Toonarbin More Than It Seems

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 16 September 1868, page 1

You may pass this building on your travels and not realise that this structure dates back to 1865 and was one of the early grand villas of Brisbane. Toonarbin was once the only home in this part of the town. With grounds stretching down to the Brisbane River and up to the crown of Highgate Hill it truly was a grand villa. While what you see on the outside today is definitely what one would have seen in 1865 it is still a wonderful part of out early home history.

Toonarbin shares an amazing link to another of the early homesteads of Brisbane but this time on the northern side of the river. This concise reference from Must Do Brisbane gives a very succint summary.

"Having built his house Montpelier on a hill he named after himself -‘O’Reilly’s Hill’ (later Bowen Hills) - early settler and ASN shipping firm man Captain O’Reilly moved across the river and acquired another hilly bushland site from architect Benjamin Backhouse.
Here he built this imposing yet austere multichimneyed two storey mansion ‘Toonarbin’, which at the time looked at odds with its secluded bushy site. In 1926 it was purchased by the religious real estate king of Brisbane, Archbishop Duhig, as part of his ever growing Catholic empire and converted to a convent for the Sisters of Mercy. It operated as a convent until 1995 and some years later was bought by a private owner who meticulously restored it to its past glory."

For a more in depth history about Toonarbin and the Highgate Hill area the web site Highgate Hill and Its Stories is essential and wonderful reading. Very well researched and written it does give an indepth insight into the area. 

 https://highgatehill-historical-vignettes.com/2018/08/05/toonarbin/

After a successful career as a ship's captain Captain O'Reilly became the Brisbane manager of the Australasian Steam Navigation Comapny (ASN). The offices of ASN were where what we now know as Naldham House situated at the corner of Felix and Mary Streets in Brisbane.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Monday 19 February 1877, page 3

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Death of Captain O'Reilly.

Although the event has for some weeks, if not months, been expected, a very large number of our readers will learn with sincere regret of the death of Captain Henry O'Reilly, which took place yesterday afternoon, at his residence, Hill End, South Brisbane. Several years ago the deceased gentleman became troubled with a painful disease in one of his eyes, the sight of which became greatly affected, and in 1866 he visited England for the purpose of having an opera-tion performed on the affected organ. This was done, but no permanent benefit resulted therefrom. Ultimately cancer formed on the face near the eye, and for this disease he underwent another operation about ten months ago, which un-fortunately was too late to check the spread of the disease. Since then the state of his health grew rapidly worse. He was obliged to retire from his business avocations, and some months ago it was known to the deceased gentleman himself, and amongst his personal friends, that there was no room for hope of his recovery. During the last few days it became evident that the hour of merciful release from his long and painful illness was rapidly approaching. Yester-day forenoon he was conscious for a little while, and was able to speak with those around him, but it was only the brief revival which so fre-quently precedes the great final change, and he expired shortly before four o'clock in the afternoon.

Captain O'Reilly, who was a native of Dublin, was for some time in the service of the Dublin Steam Packet Company, and also served as chief officer in the fleet of the St. George Steam Packet Company, amongst whose customers he was exceedingly popular. About 1853 he came out to Sydney, and the same year took service with the A.S.N. Co. as captain of the steamer City of Melbourne. Subsequently he commanded the Boomerang, and left her to take charge of the Telegraph. He was engaged almost exclusively in the Queensland trade until 1864, when he relinquished command of the Telegraph to take charge of the Brisbane Agency of the Company. In that capacity he acted till compelled by illness, a few months ago, to abstain from business. Captain O'Reilly was one of the oldest, if not the oldest servant of the A.S.N. Co. and certainly the Company had none more devoted to its interests, with which he most thoroughly and actively identified himself. The Company has, at various times, been very unpopular in this colony, but that unpopularity never extended to its principal representative. His courtesy to the public never varied, whether as captain of the Company's boats, or as the medium between his employers and the mercantile community of Brisbane, and his sound judgment and tact has, we make no doubt, often prevented the discontent of the Queensland public with the Company's treatment of the trade of this colony taking a definite shape which might have been far from satisfactory to the great Sydney corporation.

Captain O'Reilly was in his 53rd year. His funeral will leave his residence at four o'clock this afternoon.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Monday 19 February 1877, page 1

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 30 December 1911, page 12

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Friday 14 June 1912, page 12

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Tuesday 16 July 1912, page 10

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Tuesday 7 April 1925, page 10

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Late Mr. Charles O'Reilly

LARGELY ATTENDED FUNERAL

The death of Mr.Charles John O Reilly removes a well known iden tity, from the commercial life of Bris bane. For many years he conducted a bonded warehouse customs agency, and general carriers busincssin Mar garet Street. The firm was established in 1860. and was the oldest established of the kind In Brisbane. The deceased gentleman was born at Balmain. Syd ney, in 185o. He was a son of the late Captain Henry O'Reilly, one of the earliest agents in Brisbane for the old A.S.N. Co., In his early days Mr. O'Reilly lived with his parents at their home, Montpelier on O'Reillys Hill. This was sold and the family moved to a cottage an the site where the A.U.S.N. buildings now stand. He at tended the Ipswich - Grammar School, and later the High School, Hobart. Mr. O'Reilly started his business career with Gibbs. Bright, and Co., and after was with the A.S.N. Co., which, subsequently merged into tho A.U.S.N. Co. On the recommendation of Mr. Dawes (of Grey, Dawes, and Co.) certain activities were relinquished by the company, which the late Captain Henry O'Reilly took over as a separate business. On the death of Captain O'Reilly, Mr. Charles O'Reilly assumed control at the age of 24. Property was bought in Margaret street, and the bonded and free stores were built. It was largely through the efforts of his arm the Master Carriers-Association was formed in Brisbane. He was elected the first president. Mr. O'Reilly was survived by his widow his sister , (Mrs. G. G. Miller), two sons (Messrs. Harry and Bernard O'Reilly) and a daughter (Mrs. Douglas Henderson, of Mel bourne). Another daughter (Mrs. Charles H. Paterson, of Brisbane) died some time ago. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended. The cortege moved from tlio deceased gentleman's late residence. Toonarbin, Dornoch terrace, South Brisbane, to the South Brisbane cemetery. The service was conducted by Rev. A. E. Smith, of the Church of England, Coorparoo. 

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 31 March 1928, page 28

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 24 March 1926, page 8

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NEW CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.

HISTORIC HOMES PURCHASED.

