Daniel Kelly's Spring Hill Duplex

 It is very common to hear conversations turn to how Brisbane's history has been demolished over time and replaced by modern architecture. Within 800 metres of the Brisbane GPO you can step back in time and immerse yourself in a world where the worker lived within the town of Brisbane and boundaries of the town was Boundary Street.

The following is taken from the Brisbane City Council's Heritage Register.

This rare timber duplex was constructed circa the early 1870s for grocer, Daniel Kelly. It is located on a small allotment of only 9.7 perches on the eastern side of Birley Street which slopes from Leichardt Street down to the bottom of what was once called Hanly’s Hollow before rising to the ridge of Wickham Terrace. This part of Spring Hill, one of Brisbane’s first residential suburbs, was subdivided by the Crown for private sale from 1856. In 1860, Patrick Byrne was granted just over one and three quarters of an acre stretching from Leichardt Street to Wickham Terrace. Birley Road was added but reached only as far as Lilley Street until the mid-1890s. Byrne soon subdivided the land on either side of Birley Street into allotments of just over 19 perches. Some were further subdivided into smaller lots of only 9.7 perches such as the one purchased by Daniel Kelly. 

Most of the allotments in Birley Street were sold prior to 1865 and by the census of 1871, 58 people were residing in the street. As was the case with most of the low lying streets of Spring Hill, these houses were often tenanted by working class residents such as labourers, mariners and bootmakers or others on modest incomes such as widows. Birley Street provides an example of the typical pattern of residential development in Spring Hill prior to the 1885 Undue Subdivision of Land Act which prohibited the subdivision of land into allotments smaller than 16 perches. The Act, which also required a minimum street frontage of 30 feet (around 10 metres), reflected contemporary concerns that the building of terraces and tiny cottages on small parcels of land would lead to the proliferation of slums, increasing the risks of disease and fire. 

The duplex at 46 Birley Street, like many other nineteenth-century buildings at Spring Hill has retained the size of its original allotment. Surviving duplexes and terrace houses from the nineteenth century are rare in Brisbane; Spring Hill, however, has retained several. They range from fine 1860s masonry buildings such as ‘Callender House’ (now the Theosophical Society) and ‘Athol Place’ along the elevated ridge of Wickham Terrace to more middle class dwellings built on the slopes of Spring Hill such as the 1860s stone duplex at 19 Gloucester Street and the 1870s brick semi-detached Moody’s cottages in Victoria Street. Humble timber duplexes built in the hollows of Spring Hill for the working classes included this one in Birley Street and a slightly larger one on the corner of Gloucester and Thornbury Streets. 

355 Wickham Terrace A Place of Many Names and Purposes

 

355 Wickham Terrace has one of Brisbane's best examples of the semi detached house style of the mid 19th century Brisbane. This house cannot be missed if you are looking for something different in the streetscape of Wickham Terrace. It stands along the ridge that framed the Green Hills of old Brisbane Town. Built in the early 1860 period when the town of Brisbane became the capital of the new colony of Queensland it had marvellous views across the Green Hills to Mount Coot-tha and the Brisbane River. There was no Albert Park or any form of parkland when this house was built. Architecture is in the Georgian style with work done by Robin Dods when his brother Espie moved there from his house lower down at 97 Wickham Terrace. One would assume that the superior views would have been an attraction.  It has had a number of occupants but for nearly the last 100 years it has been occupied by the Theosophical Society. In the late 19th and early 20th century the house was known as Callendar or Callandar House.

The State Heritage Register reference is here. https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=600187

This is the Heritage Register listing for 355 Wickham Terrace.

This pair of semi-detached houses was built in late 1863 to early 1864. The building was probably erected by the first landowner Patrick Mayne (1856), or possibly for the second owner John McNab. The houses were advertised for rent on 30 January 1864, two days after registration in McNab's name, when they were described as 'newly erected ... containing five rooms and kitchen'.

Subsequent owners included Joseph Buckle (1885-1910), a Primitive Methodist minister, who resided there for a period. From at least 1883 the building was known as Callender House.

The property was purchased in 1910 by Dr Espie Dods, who moved there from 97 Wickham Terrace. His architect brother Robin renovated and extended the property for its use as a private house and consulting rooms. This reflected the medico-residential character of the Terrace at the time.

