and South Brisbane, Australia.

Please join us on our  journey of discovery back to the early days in order to better understand how these suburbs have evolved to become the vibrant and diverse communities they are today.

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South Brisbane Wharves 1911

see more views of th South Brisbane Reach and wharves at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/south-brisbane-wharves/ ‎

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Two views of Victoria Bridge 1912

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Centenary of Dedication St Paul’s Anglican

At 10:30 am on Sunday 21 September 2024, one hundred years ago today, Archbishop Sharp dedicated the St Paul’s Anglican Church in Vulture Street, East Brisbane.

The progress of construction of this beautiful brick church was amazing as the foundation stone had been laid only six months previously, also by Archbishop Sharp, on Sunday 23 March 1924.­

This is how the ceremony was described in The Telegraph of 22 September 1924.

for the full text see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/east-brisbane-churches/

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Views south and north from the Story Bridge 1959

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Opening of the Roberts Centre at Churchie 1969

Students seated on the area known as the ‘Flat’ on  the afternoon of 5 October 1969 for the opening of the Roberts Centre and the Junior School, with the Governor General of Australia, Paul Hasluck, addressing the Churchie community.

For more about Churchie (Anglican Church Grammar School) go to https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/anglican-church-grammar-school/

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Looking at South Brisbane from Victoria Bridge in 1974 and 1983.

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Students sitting scholarship exam in 1932

Students of the East Brisbane State School working on the scholarship exam. Note the desks and classroom set-up.

for more about this iconic heritage-listed school see http://Permalink: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/east-brisbane-state-school/

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Expo 88 and Kookaburra Queen I nostalgia

A nice view of the Expo site in 1988 with the elegant Kookaburra Queen I sailing past.

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Interstate Soccer match at the Gabba 1950

On 10 June 1950 the New South Wales soccer team beat Queensland 0-2. Apparently critics blamed selection errors for Queensland’s defeat.
For more about The Gabba seehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/the-gabba-woollo…a-cricket-ground/

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Escape stairs at apartment block

Escape stairs on a Vulture Street apartment block, South Brisbane, 1970, no address given.

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Kookaburra Queen II 

A nostalgic look back at the Kookaburra Queen II and river boats near the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point in 1994.

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Captain Cook Bridge and the changing city skyline

for more information about the Captain Cook bridge see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/thestory-bridge/captain-cook-bridge/

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85 O’Connell Street/Tce – Then and Now

The house on the far right in the top photo was the former home of Rhoda Felgate who was a foundation member and first director of the Twelfth Night Theatre.

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South Brisbane Federal Band 1938

The South Brisbane Federal Band marching through the streets in Maryborough during the Easter band competition in April 1938. The band came fourth in the Diagram March section.

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Frankfurts for Gabba Football fans 1950

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East Brisbane Post Office March 1969

644 Main Street Kangaroo Point, 1970 – 2023

Read more about this house and other houses in Kangaroo Point at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/kangaroo-point-houses/

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Looking down Shafston Reach ca. 1955

View of Shafston Reach ca 1955 with Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge on the right, Kangaroo Point and New Farm to the left.  From a lantern slide in the Beryl Clowes collection held at the State Library of Queensland.

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Removal of Central Pier of William Jolly Bridge

William Jolly Bridge – pier removal 15 March 1988. (Brisbane City  Council)
Action shot of the removal of the central pier of the William Jolly Bridge on 15 March 1988 to widen Coronation Drive.

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Trams at South Brisbane Station 1960s

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Hilderstone, Kangaroo Point

On the site where St Vincent’ Hospital (formerly Mount Olivet Hospice) is now, there used to be two beautiful historic homes. There was ‘Old St Mary’s, the home of Dr. Lilian Cooper and Mary Josephine Bedford (see posts of 26 June and 1 July 2018). Next to it was “Hilderstone” set in picturesque gardens sloping down to the river.

“Hilderstone” was built in 1866 by the renowned Brisbane architect and politician, James Cowlishaw for Mr. Ernest Goertz and his wife. Mr. Goertz was a wine and spirit merchant in Eagle Street. The single-storey building soon became too small for the large family of seven sons and two daughters, so an upper storey was added in 1887. The new elegant home had large rooms, high ceilings, cedar fittings and seven marble mantlepieces and was then named “Hilderstone” after Hilderstone Hall in England. Mr. Goertz was originally from Windsor, England and Mrs. Goertz was Australian-born.
Read more about Hilderstone and other houses in Kangaroo Point https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/kangaroo-point-houses/ 

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East Brisbane State School is 125 years old

8 July 2024 marked the 125th anniversary of East Brisbane State School which was officially opened on Saturday afternoon of 8 July 1899.
 10 July 2024 marked the 125th anniversary of  the first students starting at the school on Monday 10 July 1899.

The 125th anniversary will be celebrated with a special Fun Fair featuring something for everyone.

for the history and interesting articles about the school go to https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/east-brisbane-state-school/

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Before and after the Grey Street Bridge

 

Photo 1:  ca. 1897 – looking west from the city across to South Brisbane where the Grey Street Bridge would be built from 1928 to 1932.
Photo 2:  looking west from the Brisbane City Hall clock tower towards the William Jolly Bridge, Taylor Range and Mount Coot-tha, March 1932

The Grey Street (renamed William Jolly Bridge in 1955)  was constructed between 1928 and 1932 following the formation of Greater Brisbane in 1925, and was one of the first major capital works of the new city Council and bears the name of its first Mayor.
At the time of construction, the only traffic bridge linking North and South Brisbane was the second Victoria Bridge, built in 1897 to replace an earlier bridge washed away in the flood of 1893.
The William Jolly Bridge crosses the Brisbane River at the tip of the South Brisbane peninsula between Grey Street, South Brisbane, and the intersection of Skew and Saul Streets on the northern bank. Work commenced in August 1928 and was completed in March 1932. (photos and text: Queensland State Archives)

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Two views of The Gabba in the early 1970s

The top photo shows an empty Cricket Ground in 1970  the bottom photo shows a cricket match in progress ca. 1970.

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Centenary Russian Orthodox Cathedral Woolloongabba

Looking back at last year’s centenary of the foundation of St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Woolloongabba. The cathedral in Vulture Street was established in 1923 by white Russians fleeing the Russian revolution and was the first Russian Orthodox parish in Australia.
This article in the Sunday Mail gives a comprehensive look into the fascinating history of this resilient community.

Read more about this beautiful cathedral and other churches in Woolloongabba at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/churches-in-woolloongabba/

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Social gathering at the German Club ca. 1913

The club in Vulture Street, Woolloongabba was established in 1883 and still operates today having become a cultural icon of Brisbane, famous for its hospitality, good food and beer and, of course, the annual Oktoberfest.

For more about the Club see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/the-german-club/ 

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Tram conductress adjusting trolley poles at the Fiveways.

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The way it was ca. 1942: 

Frequent adjustments were necessary when the trolley poles came off the trolley wires as major intersections such as the Fiveways at Woolloongabba. 

City ferry Otter at Maritime Museum Ferry Terminal 2011.

A nostalgic look at the City Ferry Otter at the old Maritime Museum Ferry Terminal in South Brisbane. The photo was taken in August 2011 which is not long ago yet it’s already part of ‘Lost Brisbane’ history.

In the background is the CityCat Yawagara approaching the Captain Cook Bridge.

The description will now have to be put into the past tense, here’s the original:  CityFerry Otter is a monohulled ferry operating on the Brisbane River that provides CityHopper services between Sydney Street ferry terminal in New Farm and North Quay ferry terminal in the Brisbane CBD.

read more about ferries at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/ferries/

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H.M.S. Prometheus passing the Kangaroo Point cliffs in 1906.

The photo caption reads: : ‘H.M.S. Prometheus in Garden Reach, Brisbane. Q.G.S. Gayundah and Paluma berthed at Naval Stores’. St. Mary’s Anglican Church can be seen on top of the cliffs at Kangaroo Point.’ (State Library of Queensland)

“The H.M.S. Prometheus was one of eleven Pelorus class cruisers completed for the Royal Navy between 1898 and 1901. While well-armed for their size, they were primarily workhorses for the overseas fleet considered to be on police duties (not serving with the main battle fleet). She was sold for scrap in 1914.’ (Wikipedia)

Clearly visible on top of the cliffs, from left to right: St Mary’s Parish Hall, St Mary’s Rectory, St Mary’s Church, Kangaroo Point State School buildings.

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A different view of the William Jolly Bridge.

Military tanks crossing what was then the Grey Street Bridge, ca. 1941. with views of South Brisbane.

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Chorus Girls at the Cremorne ca. 1944

The Cremorne Theatre, which opened in 1911, was located near the Victoria Bridge in South Brisbane. It was a venue for musical and variety theatre. During World War II it was very popular with American military and naval personnel. It was destroyed in a fire in February 1954.

For more pictures and the full story of the Cremorne Theatre go to https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/theatres/cremorne-theatre-south-brisbane/

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The Way, Peel Street, 1973

for more South Brisbane streetscapes see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/streetscapes/south-brisbane-streetscapes/

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Melbourne Hotel,  Margaret Olley; 1948

The painting of the Melbourne Hotel in South Brisbane was done by Margaret Olley in 1948. It is an oil on composition board painting measuring 63 x 76.5 cm and is part of the Olley Collection. (ehive.com)

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On this day 50 years ago: Hector Vasyli Memorial Service 

Here are some photos of one of the annual memorial services for Hector held on 25 April 1974, fifty years ago today at the Victoria Bridge Arch.

The photos are also interesting as a snapshot in time of the area in South Brisbane in the 70s. Prominent is York House Private Hotel at the intersection of Grey Street and Melbourne Street which was demolished and was originally proposed for the Queensland Art Gallery site, and is now the Museum corner. Also visible are the Palace Hotel and other older buildings.

for more photos see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/anzac-day/

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Hector Vasyli – Patriotic Greek-Australian boy

On the Southern Abutment of the old Victoria Bridge built in 1886 is a beautiful tribute to a patriotic little eleven-year-old paper boy who saved his pocket money to buy treats of cigarettes, chocolates and flowers for returned soldiers.

On 9 June 1918, while watching a motor parade of sick and injured soldiers on their way to the Kangaroo Point Military Hospital (Yungaba) and throwing small gifts  to the soldiers he was tragically hit by a car which was swerving to avoid a collision. Read  more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/anzac-day/

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Construction of South East Freeway

Construction of the South East Freeway viewed from Victoria Bridge to Captain Cook Bridge, 27 April 1972.

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Rowing on the Brisbane River at North Quay ca.1916

(McDonnell series postcard, State Library of Queensland neg 159153 from an original black and white print).

The sepia tone postcard is available for $25.00 US on www.tuckdbpostcards.org with the above description ‘rowing-north-quay-brisbane-river-pioneer-aircraft-above’

For more views of the South Brisbane reach and wharves see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/south-brisbane-wharves/

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View of South Brisbane October 1971

The photo was taken from the Executive Building in Brisbane in October 1971.

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Tram leaving South Brisbane Station 1906

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Victoria Building South Brisbane 

The Victoria Building located at the intersection of Melbourne and Stanley Streets, South Brisbane, was demolished in 1966 to make way for the new and third permanent Victoria Bridge. It is now the site of the Queensland Art Gallery.

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View ca. 1897 to future site of Grey Street bridge

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Story Bridge from Gardens Reach 1970

A peaceful scene of a family on the banks of the river at the Botanic Gardens looking across to the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point.

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On this day in 1969:  Trams stopped in Brisbane

This day 55 years ago, Sunday 13 April 1969, marked the end of trams in Brisbane with then Lord Mayor Clem Jones riding the last tram 554 to the Milton workshops around 11:50pm.
Despite the incorrect date of the last ay of trams, this article from Hutchies 100: Celebrating 100 Years of Hutchinson Builders gives a good overview of the history of trams in Brisbane.

The caption below the picture reads:
You won’t see this again! Pictured in 1952 cars and trams cross the Victoria Bridge bound for New Farm and Fortitude Valley. Today, in 1969, sharing the roads with trams is all a thing of the past for Brisbane’s modern commuting motorists.

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Stanley Street, East Brisbane 1960

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Fire at Mater Hill Lodge, South Brisbane

On 21 December 1983 a deliberately-lit fire at the Mater Hill Lodge boarding house in South Brisbane killed two residents,  a 79-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man.

Six years later an ex-soldier was jailed for life after he admitted lighting the fire as part of an insurance claim plot. (The Canberra Times, 30 December 1990).
The photos from “Brisbane Ablaze” show the intensity of the fire and the aftermath.

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South Brisbane Furnishing Company

Looking back at kitchen laminex and chrome tables in this 1950s advertisement for South Brisbane Furnishing Company, 1 Melbourne Street.This is a photo of a slide of cinema advertising created by Chas Blank shown at the Capitol Theatre Coolangatta and Empire Theatre Tweed Heads.
for more businesses in South Brisbane see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/businesses/south-brisbane

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Story Bridge and Captain Burke Park 1982

Story Bridge and Captain Burke Park as seen from New Farm in 1982.  The park was officially opened on 13 July 1978. Read more about Captain Burke Park here https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/parks/captain-burke-park

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Logan Road during 1890 flood.

Logan Road at Woolloongabba during the 1890 flood.

for more timeline photos of Woolloongabba see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/early-history/woolloongabba/woolloongabba-timeline-photos/

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Easter Sunday at St Mary’s 1904

This article describing the Easter celebrations at St Mary’s 120 years ago features several  well-known and high profile people who were instrumental in establishing the strong traditions which continue to be an important part of the current life of the parish.

St Mary’s was always known as the Naval Chapel so the presence of 70 members of the Naval Brigade and their band under the leadership of Lieutenant Beresford (Joseph Arthur Hamilton) was fairly normal. The Warrior’s Chapel and Naval Centenary Memorial are permanent reminders of the church’s naval connection. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/churches-in-kangaroo-point/

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Happy Easter!

This delightful  cover picture of the 1938 edition of the Queenslander magazine features an image of Shirley Temple wearing an ornate lace surplice and carrying a book, probably the Bible, which has a large cross on the cover.

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1951 recipe for hot cross buns

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Easter in Brisbane in 1900

The article written in 1950 looks back to how people spent their Easter break in 1900.

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Kangaroo Point seen from Town Reach ca. 1907

Two views from the Botanic Gardens looking across the busy river to Kangaroo Point, with the Naval Stores and cliffs and St Mary’s and the Kangaroo Point State School buildings up on the hill.

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Night view of city from Kangaroo Point 1971 and 2011.

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Ipswich Road seen from the Fiveways 1923

Despite the poor quality of the photo you can see two cars parked in front of Olsen and Goodchap furniture store, and a horse and cart waiting in front of the Five Ways Garage.

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Australia Post Special Gabba First Day Covers On 24 January 1986 Australia Post released a special first day cover pictorial postmark featuring ‘The Gabba’.

Here are photos of two examples of unused envelopes with the special postmark and graphics relating to the Gabba which are part of a collection held at the Melbourne Cricket Museum.

The first has green and light brown printing. It features an outline of Australia and a map of Brisbane Cricket Ground. The unused envelope has green and light brown printing. It features an outline of Australia and a map of the Brisbane Cricket Ground.

Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/the-gabba-woollo…a-cricket-ground/

Trolley Bus approaching Story Bridge 1964.

This trolley bus on the Bradfield Highway approaching the Story Bridge is part of a fleet of 36 Sunbeam trolley buses on a 28km network which operated in Brisbane from 12 August 1951. They were replaced by diesel buses from 1968. Trolley buses stopped operating on 13 March 1969, exactly a month before trams also stopped, on 13 April 1969.

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Looking south west from the city 1925

Brisbane central business district looking south west from the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets, September 1925.

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Gravel delivery South Brisbane 1967

Photograph created by Richard Stringer in 1967 and printed in 2013. Black and white digital print on paper gifted to the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art by the artist.

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View to Kangaroo Point in 1938:

Looking towards Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge under construction from the banks of the river at the Botanic Gardens in 1938. Small boats are anchored near the riverbank and a ferry is crossing in the middle of the river.

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The early days: South Brisbane from the north shore

for more timeline pictures of South Brisbane seehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/early-history/south-brisbane/south-brisbane-timeline-photos/

Bird’s eye view of Brisbane 1 March 1893

The original black and white version  and a colourised version of this detailed photo show some amazing detail of South Brisbane, the city, Kangaroo Point and beyond. The black and white version is a print of a wood engraving originally published in the Illustrated Australian News.