Two properties-Toonarbin, Dornoch terrace, the home of the late Mr Charles O'Reilly, and Warranoake, Mr Gilson Foxton s residence, at Indooroopilly - have been purchased by Dr Duhig (Archbishop of Brisbane), and will be used for the establishment of schools. The houses stand in about 8 and 4 acres of land respectively. Toonarbin, which is a three-story stone structure, was for a long time one of the well-known landmarks ot Brisbane while Warranoake was built some 40 years ago by Mr. Foxton, who was for some years police magistrate at Thursday Island.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 31 March 1928, page 20

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The new convent at Dornoch-Terrace, West End, which will be opened by Dr. Duhig (Archbishop of

Brisbane) to-morrow afternoon.

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Thursday 3 September 1931, page 24

Linstarfield Built on Coal

 Linstarfield Not The First

The First Linstarfield - Enderley Road

The following is taken from the Brisbane City Council Heritage Citation for Linstarfield in Enderley Road.

‘Linstarfield’ is an elegant Federation era timber house that was built on two acres circa 1917 for Percy Rylance, a successful mine owner and the father of Brisbane architect Mervyn Rylance. In 1919, the property was purchased by HG Noble, another wealthy mine owner, who expanded the grounds to six acres and made significant improvements including a stable complex (since demolished) to house his racehorses and an imposing sandstone boundary wall which today extends into Alexandra Road. A small timber building which served as staff quarters is located near the western boundary. The house has been altered and extended but the main part of the house has retained much of its original appearance.

In 1919, the two acre property was sold to Henry George Noble, another prosperous mine owner. Once again, registration of the title appears to have lagged behind possession of the property as, according to the Noble family, Henry Noble’s brother organised the purchase of the house during the honeymoon of Henry and Agnes Noble in September 1918. The Nobles renamed the house Linstarfield, creating the name from three of their racehorses – Lincome, Snowstar and Fieldacre. From 1919, several other blocks surrounding the house were purchased by HG Noble’s wife, Agnes. This gave the Nobles almost six acres of land between Enderley Road, Sefton Road and Alexandra Road including much of Francis Spence’s original holding. After immigrating as a child from England in the 1870s, H.G. Noble started his own business in Brisbane as a forwarding agent and cartage contractor in the 1890s. At the time that he purchased the Enderley Road property, HG Noble was enjoying the height of his business success after acquiring several collieries. His company employed over 400 people and was one of the biggest producers of coal in Queensland. The Nobles were active in Brisbane “society”. HG Noble was on the Committee of the Queensland Turf Club, a foundation member of the Brisbane Club and a Brisbane City Council alderman in 1909-10. He and his wife were also foundation members of the Royal Queensland Golf Club. HG Noble was appointed Vice-Consul for Finland in Queensland in 1920. He died in 1934. The Nobles’ four children were all born at Linstarfield. They were delivered by Dr Thelander who lived at nearby Rangemoor in Adelaide Street East. While living at Linstarfield, the Nobles employed several people to help take care of the family and the property. These included a nurse for the children, a cook, a housemaid, a gardener and a chauffeur. A small timber building on the western side of the house served as quarters for some of the staff. The children’s nurse lived in the house and some staff may have lived off the site. The former staff quarters has survived but has not been inspected internally. It is possible that it was built by the Percy Rylance prior to the sale of the property to HG Noble. HG Noble’s wealth allowed him to make significant improvements to Linstarfield. According to the history published by the Noble family, these included the construction of a purpose built stable complex ((known as The Lodge), for the family’s racehorses, with accommodation for the trainer and stable staff. An electrical plant was built to supply the entire property with electricity. A landscape gardener from Melbourne oversaw the development of the grounds which included a lawn tennis court, putting green, large rose gardens and a fish pond complete with a bridge leading to an island. HG Noble also built a large billiard and smoking room on the northern side of the house and a private kindergarten near the northern boundary, known as Chellwood. The billiard room was demolished by a later owner, but the school has survived (with some alterations) and is now a private home in Sefton Avenue. Another improvement made to the property by HG Noble was the construction of the sturdy brick and sandstone wall along the Enderley and Alexandra Road boundaries. The wall is interspersed with substantial stone and cast iron pillars linked with heavy chains and extends east from Linstarfield along Enderley Road and into Alexandra Road. It continues until the northern boundary of 102 Alexandra Road which once marked the northeastern corner of Noble’s land. Various changes have been made to some sections of wall that front other properties in Enderley and Alexandra Road, however, the wall still provides physical evidence of the extent of HG Noble’s holding along these frontages. Photographic evidence reveals that the original entrance to Linstarfield was located on the corner of Alexandra and Enderley Roads. After HG Noble subdivided the land between Linstarfield and Alexandra Road for residential development in the mid-1920s, the current entrance on Enderley Road became the main entry point. The large sandstone piers and iron gates were presumably constructed around this time. Over an acre of land was retained around the house after the subdivision. As part of the subdivision, Sefton Avenue was created on the northern side of the property. The Nobles sold Linstarfield in 1928 to Alice Russell, the wife of a medical practitioner. In 1946, the house was sold once again, to Charles and Mary Whitehouse. The Whitehouses, who raised a family at Linstarfield, further subdivided the property and planned extensions and renovations to the house using the Brisbane architectural firm of Chambers and Ford. They also demolished the billiard room, which included a viewing gallery. The home was sold in 1982 after the death of Mary Whitehouse. 

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Thursday 16 March 1922, page 4

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LINSTARFIELD.

MR. H. G. NOBLE AND HIS HORSES.

Impressions, of-a visit.

By "Lampus"

"Linstarfield," is a combination of the names of three of the horses— Lincome, Snow Star, and Fieldacre first raced in Brisbane by Mr. H. G. Noble, is an appropriate and euphonious name for that, gentleman's home and grounds. It is charmingly situated on one of the highest parts of the select suburb of Clayficld, and commands a fine view, extending to the waters of Moreton Bay. It embraces an area of six acres, and is admirably laid out, spacious lawns, flower beds, shade trees, and shrubs combining to make a picturesque setting (or the beautiful home they surround. It is strikingly evident from a stroll over the grounds that Mr. Noble has spared nothing to make the place a delight and a comfort. His aesthetic taste is personified in many ways in much that has been accomplished. Originally when the : property wis bought by Mr. Noble, an expert was brought from Melbourne to lay out the grounds, and the pioneering work has been well preserved, by the gardeners now regularly employed. Within such spacious grounds it was not surprising to find a well kopt tennis court,but, in addition, there is a fine putting ground, which would claim the admiration of golfers. ...............

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 22 May 1926, page 12

Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903; 1916 - 1926), Sunday 11 May 1924, page 4

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LINSTARFIELD ESTATE

Messrs. Clarence Noble and Co, and Charlton, Elliott, and Sons report a successful sale of the well-known Linstarfield estate, Ascot, which was offered by them on Saturday afternoon. Eighteen allotments found purchasers at an average price of £300 each. Three blocks on the corner of Alexandra road and Enderley road realised £400 each. The total sales for the afternoon amounted to £0195, which includes a cottage situated on the new road and sold for £1100. The rcmaining few allotments are expected to be disposed of privately. 