In 1925 the property, which included adjacent land now occupied by the Liberal Catholic Church, was purchased by the Brisbane Theosophical Society. Minor alterations were carried out in 1925 by architects Hall & Prentice. Major conservation work was undertaken in 1986-87.

For Sale in 1883

In August of 1883 355 Wickham Terrace was placed under the hammer of the auctioneer, John Cameron. The reference at the time states tha the trustee wished to sell 9 properties from Lilley Street along Wickham Terrace towards the Windmill. This was a substantial piece of real estate at the time and it could be assumed included what we today know as the Pacific Hotel. 

FOR SALE 1883

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Tuesday 11 September 1883, page 4

If any evidence were wanting of the value of choice sites for rcsidence purposes in Brisbane, it was afforded on Saturday last, when John Cameron offered for sale on the ground some Wickham-terrace property, together with half a-dozen houses in the rear, fronting Lilley Street, the property fronting Wickham terrace comprised the building occupied at present by the Girls' Grammar School, Callander House, occupied by Mrs. O'Connor's boarding school, and a small cottage. The latter, we believe, being the second house that was erected on Wickham Terrace, some twenty five years ago. The property was sold at per foot frontage to the terrace, and the small cottage realised £11 15s. a foot, Mr, Buchanan purchaser ; Callander House, £18 10s. per foot, Rev. J. Buckle purchaser ; and Girls' Grammar School £17 5s. per foot, Mr. B. Harris, pawnbroker, purchaser. For the six houses in Lilley Street, each containing four rooms, but with a yard scarcely a dozen feet long, the prices ranged from £100 to £210. The bidding for all the properties was brisk and spirited, and the aale attracted a large number of spectators.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 20 August 1883, page 4

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8

WICKHAM TERRACE

ON THE GROUND IMPORTANT SALE

CITY PROPERTIES 

CORNER OF WICKHAM TERRACE AND LILLEY STREET

GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 

CALLANDER HOUSE

WOODEN COTTAGE

2 COTTAGES IN LILLEY STBEET

JOHN CAMERON has received instructions to sell bv public auction, on tho Ground, on SATUBDAY, Septomber 8 at 3 o'clock, those pieces or parcels of land being subdivisions 1 to 9 of Subdivisions 1 and 2 of Portion 173, and 5 to 8 of Portion 174, of North Brisbane, with frontages of 221ft. to .Wickham Terrace, and 216 ft. to Lilley street. This exceedingly valuable property has on it 9 separate houses, each complete in itself with the necessary outhouses, &c , and has therefore been subdivided into 

9 SEPARATE LOTS, and will be offered as hereunder described : — 

Lot 1 has frontage of 483 ft- to Wickham Terrace, ..... On it is erected a 5-ROOMED WOODEN COTTAGE Etc.

 Lot 2 has 80 ft. frontage to Wickhain Terrace, bv a depth of 134 feet to a right of way, and contains an area of 29 perches. On it is erected a two story double brick house, containing 11 rooms, with detached kitchen &c, known as CALLANDAR HOUSE. 

Lot 3 has 92ft. f'rontage to Wickham Terrace and 126 ft. to Lilley street, and contains an area of 34 perches. On it is erected the various buildings known as the GIRLS' GRAMMAR SDHOOL, consisting of front building, with wide hall, 4 large rooms, wide lattice front and side verandas, and wide back veranda leading to two large wings, containing 3 large classrooms, servants' rooms, kitchen, &c.  stables and out houses at rear. 

Lot 4 has 26 feit frontage to Li'.ley-strect, and (50 feet to right of-n-ay. On it is erected a four-roomed Wooden Cottage, lined and ceiled, and with ail necessary outbuildings.

 Ioi 5 has 26 feet frontage to Lilley-streot, ... 

Lot 6 has 40 feet frontage to Lilley-street, ....

 Lot 7 has 39 feet frontage to Lilley-street,......

 Lot 8 has 42 feet frontage to Lilley-street, ....

Lot 9 has a frontage of 41 feet to Lilley-street, .........

The whole of these six cottages keep well let to good tenants on short tenancies, and at good rentals. The Girls' Grammar School is let at a rental of £174 per annum. Callandar Home is let at a rental of £115 per annum. The Wooden Cottage on Lot No. 1 is at present unoccupied. 

