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.

Grays Road Twins

The two houses in Grays Road that have sat beside each other for more than 130 years make a splendid sight. Not quite identical twins but with enough architectural similarity provided by the architect Arthur Morry to give individuality. Today they have been maintained by their owners as if they were new. They are a wonderful example of the colonial homes of the wealthy merchant class of the late 19th century Brisbane.

Wanda Walha

Wanda Walha was built in 1886 for successful merchant William Alexander Wilson. It was probably designed by his neighbour, the architect Arthur Morry. Originally a grocer, Wilson was also a partner in the neighbouring West End Sawmill & Steam Joinery Co Ltd. This may explain the choice of timber as the material for Wanda Walha. He also built a number of other timber houses on his five acre (2 hectare) property, for rental. 

William Alexander Wilson

Wilson also dabbled in resubdivision, when, in April 1886, he had Subdivision 1 converted into Allotments 147 and 148. His multiple land holdings in Hill End were a reflection of his success as a grocer and owner of several stores in the area. Wilson had been born in the West Indies where his Irish father was a teacher. William Wilson had learnt the grocer’s trade at Enniskillen in Ireland before immigrating to Sydney in 1863. In 1873, he moved with his family to Brisbane where he set up shop in George Street. By 1886 he had moved his business to shops in Hill End and had expanded his interests to include a partnership in a local lumber firm, the West End Sawmill and Steam Joinery Company. 

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Thursday 14 February 1878, page 4

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 6 July 1878, page 1

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Tuesday 6 August 1878, page 3

Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), Saturday 30 October 1886, page 4

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COMMERCIAL.

BULLETIN OFFICE, Friday Evening.

Our Brisbane contemporaries speak more hopefully of the prospects of trade in that city, and are inclined to think that the action of the banks in refusing further aid to certain tradespeople will have a good effect in the immediate future. The Courier of last Saturday says:-"Some of the wholesale houses complain of the week having been very dull, whilst others state that business has been very brisk and satisfactory with them. There is almost an entire absence of speculation, however, and taking an all-round view of the state of trade, it must be admitted that the atmosphere is clearer, and the prospects of a fair steady business from this out are brightening." One pleasing feature in connection with the failure in the metropolis of late is that the meetings of creditors are being made of a public character. At one an objection was taken to the presence of a Courier reporter by the Chairman, at the instance of the insolvent's solicitor, but the iusolvent stated when creditors appeared favourable to the proceedings being reported he did not see why the reporter should not remain. The Courier's reprsentative watched what transpired, and was able on the following morning to tell the residents of Brisbane that the insolvent had assigned his estate three times since 1866. Another gentleman Mr. W. A. Wilson, a grocer attributed his position to the dulness of the land market, too much capital being locked up in unproductive speculation, and the failure of joint purchasers in land, there by throwing the whole liability upon himself. As soon as the contingent liabilities were settled, be hoped to make arrangements to tske over the estate.

In 1906 Wanda Walha became the home of Robert Scott, an accountant, who bought the house form Wilson in 1914. It remained in the Scott family until 1978 during which time it was converted into flats. During the early 1980s the house was refurbished and returned to its use as a family home. 

Robert Scott

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 16 April 1930, page 20

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OBITUARY.

Mr. R. J. Scott, whose death occurred yesterday, was born at Kangaroo Point on February 10, 1853, and his education was begun at the private school of his father, the late Mr. John Scott, which was one of the first educational factors in Brisbane. He went to Ipswich with his father, who opened the first National School there, and he was one of the first boys in the colony to obtain a scholarship, which gave him entry to the Ipswich Boys' Grammar School. His first business experience was with the firm of J. and G Harris in Ipswich, and he travelled long distances on horseback inspecting cotton crops in the West Moreton diston district in the interest of that firm. He was subsequently with Gibbs, Bright, and Co. and the Flour Mill-ing Company in Brisbane, and his retirement a few years ago was from the position of accountant in the Department of Public Lands. He was a keen horticulturist. Music was one of his principal interests in life, and he occupied the position of organist and choir master of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church for 16 years, from 1873 to 1889, the present organ in that church having been erected under his supervision. He was predeceased by his wife five years ago, and he is survived by four daughters and one son. The funeral will leave the deceased's late residence, Wanda Walha, Gray-road, Hill End, at 10.30 a.m. today, for the Toowong cemetery.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 22 July 1925, page 19

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THE LATE MRS. R. J. SCOTT.