The Second Linstarfield Markwell Street Hamilton

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Friday 21 September 1934, page 14

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Tuesday 9 October 1934, page 22

Linstarfield The Third Kitchener Road Ascot

The above photographs from Realestate.com.au advertisement. 

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Tuesday 8 August 1950, page 41

AT AN EARLY DATE Sale By Public Auction

 KITCHENER RD. ASCOT TWO STORY BRICK RESIDENCE VACANT POSSESSION IN SEPTEMBER. is a superior modern brick Residence, with tiled roof, built Immediately prior to the war, under the supervision of Architect E, P. TREWERN. it is within a few minutes of the tram line, at Lancaster Road, and faces east, with a brick wall and lawn about 3 ft. above the street level. The entrance is by bricked oaths and steps to the front entrance porch and stairway hall to the upper floor. On the grbund floor:— Enclosed brick piazza 18 ft. x 11 ft., lounge 24 ft. x 15 ft., with brick hearth, dining room 15 ft. x 16 ft., kitchen 14 Vi ft. x 12 ft., fitted with stainless steel sink, extensive cupboards, electric cooker, maid's room, 11 ft. x 10 ft., kitchen porch, laundry. maid's bathroom, presses, &c. Upstairs the bedrooms are 20 ft. x 14 ft.. 16 ft. X 16 ft.. 8 ft. x 11 ft., 14 ft. 6 in. x 14 ft., and enclosed sleepout 10 ft. x 14ft.; particularly goad bathroom with tiled walls, floor, cupboards and lavatory. The whole house is carperted wall to wall throughout and is fitted with very modern convenience, sewered, hot water system, &c. The brick garage has been extended to take two cars and is now 35 ft. x 11 ft. The land has a frontage of 75 ft. by a depth of 132 ft., and the area is 36.8 perches. It is particularly level land with a very slight slope towards the street. The ground floor area of the house is approximately 1,890 sq. ft., and the upstairs portion Is approximately 1,400 sq. ft., making a total of aproximately 3,200 sq ft., plus garage of 385 sq. ft. The whole property is in first class order. This sale offers a unique opportunity to secure a beautiful home in an ideal locality, with vacant possession. Furniture will be sold subsequent to the property sale. 

Plans and full particulars: — SHARP & MUSGRAVE Auctioneers, 329 Queen Street, Phones B0141, B5050. 

Henry George Noble - A Queensland Coal Identity 

Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1881 - 1922), Friday 5 November 1909, page 5

The following is taken from the document "Coal Mining Then and Now by The Ipswich City Council

Denmark Hill Conservation Park: People walking around the tracks on Denmark Hill can still see a few traces of former mining. The City Colliery was opened by a group of investors in 1912, in spite of initial opposition from the Council which did not want a mine so close to the city centre. A railway siding was built from the West Ipswich station to transport the coal and a tunnel was driven in below Moffat Street, reaching the Aberdare Seam. By 1919, the mine was employing 50 men. In that year, it was sold to Henry Noble, owner of the largest group of coal mines in Queensland, and renamed Noblevale No 6. Noble installed electricity, better ventilation and made other improvements. However the mine had problems including fires and an unsafe roof. Other tunnels were opened in later years but were never very successful. 

QUEENSLAND COAL - AN IMPORTANT TRANSACTION.

Mr. H. G. Noble, of Brisbane the well-known coalmaster, has completed the purchase on his own behalf of the celebrated Auld colliery properties Bogside (freehold), Fernie Creek, and Wattle Glen. Mr. Noble already about a quarter of the steam coal trade of the district, from the Swanbank and Noblevale properties and this addition to his interests will give him another 1000 acres of best coal lands in Queensland. The Auld mines are equipped with modern electric coal-cutting, machines and all upto date appliances and facilities for handling a very large output.

Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld. : 1912 - 1936), Thursday 3 October 1935, page 10

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COAL FOR HIGHWAY

Part Played by H. G. Noble Pty. Ltd.

Another Brisbane firm associated with the successful campletion of the Hornibrook Highway is that of H. G. Noble, Pty., Ltd., which supplied the large quantities of coal necessary in such a big project

It was in 1893 that the late H. G. Noble established the present business under the name of H. G. Noble and Co. In addition to carrying and forwarding, a large lighterage business was soon built up, and the agency was secured for tho Bogside Swanbank and Belmont Collieries in the Ipswich district, Later Mr. Noble acquired the sole control of those collieries, the name of which was altered to Noblevale Collieries. In 1914 the colliery business was formed Into a limited liability, company, under tho name of H. G. Noble Pty., Limited.

It Is a remarkable coincidence that this business has been associated with the construction of every bridge built In Brisbane. The material for both the Albert (Indooroopllly) and Victoria Bridges was all lightered by the firm of H. G. Noble and Co., whilst the company has supplied the coal re quirements of the builders of the Grey street Bridge and the Hornlbrook Highway, and is now supplying coal for the construction of the new Kangaroo Point Bridge.

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Friday 21 September 1934, page 12

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DEATH OF MR H. G. NOBLE

Notable Colliery Owner

The death occurred in Brisbane yesterday morning of Mr. H. G. Noble, proprietor of Noblevale collieries in the Ipswich district. Mr. Noble was born in London and came to Brisbane at an early age. At one time he was chief clerk for the shipping firm of Howard Smith, Ltd. He decided to enter business on his own account, and became agent for the collieries which he acquired later. Horse racing interested Mr.Noble as a sport, and he owned several good gallopers, including a notable performer in Lanius. He was a life member of the Royal Queensland Golf Club. Mr. Noble, as vice-consul for Finland, did much valuable service for that country, and was decorated with the order of the White Rose of Finland. He leaves a widow, three daughters, and a son. His remains were cremated at the Brisbane Crematorium yesterday.

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Thursday 17 March 1949, page 5

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Saturday 7 October 1950, page 3

Fairville or Maritimo Not Lost

 The Galloway's Hill - Norman Park reach of the Brisbane River has always had prominent architectural homes. In the 21st century it has become a prime real estate position with river and city views. The home that I am featuring here is the white red tiled roof "Fairville". Whilst there are two of similar colouring and style Fairville is situated on the river with landscaped terrace banks. 