The Auctioneer desires to call particular attention to this very important sale of First class CITY PROPERTIES, which being situated on the best part of WICKHAM TERRACE, are quite unequalled for view, &c, in all Brisbane. 

The intention of the trustee in the Estate is to realise, and persons on the look-out for charming sites will do well to attend this sale and purchase. These lots from their position, being within a few minutes walk of QUEEN-STREET, and overlooking the Park, combine all the advantages of both town and country, as from their situation in the Terrace nothing can ever be built in font of them and the great im provements now being effected in the Park must render the outlook more pleasant every year. These advantages render such places as the above highly desirable residences for PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS MEN whose vocations call them into tho city and render it impossible for them to reside at any distance there from. The Boys' and Girls' Grammar Schools and the City Railway Terminus are within a few chains, while Petrie and Gregory terraces are close to and on either side of the properties titles.

An Education Institution on Wickham Terrace

Girls Grammar School

The Brisbane Girls Grammar School was initially founded as a subsiduary of the branch of the Boys school in early 1875. Mrs. Janet O'Connor was employed as the first Principal and arrived from Ballarat in May of 1875. The initial school used rented accomodation in George Street. After a few months the school moved to Wickham Terrace or Callander House. 

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 17 March 1877, page 1

By 1882 it appears from newspaper advertisements that the tender process had started to establish a new premise for the Brisbane Girls Grammar School on Gregory Terrace. Mrs. O'Connor was no longer Principal of the Grammar School but had established her own school in Callander House. On Wickhan Terrace in 1883 there was also Miss Wilson's Day and Boarding School at Wickham House and the Misses Jardines who had opened a day and boarding school at Bayview House on Wickham Terrace. By 1887 Mrs Janet O'Connor expanded her school to include Callander House, Old Girls Grammar School and Trentham House all on Wickham Terrace. Trentham House was opposite Albert Park and it could be assumed that it may have been the house on the corner of Lilley Street and Wickham Terrace as this would have made a large complex of buildings. In 1889 Mrs. O'Connor had moved out of Brisbane Town to Oxley and established a new school in what would have been recognised as being in the rural outlying area of Brisbane.

From the newspaper references of the time it appears that in 1883, 355 Wickham Terrace had Callander House as No1 with Mrs. O'Connor's School and No 2 with Girls Grammar and Miss Beanland as the Principal before the move to Gregory Terrace. In 1884 the Richard Gailey designed Brisbane Girls Grammar School opened on Gregory Terrace.

Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934), Saturday 10 January 1880, page 1

MRS. O'CONNOR'S Boarding and Day School

CALLANDER HOUSE.

CALLANDER HOUSE is healthily situated on the best part of Wickham Terrace.

The School is conducted by Mrs. O'Connor, assisted by her daughters and a staff of competent Masters and Mistresses. The first quarter of 1880 will begin MONDAY, February 2.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Friday 4 October 1889, page 2

TO LET No. 2, CALLENDAR HOUSE, containing six rooms, kitchen, and bathroom, Wickham-terrace close to junction with Albert-street. Apply No. 1

Prominent Brisbane Residents of 355 Wickham Terrace

Reverend Joseph Buckle

Another occupier of 355 Wickham Terrace was the Reverend Joseph Buckle. He became one of the long term ministers of religion in the colony of Queensland. First appearing around 1863 from Ballarat he died in He was minister of the Primitive Methodist religion and performed many marriages in at 355 Wickham Terrace. He occupied and performed marriages there in a period of time between 1889 and 1899. There were two houses No 1 and No 2, at 355 Wickham Terrace. The Reveernd Buckle spent nearly all of his life in Brisbane in the area around Wickham Terrace. He died at his house in Bartley Street (just behind 355 Wickham Terrace) in July 1912.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Wednesday 3 July 1912, page 7

---

DEATH OR REV. JOSEPH BUCKLE.

The death occurred on Monday of one of the oldest ministers of religion in Brisbane, the Rev. Joseph Buckle, who came to Queensland about 50 years ago. He was the minister in charge of the Primitive Methodist Churches in Windell street and Adelaide street, then the only two of that denomination in the new colony. Later he moved to Maryborough, and subsequently to Brisbane again. In recent years he was retired from active work, but took a keen interest in many organisations, at the meetings of which his decided views often added vigour to a discussion. The late Mr. Buckle was 82 years of age. The funeral took, place yesterday, from his home in Bartley street, Spring Hill, and was largely attended by Methodist ministers and representatives of the I.O.R. and Queensland Temperance Alliance, The Revs.W. Powell and J. Williams conducted a service at the house, and the Rev. G. E. Rowe, and T. Brassingtem officiated at the graveside at Toowong.