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Red Cross Girls at East Brisbane State School 1940s

Brisbane State School Nostalgia – Teacher Miss Riddell pinning a badge on one of the ‘Red Cross girls’ in the 1940s.

for more about the East Brisbane State School which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year in July seehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/east-brisbane-state-school/

T.W. Smith’s saddlery shop in Woolloongabba

This saddlery shop was run by Thomas William Smith (1869-1933), a pioneer farmer living in Hemmant. He was born on 2 June 1869 in Hemmant, Brisbane, where his father had settled in in 1864 and was educated at Hemmant State School.  He became a pioneer farmer when the local farming lands were opened up. On 19 September 1895 he married Eliza Illingworth and they had five children.

In the early 1900s he had a saddlery business in Woolloongabba for about ten years, then went back into farming about 1910. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/businesses/woolloongabba

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Tram in Woolloongabba 1968

The tram is passing Olsen and Goodchap furniture store in Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba on 12 December 1968. A Morris Major Elite and Holden ute (utility) are parked in front of the store. (Roderick Smith of Trams Downunder).

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Town Reach looking to Kangaroo Point ca. 1907

The photo shows the Botanic Gardens and boats on the river. On the other side is a view of Kangaroo Point with one of the naval stores visible at the bottom left, St Mary’s Anglican Church is just out of view on the top of the hill, but the buildings of the Kangaroo Point State School are clearly visible as well as the cliffs.

View from East Brisbane across Norman Creek 1887

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 Ships lying at anchor in the South Brisbane Reach ca. 1910

for more scenes of the South Brisbane reach and wharves seehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/south-brisbane-wharves/

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Buses Stanley Street Woolloongabba  1972

AEC regal Mk 4 and Mk 3 Buses corner Main and Stanley Streets Woolloongabba in 1972.

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‘The Old Boot Factory’

When Joseph Astill and James Henry Freeman bought a 36 perch site at 17 Cordelia Street in South Brisbane in 1895 they were already well established in the boot making business in Tank Street, Brisbane. A year later they moved to Mary Street and in 1897 had a purpose-built brick factory built at their new site in South Brisbane. It was to become one of the first factories in Brisbane in which mechanisation was introduced.

Bootmaking was an important industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1888 Queensland imported £179,000 worth of boots and shoes, and there were about 140 boot making establishments in Brisbane, many were individuals working from their home or small workshops. The industry grew rapidly in Queensland, from 18 small boot factories in 1888 to 39 by 1897 employing 1,546 men.  Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/businesses/south-brisbane

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Early view of Kangaroo Point

An undated picture of Kangaroo Point seen from New Farm before construction of the Story Bridge. The large ship in the foreground is Lund’s Blue Anchor Line. The Botanical Gardens and city wharves are in the background to the right on the other side of the Town Reach of the Brisbane River.

Victoria Bridge ca. 1910

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Main Street Kangaroo Point 1978

View of Main Street looking north towards the Story Bridge.

see more Kangaroo Point streetscapes at ghttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/streetscapes/kangaroo-point-streetscapes/

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Horse and cart transport 1923

A lady and two children are waiting with a horse and cart outside Dand’s Fruit Depot on Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba in 1923.

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Australia Day Display Woolloongabba 1978

Photographic collection of postal &​ telegraphic services in Queensland at the Woolloongabba Post Office, 1 February 1978.

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Ferry Nostalgia 

Edward Street ferry with Story Bridge in the background in 1991. That was before they became CityHoppers – getting on and off  was easy, no ramp required.

for more pictures and information about the Kangaroo Point ferries go to https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/ferries/

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Grey Street Bridge ca. 1938

View of the Grey Street Bridge (now William Jolly Bridge) ca. 1938 with the city skyline in the background. The bridge was opened on 30 March 1932, 8 years before the Story Bridge.

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Postcard of Brisbane ca. 1980

The postcard includes three views of South Brisbane: the Captain Cook Bridge,  the city skyline from South Bank and the Victoria Bridge at night.

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Kangaroo Point in the early 1980s

An interesting photo of Kangaroo Point in the early 1980s showing the way it used to be after the industrial era finished and before high-rise started to dominate.

At the time there were still two naval stores, but since then  Store No. 1 was partially destroyed in a fire in 1987 and is now no longer there.

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Woolloongabba Railway Line 1969

The photo taken on 5 March 1969 shows the Woolloongabba Railway line and Station before construction of the South East Freeway. It covers the area along Stanley Street between Trinity Street and Read Street. Holy Trinity Anglican Church is prominent on top of the hill on the right.

The interesting description reads:
‘The Wooloongabba Branch railway line was a branch line off the South Coast railway line in the inner southern suburbs of Brisbane, Australia. It opened on 2 June 1884 to serve the wharves and industries along the Brisbane River at Woolloongabba and South Brisbane. Queensland Railways always referred to the line as the Wooloongabba Branch (with one ‘), despite the official spelling of the suburb it ran through being Woolloongabba (spelt with two ‘l’s). ‘

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‘Rosetta’ at 47 Didsbury Street, East Brisbane 

Three views of the house 1970-1999-2022. Here’s the 1970 view taken by Frank Corley.

for later years and other houses in East Brisbane see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/houses-in-east-brisbane/

Victoria Bridge destroyed by Flood 6 February 1983

At 4:00 am on Monday 6 February 1893 the Victoria Bridge spanning North and South Brisbane gave way to the weight of water and debris which had been rushing against it since the previous day in the early days of the first of the three floods which were to be known as the 1893 Great Flood.

The Brisbane Courier of 7 February 1893, p.2 gives a vivid description of the event- read more at http://: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/floods/

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Aerial View of Brisbane 1980

This aerial photo was taken on 21 January 1980- a lot has changed since then!

The  view of Brisbane includes Captain Cook Bridge, Queensland University of Technology, Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge and Woolloongabba. It appeared on the 1979/1980 Telephone Directory cover.

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58 Sinclair Street, Kangaroo Point – Then and Now

The house at 58 Sinclair Street is a great example of how the original tin and timber houses built ca. 1920 have survived over a hundred years and can be beautifully restored and maintained.

Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=2110&action=edit

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Fenced yard in East Brisbane

The way it was: Undated photo of a ‘fenced yard in East Brisbane with a cottage in the distance.

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Panorama of Brisbane ca. 1940

‘Panorama of Brisbane looking from the Brisbane River near the Town Reach ca. 1940. Tug pulling an unidentified vessel east along the river.’ (description and photo: State Library of Queensland)

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Expo 88 forest 1988, printed 2013

This black and white digital print was created by Melbourne-based artist Richard Stringer in 1988 and printed in 2013. He gifted it to the Queensland Gallery/ Gallery of Modern Art Foundation 2013.

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East Brisbane State School Band in the 1930s.

A nostalgic look back at the school band in the 1930s.

Read more about the school http://The school band in the 1930s.

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50 years of test cricket at the Gabba

On Friday 1 December 1978 a crowd of 14,026 turned out to the Gabba to watch the first day of the 1978 England vs Australia Test match.

The Gabba was very different then, with spectators able to sit on the grass and enjoy cold beers etc while watching the game. It was a hot and humid day …Read more http://The Gabba was very different then, with spectators able to sit on the grass and enjoy cold beers etc while watching the game

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Views of South Brisbane  from City Hall Tower

Two views of the city, Victoria Bridge and South Brisbane  as seen from the clock tower of City Hall in 1952 and 1967.

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Customs House from Kangaroo Point ca. 1915

The ‘pencil on paper’ drawing measuring 34×24.8 cm is the work of Brisbane artist Llloyd Rees. It is part of a collection of his drawings held at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

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Grey Street in the 1950’s

There’s plenty of action here in Grey Street in the 1950s.

For more South Brisbane streetscapes go to https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/streetscapes/south-brisbane-streetscapes/

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Fire engulfs Broadway Hotel 

Fire engulfs the heritage-listed Broadway Hotel, Woolloongabba- and what’s left after the November 2018 fire. Fire at Broadway Hotel. (The Courier Mail)

Charming vignettes around Brisbane ca. 1887

‘This group of drawings is arranged to give the impression of an informal sketchbook. The images are interspersed with floral motifs with views of the Brisbane River along the wharves at the bottom, and Seventeen Mile Rocks above. Scenes at the top are of the Acclimitisation Society’s Gardens and the Brisbane Botanic Garden. On the right, a view from the banks of the Brisbane River at Enoggera.’ (description supplied with sketches, State Library of Queensland)

Aerial views of Brisbane 1948

View of Story Bridge down Charlotte Street. (n.d)

An undated classic photo of Charlotte Street from George Street looking east to the Story Bridge.

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Aerial view of South Bank before and after Expo88

16 Lisburn Street, East Brisbane – Then and Now

Then: 1972 – A fibro and timber cottage, described as a ‘ classic assymetrical bungalow roofed house probably built around 1905.’ (Frank Corley collection, SLQ)

Now: 2023 – A two level, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, double garage home on 226m² block with all modern conveniences (realestate.com)

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Christmas displays in South Brisbane

Christmas decorations in the showroom at Brisbane Service Motors, Stanley Street, South Brisbane, 1962.

Christmas Displays in Woolloongabba shop windows 1962

View of Kangaroo Point from New Farm 1880

Looking across from New Farm to Kangaroo Point on the left, with the Botanical Gardens and Queensland Parliament House in the background across the river on the right.

Swimming lessons in the river at 47 Laidlaw Parade

Would you swim in the river at East Brisbane today? Or eat fish caught in the river there?

Fishing and swimming in the river at East Brisbane and surrounds were popular activities around the 1920s and 1930s. The river was clean and fish stocks were plentiful. The early riverside homes all had jetties which were popular for fishing or diving into the river. The section of river near Laidlaw Parade and Mowbray Park was a popular water playground and meeting place for the locals in those days.

Local identity Sam (Samuel) Learmonth conducted private swimming lessons for local children at his riverside home at 47 Laidlaw Parade. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/recreation-on-the-river/#Swimming-lessons-in-the-River-at-47-Laidlaw-Parade-in-the-1930s

South Bank Beach 1992

From meeting place for the traditional landowners, the Turrbal and Yuggera people, to popular meeting place for settlers and visitors of all nations.
‘The man-made beach features a crystal lagoon with enough water to fill five Olympic-size swimming pools, clean white beaches and subtropical trees and exotic plants.

Chlorinated water is recirculated every six hours at up to 125 litres per second. The water is pumped through two large sand filters and chemically treated before being returned back to the beach. The 4000 cubic metres of sand comes from Rous Channel in Moreton Bay and 70 tonnes is added each year to the South Bank Beach.’ (Queensland State Archives)

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164 Melbourne Street – then and now

164 Melbourne Street, corner of Melbourne and Manning Streets, South Brisbane 1952 and 2020.

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Marshall Drink Factory

An undated group photo of the staff outside the Marshall drinks factory. Note the water tanks on their side at the back and the man with a horse and dray filled with supplies.

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South Brisbane Reach 1950s

The cover of a view folder with various scenes of Brisbane  shows the old Victoria Bridge and and the Grey Street Bridge.

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Post-Expo 88 re-alignment of Grey Street

Among the many construction changes after the conclusion of World Expo ’88 was the  re-alignment of  Grey Street, South Brisbane.  The photo shows construction work in action in 1990.Post Expo 88 re-alignment works in Grey Street, South Brisbane. 1990.

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Ladies rowing on Town Reach ca.1930

View from Kangaroo Point ca. 1930 as members of the Brisbane Ladies Rowing Club, the women’s four with cox, are out on the Town Reach passing Customs House and the City Wharves.

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Vale Joy Loggie  (14 July 1932- 16 October 2023)

On 27 October  we farewelled well-known and highly regarded East Brisbane community personality and activist, crime writer and history buff Joy Loggie (Joyce Audrey Loggie, née Smith) at St Paul’s Anglican Church in East Brisbane. The fact that the service was conducted by the Parish Priest, the Reverend Mark Vincent, who was Joy’s neighbour for many years made the celebration of her life even more special.

Joy’s son Doug gave a loving account of his mother’s rich life from her childhood in war torn London where she developed a passion for reading at the age of eight, becoming a Mothercraft nurse, emigrating to Australia in 1952 at the age of 19 as a ‘ten pound Pom’ and blossoming as a crime writer and local history buff. In late 1953 she met Neil Loggie at a dance at Cloudland Ballroom and after a whirlwind romance they married in February the following year. Their son Doug was born in December 1955.

 Continue reading  https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/people/joy-loggie/

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Shops Stanley Street, Woolloongabba 1920s

The Mater hospital is in the background.

See more Woolloongabba streetscapes at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/streetscapes/woolloongabba-streetscapes/

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On this day in 1939:  Gap closed on Story Bridge spans 

The suspended spans at the Kangaroo Point end on the left and the Fortitude Valley end on the right were joined with a central panel on the morning of 28 October 1939.

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Customs House and Story Bridge ca. 1958

This postcard was published by Sydney G Hughes Pty Ltd.

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City Reach seen from Kangaroo Point ca. 1913

The postcard has an interesting note: ‘outer edges of postcard drawn to look like a wooden frame and it is coloured green, image is actually b&w’.  (State Library of Victoria)
The steam ferry in the foreground is the Emu.

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Greyhound Coach at Terminal  ca 1941

The Greyhound coach is parked outside the Greyhound bus terminal at 73 Grey Street, South Brisbane ca. 1941.

It is a Greyhound parlour car with the bodywork built in Adelaide by J. A. Lawnton around 1941. It is a sideloader coach. The bus’ chassis was a K-series, International built in USA. This series started in 1940. Coach could carry 20-25 passengers. (State Library of Queensland)

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Travel Display at the Trocadero Dansant

Queensland Government Tourist Bureau display promoting its Travel Service at the Trocadero, South Brisbane, ca. 1932.
The Trocadero Dansant in Melbourne Street was a popular dance hall modelled on the New York Dance Palais. It opened in May 1923. It was known for its springy highly-polished dance floor, 52 vine-clad alcoves and spectator gallery above (see photo). It was very popular with American servicemen during the Pacific War (1942-1945) but closed soon after, in April 1945 due to dwindling patronage. 

read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/

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Traffic coming off Story Bridge 1981

Northbound traffic coming off the Story Bridge and  Bradfield Highway in 1981 with billboards as viewed from exiting traffic. The orange buildings to the right are the rear of T.C. Beirne & Co. , an early department store fronting on to Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley.

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49 Northcote Street, East Brisbane

This beautiful colonial home was located in the area previously known as Mowbraytown. It was built in the early 1900s and had four bedrooms, a sleepout and a large kitchen, with bathroom and laundry underneath.

Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/houses-in-east-brisbane/

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Swimming in the Mowbray Park Baths

A surf life-saving club was formed three years later, known as the Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Life Saving Club. The club still exists today. The baths were closed in August 1940 due to poor water quality and health concerns. The site is now the home of the Mowbray Park city cat terminal, where some remnants of the baths can still be seen.
For more about Mowbray Park and the baths see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/parks/mowbray-park/

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Cr Melbourne & Stanley Street

Street view of the corner of Stanley and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane, on 21 July 1958. The area is now where Stanley Street goes into Melbourne Street from QPAC.

for more South Brisbane streetscapes see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/streetscapes/south-brisbane-streetscapes/

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Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

On 6 June 1995 the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), corner Merivale Street and Grey Street, South Brisbane was officially opened.

This world-class convention centre is part of the post Expo development of the South Bank area which had hosted the successful World Expo 88 from 30 April to 30 October 1988.

The need for a world standard convention facility for Brisbane goes back to the early 1980s when Brisbane was the only capital city without a dedicated Convention and Exhibition Centre. This meant that Queensland was missing out on the rapidly growing lucrative trade and exhibition market and its financial and tourism benefits. While at the time many hotels were catering for conventions they would not be able to cope with the expected larger scale international conventions, trade exhibitions, sporting and cultural events. Continue readinghttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/theatres/brisbane-convent…xhibition-centre/

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99th anniversary Celebrations at St Paul’s

Yesterday afternoon, Sunday 24 September 2023, I was privileged to join a large congregation of parishioners and guests in the historic heritage-listed St Paul’s Anglican Church in East Brisbane. It was a special thanksgiving service to mark the 99th anniversary of the dedication of the church on 21 September 1924.