Brisbane Heritage Register Citation

Built in 1925, for and by prominent builder George Henry Turner, this riverfront residence was first named ‘Fairville’. Turner built ‘Nazareth House’, the New Farm Powerhouse, the Light Street Tram Depot and the BAFS Building in the CBD. Architects Hall and Prentice chose the popular California Bungalow style for the design. The residence is a good example of this style. Unlike its neighbours, this house retains its relationship to the Brisbane River through the retention of its original boundaries and its scenic presentation at the back. History The land on which this residence was built was first sold to James Gibbon, of Brisbane, on 21 July 1864. Gibbon paid ?57.14. 3 for 20 acres and 1 rood of undeveloped riverside land described as Portion 5A in the Parish of Bulimba. For the next fifty years, the property was subdivided and resubdivided by a succession of owners, as the land was utilised for housing as part of the urban development of this section of the Balmoral district. Post-World War One, the local area had become known as Norman Park as it was a popular riverside picnic spot reached by crossing Norman Creek. Norman Park was still largely farmland, with Tom Like’s leather goods factory in Macrossan Avenue being the only secondary industry in the suburb. But the riverfront land of Norman Park was more developed as people sought to build homes that had views of the Brisbane River. A newspaper article described the river’s influence on Norman Park: “The Brisbane River is at once the crowning glory, the enduring charm, the chief asset, and the most exasperating bugbear of Balmoral and its neighbouring suburbs- Norman Park,… “ 1 On 7 November 1924, Subdivision 3 plus resubdivision A of Subdivion 2, both part of Block ‘C’ of Portion 5A were sold to master builder (licence number 2078) George Henry Turner. This is the site on which the residence, now known as ‘Martimo’, was constructed. George Turner was a builder and contractor. He was born 4 February 1887. He was educated at the Normal school in Fortitude Valley and in his early teens he moved to Redcliffe for the sea air to aid his poor health. He lived with his uncle who was a local storekeeper, undertaker and builder. George Henry Turner learnt the builder’s trade from his uncle. On 27 November 1912, George H. Turner married Annie Davis. They were to have three sons. Turner commenced his building trade c1916 when one his first contracts was the construction of St. Lawrence’s Presbytery in South Brisbane. He built a home in Vulture Street in East Brisbane for his parents and his two maiden sisters plus the neighbouring residence ‘Fairville’ that was his and Annie’s home. He was residing at ‘Fairville’ at the time of purchase. In 1924, he commenced work on ‘Nazareth House’ at 272 Wynnum North Road in Wynnum. The first part of ‘Nazareth House’ to be constructed was the ‘Old Ladies’ Section. In 1925, George Turner had been paid ?44,200 as the building contractor for ‘Nazareth House’. He went on to build the ‘Old Mens’ Section, the laundry, the swimming pool and in 1938, the Convent and Chapel. He did major building work for the Brisbane Municipal (later City) Council. In 1921, Turner constructed the Light Street Tram Depot at Date of Citation — September 2009 Page 2 Newstead and from 1926-28 he built the New Farm Powerhouse, which was the first modern powerhouse built for the Council. In 1924, George Henry Turner had purchased a block comprising 2 roods and 11 perches of land that fronted New Cleveland Road (later renamed Wynnum Road) and ran downhill to the banks of the Brisbane River. It was to be the site of a new home for the Turner family. The Brisbane architect firm of Hall and Prentice were hired to design the Turner home. Thomas Ramsey Hall was born in Brisbane in 1879. George Gray Prentice was born in Brisbane in 1891. Hall was employed in partnership firm of Francis R. Hall (his half-brother) and prominent architect Robin Dods from 1903-07. Prentice became an articled pupil of T.R. Hall and was still employed by Hall in 1917. In 1919, they formed the partnership of Hall and Prentice Architects. The firm continued until 1929. Among the prominent buildings designed by Hall and Prentice were Brisbane City Hall, the OK Building, the Tattersall’s Club, the Kodak Building (demolished) and Ascot Chambers (demolished). For George Turner, Hall and Prentice used the popular California Bungalow style, incorporating brick, arcading, hardwood floors, maple wood panelling and a terracotta tiled roof. The house included a number of features that had come into vogue in Brisbane during the Interwar period. “A two car garage was a prominent feature of the design, as were several garden structures.” George Henry Turner was the builder of his own home. 2 Hall & Prentice’s choice of design both matched the surrounding house styles and added to the picturesque view of Norman Park as seen from passing boats and ferries on the Brisbane River. A contemporary newspaper article noted: “The appearance of Norman Park is enhanced by groups of charming homes of this type [inset photograph of a Californian Bungalow style house]. From the riverside, they present a charming picture.” 3 Sometimes referred to as Spanish Mission style, it was widely popular in Queensland during the 1920s and 1930s. Its public popularity was attributed to “a mixture of the imported and local magazines, the growing influence of Hollywood films and publicity releases on the homes of the stars and finally, the search by the [Australian] architectural profession for an appropriate domestic style.” Turner’s new home made full use of its views of the Brisbane River. A private jetty was built on the riverbank while a large tennis court overlooked the river. 4 Turner is first listed as a resident of New Cleveland Road, Norman Park in the 1926 edition of The Queensland Post Office Directories. As these directories were surveyed the year prior to publication then the Turner residence would have been completed in 1925. This was the year (in May) that the tramline was extended to Balmoral so that Turner’s new home had the convenience of trams running past it along New Cleveland Road. The arrival of the tramline brought a building boom to the surrounding parts of Norman Park. A Brisbane City Council sewerage map from 1936 marks Turner’s residence as ‘Fairville’. He had transferred the house name from his Vulture Street, East Brisbane residence to his new Norman Park home. ‘Fairville’ featured a downstairs ballroom. During World War II, the family made camouflage nets in the ballroom. Its rear verandah provided views of New Farm Park and of the construction and completion of his New Farm Powerhouse project. But for George Henry Turner, the most enjoyable feature of his new home was its tennis court. His son Jack recalls that his father: “…was also a keen tennis player and only bought the land at Norman Park because the land was suitable to build a court and not as some people think for river views…”  ‘Fairville’ was one of the first large private homes to be connected to the domestic electricity grid. Electricity provided lighting for Turner’s games of night tennis. But the tennis court lights caused trouble for shipping on the Brisbane River. So, at night, a ship’s captain would blow the boat’s whistle to signal to Turner to switch off the court’s lights to enable the captain to navigate the channel. Because of its impressive lighting and his link to the New Farm Powerhouse, ‘Fairville’ was chosen by the Brisbane City Council to illustrate its Electricity Supply Department’s Deferred Payment Wiring System – brighten your home brochure distributed to Brisbane householders to encourage the domestic use of electrical power. In 1927, Turner put on a full night time lighting display at ‘Fairville’ to welcome the yacht carrying the Duke and Duchess of York (Prince Albert and Princess Elizabeth) on their Royal Visit to Brisbane. Eventually George H. Turner’s sons [George Henry (junior) born 1913, Ronald Gordon born 1918, John (Jack) Wesley born 1923)] joined him in the building trade so that his business was renamed G. H. Turner & Sons Builders. By 1930, the firm had won contracts to build Morrison House and the Plumridge (Sweets) Building in Barry Parade, Fortitude Valley. During World War II (1939-45), he contracted with four other builders to construct barracks for the Army at Redbank and barracks for the RAAF at the Archerfield aerodrome. Although a Methodist, George Henry Turner developed a lasting friendship with the Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane, James Duhig. As a result, Turner did much construction work for the Catholic Church. Apart from ‘Nazareth House, in 1939, he built a three-storey convent building behind the Mater Hospital in South Brisbane. Between 1940-46, he built the kitchen, operating theatre, intermediate wards and pathology unit of the Mater’s public hospital. He added classrooms, dormitories, the Domestic Science Block and the junior School to All Hallows School in Fortitude Valley. Two buildings for the Catholic school at Darra, the installation of a lift at St. Pius XII Seminary at Banyo plus alterations to ‘Wynberg’ (the Catholic Archbishop’s residence), All Hallows, St Bridget’s Convent at Kangaroo Point, St Mary’s at Ipswich. St Vincent’s Orphanage at Nudgee and four Palm Beach flats for nuns were all undertaken by G. H. Turner & Sons Builders. Archbishop Duhig called George Henry Turner “his Methodist Builder”. 6 In 1937, the property received was designated as No.114 New Cleveland Road, Norman Park. New Cleveland Road changed its name to Wynnum Road by the 1939 edition of The Queensland Post Office Directories. By 1946, this section of Norman Park was well developed, though the Interwar private hospital located between Turner’s home and the large residence ‘Wahroonga’ had gone. A small part of the property frontage was resumed by the Brisbane City Council for the widening of Wynnum Road in 1958. In later years, G. H. Turner & Sons Builders concentrated mainly on renovations. Work was completed on the McRobertsons Building, the MIN Building and Perry House in the City. One of his last contracts was the construction of the Oliver Plunkett Church at Cannon Hill. George Henry Turner died on 5 September 1970. He is buried at Balmoral Cemetery “on a hill spot he chose himself because he thought that it had the best view.” On 30 November 1972, ownership of the property passed to three family members – Ronald Gordon Turner, John Wesley Turner and George Henry Turner. John Wesley Turner and George Henry Turner became the sole owners on 10 May 1993. 7 Later that year the property left the hands of the Turner family. 

