Ormond - Home of Dr Fowles

 Ormond and Dr Fowles

At the turn of the 20th century Teneriffe Hill only had the estate of Teneriffe House. As the estate was sub divided and the houses of prominent citizens were built upon the hill access by public tansport was of concern. The residents of Chester amd James Streets had lobbyed the council for an extension of the tram from Brunswick Street and or Anne Street. 

A tram travelled down Brunswick Street to New Farm Park and a tram came down Fortitude Valley to Commercial Road and then to the Bulimba Ferry Terminal. The local Teneriffe residents wanted a tram extension along James Street to allow easier access to Teneriffe. A compromise it appears was the building of a set of stairs that ascended from Paterson Street to Teneriffe Drive. 

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Tuesday 9 January 1912, page 4

Notified motions by Alderman Best "That a one burner lamp be placed at a convenient point for lighting the footpath and stairs connecting Paterson street with Teneriffe Drive.

The access to Paterson Street was a short walk from the tram stop at Commercial Road and Kent Street.

The house at 40 Teneriffe Drive on the left at the top of the stairs that ascend from Paterson street is “Ormond”. Built in 1909 for Dr. E. W. H. Fowles. Dr. Fowles born at Oxley and the son of a school teacher became a well known identity in early 20^th century Brisbane and Queensland. A barrister by profession the house is allegedly named after Ormond College at Melbourne University where he studied.

A biography of the life of a Teneriffe resident whose family provided a great service to the people of Queensland is provided in the link following.

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fowles-edwin-wesley-6226

During WW2 the US forces occupied Ormond and Teneriffe House and the local stories abound. One being that a staff car would be ordered to ferry the officers the 50 meres between the two houses.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 29 December 1945, page 4

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FOWLES. Relatives & Friends of Mrs. E. W. H. Fowles, of "Ormond," Teneriffe, are invited to attend the Funeral of her beloved Husband, Edwin Wesley Howard Fowles, M.A,, L.L.B., D. Litt., to leave Kingsholme Methodist Church, Teneriffe, on conclusion of Service commencing at 10 o'clock on Monday Morning, for the Mt. Thompson Crematorium. No flowers. JOHN H1SLOP & SONS. Funeral Directors.