The afternoon started with the blessing of the beautifully restored Walker Organ by the Right Reverend John Roundhill, Bishop for the Southern Region. Well-known guest organist Steven Morris then played the organ throughout the service. Mr Morris’ excellent playing demonstrated the best sounds of the organ and was much appreciated by the gathering.  After a few words about the history of the church, the Bishop performed the moving ceremony of commissioning the very popular and highly regarded Reverend Mark Vincent as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of East Brisbane.
continue reading https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/east-brisbane-churches/  

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Dedication of St Paul’s Anglican

On Sunday 21 September 1924 the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr Sharp, dedicated St Paul’s Anglican Church at 554 Vulture Street East in East Brisbane. The now State heritage-listed impressive red brick church was built to a Gothic-style design by diocesan architects Atkinson & Conrad (now Conrad & Gargett), similar to that of the nearby ‘Churchie Chapel’, which they also designed and which was dedicated on 4 May 1924.

The history of St Paul’s goes back to 11 January 1887 when – Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/east-brisbane-churches/ 

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The Brisbane River at South Brisbane 1973

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Darragh Street, Kangaroo Point: the early years

Photo 1: 13 March 1890 during the floods.
Photo 2: October 1935 showing construction of footpaths and kerbs. The forms have just been laid and workmen are discussing the construction of a retaining wall on an adjacent home.
Photo 3: 1936  A horse and cart are travelling along the completed road at a leisurely pace.  (BCC)

 

Kangaroo Point Quarries early 1900s

The quarries date back to the convict days ca. 1826. The now heritage-listed Lamb House, or ‘Home’  can be seen perched on top of the cliffs. It is currently being restored to its former glory.

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CT White Park Kangaroo Point 1984

CT White Park as it was in 1984  with view across to the City Botanic Gardens and Parliament Building.

for more on CT White Park see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/parks/c-t-white-park

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Coal Wharf South Brisbane 1928

An artist’s impression of the South Brisbane Coal Wharves . Print of an etching on rough cream, handmade, wove paper  created by Vincent Sheldon in 1928. It is held at the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery  of Modern Art.

for more views on the South Brisbane Wharves see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/south-brisbane-wharves

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Old Homes at Kangaroo Point 1971

For more stories of houses in Kangaroo Point go to https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/kangaroo-point-houses/

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Gabba Fiveways 1921

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Champion rowers near Victoria Bridge 1926

Winners from the Commercial Rowing Club, Champion Eights on the Brisbane River, held on the 1st May, 1926 over a distance of two miles in a time of 10.2. Rowers: B. Prigg (bow); N.M. Grimes; B.S. Jones; L. Eastman; H. Blakeley; G. King; C. J. Henricksen; F. R. Conn (Stroke); D. Coulter.

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Thornton Street Ferry Pontoon 1949

Two views of the Ferry Pontoon at Thornton Street, Kangaroo Point on 10 June 1949.

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Brisbane from Bowen Terrace ca. 1888

Photo of an antique print of the view from Bowen Terrace with the tip of Kangaroo Point and the sawmills on the left and the city on the right. The RMS Quetta (Royal Mail Ship/Steamer) which was built for the England to Queensland route  is steaming out of port.

On 28 February 1890, while on its twelfth voyage, it hit an uncharted rock in the Adolphus Channel in Torres Strait on the way to Thursday Island and sank, killing 134 of the 292 people on board. The sinking of the Quetta was one of Queensland’s worst maritime disasters.

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Victoria Bridge during transport strike in 1968

Victoria Bridge was packed solid from one end to the other, when workers arriving from South Brisbane Station were joined by others walking from West End during a transport strike. The narrow footway was the only means of getting into Queen St. (Picture: Keith Morris, Courier Mail)

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Kangaroo Point Then and Now 

View of the city from Kangaroo Point c. 1989 and c. 2022  Note the tree in Kangaroo Point on the top photo, the bench on the lower photo. (collage by Queensland State Archives)

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Mother Teresa visits Mater Children’s Hospital

In October 1981 Mother Teresa visited Brisbane as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Mater Children’s Hospital.

Professor David Tudehope described the memorable visit:
“She arrived carrying a small canvas handbag and her suitcase – a cardboard carton held together by rope. She was dressed in her simple white and blue habit and sari – one of only two that she owned – and stayed at Bardon with the Sisters of Mercy.”
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 “for her work for bringing help to suffering humanity”. She dedicated her life to serving and helping others, especially the very poor in India and lived a very simple life.  In 1950 she founded the Missionaries of Charity and her organisation built homes for orphans, nursing homes for lepers and hospices for the terminally ill in Calcutta. The mission soon spread worldwide. Mother Teresa was loved and respected for her humbleness and genuine desire and  passion to help those nobody else wanted to help. She was canonised by Pope Francis in 2016 and is now known as Saint Teresa.
Read more https://www.mater.org.au/history?fbclid=IwAR0J_B9GmLFIRL0BFbiLgrr3DPgnzvma8Tyz8cRcNCiQiuj7CHKEbsVSuAE

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Reminiscing at Yungaba

Recently we had the pleasure of showing beautiful Yungaba, the former Immigration Depot,  to Paula Sutherland, a visitor who had stayed there with her family after arriving from England in 1974 when she was just seven years old.
      Then: Paula with her sister at Yungaba in February 1974.Paula and her sister Michaela on the verandah of the family accommodation block in 1974.(supplied: P. Sutherland)

     and Now – August 2023 – Paula and her husband AdamPaula and her husband Adam in front of Yungaba. (C. Gerard)

Read more about this special reminiscing in John’s article at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/service-clubs/yungaba/

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South Brisbane Reach ca. 1900

View of the South Brisbane Reach ca. 1900 showing the Domain, Government House and the Houses of Parliament.

for more views of the South Brisbane Reach and the wharves see  https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/south-brisbane-wharves/

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Yungaba Gardens Open House July 2023

It was a long-awaited pleasure to finally be able to walk around the beautiful gardens of our heritage-listed Yungaba House and remember the many immigrants who started their life in Australia in what was then the Immigration Hostel established in the late 1880s.

While we could not enter Yungaba House itself as it now contains several private boutique residences, it was still possible to admire its beauty from various vantage points in the grounds.

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Postcard of Brisbane 1907

The postcard shows images of the Normal School, Railway Wharf, South Brisbane Reach, Queen Street and General Post Office, Botanical Gardens and the Central Railway Station.

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1988 Brisbane Telephone Book Cover

This 1988 Telephone Book cover shows the Story Bridge with a ferry below and a very green, peaceful Kangaroo Point. The industrial era has gone to make way for a new era of constantly increasing residential high rise and small businesses.

Story Bridge featuring on 1988 Telephone Book Cover. (National Archives of Australia)

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Trams ready for their final ride

Trams in the Woolloongabba Depot, Ipswich Road on 12 April 1969, ready for their last trip the next day, 13 April.

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1886 Stonemason’s Cottage

This beautiful sandstone cottage at 57 Latrobe Street, East Brisbane, was built in 1886 by stonemason John Steele. It  was one of the first homes built on land (Lot 169- R11228) which was part of the original ‘ Mowbraytown Estate’  originally owned by the Reverend Thomas Mowbray.

The three-level, four-roomed stone cottage is unusual because most late nineteenth century workers cottages in Brisbane were built of timber. However, as John Steele was an expert stonemason it is not surprising that he chose to ‘craft’ his home out of sandstone. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/houses-in-east-brisbane/

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Aerial of Kangaroo Point and beyond 1948

The aerial photo showing the tip of Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge, New Farm and beyond was taken on 16 August 1948 by Whites Aviation.1948 Aerial photo of Kangaroo Point, New Farm and beyond. (Whites Aviation/National Library of New Zealand)

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Means of Transport outside South Brisbane Railway Station

Different forms of transport at the entrance to the South Brisbane Railway Station over the years.

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1988 Aerial Classic

Expo88 on the South Bank, South Brisbane, the City and Kangaroo Point.Aerial South Brisbane to Kangaroo Point 1988. (Brisbane City Council Archives)

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Cricket at the Gabba ca. 1970

The photo is taken from the Member’s Bar during a cricket match, looking out to the Clem Jones Stand, which is flanked by the scoreboard to the right, and the Greyhound Club area to the left.

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Pilot Boat Captain Heath 1946

Two classics together – Brisbane pilot boat Captain Heath and the Story Bridge in August 1946. The pilot boat was launched in February 1941 just seven months after the Story Bridge was opened. The boat was named in honour of Captain George Poynter Heath, the first port master of Brisbane who also built the historic home ‘Hanworth’ at 109 Lytton Rd, East Brisbane. Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/ships-and-tugs/

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Opening the sailing season 1894

Yachts at the South Brisbane Sailing Club opening the 1894 sailing season.Opening of 1894 sailing season at South Brisbane Sailing Club. (State Library of Queensland)

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Shafston Reach 1962

View of Kangaroo Point, New Farm and Shafston Reach in 1962 when Evans Deakin was still operating its shipyard.Shafston Reach 1962. (SteveB, imageshack)

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1886 aerial view of Brisbane

An 1886 view of Brisbane CBD with the old Victoria Bridge looking across to South Brisbane. Aerial view of Brisbane 1886. (Queensland State Archives)

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Story Bridge from All Hallow’s School building 1978

A rather interesting and different view of the Story Bridge appearing between commercial buildings and All Hallows School, March 1978.

SS Koopa and Story Bridge 1936

A lovely picture of two classics ca 1936: looking from the ss Koopa towards the Story Bridge under construction.Looking from the ss Koopa towards the Story Bridge under construction ca. 1936. (State Library of Queensland)

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QGR, PB15 passenger train at Woolloongabba in the 1940s

This image was scanned from an original glass plate or negative. It is part of the Australian Railway Historical Society collection courtesy of  the Universitv of Newcastle Library’s Special Collections.

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North Quay near Victoria Bridge 1932

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Queensland Co-operative Boot Society, Woolloongabba 1919

Factory workers outside the Boot Factory in Annerley Road, Woolloongabba. The factory made boots and shoes for all the Services as well as the general public.

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Looking across the river to North Quay ca. 1891

The view from the south bank of the river to North Quay. On the left is the Supreme Court Building and on the right are the Government Offices, which later became known as the Treasury Building. A section of the first permanent Victoria Bridge, linking the CBD to South Brisbane, is also visible on the right.
The photo was taken by photographer P.C. Poulsen (1857-1925 )who took many photos in Queensland cities in towns as well as interstate.

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Frank Adlers store on Ipswich Road

Frank Adlers store on Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba  in September 1967.

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Brisbane River seen from Kangaroo Point ca. 1906

‘A view of the Brisbane River, following the U-shaped bend taken from River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, and looking across to Gardens Point and the Botanic Gardens, which was an area once known as the Domain. ‘ (Robert Vere Scott)Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point ca. 1906. (State Library of Queensland)

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Early days of the South Brisbane Dry Dock

The 800-ton barque Doon was the first vessel to use the South Brisbane Dry Dock on September 10, 1881.The barque Doon, the first ship to use the South Brisbane Dry Dock. (State Library of Queensland)

The top photo shows her just after she was floated out of the dock. (SLQ); the second photo is an excerpt from an article in the Queenslander, Saturday, 1 October 1881 describing the celebrations for the opening of the South Brisbane Dry Dock. You can read the full article at https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/914324

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View of Main Street, Kangaroo Point 1970.

The view is from the Travelodge Motel (now Olims Apartments) at 355 Main Street. The photo was taken in June 1970.

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The way it was ca. 1875

Logan Road after heavy rain.  Puddles of water reflecting the bush.Logan Road after heavy rain ca. 1875. (State Library of Queensland)

This sepia print is part of the Wright Cabinet Photographs held at the State Library of Queensland.
George Parkinson Wright was a pioneer Brisbane photographer. He established his business in James Street, Fortitude Valley in 1874 and worked there until 1878. In 1875 he was appointed official vice-regal photographer. He was a key figure in the earliest period of professional landscape photography in Queensland. He worked in Brisbane until 1883 and died at his home in Aberley Hill, Kelvin Grove in 1891.

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The way it was in 1934

Aerial view of Brisbane looking north from South Brisbane towards the central business district, Kangaroo Point and New Farm before the Story Bridge was built. Construction of the Story Bridge started in 1935. (QSA)

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View to Kangaroo Point from Customs House ca. 1906

The postcard view is of Kangaroo Point across the river and Customs House. The captain reads: “Customs House is positioned on the Brisbane River and was built by John Petrie between 1886-1889. The dome is sheathed in copper. It is one of Brisbane’s landmarks. This postcard shows the shipping companies’ buildings on the left and trams running along the northern end of Queen Street.”

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Brisbane: River City of the North ca. 1934

The poster  is a Brisbane Tourist Promotion ca. 1934.

Brisbane Tourism Promotion Poster ca. 1934. (Queensland State Archives)The poster features the view from the iconic Old Windmill (built c 1828) which is the oldest surviving convict-built structure in Queensland, looking down towards the Grey Street Bridge (now William Jolly Bridge) built in 1928 and South Brisbane. The poinsettia, Brisbane’s floral emblem, is also prominently displayed.

The artist was Percival Albert Trompf, (1902-1964) a commercial artist based in Melbourne whose bright, colourful scenes were especially popular during the Depression years. He painted and designed thousands of advertising posters.

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Creek Street Ferry Terminal ca. 1908

The photo was probably taken from the roof of the Commercial Travellers Association Building on Elizabeth Street in Brisbane. The Creek Street Ferry terminus is in the foreground, Eagle Street on the left.

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Classic etching of Somerville House ca. 1930

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Opening of Captain Burke Park 13 July 1978

From wharves and warehouses to picturesque park in Kangaroo Point…

On 13 July 1978 the Lord Mayor, Alderman Sleeman, opened the new park under the Story Bridge and named it Captain Burke Park in honour of John Burke. The young John Burke was a seaman who crewed on the immigrant ship Erin-go-Bragh which arrived in Brisbane in 1862.
Shortly after arrival he jumped ship to be with his sweetheart Alice Swords, a passenger he’d met and fallen in love with. A year later they married and settled in Kangaroo Point in a home called Kinsale under the bridge and…
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/parks/captain-burke-park/

 

 Brisbane From the Bridge 1898

‘There are large and small boats on the river, buildings on the bank opposite, including a fish market at far right.’South Brisbane from the Bridge.  (Stodart Family Photos, University of Queensland, F3480)

For more views of South Brisbane  Wharves go to https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/south-brisbane-wharves/

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St Mary’s and tree ca. 1914

Pencil sketch of St Mary’s Church of England (now St Mary’s Anglican Church), and tree in Kangaroo Point as it was ca. 1914, forty-one years after its official opening in November 1873. The church is often referred to as St Mary’s on the Cliffs, as shown in the sketch. The ‘pencil on paper’ sketch 34.2 x 24.8cm is the work of Brisbane artist Lloyd Rees, part of a collection at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. St Mary’s is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, 2023.

SS Birksgate

The 916 ton steam ship Birksgate was part of the fleet owned by the Australian Steam Navigation Company (A.S.N.) which operated from 1839 to 1887. The company amalgamated with the Queensland Steam Shipping Company in 1887 to form the Australian United Steam Navigation Company. (A.U.S.N.) The Birksgate was later sold to the Adelaide Steamship Company. (Wikipedia)

Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/ships-and-tugs/

 Views from City Hall Clock Tower in 1932

The first is looking south towards the Victoria Bridge and South Brisbane and the second is looking west towards Victoria Bridge, Grey Street Bridge (now William Jolly Bridge) , South Brisbane, West End, the Taylor Range and Mt Cootha.

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On this day in 1940: official opening of Story Bridge

On 6 July 1940 the Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Orme Wilson, officially opened the Story Bridge. During the design process it was known as the Brisbane River Bridge, then the Jubilee Bridge in honour of King George V and, on opening day it was named the Story Bridge after prominent public servant John Douglas Story who had been a strong advocate for the bridge. The ceremony was attended by about 37,000 people.

The cantilever bridge is the largest steel bridge designed, fabricated and constructed in Australia by Australians. It was entered on the Queensland State Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. (Source: Queensland State Archives/State Heritage Register)

See the video (sorry, no sound) for good coverage of the opening ceremony and views of the surroundings as they were at that time. (QSA)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_5kq8yyly8&list=PLLQLJVDOZ4hWF2mCyxoq1d1WMhklFQfae&index=41

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On this day in 1955: Grey Street Bridge renamed William Jolly Bridge

 Story Bridge Construction 1936- the South Approach

The view looking south from John Street (renamed Rotherham Street in 1938), Kangaroo Point.