John Maxwell Garnsworthy and Jacqueline Garnsworthy became the new owners on 21 July 1993. They renamed it ‘Maritimo’ after John Garnsworthy’s (now demolished) family home in Melbourne. The Garnsworthys had architect Helen Josephson to undertake alterations and renovations to ‘Maritimo’, particularly its upper storey. Among the alterations were two dormer windows that were added to the top floor. In 1994, this residence was featured in the book The Queensland House – a roof over our heads where it was described as: “The mature development of the Bungalow style is demonstrated in this first-class house designed by Hall & Prentice and built by a master builder for his own use.” 8 From the 1970s, many of the properties that neighbour ‘Maritimo’ have been altered through re-subdivisions to allow late twentieth century ‘mansions’ to be built along the river. The properties have been further altered by the inclusion of easements to allow vehicular access to these new riverfront properties. ‘Maritimo’ remains one of the few Interwar Norman Park homes built along Wynnum Road that has retained its access to the Brisbane River.

In the above reference the home was situated on New Cleveland Road. In 1943 there is another reference to Fairview being on Wynnum Road. New Cleveland Road was remaned to Wynnum Road by the Brisbane City Council.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Friday 9 March 1928, page 21

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FAREWELL PARTIES.

Mrs. G. H. Turner, who will leave shortly for England and the Continent, entertained a number of guests at her residence, Fairville, New Cavendish Road, Norman Park, yesterday afternoon.  The hostess, who wore a frock of ivory crepe de Chine, received her guests in the lounge, which was beautified with roses. Afternoon tea was served in the breakfast room, the tables being decorated with gaillardias and gerberas

The reference below is to where G. H. Turner completed extensions to Nazareth House at Wynnum.

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Saturday 1 July 1939, page 4

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NAZARETH HOUSE

Additions To Be Opened

Additions to Nazareth House, Wvnnum, made at a cost of £34,850, will be blessed and opened by Archbishop Duhig at 3 p.m. to-morrow.

The original building, built 15 years ago, cost £44,200. At the home the Sisters of Nazareth care for aged and infirm people and orphans. The additions comprise a new convent and chapel combined, and a laundry block. Architecturally they harmonise with the simplified Romanesque style of the original buildings. Construction so far completed represents about one- third of the complete scheme. When all sections have been built the group of buildings will be in the shape of -a cross. Preliminary ~ work for Nazareth House began in 1921, when the Sisters of Nazareth, in the charge of Rev. Mother Cyprian, arrived in Brisbane from London. In 1924 plans for the first building unit were prepared by Messrs. Hennessy and Hennessy and Co., architects and consulting engineers, of Brisbane and Sydney.

NEW CHAPEL The first section, built by Mr. G. H. Turner, contractor, was for the aged and Infirm and orphan children. In January. 1938, additions were begun by G. H. Turner and Sons, contractors, under the supervision of Messrs. Hennessy and Hennessy. The chapel, which will accommodate 400 persons, is 123 feet long by 34 feet wide. Details of layout include a wide gallery, connecting by a cloister with the main floor of the original building. This plan will allow of infirm persons being wheeled into the chapel. Adjoining the main chapel is a nuns' chapel. Sisters' infirmaries in the convent overlook the chapel through windows. Adjoining the sanctuary are a priests' sacristry and a working sacristry. The convent comprises two floors and a basement, and its layout provides for a large vestibule, stair-hall, parlours, visitors' room, community room, refectory, kitchen, scullery, dormitories, and Infirmaries. 

The First Fairville - Vulture Street East Brisbane

George Henry Turner and Annie Turner first lived in a home called "Fairville" which was situated on the corner of Vulture Street and Rosslyn Street, East Brisbane. They moved to their new home "Fairville" Norman Park in 1925. This advertisement from the Brisbane Courier of November 10, 1928 has furnishings and goods being auctioned under instructions from W. Brown Esq.

Greenaway End A Home of The Powers

Greenaway End, Whyenbah Street in Hamilton was the home of Doctor John Joseph Power and his wife Hilda Mary (nee Walsh). This house designed by the architect Eric P. Trewern in 1936 has as its neighbour another of Eric P. Trewern's designs. In physical appearance they have no similarity to each other which makes the two homes of interest from the pen of Trewern. 

This is the home neighbouring Greenaway End and both homes were designed by Eric. P. Trewern. This home at 22 Whyenbah Street was built in 1926 for Mary Commins or Cummins the wife of a former school teacher and headmaster Joshua Commins. The surname of Commins and Cummins has been used in many newspaper references to Joshua and Mary Commins. Their marriage record has the surname as Commins. Joshua died in 1915. 