Joseph Espie Dods

The property was purchased in 1910 by Dr Espie Dods, who moved there from 97 Wickham Terrace. His architect brother Robin Dods renovated and extended the property for its use as a private house and consulting rooms. This reflected the medico-residential character of Wickham Terrace at the time. J Espie Dods only lived at Callander House for only a few years before moving back down to 101 Wickham Terrace. This move is quite puzzling as he had had his brother do work on the property at 355 Wickham Terrace to what we know today as Dods House at 97 Wickham Terrace. Being the Government Medical Officer he obviously did not want to be very far from the area that was to become known as the medical centre of Brisbane. 

Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1922 - 1933), Monday 8 December 1930, page 4

DR. ESPIE DODS.

TRAGIC DEATH. Body Found in Garage. A BRILLIANT CAREER.

BRISBANE, Sunday.—The Government Medical Officer, Dr. J. Espie Dods, one of the best known medical men in the State, was found dead in his garage shortly after 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. ' On Saturday morning the late Dr. Dods appeared in the best of health, while his demeanour during the last few days indicated that his usual good spirits had suffered no reverse. Shortly after lunch he was seen to enter the garage and when he did not reappear after about 25 minutes a member of the family went to see where he was and was horrified to find him dead. The late Dr. Dods was 56 years of age. He had held the position of Government medical officer in Brisbane for 29 years. Although a Londoner by birth, he was educated at the Brisbane Grammar School. Later he studied at Morat, in Switzerland, and at the Edinburgh University, where he took the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1897. In the following year he attained the Diploma of Public Health. In his younger days the late Dr. Dods did excellent service as captain of the Army Medical Corps, and served as medical officer to the 1st Queensland Mounted Artillery in the South African war. In October, 1914, he joined up with the Australian Imperial Force in the Great War, and was appointed medical officer to the 5th Light Horse. He served at Gallipoli and in Egypt, where he was wounded in 1915. Later he was promoted to the rank of major. lie was with the 1st Australian Division in Egypt and France, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in January, 1917. For conspicuous bravery the late Dr. Dods was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order, and in addition was twice mentioned in dispatches.

Theosophical Society and Besant House

In 1925 the property, which included adjacent land now occupied by the Liberal Catholic Church, was purchased by the Brisbane Theosophical Society. Minor alterations were carried out in 1925 by architects Hall & Prentice. Major conservation work was undertaken in 1986-87.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 4 July 1925, page 18

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

BESANT HOUSE WICKHAM TERRACE. 7 30. 

MR. GEORGE MORRIS

MAN: WHENCE, HOW, and WHITHER? 

THEOSOPHICAL FACTS APPLIED TO THE WORLD'S HISTORY; A SCIENCE ENABLING MAN TO FIND A FART OF HIMSELF IN A PAST SAID TO BELONG TO OTHERS. 

Besant House

The Theosophical Society of Brisbane named their new premises at 355 Wickham Terrace "Besant House" recognising their world leader Ann Besant. 

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 26 August 1907, page 8

Anna Besant May be Chief of Theosophists

A Kansas City telegram dated 13th April says: An official announcement wans received in this city today by a member ot the local branch of the Thcosophical Society of the nomination of Mrs. Anna Besant of Adyr, India, as world president of the society to succeed the late Colonel Henry Steele Olcott, the president founder of the organisation. Colonel H Olcott, who was an old New York newspaper man and a veteran of the Civil War, died recently, following his return to India from Chicago, where he had attended the annual convention of the American section. The official announcement says that on his death bed he formally named Mrs. Besant, who had for years been his co-worker, to succeed him as president. The nomination must bo ratified by a two-thirds vote of the societies of the world The vote will bo taken soon. Mrs. Besant is coming to America in Iune. She is a noted writer and lecturer.

As you pass by 355 Wickham Terrace it is worth stopping to look at a wonderful piece of Brisbane's early history. This is not just a house but a building that has been part of the social and cultural evolution of Brisbane Town.