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Bradfield Highway to Main Street 1941

Two aerial views looking down from the Story Bridge on to the Bradfield Highway to Main Street. The photos were taken on 5 March 1941, 8 months after the opening of the bridge.

The top photo shows more detail of the western side and the Botanic Gardens opposite,  while the bottom photo shows both the eastern and western side of Kangaroo Point.

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South Brisbane Town Hall 1959

Two views of the classic South Brisbane Town Hall in 1959.

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Golden Days of QantaS Flying Boats 1938 – 1942

Qantas Empire flying boat Cooee circling over Brisbane after its delivery flight which left Southampton in the UK on 20 April and arrived in Brisbane 3 May 1938 . The pilot was Captain P. Lynch-Blosse. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are clearly visible on the left-hand side of the river.

The Cooee was a Short S23 Empire Class Flying Boat. It was registered to Qantas Empire Airways, Brisbane, on 20 May 1938, registration number VH-ABF. The engines were 940 hp. Bristol Mk. 11 and cruising speed was 135-160 miles per hour.
As well as carrying 3000 pounds of mail and cargo , up to 16 passengers could travel in sheer luxury on this first-class only plane. Cost of the trip was the equivalent of the annual average year’s wages of the time. There was a main cabin, smoking cabin and promenade deck for cloud and sky-viewing!

‘South Brisbane’  by Margaret Olley, 1966

Photo of an original ink and watercolour on paper donated to the Queensland Art Gallery/ Gallery of Modern Art by the Margaret Olley Trust in 2012.

Lesville (Leaville) 40 Latrobe Street, East Brisbane

The land on which Leaville is located dates back to the original estate  bought by the Reverend Thomas Mowbray (1812-1867) on 28 January 1854 when Queensland was still part of New South Wales. It became known as the Mowbray Estate and after his death was owned by his wife Williamina who later subdivided and sold large parts at various times starting in 1884.

On 2 June 1910 Arthur John Dickinson (1873-1940), a builder, and his wife Sarah Jane (1874-1956) bought three 1,600 ^m2 lots 112-114 . They had married in 1897 and had two sons and a daughter. Three months later, in September, Arthur built a bungalow style house on the land for his family, this is now 40 Latrobe Street. He named the house ‘Lesville’ in memory of their six-year-old son Les who had died on 3 September 1910 (the same day the mortgage was placed on the land), after falling off a jetty in Cleveland while trying to retrieve his hat.   Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/houses-in-east-brisbane/

Aerial view of  South Brisbane in June 1932

The recently opened Grey Street Bridge (opened 30 March 1932) , the Roma Street Railway yards and the business and residential section between Roma Street and North Quay stand out in this aerial photo published in The Queenslander, 23 June 1932.

Also visible are parts of Milton, Toowong, Auchenflower, St Lucia, and the racing track in West End. (SLQ)

City view from Kangaroo Point ca. 1946

Contract signed for Story Bridge

On 30 April 1935 officials signed the contract for the construction of the Story Bridge.

Photo legend: seated around the desk are :
Dr. Bradfield, designer and consulting engineer
Mr. Bridgen, member of the Bridge Board,
The Premier, The Hon. W. Forgan Smith,
Mr. J .R. Kemp – chairman of the Bridge Board,
Mr. Story – Public Service Commissioner after whom the bridge was named

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Traffic on and near Victoria Bridge 1964.

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Woolloongabba Bus Station 1974 and 2022

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Brisbane buses of the ’70s

Buses lined up in Grey Street, South Brisbane in 1971.

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View of Brisbane from Kangaroo Point 1946

Looking across from River Terrace in Kangaroo Point towards Botanic Gardens and the city ca. 1946.

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Aerial of Brisbane 1980

Aerial view of Brisbane including including Captain Cook Bridge, Queensland University of Technology, Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge and Woolloongabba. The photo was taken on 21 January 1980 and appeared on the Directory cover 1979/1980.

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Then and now 1930s style: Victoria Bridge

On 14 August 1930 The Queenslander published an interesting pictorial comparison of the Victoria Bridge as it appeared in 1874 and in 1930 using the heading Brisbane Yesterday and Today which today has become the popular Then and Now caption.

Top Photo: The first permanent Victoria Bridge 1874-1893
The bridge with iron-lattice girders was destroyed by the February 1893 flood. It was opened in 1874 after the first timber bridge, the Brisbane Bridge, collapsed after being destroyed by woodworm in 1867.

Bottom Photo: The second permanent Victoria Bridge (1897 – 1965 ) in 1930.

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On this day in 1935: construction began on Story Bridge

On 24 May 1935 the then Premier, William-Forgan Smith, broke the ground to mark the beginning of what was originally known as the Brisbane River Bridge construction project. The official sod turning ceremony was held on the Kangaroo Point side of the new bridge and was attended by a huge crowd and dignitaries. During the ceremony the Premier referred to the bridge as the King George V Silver Jubilee Bridge (Jubilee Bridge) in honour of the reigning monarch who celebrated his Silver Jubilee on 6 May 1935. However, after the king’s death in January 1936 the bridge became known as the King George V Memorial Bridge. In February 1937 Cabinet decided to call it the Story Bridge after the prominent Public Service Commissioner and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland, John Douglas Story.

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Two heritage-listed icons a century apart.

The  Old Windmill and Grey Street Bridge: View from the  Windmill Tower in Wickham Terrace, the oldest surviving convict-built structure in Queensland, looking west towards the Grey Street Bridge (since 1955 William Jolly Bridge) in December 1933.
The old Windmill was built from 1828 by convict labour while construction of the Grey Street Bridge started a century later in 1928 by MR Hornibrook.

Motorists drive into tram safety zones.

Passengers waiting for a tram at the Woolloongabba Fiveways tram stop in 1932. The badly damaged safety zone discs indicate previous contact with errant motorists.

Back yards of houses in Kangaroo Point ca. 1913

View from the rear of a number of worker’s cottages, illustrating the back steps, iron tank stands, stove recesses, and clothes lines. These high set timber houses face onto Main Street, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane. The Pineapple Hotel, on the corner of Baines Street at Kangaroo Point, is visible in the centre of the photograph. (State Library of Queensland)

Boats on the River in front of Parliament House, ca. 1895

This is a truly classic view across from Kangaroo Point.
It is a postcard of a painting by Albert H. Fullwood (1863-1930). The description reads: ‘Sailboats, a crew of rowers and a steamboat enjoy the river in front of the Botanic Gardens. Parliament House is in the background on the hill above the garden.’ (State Library of Queensland, ID: 6418-0001-0005)

South Brisbane Wharves between the Brisbane Milling Company and South Brisbane Dry Dock, 1973.

View of Kangaroo Point from the Botanic Gardens in 1971

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Coastal Steamer helped by tug Forceful

19 January 1939: The coastal steamer Canberra swinging with assistance from the tug Forceful before berthing in the Brisbane River, in the shadow of the Story Bridge construction in Brisbane, Queensland. (Photo by News Ltd / Newsphotos)

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Formal elegance at a Russian Ball in Woolloongabba ca. 1933

Group portrait of attendees at a Russian dance at the Fiveways, Woolloongabba ca. 1933.The women are dressed in formal gowns and the men in suits and ties. Two boys dressed in suits are crouched at the front of the group.

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The ‘Acme’ near Victoria Bridge in 1938

The ‘Acme’  on the City Reach of the Brisbane River, looking south towards Victoria Bridge, the Fish Market, Dalgety and Blue Moon Skating in 1938.

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 Classic style and elegance at the Gabba: Humber touring car at the Brisbane Cricket Ground ca. 1908

Mr J. K. Stewart exhibiting his 1908 Humber.
The Humber is a 1908, English-built vehicle, 15 -20 h.p. The headlamps are acetylene powered and the side lamps are kerosene. The horn is bulb-powered. Mr Stewart’s Humber was judged ‘best turned out car’ at the Brisbane Motor Gymkhana. Inset photograph 1 shows women having afternoon tea at the Motor Gymkhana. Mr Stewart is wearing a bowler hat and driving coat. His female passengers are wearing hats with veils.

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On this day in 1988: Queen Elizabeth II opens World Expo 88

Thirty-five years ago today, on 30 April 1988, the late Queen Elizabeth II opened Brisbane’s World Expo 88 which was to become a huge success and mark the ‘coming of age’ of Brisbane as a ‘new world city’ . It was the largest national event during Australia’s bicentennial year.

The six-month expo attracted 18 million visitors with average daily attendances around 100,000. Despite initial misgivings by some, locals soon came to embrace the event and became proud of their city, happy to shed the label of ‘sleepy country town’.

All dressed up for the Mater Hospital fete 1939

On a fine summer’s day in November 1939 these ladies dressed up to attend the fundraising fete in the picturesque grounds of the Mater Hospital, South Brisbane
Brightly coloured stalls on the lawns and smartly dressed patrons added a festive atmosphere to the enjoyable fete where plenty of bargains where available

Top photo shows smartly dressed Freda Lindsay and Norma Raymond sporting a corsage on her dress.
Bottom photo shows Joan Casey, Eileen Woods, Joan McCahon and Gabrielle Kelly. (photos digitised by SLQ from the Truth, 18 November 1939)

8 February 1929: New australian Submarines Oxley and Otway arrive and berth at the Stanley Wharf, South Brisbane.

They had left Portsmouth a year earlier on 8 February 1928 and ‘during the run across the Bay of Biscay experienced bad weather and suffered a severe battering. They were delayed in Malta for several months undergoing repairs, and subsequently were attached to the Mediterranean Fleet for exercises. The departure to Australia was so arranged that the Oxley and Otway would avoid the south-west monsoons during the voyage across to Thursday Island.’

1933: Two heritage-listed icons a century apart:  the Old Windmill and Grey Street Bridge

View from the Windmill Tower in Wickham Terrace, the oldest surviving convict-built structure in Queensland, looking west towards the Grey Street (since 1955 William Jolly Bridge) in December 1933. The old Windmill was built from 1828 by convict labour while construction of the Grey Street Bridge started a century later in 1928 by MR Hornibrook.

Aerial Woolloongabba 1970. 

Australia Day?  Invasion Day?  Survival Day?

Follow the link to a comprehensive study of the history of Australia Day and what it means to different people. (SBS News 25-1-2023)

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Warana Grand Parade ca 1970 with views of Story Bridge

The Warana Spring Festival Grand Parade about 1970 with marching girls, an old bus and the Story Bridge in the background.

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Bus stop islands with and without shelters.

Trolley Bus on the Bradfield Highway.

Remember the trolley buses? These ‘trackless trams’ ran in Brisbane from 12 August 1951 to 13 March 1969, finishing a month before the trams ended when they were replaced by diesel buses.

They were often referred to as ‘Whispering Death’ as they were so quiet that no one heard them coming, but fortunately they didn’t kill anyone!Trolley bus on the Bradfield Highway, 1964. (Brisbane City Council)

The photo shows a trolley bus on the Bradfield Highway in 1964 near St Vincent’s Hospital on the way to the Story Bridge. While trolley buses could cross the bridge, trams could not as laying track would have been too difficult. (source: www.railshop.com/photo: BCC-TR-1368).)

Happy Orthodox Christmas 2023!

Today we wish all members of the Orthodox communities in our districts a Happy Christmas. The Orthodox Christian Churches use the ancient Julian calendar on which Christmas falls on or near 7 January, later than the 25th December of the Gregorian calendar followed by most Christians. However, celebrations are similar and the day starts off with a special mass followed by a festive Christmas lunch. The photos show 7 Orthodox churches in our districts. (supplied)

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!

We wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR with this 1882 greeting card showing a kangaroo with a swag attached to a stick over his shoulder and a billy can in his other hand. He is smoking a pipe and wearing elastic sided boots. (appeared in The Bulletin, 10 Nov. 1883/ NLA)

Countdown to 2023

Tonight we join Father Time in the Countdown to the New Year – we’ll just change the date from 1930 to 2023. Here we have Father Time watching the hourglass while holding a calendar for the new year of 1930. The calendar for 1929 has been discarded in the waste paper basket.

Happy Christmas to you all! – We hope you have a wonderful day wherever you are.

This year Australia Post issued some beautiful Christmas stamps celebrating the use of stained glass as an architectural art form in churches and other public buildings. The religious themed stamps have an illustration of the Gothic-style church facade with two stylised stained-glass windows, with scenes that feature the Archangel Gabriel and the Madonna and Child.

The secular designs present Christmas greetings with a colourful Christmas star motif, using shapes and colours similar to those of stained glass. (Australia Post)

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Christmas Day 1930

The cover of the Queenslander on 25 December  1930 shows ” Santa with his sack over his shoulder, shaking hands with an athletic looking man in a one-piece swimsuit”. (SLQ)

Brisbane’s first Brisbane X-ray clinic in the 1920s possibly at the Mater Hill hospital.

“This photograph depicts the interior of a doctor-patient consulting room in Brisbane’s first x-ray clinic that opened during the 1920s. This clinic may have been part of the Mater Hill hospital opened by the Sisters of Mercy in 1906. Medical equipment is seen in a glass cabinet and early medical machinery is seen beside an empty patient bed.”

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Road works in Stanley Street, South Brisbane, 1929

Kindergarten at Woolloongabba 1911

As we’ve seen Mary Josephine Bedford was the driving force behind establishing the Creche and Kindergarten Association in 1907.  The photo shows a typical scene in a kindergarten in Woolloongabba with children seated at a table and two ladies supervising.

Remembrance Day 11 November 2022
Today we remember the WWI service of Dr Lilian Cooper and Josephine Bedford in Serbia.

On this Remembrance Day we think of all those who served in the Great War in various ways. As we saw in earlier posts, two of our most eminent pioneering women, Dr Lilian Cooper and her partner Mary Josephine Bedford made a great contribution to the war effort with their service in Serbia in challenging times.

When World War I broke out Lilian and Josephine were keen to help and offered their services to the Australian Army. However, they were turned down as only female nurses, not doctors or assistants, were accepted at that time! In fact Lilian was told “The army do not want women doctors. Dr Cooper would do much better to stay home and knit for the war effort.” The British Army also turned them down! Undeterred, they joined the Scottish Women’s Hospitals for Foreign Service (SWH) which had been founded in 1914 by Dr Elsie Inglis, a surgeon and leader in the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Scotland. She and her committee set up 14 field hospitals to treat the wounded in France, Serbia and Russia. They were funded by the National Union of Women’s Suffrage and staffed mainly by female nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, cooks and orderlies.

In September 1916 Lilian and Josephine joined the SWH unit in Ostrovo, located near Lake Ostrovo, in Serbian Macedonia, not far from the front line. It was known as the American Unit (as most funds for its operation and equipment were raised in America) and consisted of a  field hospital and ambulance unit run by Dr Agnes Bennett of Sydney housed in about 200 tents. Conditions in the mountainous war zone were tough, especially during the winter, yet the women worked on tirelessly doing the best they could in the trying circumstances. Lilian worked as a surgeon at the hospital site while Josephine took charge of the Ambulance Division with all female drivers getting the patients to safety. As the battles intensified many wounded were dying on the way to the hospital so an advanced dressing station was set up closer to the front line to tend to the wounded more quickly. It was opened just before Christmas 1916 and Dr Lilian Cooper was put in charge. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/remembrance-day/

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Peace Carnival Regatta on the Brisbane River at South Brisbane on  19 July 1919

The Domain is visible on the left and South Brisbane on the right.
Peace Day was held on 19 July 1919 after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

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South Brisbane Municipal Swimming Baths

The South Brisbane Municipal Swimming Baths at the corner of Montague Road and Stanley Street were officially opened on 1 November 1902 by the then mayor, alderman Currie. The baths were built without a roof and were the first of their kind in Brisbane, more suitable to the climate and less expensive than fully enclosed baths. The pool was 100ft long and 30ft wide and cost about £860 including sheds.