John Joseph Power the son of Francis Isadore Power MLC was born into one of Queensland's well known early colonial and prominent state families. He carved his own distinguished career as a prominent medical officer and Queensland citizen. With horse racing in the family bloodline Doctor 

John Joseph Power was more prominent in the horst racing community than as a medical doctor. His role on the Queensland Turf Committee and owner of an extensive race horse collection his nane was never out of the reports on horse racing prior to and following the second worls war. The decades of the 30s, 40s and 50s were the years of Dr. J. J. Power and the Queensland Turf Club. In partnership with the legendary Brisbane identity John Patrick O'Shea they commended considerable influence through the years previously mentioned.

The following taken from an article provided by Petrea Atkinson in her family tree provides some background to the father of Doctor J. J.Power and teh sport of horse racing.

The Power Family in Australia

The Hon. Francis Isadore Power MLC

Francis joined the Legislative Council on 15 July, 1901 and was the Minister for Justice in the Philp ministry briefly during 1907 and 1908. He was also involved in local politics, serving at various times on the Gympie, Glastonbury and Widgee Divisional Boards. Serving the Community Francis served on the Gympie Hospital Committee for many years and was later the hospital’s patron. He also served as a Trustee for the Rhodes Scholarship. A keen sportsman, Francis represented Gympie at cricket and also served as President of the Gympie Cricket Association. At the track… Described as a man who “would rather win a Gympie Cup or Queensland Derby than be Prime Minister”, Francis was passionate about racing. He trained his own horses, winning the Gympie Cup in 1885 with “his game little chestnut Cosack”, and would have ridden them himself but for “weighty concerns”. He was President of the Jockey Club, on the board of the Gympie Turf Club, and a committee-member of the Queensland Turf Club. Francis married Elizabeth Josephine Plunkett at St Stephen’s Cathedral on 30 August 1887. Distinguished guests at the wedding included Sir Charles and Lady Lilly and Mr. and Mrs B.D. Morehead. The reception was held at “Valda”, Virgil and Jeanie Power’s riverside home. “Kitawah” Known as one of the “most commodious and best residences around Gympie”, “Kitawah” was the Power family’s homestead, set on 40 acres overlooking the Mary River. Its attractions included one of Queensland’s first golf courses, a band rotunda, peacocks, an aviary and even a monkey house. The Powers were a social family and on public holidays and most Sundays they would open “Kitawah” to the public, so that people could listen to a band play in the rotunda, relax, or play croquet on the lawn. The ‘Dead Man’s Penny’.

WWI Memorial Plaque 

This bronze plaque was presented to Elizabeth Plunkett Power for her loss of her son in the First World War. It remains in the Power family today with the person bearing the Plunkett name – currently, Sir Noel Plunkett Power. Mourned by his community Francis died at “Kitawah” on 24 June, 1912, after a period of illness. At his funeral two trucks were needed to convey the 93 funeral wreaths, while 150 telegrams were sent in sympathy, including ones from the Prime Minister, Premier, Minister for Mines, Chief Justice and Attorney-General. The district’s gold mines also ceased operation for the morning to enable employees to pay their respects A distinguishing trait of the Hon. Francis Isidore Power MLC, was his sympathetic and truly charitable disposition, which was never appealed to in vain… Obituary for Francis I. Power, 1912

Johnstone River Advocate and Innisfail News (Qld. : 1928 - 1941), Friday 20 November 1936, page 8

PIONEER OF EARLY GYMPIE

Death of Mrs. F I Power

With the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Power, of "Kitawah". Tuesday's Brisbane "Courier-Mail."

Mrs. Power, who beflore her marriage was Miss Elizabeth Plunkett, was born in Ballinsloe, Ireland, 77 years ago, and came to Australia in 1886. In 1887 she was married in St. Stephen's Cathedral to Mr. Francis Isadore Power, who became Minister for Justice in 1908. They went to live in Gympie, where their home was a rendezvous for distinguished visitors to the town. For 25 years until Mr. Power's death in 1912, "Kitawah" was a centre of Gympie life. Mrs. Power was an ardent Roman Catholic and a keen worker for her church. She was the organiser of the children's ward at the Gympie General Hospital, and the chief organiser for the building of the present Gympie convent school. She took a great interest in the building of the Christian Brothers' School in Gympie and in the Roman Catholic Church and school buildings. She was also one of the founders of the present South Side State School at Gympie. Her sons were educated at Nudgee College, and for 25 years continuously there was a member of the Power family at that school. She came to Brisbane in 1924, and has lived at her home at Ascot ever since. At her death only two of her family were missing from the bedside two sons who had missed the southbound plane from Townsville yesterday. She leaves a family of 11. Her sons are: Mr. Francis P. Power (Gympie) , Dr. J. J. Power (Brisbane), Mr. Leonard P. Power, and Leo. P. Power, of Leonard Power and. Power (Brisbane), Mr. Paul Power (Maryborough), Mr. Isadore Power. (Townsville), and Mr. Gerald Power (Innisfail). Four of her sons went to the war, and one, Lieutenant Noel Power, was killed in action in France. She also leaves four daughters: Mesdmes A. P. Rogers (Cooliabarabran, N.S.W.) and L. A. Hall (Goomeri), and Misses Mona and Joyce Power, both of Brisbane. Her remains will be. taken to Gympie to-day, where a requiem mass will be held in the Roman Catholic Church at 9 a.m. to-morrow. The funeral will take place at 10 a.m.

The First Greenaway End Home of Doctor John Joseph Power and Hilda Walsh

The house that stands today at 26 Whyenbah Street is not the first home that J J Power and Hilda lived in after their marriage in 1925. The first was built in nearby Racecourse Road in 1921 and named Greenaway End. 

A pictorial feature in the Queenslander newspaper of October 15, 1921 shows the home Greenaway End in Racecourse Road, Hamilton. Whether this house still stands today has not been established. The home that exists opposite the Hamilton Town Hall does have some similar features and is definitely in the correct time period for when the original Greenaway End was built for John Joseph Power. Doctor J. J. Power as he was known and Hilda Walsh were married March 20, 1925. 

Today's Greenaway End Home of Doctor John Joseph Power

What is of interest about this house is that it was designed for a block of land that faced Riverview Terrace or to the east to maximise the views down the Brisbane River. As one looks at the house today with the garage entrance from Whyenbah Street you are actually looking at one end of the original design. The garage has been added to provide a street entrance as the land that would have fronted the house is now subdivided and a motel has been built on it. 

Greenaway End in 1936 when completed

The picture above shows the front of the house situated at right angles to Whyenbah Street

Some Anecdotes from the Life of Dr. J. J. and Hilda Power

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Saturday 27 October 1917, page 39

 R.I. P. Mrs. F. I. Power's Third Son's Death. Mrs. F. I. Power. "Kitawah. " South side, received a cable from her son. Captain Dr. J. J. Power, of the 7th Field Ambulance. France, dated the 15th October, conveying the sad news that her third son. Lieutenant Noel Plunket Power, had been killed in France, and that another son. Gunner Paul Mick- Power, had been slightly wounded. The late lieutenant was only 21 years of age. and enlisted in Sydney in August. 1914. He was at Gallipoli. and landed in France in March last year, and had been in the trenches ever since. He enlisted as a private, but in August last, after the battle of Pozieres was promoted to lieutenant. A later cable stated that Lieutenant Power was missing from the 1th of October. Another of Mrs. Powers sons is also at the Front. 

Daily Standard (Brisbane, Qld. : 1912 - 1936), Monday 17 July 1922, page 8

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

Certificates gained by students at a recent first aid class, held by the St. John Ambulance Association, were presented at an enjoyable social held on Saturday night. The presentation was made by Colonel A. J. Thynne, president of the centre, and of the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade, who congratulated the successful candidate, expressing the hope that they would induce others to take the opportunity Of obtaining instruction in first aid and home nursing.

The examination was conducted by Dr.. J. J. Power, the lecture being given by Dr. Ryton Kelly, and the practicnl instruction by a member of the Q.A.T.B. staff.. The successful candidates were:-Label, Mr. H. J. Morse; medallion, .Messrs. A. E. Beech, W. A. Bonham, and the Misses 1. Hack, P. Costln, A. Boyle; vouchers, Mr. A. Kerr and E. Sue; certificates, Messrs. N. P. Donaldson, TC. Lang, M. Downey, S. J. Bice. G. Lahoy, J. Connelly, II. G. Palmer, W. M. Jordan. W. N. Mitchell. C. Buckley, Misses M. A. Cuehway, Ii. Welch, 1. Makepeace, D, Fox, . R.. Brant,.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Friday 5 April 1935, page 3

UNVEILING BY GOVERNOR

25th Battalion Memorial Tablet

At a meeting of the 25th Battalion reunion committee arrangements were finalised for the unveiling of memorial tablet in the crypt beneath the Anzac Memorial on Sunday, April 14, at 10 a.m. The unveiling ceremony will be performed by the Governor (Sir Leslie Wilson) and an address by Dr. J. J. Power, who was medical officer of the battalion, will outline the history of the unit Rev. Hely-Wilson will conduct the dedication service. The 25th Battalion suffered the greatest casualties of any unit of the A.I.F. during the Great War.

Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Sunday 11 November 1934, page 9

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SHORT SNAPS AT ALL SPORTS

STANDING as candidate for Tattersall's Club committee: Leo Power. Popularity and ability will make him fair bet. Son of one of Q.T.C. founders (late F. I. Power. Gympie). Brother Dr. J. J. Power, present committeeman. Another brother. Leonard Power, last season's president Golf Council. Partners in legal business in Ascot Chambers. Good sport Leo, and is V.P. Brisbane Rugby League, member Q.T.C, Indooroopilly Golf Club, solicitor to B.R.L., Indooroopilly G.C.. Queensland Aero Club. Unique occasion in Tatt's history was when seven of Power brothers met together in club rooms. Office is next door Tatt.'s, so hell be right on the spot if wanted as committeeman. 

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 11 January 1947, page 4

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Thursday 15 December 1949, page 5

2 doctors in 7 families

FATHERS of seven of the 50 graduates who re-ceived their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees at the Medical School yesterday are themselves doctors. Seven of the 50 graduates received honours degrees — four received second-class honours and three first-class honours.

The seven new doctors are Dr. Ruth Cilento (daughter of Sir Raphael Cilento), Dr. A. H. B. Clarke Dr. J. T. Duhig (son of Dr. J. V. Duhig), Dr. B, Geany (son of Dr. M. Geaney), Dr. J. L. C. Lahz (son of Dr. J. R, Lahz), Dr. E. F. McGulnness (son of Dr. E. J. McGuinness), and Dr. John Power (son of Dr. J. J. Power). Dr. John Power, jun., is the third generation of his family, and the third with the same name to practise in Queensland. His great-uncle, also Dr. John Power, was the first Australian-born doctor to practise In Queensland. Of the honours students, one, Dr. W. D. Friend, is an exserviceman. He completed the final four years of his course after two years spent in the R.A.A.F. He obtained first'class honours.

The University Chancellor Mr. W. Forgan Smith), who presented the degrees, urged greater public interest in the University. The ability to finance University projects is an important limiting factor, he said. I would suggest that organisations and individuals who are in a position to do so should become benefactors to their own University. We should support our own institutions. Without faith the work of our hands will wither and die. Public health was of supreme mportance, Mr. Forgan Smith added. A continued policy of wise co-operation by all conerned would be of distinct advantage, he said. Before the presentation of degrees, Mr. Forgan Smith unveiled a plaque on the wall of the pathology museum in honsur of Dr. J. V. Duhig, first Professor of Pathology of the Medical School.

Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Sunday 12 March 1950, page 19

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Friday 3 September 1954, page 36

THis picture shows the original drive or entrance off Whyenbah Street to the front of the house.

William Grigor's House

 William Grigor's House Gloucester Street Spring Hill

William Grigor's House is a cottage made of Brisbane tuff with sandstone dressings, with a two-storeyed brick and stone wing to the rear. Its steeply pitched corrugated iron roof contains an attic storey with a single dormer window, and it has a timber verandah with a corrugated iron skillion roof overlooking Gloucester St. It is one of a pair of cottages which are semi-detached, and sits on an eastward falling slope. The cottage has a simple rectangular plan with four rooms to the ground floor which run off a central corridor, and two rooms above. A timber and corrugated iron room links the cottage to the rear wing, which contains a former kitchen with a single room above.

The verandah sits at half level above Gloucester St, and is accessed via stone stairs. It has timber rectangular columns with timber capitals, and an unpainted timber boarded ceiling. The dormer above has a hipped roof, and the half-round guttering is decorated with cresting at the corners. A sandstone and brick chimney rises above the roofline. The windows are multi-paned timber sliding sash windows, and have textured sandstone lintels, quoins and sills; the doors also have textured sandstone surrounds. The eastern attic window is flanked by two timber rails which may have been a lifting device. The rear wing has a hipped corrugated iron roof which adjoins that of its neighbour. A small brick and corrugated iron outhouse sits to the west of the kitchen.

The walls and ceilings in the cottage are plaster and lath, with modestly detailed timber trim throughout (much of it cedar). The timber work includes deep window reveals, mantelpieces to the two northern ground floor rooms, a louvred timber door to the north-west room, steep stairs to the attic rooms and cupboards in the eastern attic room. The rear wing contains an early stove, and steep stairs with a shutter door above.