The baths featured as an important rest stop during the march of the Dungarees on 30 November 1915 when the Railway Band led the marchers down Stanley Street reaching the baths at about 11:20 am. They were met by the Governor, Sir Hamilton Gould Adams who congratulated them for their support of the cause which Great Britain was fighting for. After the men had a refreshing swim, soft drinks, cakes and cigarettes, the Governor and members of the South Brisbane Town Council joined them in their march to the Victoria Bridge. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/recreation-on-the-river/

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Fundraising function at Scotby, Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane

You never know where your research leads you!
This fundraiser article intrigued me as I was wondering where and what St Martin’s Hospital was. Turns out that it was a hospital built in 1922 by the Anglican Church as a memorial to those who fought in WWI. It was located at 373 Ann Street in the grounds of St John’s Cathedral, the first stage of which had been dedicated on 28 October 1910.

The hospital was named St Martin’s War Memorial Hospital because the Armistice had been signed on St Martin’s day, 11 November, now Armistice/Remembrance Day.  It was designed by L.L. Powell and opened and dedicated on 28 November 1922. There were seven main wards , several single rooms and two operating theatres. The main kitchen was on the top floor with smaller kitchens on each floor for food distribution. Construction costs were raised by public subscription and many community fundraising events such as those held at Scotby.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/houses-in-east-brisbane/

Scotby – 59 Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane

This imposing two-story timber residence on the highest part of Mowbray Terrace previously known as Sinclair’s Hill was built ca. 1910 for Josiah Henry Hancock,  and his wife Mary Isabella (nee Peel).

 Josiah was the grandson of Thomas Hancock, founder of the timber firm Hancock and Gore. Isabella was the youngest daughter of James Peel of Carlisle, England and had emigrated with her family in 1884. James Peel was co-founder of the successful coachworks business Peels Ltd in Stanley Street, South Brisbane in 1897. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/houses-in-east-brisbane/

Under the Grey Street Bridge, c.1933

This is a  ‘medium Bromoil photograph on paper by Stanley W. Eutrope, held at Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, ID 1984.054

“A bromoil print is a photograph from which the original silver is removed and substituted with a pigment in an oil base. Both black and white and colour prints can be produced using this method and the final appearance of the print will depend on how the ink is applied to the matrix. ”
(J. Hinwood)

The people of ‘Old St Mary’s ‘continued:- Mary Josephine Bedford : Charity worker and philanthropist (1861-1955)

Lilian Cooper and Mary Josephine Bedford were both born in London in 1861. Josephine  was the niece of Admiral Sir Frederick George Denham Bedford who was Governor of Western Australia from 1903 to 1909. Ever since they first met in 1888 when they were students, Lilian studying medicine and Josephine art they became inseparable and became lifelong partners. That was the beginning of a life of dedication to community welfare for two exceptional women.

After Lilian’s graduation as a doctor in October 1890, she and Josephine emigrated to Brisbane in response to an advertisement for a female doctor placed by Dr James Booth of South Brisbane. They arrived on 29 May 1891 and in June Lilian was registered as a doctor, becoming the first female registered doctor in Queensland. They lived with Dr Booth and his wife Amy in their home named Niniu in Cordelia Street, South Brisbane while Lilian assisted Dr Booth in his practice.

Six months later they moved to the Mansions in George Street where Lilian, with the support of Josephine, set up her own practice with Josephine often taking Lilian to house calls in their sulky. Their joint determination and strength helped them deal with the prejudices of the day and see Lilian build up a successful practice and finally be accepted by the community and respected by her male colleagues.
Read more about Josephine Bedford https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/people/mary-josephine-bedford/

Horse bolts from Southside to the City at 3 pm on 15  January 1935.

Not quite the Melbourne Cup, but an exciting race with a good outcome!
Can you imagine a horse pulling an empty cart bolting from Russell Street in South Brisbane all the way down Melbourne Street, cross the Grey Street Bridge and finally collide with a moving tram in George Street ? All this with only a couple of scratches to the horse and a broken headlight to the tram.
Read the full story of this exciting and unusual race below. (Courier Mail, 15 January 1935, p14)

The people of ‘Old St Mary’s’ – Dr Lilian Cooper: Queensland’s first female doctor

Dr Lilian Cooper lived in Old St Mary’s with her lifelong partner Mary Josephine Bedford from 1926 until her death in 1947.
Lilian Cooper was born in England in 1861 and from an early age wanted to become a doctor. She overcame the discriminations at the time and studied medicine in London and Edinburgh. In May 1891 she came to Brisbane with her lifelong friend Josephine Bedford and a month later she became the first female doctor registered in Queensland.
She joined the Medical Society of Queensland in 1893, and later became an honorary in the Hospital for Sick Children and the Lady Lamington Hospital for Women. In 1905 she became associated with the Mater Misericordiae Hospital and stayed with it for the rest of her life.

In June 1911 Dr. Cooper returned to England via the United States where she visited the Mayo Clinic and the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. She went on to win a doctorate of medicine from the University of Durham in 1912. With Miss Bedford she joined the Scottish Women’s Hospitals in 1915, served for twelve months, including a time in Macedonia, and was awarded the Serbian Order of St. Sava, fourth-class.  Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/people/dr-lilian-cooper  

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Procession in Queen Street near George Street and Victoria Bridge c. 1899.

Fete in the grounds of old St Mary’s

Lilian Cooper and Mary Josephine Bedford hosted many fundraising and community events in the beautiful spacious grounds of their home old St Mary’s. This rather grainy newspaper photo gives us some idea of the elegance of the home and its beautiful grounds.

The grounds of old St Mary’s set up for a fete in 1938. (Telegraph, 5 September 1938)

The story of Old St Mary’s

The beautiful cliff-top home called Old St Mary’s with expansive gardens , large trees and magnificent views overlooking the Brisbane River was the home of Dr Lilian Cooper and her lifelong partner Miss Mary Josephine Bedford. It would eventually become the site for Mt Olivet Hospital (now St Vincent’s) a hospital for the incurably ill and dying..

The original land of 1 acre and 17 perches was first granted to William Wilson in 1851 who built a small cottage on it. The next owner was the Rev J R Moffatt, the first rector of St Mary’s Anglican Church (1860-1870) which was then a small timber building in John Street (now Rotherham Street) before the stone church was built in 1873.  After his appointment to St Mary’s he commissioned architect Benjamin Backhouse to design a ‘wood cottage with stone foundations’. Tenders were called on 12 June 1862 and the house was built shortly after. Moffatt named the house ‘St Mary’s’ and lived there until he sold it in 1865. It was separated from the Church property only by a cutting (today Amesbury Street).
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/kangaroo-point-houses/

First train from Sydney arriving at South Brisbane ca 1930

The first train arriving at South Brisbane from Sydney, New South Wales, on a Saturday afternoon possibly in the early 1930s.  Three men can be seen on the railway tracks in front of the locomotive.

A standard gauge railway was completed linking Brisbane direct to Sydney through Kyogle in 1930. This meant that passengers no longer had to change trains from one gauge to another at the State border. Known as the Uniform Gauge Railway it was the first standard gauge link between two State capitals in Australia.

Rainy day at Woolloongabba Fiveways in 1931

Just like today, but different!

The Woolloongabba Fiveways in 1955 – a pedestrian challenge

St Mary’s Anglican Rectory – update – Rectory for Lease

Now that the heritage-authentic front steps of the rectory have been completed after the successful intervention of our Society to bring this about, the rectory is advertised for lease.

This is an opportunity to look inside this beautiful State heritage-listed building which was designed by diocesan architect John H. Buckeridge and built in 1889. It will be only the third time in the history of the building that it will not be the residence of the parish rector and family. The recently appointed parish priest has chosen to stay in his own private home in another suburb.

As we noted before, the rectory was the last of the three buildings located in the heritage-listed religious precinct to be built, after the iconic Gothic stone church completed in 1872 and the Parish Hall in 1879.
Here’s a link to the advertisement with full details and views of the graceful exterior, beautiful interior rooms and magnificent views from the rear verandah overlooking the river https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kangaroo+point-435377343

 

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PANIYIRI Greek festival – Musgrave Park – 15-16 October 2022

The Paniyiri 2022 Greek Festival, Brisbane’s world renowned cultural festival where everyone is encouraged to dine, dance, and party like a Greek, will take over Musgrave Park in South Brisbane on Saturday 15 & Sunday 16, October.  

Paniyiri is the longest running Greek cultural festival in Australia. It was started in 1976 by a group of passionate Greeks led by Father Gregory Skellariou who wanted to bring the Greek community together and to share  Greek culture with the people of Brisbane. It is famous for its food, music and traditional dancing. What started as a simple Sunday picnic has become Queensland’s largest cultural festival attracting over 50,000 people over the two-day event, supported by about a thousand volunteers.  In 2009 the festival was declared one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland in recognition of its importance as a major event and festival. Tickets are available at: https://tickets.paniyiri.com/outlet/event/22b2be21-81de-40ba-84a5-2b729ebf690b

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Late colonial timber cottage at 12 Lisburn Street, East Brisbane

This timber cottage was built in 1907 on a 460m² block with narrow frontage and side access to the back of the property. The top photo was taken by Frank Corley and the second is from a real estate listing in 2018.

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Fight for East Brisbane State School & Raymond Park

Invitation to all who are interested in saving East Brisbane State School and Raymond Park from destruction for the Olympics.
THURSDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2022 AT 08:20 at East Brisbane State School

Hosted by the Federal Member for Griffith, Max Chandler-Mather and the Member for South Brisbane, Amy McMahon on behalf of the East Brisbane P&C Olympic Impact Group.

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Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, 1967

Busy traffic scene on Stanley Street two years before trams and trolley buses were removed from service.

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Foggitt & Jones factory (former), 3 Lanfear Street, South Brisbane

The three-story brick warehouse of Foggitt & Jones  on the south bank of the river was built ca. 1917 for Foggitt, Jones and Co. producers of ham, bacon and smallgoods which had been established in 1904.

The company was founded by Charles Emanuel Foggitt who emigrated from Yorkshire at the age of 22 and started out working for J C Hutton, producers of ham and bacon located in Oxley. In 1904 he and Thomas Llewellyn Jones bought out Hutton which was struggling financially and founded Foggitt, Jones and Co. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/businesses/south-brisbane/

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The  coral dredge ‘Darra’ near the old Victoria Bridge in 1968.

“Photo taken by my late Father Colin George Power when we lived a South Brisbane from 1964 to 1968. The ‘Darra’ was a coral barge which plied the Brisbane River between Moreton Bay and the Darra Cement Works at Darra operated by Queensland Cement and Lime. As far as I am aware the ship is still in running condition today but no longer tasked in the coral dredging role. In the picture too is the old Victoria Bridge and is only a year or so away from being demolished as the new is bridge already under construction. You can see the beginnings of the new bridge and cranes and construction equipment on the city side of the river bank.” (Colin G. Powell /  reddit.com)

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Patriotic Carnival Procession crossing Victoria Bridge to South Brisbane on 19 September 1914.

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How it all began:
Bird’s Eye view of Brisbane River Bridge and approaches c. 1934

BRISBANE RIVER BRIDGE  The Telegraph 3 November 1888

“A public meeting was held in the Town Hall last night for the purpose of urging the Government to construct a bridge from North Brisbane to Kangaroo Point.
The Chairman briefly explained the object of the meeting and called on Mr W. Williams to move the first resolution:
“That this meeting of ratepayers of the city of Brisbane is of the opinion that the interests of the inhabitants of this city are so clearly identified with those of Woolloongabba, Coorparoo, and the districts beyond as to require more direct means of intercommunication between these parts of the city, and that the necessity for more central bridge accommodation is urgent and pressing.
The bridge at South Brisbane was congested and unable to carry the traffic, as was patent to everybody, but by building a bridge across to Kangaroo Point they would be benefiting the whole district in that direction.”

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Sketches of the Naval Stores at Kangaroo Point

These two pencil drawings were done by Australian artist Lloyd Rees (1895-1988) He was born in Brisbane and moved to Sydney in 1917 where he spent most of his life. He was a draftsman, printmaker, painter and teacher who became known for his landscape drawings. The sketches are part of his “Brisbane Landscapes” collection which is now housed at the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

The sketches show the Naval Stores at the bottom of the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, with one detailing the steps leading up to the Rectory and Parish Hall of St Mary’s Anglican Church, at the top of the cliffs. St Mary’s is known as the Naval Chapel as Governors used to attend services at St Mary’s when they were in residence at Government House (now Old Government House). They were rowed across the river and then walked up 154 steep wooden steps to the Church.

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Replies to the Letter to the Editor

Why not QE II for 2032? 

This letter to the Editor of the Courier Mail was written by one of our members, Peter Collins, in support of our suggestion that QEII stadium be upgraded for the 2032 Olympics as a fitting memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia for over 70 years.

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Olympic Games Solution with a permanent memorial to Queen Elizabeth II

Brisbane now has the perfect opportunity to honour Queen Elizabeth II and create a permanent and meaningful legacy in her name by upgrading and making the former QEII stadium at Nathan the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Stadium.
The QEII stadium was opened by the late Queen in 1977 and named the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Sports Centre to mark her Silver Jubilee.  A new track was built and additional seating added for the very successful Commonwealth Games in 1982 which were opened by Prince Phillip and closed by the Queen.

Since then the venue has been renamed several times and has a proven track record for hosting large crowds for both sporting and entertainment events such as the Super League Grand Final in 1997 between the Broncos and the Sharks which thrilled over 58, 000 football fans; the Goodwill Games in 2001;  and concerts by AC/DC, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bon Jovi and the Rolling Stones to name a few.  It is currently the home of  the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) with grandstand seating for 48,500.

Upgrading the stadium and making it the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Stadium and incorporating its original name would surely be a fitting tribute to the much-loved former Queen of Australia.

The required changes to the public transport system and facilities upgrade will  permanently benefit Brisbane residents and visitors alike and be far less costly and disruptive than the current plans to demolish and re-build the Gabba.

Let’s seize this opportunity to create something historically significant and keep the heritage of the Gabba Stadium,  East Brisbane State School and Raymond Park intact. The Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Stadium will be a worthy legacy to a great Monarch.

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Another view of a smiling Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of EXPO 88 on 30 April 1988.

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As the world mourns the loss of the much-loved Queen Elizabeth II let’s look back at her special visits to our districts.

24 October 2011 – Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visit Brisbane

Over 45,000 people crowded into South Bank and lined the river bank to see Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during their brief four-hour visit on Monday 24 October 2011. They were taken on a cruise from Brett’s Wharf up to South Bank to see some of the areas which had been devasted by the January floods. After a public walk around South Bank they attended a reception to acknowledge those affected by the natural disasters during the summer of 2010/2011. The Queen then opened Rain Bank, a Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse Project for South Bank. After a luncheon hosted by the Governor of Queensland they returned to Canberra.

Queen Elizabeth II – her first visit to Australia in 1954

On 3 February 1954 the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth I stepped ashore in Sydney, becoming the first reigning monarch to visit Australia. Australians turned out in their millions to catch a glimpse of the young Queen. She visited Australia for two months, keeping up a gruelling schedule and it is estimated that almost three-quarters of the Australlan population saw the Queen at least once during the visit. From 9 – 18th March she visited Queensland and travelled to Brisbane, bundaberg, Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay an Rockhampton.
Streets and buildings were decorated to mark the occasion.
The photo shows  how canegrowers and graziers welcomed the Queen in South Brisbane with a banner decorated with beef cattle and sheep suspended high over  a street.

Opening EXPO 88 on 30 April 1988

Here the Queen is speaking at the Opening of Expo88 on 30 April 1988; watching the opening performance on the River Stage (Left to right: Lousie Edwards (daughter); Sir Llew Edwards (Chairman of World Expo ’88); Prince Philip (wearing straw hat) ; Sir Edward Williams (back to camera). (SLQ)

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Classic cars coming off a classic bridge.

Cars and bicycles on the entrance to Victoria Bridge from North Quay.

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As it was in 1900: classic view of Customs House and the city from the river at Kangaroo Point.

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Stanley Street, South Brisbane in 1904

A tram is turning from Stanley Street on its way to New Farm. A banner on the building on the right advertises the Ambulance Sports Day to be held at the Exhibition Ground.

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A chance to save East Brisbane State School?

Excerpts from two recent news articles give the East Brisbane State School community some hope that their 123-year-old heritage-listed school will be safe from destruction to make way for a new Gabba stadium.

The Sunday Mail, 31 July 2022, p.16

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History in the Park

Descendants of the immigrants who arrived on the Erin-g-Bragh remembering  their ancestors at the spot where they disembarked 160 years ago.
In a moving ceremony they reflected on the six-month journey of the Erin-go-Bragh and the 54 or more who died on the way. Organiser Michael Nayler gave a summary of the journey, participants read an Irish poem of remembrance and the names and ages of the passengers who died and then threw flowers into the river to symbolise the lives lost.

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ERIN-GO-BRAGH – ‘IRELAND FOREVER’

The Erin-Go-Bragh was the first Irish immigrant ship to land in Queensland. It arrived in Moreton Bay 160 years ago on 2 August 1862 and passengers disembarked near the Holman Street Ferry Wharf at the edge of what is now Captain Burke Park.

Significantly, a crew member on the ship was none other than John Burke, an adventurous able-bodied seaman who jumped ship right there and a year later married a fellow passenger, Alicia Swords. Both were about 21 at the time. Apparently he had just six pence in his pocket when he deserted the ship. He started working on the river on various steamers and gradually built up the successful Burke Shipping Empire and became a prominent and respected captain and businessman. He and Alicia lived in a house (now gone) named Kinsale named after the place of his birth in Ireland. Captain Burke Park , the very popular park under the Story Bridge is  named after him.

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Celebrating 160 years since arrival of the Erin-go-Bragh

August 2 2020 marks the 160th anniversary since the immigrant ship Erin-go-Bragh arrived in Brisbane. Passengers disembarked at Petrie’s store near the ferry wharf at what is now the Holman Street Ferry terminal.

It was a perilous journey which lasted six months and on the way about 57 people died, mainly from typhoid.
Descendants of passengers of the Erin-go-Bragh and members of the Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society will gather near the Holman Street ferry terminal on Sunday 31 July 2022 to mark the anniversary and throw flowers in the river as a tribute to those who lost their lives on the journey. Afterwards they will move to SeaLegs brewery to toast the pioneers with a drink and to exchange stories.  All welcome.

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Members of the Russian Ballet visit St Nicholas Church in 1937

Members of Wassilie de Basil’s Monte Carlo Russian Ballet visiting St Nicholas Church, Woolloongabba, 1937. Members of the company enjoyed a cup of tea in the church hall after attending a Sunday Service.

The Russian ballet company, Ballet Russes, was formed in Paris in 1909 by Serge Diaghilev, a prominent impresario and promoter of the arts who revitalised balled by integrating other art forms of music, painting and drama with those of dance.
In 193, two years after Diaghilev’s death, two impresarios Colonel W. de Basil and René Blum formed the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. They continued the Diaghilev tradition using some of his dancers and performing large parts of his repertoire.

During the 1930s and 1940s several Ballet Russes companies toured Europe, the Americas and Australasia. Three companies were formed specifically to tour Australia and New Zealand between 1936 and 1940.

All were run by J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. Before then Australian audiences had seen some of Diaghilev’s ballets which focused on particular ballerinas, notably Anna Pavlova. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/churches-in-woolloongabba/ ‎

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Views of Government House from Kangaroo Point ca. 1868 & 1882

The way it was – The view from the western side of Kangaroo Point across to Old  Government House and the Botanic Gardens. (SLQ)

Old Government House was built from 1860- 1862. It was designed by Colonial architect Charles Tiffin and cost £17,000.  The building was home to the various Governors of Queensland from 1862 until 1910 when it became the inaugural home of the University of Queensland.
This view shows a close-up of the grounds of Parliament house with the small jetty and rowboat at the river’s edge.

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Aerial showing the Gabba stadium and East Brisbane State School

A very clear aerial photo showing the Gabba stadium and its close neighbour, the East Brisbane State School happily co-existing and thriving. Let’s hope that the plans for the Olympics don’t upset these neighbours.

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The way it was done in 1973: Kerbside Collection in Woolloongabba

Workers collecting unwanted items in O’Keefe Street, near the intersection with Gillingham Street, with the relatively new South East Freeway overpass in the background. The  trucks are a  “T series” [above]  and the one below is a “J Series Bedford” which were owned by Hunter Brothers trading as ‘Brisbane Cleansing Contractors’ and were operated by their crews.
Normally these trucks would have been used for the usual weekly removal of household rubbish around Brisbane, but for this task the “A” frame covers were removed from the top of the bins to allow for ease of loading large objects. (information supplied by Craig Justo).
Kerbside Collection in Woolloongabba in 1973. (Brisbane City Council)

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10 July 2022: East Brisbane State School is 123 years old

On Monday 10 July 1899 the East Brisbane State School was opened to students for the first time after the official opening ceremony on the Saturday before. While large numbers of students were expected to arrive on the first day, the school was not prepared for the arrival of 825 students, about 200 more than had been enrolled on Friday 7th July.
Read more: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/east-brisbane-state-school/ ‎

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On this day in 1899 – 8 July – Official Opening Ceremony for the East Brisbane State School

Only eight months after the foundation stone had been laid by the Hon. D.H. Dalrymple, Minister for Education, a large and enthusiastic crowd including new students attended the official opening of the school.
Official guests included Mr T.  Dibley M.L.A. (chairman of the late school committee), Mr D.  Sinclair, chairman of the building committee, the mayor of South Brisbane, Alderman Nott and the Hon D.H. Dalrymple, Secretary for Public Lands and late Secretary for Public Instruction.
Mr Dibley advised that the school was starting free of debt, but noted that this would not last long as, due to a larger than expected number of enrolments, new buildings no doubt have to be added fairly quickly, incurring additional costs.
He thanked Mr Sinclair for the magnificent support and effort he and his committee had  put into getting this far and  presented his wife, Mrs Sinclair, with a silver key with which to perform the opening ceremony. The key was inscribed “Presented to Mrs Sinclair on the occasion of the opening of the East Brisbane State School.”
Mr Sinclair thanked the building committee and noted that while 350 students had been expected, 550 students had already been enrolled.
Mr T Halstead, of Coorparoo State School, had been appointed as headmaster.
Mrs Sinclair performed the official opening with her silver key and everyone filed in to inspect the premises. Refreshments were then served in the room below the school and more speeches given.
Everyone was happy with the school and the students went home looking forward to starting school on Monday 10 July.

Invitation to attend the official opening ceremony of the East Brisbane State School in 1899.

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The Story Bridge is 82 years old today! (6 July 2022)

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The Cremorne Theatre (1911-1954)

The Cremorne, one of the most popular live theatre venues in Brisbane, was built on the river at South Brisbane, and was originally known as Cremorne Gardens.

It opened in 1911 as an open-air theatre on the corner of Melbourne Street and Stanley Quay. In wet weather it was covered with canvas tarpaulins. It was destroyed by fire in 1954. Read more: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/theatres/cremorne-theatre-south-brisbane/ ‎

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The way it was before the Story Bridge 

1935 view from a ship moored at Petrie Bight showing Kangaroo Point on the right and New Farm cliffs on the left.  This view is now dominated by the southern pylons of the Story Bridge which was opened on 6 July 1940.

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The Trocadero Dansant and the Roaring Twenties

After a spectacular opening night on 31 May 1923 the high-class dance palace, Trocadero Dansant  in  Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, next to the Hotel Terminus [now the Fox Hotel] became  a popular high-class venue for dancing and socialising. Those were the days of the Roaring Twenties, the new age of big bands, energetic dancing, of ‘flappers’ wearing short dresses and dancing like birds, flapping their arms while dancing the Charleston.

A major feature was the highly-polished dance floor, the first of its kind in Australia which was modelled on the design of a New York Dance Palais , with room for up to 1200 dancers. After exhausting themselves on the dance floor, dancers could rest in the 52 vine-clad alcoves.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/

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Say no to Shafston House Development- 1988 – current (2022)

In 1988 the Government leased the one hectare riverside Shafston Estate for two consecutive 99-year leases to entrepreneur Gary Balkin, (1940 – 2018 ) owner of the Kookaburra Queen Paddle Steamers and founding father of the Broncos.

When his application for a restaurant and function venue was declined by the City Council, the house was again refurbished as a residence.
In 1993  Balkin sold the lease to prominent Queensland developer, shipbuilder and businessman Keith Lloyd for $1.8 million. Lloyd founded the very successful Shafston International College which opened in 1996 and catered mainly for international students.

Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/shafston-house/ 

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Save East Brisbane State School – Olympic Impact Information

Last Wednesday afternoon 15 June 2022,  I stepped into the heritage-listed precinct of the EBSS for the first time and immediately felt that I had entered something special.
The small school is quite unique in both its location, history and culture.

Nestled close to the Gabba stadium this multicultural school currently has 304 students from 39 language backgrounds. It’s a designated ‘new arrival’ school catering for migrant and refugee children with special language and cultural programs. The emphasis is on active transport, i.e. walk or ride to school, in the true spirit of a school catering for the local community. Despite being surrounded by busy Gabba traffic, businesses and high-rises it has a distinctly personal and friendly feel where the principal knows every child’s name!
The school caters for students from Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane, with the only other primary school, St Joseph’s already at capacity and unable to expand.
Christa Gerard

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Historic school may be first casualty of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games

Read the article: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/historic-school-may-be-first-casualty-of-brisbane-s-2032-olympic-games-20211026-p5937g.html

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On this day in 1874- Opening of the First Permanent Victoria Bridge (1874-1893)

On 15 June 1874 the first permanent bridge across the Brisbane River was opened by the Governor, George Phipps, 2nd Marquis of Normanby and was named Victoria Bridge after Queen Victoria, the monarch at the time.

It was built after the original Brisbane Bridge collapsed due to damage caused by marine borer. Construction had started in 1864 and was completed in 1874. It had a turning mechanism in the centre to allow for tall-masted ships. The Victoria Bridge operated as a toll bridge until 1877. Unfortunately this bridge was partially washed away and destroyed by the 1893 flood.

Picture information:
1. First Permanent Victoria Bridge ca. 1874 showing toll house. (Qalbum)
2. A large elegantly- dressed crowd is on the banks of the river. The toll booth is on the right  at the entrance to the bridge. (State Library of Victoria)
3. A horse and cart is crossing the bridge ca. 1874. Several gentlemen are posing on fenceposts in the foreground. The tollhouse is on the right. The view is looking towards South Brisbane. (State Library of Queensland)

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 Impact of the Olympics on East Brisbane State School

East Brisbane State School – 90 Wellington Road, East Brisbane 

The East Brisbane State School (Brisbane East State School until September 1994) was the first of several large brick schools built in Queensland in the late 1890s to meet the demand of a rapidly increasing population during the post-Depression recovery. The original part of the school was built in 1899, with extensions added in 1900, 1938 and 1939. A single-storeyed timber Infants’ School was built in 1910-11.

However, right from the start the rate of population growth and potential school enrolment were badly underestimated. The first contract in 1899 was for a brick building with corrugated iron roof to cater for 300 pupils at a cost of £1,800. When the school opened on 10 July 1899 there were already 800 pupils and by the end of the year enrolment had reached 1008! Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/east-brisbane-state-school/

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South Brisbane Presbyterian Church

On 25 May 1851 the first Presbyterian Church in Queensland [then Moreton Bay Settlement] was opened by the Rev.Thomas Mowbray, who became known as the ‘Father’ of Presbyterianism in Queensland.

He was a Minister of the Established Church of Scotland who migrated in 1842 to NSW for health reasons. When his health deteriorated further he moved north to Moreton Bay, arriving in 1847. He bought eleven acres of riverfront land in what was then Kangaroo Point and in 1851 built a beautiful stone house called ‘Riversdale’, establishing the second ‘riverine estate’ in the colony (after Newstead House). The area is now Mowbray Park.

He became actively involved in establishing a Presbyterian Church as many of the Presbyterian Scots who had come out in 1849 on Dr Lang’s immigrant boats the Fortitude, Chaseley and the Lima no longer wanted to attend combined services with other denominations and wanted their own church. Read morehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=2188&action=edit

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Moar’s Slip, Kangaroo Point (now Frank Nicklin Dry Dock)

The story of Moar’s Slip is the story of the Moar family, pioneers in the early maritime history of Brisbane; and Evans Deakin Industries, shipbuilders during WWII. It is set in the days when Kangaroo Point was a busy industrial, engineering and shipping area.

Hugh Leask Moar

Hugh Leask Moar (1838-1914) was the son of a shipbuilder’s draughtsman and grew up in Stromness, a seaport town in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. He worked as a shipwright and ship’s carpenter. In 1862 he and his future wife, Martha, came to Queensland on the barque Rajasthan. They landed at the old Immigration Depot in William Street. Soon after they married and settled down in a small house in John Street (now Rotherham Street), Kangaroo Point. Hugh became a ferry operator after putting in a successful bid for the right to operate the Edward Street to Thornton Street, and later also the Customs House ferry. Read more  https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/shipyards/moars-slip-now-frank-nicklin-dry-dock

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On this day in 1919- Influenza Epidemic
This article was published on 27 May 1919, 103 years ago, but it could well have been written today… However, it does refer to the Pneumonic Influenza, also known as the Spanish flu.

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On 25 May 1851 the Reverend Thomas Mowbray opened the first Presbyterian Church in Queensland in Grey Street, South Brisbane. 

On 25 May 1851 the first Presbyterian Church in Queensland [then Moreton Bay Settlement] was opened by the Rev.Thomas Mowbray, who became known as the ‘Father’ of Presbyterianism in Queensland. He was a Minister of the Established Church of Scotland who migrated in 1842 to NSW for health reasons. When his health deteriorated further he moved north to Moreton Bay, arriving in 1847. He bought eleven acres of riverfront land in what was then Kangaroo Point and in 1851 built a beautiful stone house called ‘Riversdale’, establishing the second ‘riverine estate’ in the colony (after Newstead House). The area is now Mowbray Park.

He became actively involved in establishing a Presbyterian Church as many of the Presbyterian Scots who had come out in 1849 on Dr Lang’s immigrant boats the Fortitude, Chaseley and the Lima no longer wanted to attend combined services with other denominations and wanted their own church.

Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/people/mowbraytown/

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Pictorial Timeline of Anglican Church Grammar School ‘Churchie’

The school was founded in 1912 by Canon William Perry French Morris at Toowog and was relocated to the present site on Oaklands Parade, East Brisbane, in 1918. It was entered on the Brisbane Council Local Heritage Register on 1 January 2011. for full description see https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/anglican-church-grammar-school/ ‎

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Kindergarten Training College at Shafston House 1915-1919

From 1904 to about 1913 Shafston was the town home of the prominent pioneering McConnel family. After the family’s move to their country property Cressbrook in the Esk district,  Elizabeth McConnel leased the property to the Creche and Kindergarten Association (C & K)  for use as a Kindergarten Training College.

The C & K had been formed in 1907 to provide free creches and early childhood education for the children of poor working mothers. The first creche and kindergarten facility was opened in 1907 in a former tobacco factory in Fortitude Valley. It was run by Caroline Liggins and staffed by pupil-teachers.

In 1911, the C & K  established the Brisbane Kindergarten Training College to cater for the growing need of pupil-teachers for more than just practical experience. Caroline Liggins was  the first Principal and lecturer. Pupil-teachers worked in a nursery or kindergarten in the morning and attended classes in methodology and theory in the afternoon. The first course started with five students who paid six guineas per year for the two-year course. Classes were held in several temporary locations in the city including Rothwells buildings in Edward Street and the School of Arts.

Read more about the Kindergarten Training College at Shafston https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/shafston-house/

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Woolloongabba Baby Clinic (former),  23 Logan Road

High infant and maternal mortality rates were a big health problem during the early days of the Qld colony. In 1876 one in four children did not live to their first birthday, by 1910 this had reduced to one in nine as a result of the diphtheria antitoxin introduced in 1894 by Dr A.J. Turner.

In response to social pressures by women’s organisations and the medical profession the Government set up baby clinics to improve the health of mothers and babies through maternal education. They were known as Maternal and Child Welfare Centres.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/hospitals/woolloongabba-baby-clinic/ ‎

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Kindergarten Training College at Shafston House

From 1915 to 1919 Shafston House was leased to the Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K) for use as the first permanent home for the Brisbane Kindergarten Training College. The beautiful house and grounds were an ideal setting for the academic, social and fundraising activities of the residential college. Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/shafston-house/

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MOAR’S SLIP – 78 Cairns St, Kangaroo Point (today Frank Nicklin Dry Dock)

The story of Moar’s Slip is the story of the Moar family, pioneers in the early maritime history of Brisbane; and Evans Deakin Industries, shipbuilders during WWII. It is set in the days when Kangaroo Point was a busy industrial, engineering and shipping area.