William Grigor's House is a rare example of an 1860s inner city residence. The interior is highly intact. The modestly detailed exterior is also intact and contributes to the surrounding turn-of-the-century residential streetscape. Source Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Grigor%27s_House

Who was William Grigor? Did he ever live in the house.

Source - Brisbane City Council Heritage Register

The house was built for William Grigor, a Scottish immigrant who had arrived in Moreton Bay in 1855.

Grigor and his friend and business partner, James Low, acquired the adjoining properties in Gloucester Street in 1867 and proceeded to construct the pair of semi-detached stone houses on the two sites.

In 1862 Grigor, Low and William Pettigrew had formed a partnership, and Grigor and Low moved to Mooloolah where they hauled timber and rafted it to Brisbane. In 1863 Grigor married Mary Fenwick and together with the Lows, continued working in the timber industry.

By 1868 it would appear that the partnership was experiencing financial difficulties and was possibly dissolved. Low and his family moved to his selection on the banks of the South Maroochy River (later called Yandina). In October 1868 Grigor selected land in the parish of Beerwah, where he commenced construction of Bankfoot House in anticipation of the forthcoming Cobb and Co coach route between Brisbane and Gympie. When Bankfoot House was completed, Grigor was rejoined by his wife, and they established an accommodation house, which was also a post-office, dinner stage and change of horses for Cobb and Co coaches. It is possible that Mary had stayed at the Spring Hill house while Bankfoot House was being built.

For over one hundred and twenty years the property in Gloucester Street has remained with the Grigors and their descendants, and has been rented during most of that period.

In the 1980s the house was returned to as close to original condition as possible. This included replacement of the verandah fabric and guttering to match existing materials.

William and Mary Grigor First White Settlers 

Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser (Qld. : 1922 - 1954), Friday 1 January 1954, page 1

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GLASSHOUSE MTNS. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS

Way back in 1869, William Grigor with his wife and young family celebrated their first Christmas in Glasshouse Mount-ains. Nothing unique in that? Not until it is realised that William Grigor was the first white settler in this district and his property was Portion 1. This Christmas. William Grigor's daughter—Mrs. C. Burgess—entertained her two great-grand-children. Little Royce, who is now 13 months old, is the son of Mrs. R. M. Brown, daughter of Mrs. Burgess' elder daughter, Mary. The other great-grand-child was Paula Jean, the brand new daughter of Mrs. Jack Smith, whose husband is with the Commonwealth Bank at Laidley. Mrs. Jack Smith (Glasshouse Mts. folk will remember her as Jean Fullerton) is a daughter of Mrs. Burgess' daughter, Janet Elsie. We're very proud in Glasshouse that these little fifth generation Glasshouse Mts. people are able to know and love the original Grigor Glasshouse homestead. We all hope that with their great-grandmother, they'll be spared for many years. We know that they'll be thrilled with Mrs. Burgess' tales of those early days, just as soon as they are old enough to appreciate their link with history. 

The Grigors' Glass House Mountains

Dayboro Times and Moreton Mail (Qld. : 1937 - 1940; 1945 - 1954), Saturday 13 September 1952, page 1

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FROM THE FILES OF THE 'MORETON MAIL, 1886.

A trip to Caloundra is described in the 'Moreton Mail' by a writer. After leaving Caboolture the country is described till Toombooboodla Mountains aire reached. The new telegraph wire to Woodford crosses the road just about here. Going further north Bankfort House is reached, the residence of Mr. William Grigor, one of the pioneers of the district, where there was a very comfortable homestead. A splendid view of the Glass House Mountains is obtained. Turning back on to the sea a splendid view of Beerwah was obtained, which is described as the old man of the group, and Crooknek, the most remarkable, directly in front. The writer states that he believes- Mr. Butler, of Kilcoy, ascended Beerwah. At the foot of Crooknek there are some fine caves. The hope is expressed that when the No.rth Coast line is constructed the Beerwah Mountains will become a favourite tourist resort. After leaving Mr. Grigor's residence Mr. Hugh Roberts' homestead was reached. 

Mary Grigor and Indigo Jones - Chrohamhurst Observatory

Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser (Qld. : 1922 - 1954), Friday 19 February 1954, page 7

SIXTY-TWO YEARS OF SEASONAL FORECASTING

Review of Crohamhurst Observatory (By INIGO JONES)

Some time ago the "Chronicle" published some interesting material concerning the old and esteemed Grigor family, whom I have known for over 70 years. I went to the Normal School with Kenneth Grigor. This interested me very much. It might also interest your readers to know that it was to Mrs. William Grigor Senr. that the observatory finally came to be built at Crohamhurst.

My father intended to retire from his profession of civil en-gineer and find a small estate in the country. For that purpose in the Christmas vacation in 1891 he and I, accompanied by our friend, the Hon. James G. Drake. M.L.A . (then, I think, Colonial, and later Federal Postmaster General) came to Glasshouse Mountains to see some land that the Government had just thrown open. The road to this land went past the Grigor home. On the way back the sight of the people on foot and in town costume caused Mrs Grigor to come out and enter into conversation. Not being of a secretive nature, and then very fortunately for us that it was so, we told her all about our object. In reply the old lady, equally courteous, told us that she knew of just the place we were seeking and gave my father directions for reach-ing the piece of land up the Beerwah-Maleny road, then be-longing to Mr. Thomas Beverley, the poundkeeper at Enoggera.

BUILT THE PRESENT HOME The following week my father inspected the land and decided to buy it. In February he was at work clearing and building the house in which we have resided ever since. My mother and I joined him in the following August. I took my meteorological outfit with me and began observations on 1st October, 1892. On the following 2nd February fell 35¾ inches—the record rainfall of Australia for 24 hours, which is as yet unbroken. 

FOUND WEATHER SECRET It is therefore clear that the first credit of this record goes to the late Mrs. William Grigor. If the work I have done here proves to have the basis that I feel it has, then that grand old woman deserves more than honourable mention. It was through her again that I was lead to a position in Australia which is highly sensitive to sunspot changes, and so has enabled me to find what has always been wanted— namely, The Secret of the Weather. When I first came here 47 teams worked up and down the road which was the main accessto Maleny. Among the drivers was that splendid specimen of manhood— a gigantic Highlander — my old friend, Johnny Grigor, who later rose to a position of the highest esteem in our community as Chairman of the Landsborough Shire Council. His probity was recognised, not only by the district, but also by the Crown. I was both pleased and proud the other day to receive a visit from his son, Jack, of Maleny. By coming here on the advice of that splendid woman. Mrs. William Grigor, I have continued the observations, till with those begun in Brisbane in 1885, I have now a continuous record of over sixty-six years. This is, I believe, the longest series in Australia taken by one man.