Hugh Leask Moar (1838-1914) was the son of a shipbuilder’s draughtsman and grew up in Stromness, a seaport town in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. He worked as a shipwright and ship’s carpenter. In 1862 he and his future wife, Martha, came to Queensland on the barque Rajasthan. They landed at the old Immigration Depot in William Street. Soon after they married and settled down in a small house in John Street (now Rotherham Street), Kangaroo Point. Hugh became a ferry operator after putting in a successful bid for the right to operate the Edward Street to Thornton Street, and later also the Customs House ferry. Read morehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/shipyards/

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Happy 150th, St Mary’s!
Celebration cake after Founders’ Service 1 May 2022.

Celebrations to commemorate 150 years of St Mary’s

Some special moments from yesterday’s Pioneer Walk and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone at St. Mary’s by the Marquis of Normanby.Some of the costumed pioneers after their walk up the hill from near the site of the old church in John Street (now Rotherham Street) to the new church up on the cliffs. (supplied: Renee Johnston)Bishop Bill Ray and some of the congregation. (supplied: Renee Johnston)

In his great-great-grandfather’s footsteps at St Mary’s

Christopher Valttila standing in front of the foundation stone laid by his great-great-grandfather the Marquis of Normanby, Governor of Queensland, 150 years ago and sharing some of his family history.

On this day in 1872

150 years ago today, on 29 April 1872 , George Augustine Constantine Phipps,  Marquis of Normanby, Governor of Queensland, accompanied by the Marchioness, laid the foundation stone for St Mary’s Anglican Church on the cliffs at Kangaroo Point. The Marquis was Governor of Queensland from 12 August 1871 to 17 November 1874.

Appointment of Queensland’s third Governor

A very interesting and positive introduction of the newly-appointed Governor of Queensland, George Augustus Constantine Phipps, the Marquis of Normanby. He was third Governor taking on the role from 12 August 1871 to 17 November 1874. One of his earliest ceremonial functions would be on 29 April 1872 when he laid the foundation stone for St Mary’s at Kangaroo Point. (Queenslander, 22 April 1871)

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Anzac Day message from one of our members:

Inspired by the recent post on the Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society written by its president Christa Gerard I attended the Canon Garland Memorial this morning. At 6am a group of about 12 people lit their candles, the ode was read and the last post was played followed by a minute silence broken only by the  rain falling and the bird song in the trees as we remembered them.

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Celebrating 150 years of Saint Mary’s at Kangaroo Point

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Queensland National Anzac Memorial Executive Committee
in Anzac Square – 1930

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LIGHT UP THE DAWN at the Canon Garland Memorial
6:00 am 25 April

Join us in an informal gathering at the Canon Garland Memorial at 6:00 with your candles and rosemary to Light up the Dawn and thank Canon Garland for honouring our ANZACS.

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On this day in 2016.
Unveiling of memorial to CANON DAVID GARLAND – THE ‘ARCHITECT OF ANZAC DAY’

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ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, KANGAROO POINT

From humble timber church close to the river to iconic stone church on top of the cliffs.
The year 2022 marks two important anniversaries for St Mary’s.  It is the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the Anglican (then Church of England) Parish in Kangaroo Point. It is also the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for the current church.

The story of St Mary’s goes back to the very beginning of European settlement in Kangaroo Point, the land of the Jagera and Turrbal people and the early days of the Church of England in the new colony. In 1842 Moreton Bay was declared a free settlement and ceased to be a penal colony.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/churches-in-kangaroo-point/ ‎

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14 April 1969: Out with the old, in with the new Victoria Bridge. 

The current Victoria Bridge was opened on 14 April 1969. It is the third permanent bridge in this location built at a cost of $3.2 million. It is the fifth bridge on the site and replaces the second permanent bridge which lasted from 1897 to 1969. At the time of opening, the old structure was still there, but was demolished soon after except for the archway of the Southern Abutment which was heritage-listed in 1992.

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Shafston House – The early years 1851 – 1919:  Shafston as a Private Residence

Why Shafston House and its site are so important and should be preserved.

The story of Shafston House, Brisbane’s third oldest residence, begins at a land sale on 1 November 1851 when the Reverend Robert Creyke, a pioneer of the Church of England, bought allotments 44 and 45 totalling 10.75 acres (4.2 ha) of the newly surveyed riverfront estate at Kangaroo Point. On lot 44 he built a single-storey brick and stone residence with verandahs and a high-pitched roof overlooking the Brisbane River. He called the house Ravenscott.

A year later, on 5 December 1852 Henry Stuart Russell, a Darling Downs pastoralist and politician, bought the property and completed the brick and stone house in the Gothic style. He re-named it Shafston after his wife’s birthplace in Jamaica. He also bought several neighbouring blocks to create a town riverine estate of over 44 acres (17.6 hectares). Read morehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/shafston-house/

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Raymond Park history – revisited April 2022

With Raymond Park currently in the news re its proposed use as an Olympic Warm-Up track, let’s re-visit its fascinating history. 

Beautiful Raymond Park is a large 5.09 hectare park in Kangaroo Point. It is bounded by Main Street to the west, Wellington Street to the east, Baines Street to the south, and Sinclair Street in part to the north.

The park was originally called Pineapple Sports Ground and then Pineapple Park because of the Pineapple Hotel in the south-western corner of the park on the corner of Main Street and Baines Street. Read morehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/parks/raymond-park/

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On this day in 1927 – Royal Visit to Anzac Hostel, Kangaroo Point

95 years ago today, on Monday 11 April 1927 the Duke and Duchess of York (later to be King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) visited war veterans at the Anzac Hostel (originally Shafston House), on the river at Kangaroo Point. The visit was part of their tour of Australia and New Zealand. 11 April 1927: The Duke and Duchess of York on board the Juanita on their way to the Anzac Hostel at Kangaroo Point. On board are Mr. Brier, Commodore W.A. Douglas, Vice-Commodore, A.L. Martin Wilson and Mr. R. McCowan, owner. The Juanita had also carried the Prince of Wales to the same destination in 1920. (Mobsby Collection, Fryer Library, University of Queensland)

After seeing invalid veterans at Rosemount Hospital in Windsor the royal couple was driven to Newstead Park where they boarded the yacht Juanita to take them across the river to the Anzac Hostel.

In 1919 the Commonwealth Government Department of Repatriation took over Shafston House at 23 Castlebar Street, Kangaroo Point and converted it into a hostel for the treatment of totally and permanently incapacitated ex- servicemen. As well as extensive interior alterations an open-air ward was built, connected to the main house by a covered way. The first patients were admitted on 19 July 1920 and the hostel served as a repatriation hospital until 1969.

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Raymond Park Community Forum re Olympics Proposal

Despite the rain there was a good turnout to the community forum  organised by the Friends of Raymond Park group, local Councillor Jonathan Sri and State Member Amy McMahon to discuss the Olympic Warm-Up Track Proposal. Speakers outlined the proposal and answered questions on the impact of the proposal on the park and the community. There was general agreement that the park was totally unsuitable for the size of an Olympic size warm-up track and the associated infrastructure required.  Alternative locations  which would be of long-term benefit to Brisbane  were put forward  such as the Coorparoo Secondary College; updating the QEII stadium and transport connections; using the existing Carrara Stadium at the Gold Coast.

I was given the opportunity to address the group and tell them the history of Raymond Park (aka Pineapple Park) and why it should be left as is for the local community.Attendees were encouraged to contact the Federal Member, Terri Butler; the Premier and Deputy Premier to express their opposition to the proposal and request they look at alternative locations.

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Anzac HOSTEL 1918-1969-Preserve the heritage of Shafston House Estate 

The State heritage-listed Shafston Estate as well as being an iconic landmark riverine property dating back to 1851 and home to some of Brisbane’s early prominent personalities, is also significant for the important role it played for over 50 years as an Anzac Hostel.

Acquired by the Commonwealth Government in 1919 it was the only Anzac Hostel in Queensland developed as a long-term hostel for totally and permanently incapacitated servicemen returning from the Great War. The first patients arrived on 19 July 1920 and Anzac Hostel continued to function as a repatriation hospital until 1969. It is one of only two remaining former WWI repatriation hospitals in Queensland, the other is Rosemount at Windsor.  Read morehttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/shafston-house/

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Raymond Park Olympic Warm-Up Track Proposal

Come and find out and have your say on what’s proposed and how it will impact Raymond Park and . All welcome.

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The Newstead House – Shafston House connection

Last Saturday afternoon I attended an excellent talk entitled ‘The People of Newstead House’ given by highly regarded Brisbane historian Helen Gregory at the New Farm and Districts Historical Society’s first meeting of the year.  While most articles and conversations about Newstead House focus on the building and its beautiful setting, it is just as important to remember that the people who lived and worked there were an integral part of shaping its history.
I was interested in the topic as the history of Newstead House is closely intertwined with that of Shafston House which is currently under serious threat from developers. They are the only two surviving examples of the six original colonial riverine estates which still have a direct connection with the river. Newstead House was built in 1846 and Shafston House (then Ravenscott) in 1851,  making them the oldest and third oldest known houses in Brisbane.
Newstead House and Shafston House are both located in a prominent position on top of a hill with manicured lawns sloping down to the river. They were built for people who made a difference to the development of Brisbane and Queensland.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/the-newstead-house-shafston-house-connection/

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Say No to Shafston House Development

The Shafston House State heritage listing covers the entire site and includes the historic Shafston House (1851-1930s), the former ward buildings (1919), orderlies’ quarters (1928), and the Postal Depot (1937).

Now a developer wants to permanently destroy this unique landmark property which has been treasured and admired by locals and visitors alike and which is an important part of colonial history. Shafston House (1851) and Newstead House (1846) are the only remaining colonial riverine estates which still keep their direct connection to the river.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/shafston-house/say-no-to-shafston-house-development/

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Overview of the history of Shafston House

The story of Shafston House, the red brick Victorian Gothic style mansion on top of a hill with manicured lawns sloping down to the Brisbane River is an important part of the story of the colonial days and early development of Brisbane and Queensland. It is believed to be the third-oldest house in Brisbane and one of only two of the original southside riverine estate residences which still keep their direct connection to the river [the other is Newstead House 1846].https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/shafston-house/

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The Colonial Riverine Estates of the 1850s

The  Reverend Thomas Mowbray, Reverend Robert Creyke and former banker Archibald Hutchinson played a significant role in the early development of Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane before separation on 10 December 1859. They joined an elite group of gentry and pastoralists who established prominent riverine town estates in the mid-nineteenth century. These included Newstead House (1846), Toogoolawah (now Bulimba House, 1849-50), Riversdale (now Mowbray Park, early 1850s), Ravenscott (now Shafston, 1851); Milton (ca. 1852-53) and Eskgrove (1853).
read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/southern-colonial-riverine-estates/

Royal Queensland Society of Blind Citizens

The building on the corner of Vulture Street and Stephens Road has an interesting history dating back to the early 1900s. It is a story of inspiration, commitment and triumph over adversity of a community who, although visually impaired, lead a rich and happy life. It all began with the dream, inspiration, hard work and commitment of one man, John Olsen.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/the-royal-queensland-society-for-blind-citizens-building/ 

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Paul Lechner – Refugee Migrant Success Story

Paul Lechner watches while one of his staff Mrs. Anne Kravchenko, a Ukrainian migrant, lashes nylon to a tubular steel Lechner chair at his Brisbane factory in 1957. (National Archives of Australia. ID: A12111)Paul Lechner migrated to Australia from Hungary in 1949 sponsored by the International Refugee Association (I.R.O.) He was an electrical engineer with qualifications from universities in Budapest, Paris and Vienna. After arriving in Newcastle, he came to Brisbane, determined to do well in his new country. While working as a clerk at the Wacol Migrant Centre he obtained registration as an electrical fitter and mechanic. He then worked in his new trade for the Brisbane City Council and also did a night shift as a switch board attendant. By the end of his two-year contract with the Commonwealth Government he had saved £60 and was ready for a new challenge. It was a picture in a magazine which was to change his life and set him on the path to success. read more  https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/paul-lechner-refugee-migrant-success-story/

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Richard Gailey,  Colonial Architect (1834-1924)

In discussions about colonial architecture in Brisbane the name Richard Gailey stands out. He is generally described as ‘important, renowned, influential, prolific’.
He designed an amazing number of buildings including over thirty hotels as well as many commercial, residential, religious and educational properties.Read more: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/people/richard-gailey/

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How long is a piece of rope? – Forsyth’s Rope Works

In 1864 Archibald Forsyth, a Scottish immigrant, established the first and very successful rope-making factory in Sydney in 1864. Ten years later, in 1874, he and his nephew John, partners in their company, A Forsyth & Co Ltd Rope Works, established a similar business in Queensland which at the time had no rope making manufacturer. They bought land for £600 from Joseph Darragh which extended from what was then Cleveland Road, Kangaroo Point (now Lytton Road, East Brisbane) along Factory Street (now Manilla Street).  Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/businesses/east-brisbane/#Forsyth’s-Rope-Works-(former)-18761997

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Water hyacinth – a beautiful but noxious weed

It was meant to be a beautiful ornamental aquatic plant, but turned into one the world’s worst water weeds.
Water hyacinth was introduced to Australia as an ornamental aquatic plant and released into ponds and lagoons in metropolitan Brisbane and public parks all over Queensland in the early 1900s. However, due to its rapid spread and extensive root system it soon became a major pest of rivers, creeks and dams, choking wetlands, killing wildlife and interfering with transport and  recreational use of the waterways.
Read more  https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/

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Happy Migrants in East Brisbane

In 1964 the Oteng family of Uganda were Queensland’s largest African student family. Mr and Mrs A K Oteng and their four children lived in a large flat in East Brisbane. Mr Oteng was studying for a Veterinary Science degree at the University of Queensland under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/east-brisbane-state-school/

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Kangaroo Point TAFE College

After the Kangaroo Point State School closed on 30 June 1965 the buildings were demolished and a multi-storey Technical College was erected on the site. The Kangaroo Point Technical College opened in 1968 and provided a variety of vocational courses for many years, eventually becoming part of the Southbank Institute of TAFE, becoming known as the Kangaroo Point TAFE.  Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/kangaroo-point-tafe-college/

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School closed 101 years ago and now?

From temporary closure in 1919 to permanent closure  55 years ago on 30 June 1965. If you change the disease to Covid-19 this could well have been written for the current situation- some amazing similarities in content and language. (Article from The Courier Mail, 3 June 1919)

Memories of Kangaroo Point State School

When we look back on our school days we often find that some experiences, both good and bad, made such an impression on us that we can still recall them vividly many years later. Past students of the school on the cliffs share their photos and memories of their primary school days. We invite others to add to this collection and identify fellow pupils. Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/kangaroo-point-state-school/memories-of-kangaroo-point-state-school-2/

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School on top of the cliffs at Kangaroo Point 1861-1965

Can you imagine the cliffs of Kangaroo Point without St Mary’s and without Kangaroo Point Park?
The top of the cliffs was actually the site of the first school at Kangaroo Point, built in 1861, twelve years before St Mary’s.
Kangaroo Point School opened as a Church of England school in 1861. It came under the control of the Board of Education in 1867 and consisted of a boys department and a girls department. A separate Girls and Infants school opened on 2 March 1874. This was replaced by the Kangaroo Point Girls School and the Kangaroo Point Infants School which both opened on 20 January 1890. The Kangaroo Point Girls School closed on 28 April 1950 and amalgamated with the Boys and Infants schools to become the Kangaroo Point State School. This school closed on 30 June 1965 to make way for the Kangaroo Point TAFE. Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/schools/kangaroo-point-state-school/

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Milk deliveries in the early days

Who can remember when milk used to be delivered to the door? In the early days of the colony local businesses delivered bread, milk, fruit and vegetables and other basic goods  by horse and cart. By the  1920s motorised vans started to appear and gradually took over from the horse-driven carts. Read more at: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/businesses/woolloongabba/

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Greyhound Racing at the Gabba 1927-1993

The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground) is generally regarded as the home of cricket. However, it used to be a popular venue for racing greyhounds.
Greyhound Racing was introduced to Queensland in 1927 by the Queensland Electric Coursing Company which completely upgraded the Brisbane Cricket Ground  for the purpose. Circular seating around the whole ground installed above the old cycling track embankment would give 20,000 spectators a direct view of the track.
Read more at: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/the-gabba-woolloongabba-cricket-ground/greyhound-racing-at-the-gabba/

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Anzac Day 2020 – Remember Them – Honour Them

This Anzac Day we look at the wartime contribution made by some of those who lived in our districts.
George A Crutchfield  enlisted on 14 December 1914 and joined the 5th Light Horse Regiment, 2nd Reinforcement.
We get a look at life in the Maadi Camp outside Cairo where the  5th Light Horse Regiment were stationed when they arrived from Australia. Here they trained and gathered strength, awaiting orders to join the troops on Gallipoli in May 1915.
Charles Smethurst Snow is better known as the founder of Scouting in Queensland, but also served in the AIF from July 1917-July 1919.
Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/anzac-day/

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Elegance on the Green in 1908

In the early 1900s three sporting clubs were established in picturesque Mowbray Park overlooking the river.

The first was the East Brisbane Bowling Club which opened in 1905, closely followed by the Croquet Club and a tennis club. Sadly the only one still functioning today (2020) is the Croquet Club. Ladies were permitted to join the men on the green at special carnivals.
Read more https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/places/community-clubs/east-brisbane-bowling-club/

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Bubonic Plague – Spanish flu – Covid 19

In 1900 it was the bubonic plague. In 1918-19 the Pneumonic Influenza, also known as the Spanish Flu, in 2020 we have the Covid 19 pandemic. Current news reports and community concerns about Covid-19 are eerily similar to those expressed in earlier health epidemics in our districs and the whole country.
This photo could be current, but is of nurses wearing surgical masks during the influenza epidemic of 1919.

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March 8 – International Women’s Day 

Previously we’ve looked at the achievements of Dr Lilian Cooper, Queensland’s first female surgeon who arrived in Brisbane from England in 1891 and lived in Kangaroo Point for many years. For ten years she was the only woman practising medicine in Queensland.

Today we’ll look at Irene Maud Longman (1877-1964) who was the first female member of the Queensland Parliament. She was also one of the first trained kindergarten teachers working in Queensland with a long career in early childhood education. In 1929, at the age of 52, she won the seat of Bulimba for the Country and Progressive Party after a strong campaign and promise to use her position to lobby for services to improve the lives of women and children. She gained a huge swing of 10% against her male opponent in what had been considered a safe Labor seat. She was to be instrumental in establishing the first women police in Queensland and creating a separate, private and safe venue for Children’s Court hearings.
Continue readinghttps://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/iren-longman-first-female-mp-in-qld/

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Founder’s Day at St Mary’s, Kangaroo Point 23 February 2020

Every year the scouts and guides celebrate Founder’s Day at St Mary’s at a special service attended by a large number of Boy and Girl Scouts, Girl Guides and their leaders.

In 2020 the service was attended by the State Governor and State Chief Scout, His Excellency, Paul de Jersey AC. who also delivered a reading. The congregation was joined by past and present Scout and Guide leaders and many happy scouts and guides. An important part of the service was the renewal of the Scout Promise and the Girl Guide Promise led by Daryl Scott, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland, and Dorami Keyt, Senior Guides Leader and District Manager.
read more at:https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=3190&action=edit

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Kangaroo Point – home to the ‘ father’ of Scouting in Queensland

Charles Smethurst Snow (1882-1953) is considered to be the founder of the Scouting movement in Queensland. He was the son of Charles William Snow, a prominent Brisbane jeweller and watchmaker who commissioned the beautiful two-storey brick residence known as Leckhampton at 59 Shafston Avenue. This elegant home, built in 1888-89, still exists today and was entered on the Queensland State Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. After the death of Charles W. Snow in 1913 Leckhampton remained in the Snow family until 1924 when it was sold and later converted into flats.
Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=3176&action=edit

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New colony of Queensland: 160th anniversary of Proclamation Day : 10 December 2019

On the 10 December 1859 Queensland’s first Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, accompanied by his wife Lady Diamantina Bowen, witnessed the reading of the Letters Patent from the balcony of Adelaide House, now the Deanery of St John’s Cathedral in Ann Street, Brisbane.

The Letters Patent was signed by Queen Victoria on 6 June 1859, proclaiming Queensland a separate colony to New South Wales.

read more at: http://blogs.slq.qld.gov.au/jol/2016/12/09/separation-day-the-true-birth-of-queensland/

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Carols on the Hill Community Carols – Saturday 30 November 5:00-7:30pm

This year’s Carols on the Hill community concert marks the end of the 150 year celebrations for the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Woolloongabba.

The festivities start with a bbq at 5:00pm and performance by the Brisbane Recorder Orchestra at 6:00pm.

At 6:30pm the Vocal Manoeuvres Choir will sing  Christmas carols and invite the community to sing along. Visitors are also invited to look around this beautiful historic, heritage-listed Church.

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Brisbane Recorder Orchestra – Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Woolloongabba

One of the groups supported by the parish is the Brisbane Recorder Orchestra formed in 2019 by parishioner Joanne McDiarmid. The group is conducted by the internationally experienced musician and performer Kathy Williams- DeVries and consists of five different recorder voices from soprano to bass.  They rehearse in the church and are preparing to perform at the annual “Carols on the Hill” event held at the parish on the 30^th Nov.  The group currently has 12 members and would like to encourage new members to join them.  All enquiries to the parish or Joanne on 0457 895 035.

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The Reverend Maitland Woods – Anglican clergyman and army chaplain

William Maitland Woods was a highly-regarded rector, scholar, army chaplain who was born  in England in 1864. He graduated from Oxford in 1889, was made a deacon. In the same year he emigrated  to Australia with his family. From his early beginnings as a missionary priest in Townsville he dedicated his life to the pastoral care of his parishioners and all he came in contact with. Apart from being a ‘man of the cloth’ he was a keen amateur historian and anthropologist, he also loved music and played the violin.  He was rector of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Kangaroo Point from 1903-1912. He then served as army chaplain in the A.I.F from 1915-1915.

Read more  https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/people/rev-maitland-woods/

Remembrance Day 11 November 2019

This year we look at the Patriotic Carnivals and fetes in aid of wounded soldiers and their dependents were held from 1914 all over Queensland. Patriotic Day Parades in Brisbane started in the city and finished at the Exhibition Ground where a variety of afternoon events were held.

You can read about some of the Patriotic Carnivals which were held in our districts. https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/remembrance-day/

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Not quite the Melbourne Cup – but lots of fun for kids

These children look like they were having fun as they get ready for the start of a goat race in the early 1900s. (State Library of Queensland)

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The beauty of Brisbane’s brick buildings uncovered.

What comes to mind when you think of old buildings in Brisbane? No doubt your answer was tin and timber. But wait – there are also many beautiful old brick buildings, notably The Old Museum.

Have you noticed how many lovely brick buildings there are in our districts? We’ve discussed a few recently and there are more to come.

The guest speakers at Saturday’s New Farm and Districts Historical Society meeting were Virginia Russell, an architect and Joanne Heath, daughter of a bricklayer and keen photographer. They’ve just published a book about Brisbane Bricks and gave an appreciative audience an informative and interesting insight into some of Brisbane’s grand brick buildings. While the main focus was on the architectural aspects they also touched on the history of the buildings. Joanne’s own Japanese haiku poems added a personal touch to the presentation.

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Restored Colonial Gem: Eskgrove, 56 Laidlaw Parade, East Brisbane

A few days ago I was privileged to be invited to have a look inside the heritage-listed cottage known as Eskgrove.  I was shown around by Arna, the proud owner whose passion,  dedication  and years of hard work resulted in the restoration of this beautiful pre-separation cottage built in 1853.  It was fascinating to hear about the renovation process and see the end result. It’s also wonderful that Eskgrove is once again a much-loved family home.
Read more about Eskgrove https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/historic-homes/houses-in-east-brisbane/   

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Celebrating 150 years of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Woolloongabba

As you drive along the freeway in the city direction have you wondered what the large white church seemingly at the top of a hill is? Is it Spanish? it looks Spanish to me.  Maybe it’s Greek Orthodox and in such a prime position like that it must be Catholic. But no, that imposing building is the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Woolloongabba. The church in various guises has this year been there 150 years. The first, a simple wooden building, was built in 1869 but was blown down in a storm in 1874. The second, also timber, was burnt down in a fire in 1929. The present church was built in 1930 of brick with stucco finish in a Spanish Mission, Romanesque style. No wonder it’s so imposing.

The Holy Trinity Church is now celebrating 150 years, being one of the oldest churches in Brisbane. On Saturday night, 19th October as part of the sesquicentennial celebrations a celebratory cocktail party was held in the adjacent modern church hall – Trinity Place. I attended with my wife Christa and East Brisbane historian Geraint Gregory. It was a lovely occasion with a great array of delicous food available for grazing, some rather interesting drinks, a string quartet accompaniment and a history display. The speeches were kept to a minimum with Father Ron the minister and Ian Lacey telling of the background and history and sharing personal experiences of the historic church.
Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/churches-in-woolloongabba/

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Dr Lilian Cooper –  Pioneer doctor and pioneer motorist.

Did you know? ­Not only was Dr Lilian Cooper the first female doctor registered in Queensland (in June 1891), she was also Queensland’s first recorded female registered motorist.

At a recent RACQ function we were treated to an excellent presentation on the history of the association. Afterwards I chatted to the archivist, Robyn Harris, about Dr Lilian Cooper’s involvement with the organisation and filled in a few gaps about what I knew about the motoring interests of this remarkable woman.

Dr Lilian Cooper taught herself to drive in 1904 and bought her first car, a 7hp Oldsmobile a year later. Her partner, Josephine Bedford, who had been driving Lilian around in their sulky, did not seem too impressed at the time. In a letter written from New York[1] she wrote: ‘Dr. Cooper is bringing out a motor car, but nothing will ever be to me what a horse is. … I did some motoring with my brothers in England…’  Lilian became a keen motorist and did most of the car maintenance and repairs herself. Josephine began driving regularly five years later in 1910.[1] Queenslander , 7 January 1905
Read more at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/stories/people/dr-lilian-cooper/

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OPEN HOUSE 2019
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 68 Hawthorne Street, WoolloongabbaThis year marks the 150^th anniversary of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church on the hill in Hawthorne Street. The heritage-listed church is the third church on the site. The original simple wooden church built in 1869 was blown down in a storm in 1874. The second wooden church built in 1875 was destroyed by fire in 1929.  A third brick church with exterior roughcast concrete stucco white-washed walls with contrasting red terracotta tiled roof was built in 1930. Built in a combination of inter-war Spanish mission and ecclesiastical Romanesque styles it comprises a prominent tower, vestry, entry porch and nave with side aisles and octagonal chancel. The striking church has become a local landmark. It was entered on the Queensland State Heritage Register on 9 May 2008.

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OPEN HOUSE 2019
L & T’s Worker’s Cottage, 5 Chorlton Street, East Brisbane

When the first public horse-drawn trams came into service in Brisbane in August 1885 there was an increase in need for housing for the workers. One of the many workers cottages built at the time was at 5 Chorlton Street, East Brisbane to accommodate workers from the horse stables servicing the trams. Over the years the cottage has no doubt housed many colourful characters and had several owners.

In 2010 the cottage was bought by Lachlan and Tanya Nielsen who, with the help of architects Nielsen Jenkins turned what was a dilapidated two bedroom cottage at the time into a comfortable larger family home which accommodated the changing needs of their growing family. They called the restored and refurbished cottage L & T’s Workers Cottage to acknowledge its colourful history.

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OPEN HOUSE 2019
Talk at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Kangaroo Point

While heritage-listed and historic St Mary’s on the cliff-top at Kangaroo Point has been involved with Open House for seven years, this year was the first time that a speaker has been added to the programme. The topic: Dr Lilian Cooper and Josephine Bedford- parishioners of St Mary’s was an excellent choice to start a speaker’s series as it helped to raise awareness of the contribution of these two amazing women who overcame discrimination and achieved so much.

What a setting! I can’t think of a more appropriate place to listen to a talk about these two outstanding and inspirational women than right in the historic church itself, and close to the Warrior’s Chapel which contains significant memorials.

The speaker was John Earwaker, a long-time parishioner of St Mary’s who has a keen interest in local history. He gave a very interesting and comprehensive presentation on the life and contribution of these two amazing women in the context of the times.

After the talk visitors were able to enter the Warriors’ Chapel and see the three significant memorials associated with Dr Lilian Cooper. The silky oak altar was donated by Dr Cooper. Above the altar are two stained-glass windows donated in her memory, designed by Sydney artist Norman Carter. On the wall is the framed St Sava medal which was awarded to Dr Cooper in 1917 by the King of Serbia to honour her service as a surgeon in World War I.

Read more about the Warriors’ Chapel and see the memorials at https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/photo-gallery/churches/churches-in-kangaroo-point/

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OPEN HOUSE 2019
The Queensland Maritime Museum, 412 Stanley Street, South Brisbane

Three attractions in one:  Visit the Queensland Maritime Museum and experience the heritage- listed South Brisbane Dry Dock, historic HMAS Diamantina and the Museum.

The South Brisbane Dry Dock is significant as Brisbane’s largest surviving 19th century industrial site. It is a rare Australian example of an intact riverside dry dock, illustrating contemporary engineering and technology. The dry dock is an important example of the work of engineer William Nisbet in Queensland, and is significant for its association with the contractors J & A Overend and the caisson manufacturers RR Smellie & Co.

There were over 5,000 entries for maintenance and repair in the dock prior to its closure in 1973. It was a vital piece of infrastructure for the development of Queensland trade for over 90 years, attracting shipping to the state and supporting the dredging fleet that was essential for the maintenance of Queensland’s river ports. During WWII the dock was an important factor in the establishment of the United States Navy’s Submarine Base in Brisbane.  Over 50 submarines and 100 other warships were maintained and repaired in the dock.
Read more at:https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/queensland-maritime-museum/

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OPEN HOUSE 2019
The Montague Hotel, 48 Montague Road, South Brisbane

The Montague Hotel was built in 1891 to a design by prominent Brisbane architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley. When the hotel was first built, this part of Montague Road was home to a few fishermen, an ice cream maker, a tinsmith, a shipwright, two hawkers and a sheep’s trotter seller.

Directly across the road from the hotel was Carmichael’s Timber Yard and the West End Brewery only a block away. In 1953 it was renamed the Coronation Hotel after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. From the early 1970s the licensee was rugby league personality Ripper Doyle.

Read  more in the Businesses section, just scroll down to  The Montague Hotel. https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/businesses/south-brisbane/  

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Open House 2019

Once again many of the historic places in our districts are open for inspection on either Saturday 12 or Sunday 13th October. Here’s a summary of the main places.

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Queensland’s first Elections in 1860

As the nation focuses on Federal elections today, let’s look at Queensland’s First Parliament in 1860 and the first Premier of Queensland, Sir Robert George Wyndham Herbert.

Sir Robert George Wyndham Herbert

Born on 12 June 1831 in Brighton, England. He was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple on 30 April 1858. A year later he was commissioned colonial secretary to the newly appointed Governor of Queensland, Sir George Bowen, on the proviso that he was elected to the Legislative Assembly. He became the first premier of Queensland. (SLQ 68163).
Read more: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/queenslands-first-elections-in-1860/

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Kindergartens in the early days 

With the current national focus on childcare and kindergartens, let’s look at some of the earliest kindergartens in our areas.

The Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K) is a well-known and highly regarded not for profit organisation which was set up in 1907. Mary Josephine Bedford, long-time partner of Dr Lilian Cooper of Kangaroo Point, was the driving force behind setting up the C&K. Association in 1907 and the Playground Association in Brisbane, with a special focus on providing supervised play for children in poorer areas.
Read more: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/kindergartens-in-the-early-days/

You can read more about Mary J. Bedford at Mary Josephine Bedford

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Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers – 12 May 2019 

How did it all begin? Read more on our blog: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/mothers-day/

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Recent Event:

170th year Reunion of the descendants of the migrants who came to Moreton Bay on Dr Lang’s ships Fortitude, Chaseley and Lima in 1849.

It was a very enjoyable and memorable afternoon despite inclement weather. Some of the descendants lived up to their pioneering ancestry by coming out on a rainy, overcast day. Their ancestors would have endured much worse! Despite the threatening clouds, we managed to gather everyone around the memorial cairn in Captain Burke Park before the heavy rain started.
Read more on the blog page: https://kangaroopointhistory.com.au/170th-reunion-of-descendants-of-migrants-on-dr-langs-ships/