Mrs. Isabella Scott, wife of Mr. R. J Scott, retired accountant of the Department of Public Lands, passed away sud-denly on 13th instant, at her home, Wanda Walha, Gray-road, Hill End. Mrs. Scott's parents (Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm, McLean) came from New South Wales in 1848 to Ipswich, where Mrs. Scott was born in 1852, and she had lived in Ips-wich and Brisbane since then. She was married to Mr. Scott in November, 1875, so that their golden wedding would have been celebrated four months hence. She was revered by a large circle of friends, including a number of returned soldiers, to whom she was very hospitable, having kept her house open to enlisted soldiers for rest and recreation both before they left for and returned from the war. She is survived, in addition to her husband, by four daughters, one son, and two grandsons, and also two sisters, Mrs. D. Kerr, of Maryborough, and Mrs. P. McCallum, of Nanango, and two brothers, Messrs. James and John McLean, of Ipswich. She was the youngest of a family of nine, which included the late Mrs Hugh Campbell, of Ipswich.

Hillside

‘Hillside’ was constructed circa 1888 for prominent local businessman William Alexander Wilson as a rental property for upper middle class tenants. The house is directly linked to its neighbour, ‘Wanda Walha,’ the family home of Wilson, which was built around the same time. Both houses are believed to have been designed by either Arthur Morry or William Cotton Clark. ‘Hillside’ is a house of substantial proportions and presents a fine example of the Victorian Filigree style of architecture. 

This property was part of a land grant issued to John Perrell Wilkie of Brisbane in January 1854. Wilkie paid £32 for 16 acres of crown land, in South Brisbane, that had been given the designation Portion 54. In August 1874, Edward Thomas Jones Wrench and Robert Pemberton Richardson, both of Sydney, bought Portion 45 from Wilkie. They held the title for only a few months before transferring Portion 45 onto Robert John Gray in January 1875. Gray had already obtained the adjacent Portions 46 and 47 in September 1874, so this latest purchase brought his total land holdings in this part of Hill End to 33 acres and 1 rood. This made Robert Gray one of the largest landowners in the area, a fact reflected later in the naming of Gray Road after him.

In 1885, Gray subdivided Portions 45, 46 and 47 into two allotments, with the smaller allotment of Subdivision 1 being drawn the land in Portion 45. The larger allotment, designated as Subdivision 2, Gray sold to John Potts and Gustavus Caesar Horstmann in January 1885. The remaining 3 acres and 1 rood of land of Subdivision were sold, by Gray, to William Alexander Wilson in March 1885. Potts and Horstmann resubdivided Subdivision 2 into smaller blocks and eight of these were subsequently sold off to Wilson during 1885 and 1886. Wilson also dabbled in resubdivision, when, in April 1886, he had Subdivision 1 converted into Allotments 147 and 148. His multiple land holdings in Hill End were a reflection of his success as a grocer and owner of several stores in the area. Wilson had been born in the West Indies where his Irish father was a teacher. William Wilson had learnt the grocer’s trade at Enniskillen in Ireland before immigrating to Sydney in 1863. In 1873, he moved with his family to Brisbane where he set up shop in George Street. By 1886 he had moved his business to shops in Hill End and had expanded his interests to include a partnership in a local lumber firm, the West End Sawmill and Steam Joinery Company. In that year Gray had his family home, which he named ‘Wanda Walha’ built next door to the land currently occupied by 9 Gray Road.

There is some confusion as to the architect who designed ‘Wanda Walha’. The Queensland National Trust suggests that it was “probably designed by Arthur Morry, whose own home ‘Nassagaweya’ stands nearby.” But the book Queensland Architects of the 19th Century gives credit for ‘Wanda Walha’ to architect George Cotton Clark. Clark (also known as Clarke) had been commissioned to design two dwellings at Hill End. ‘Wanda Walha’ as erected first at 15 Gray Road and the Clark began work on the nextdoor house at 9 Gray Road. This residence was ‘Hillside’. The use of timber to build both ‘Hillside’ and ‘Wanda Walha’ was still unusual for large Brisbane private homes in the 1880’s but it would become the norm by the turn of the century. The deciding factor for the choice of building for both of these homes was probably the easy accessibility of timber from Wilson’s nearby West End Sawmill. ‘Hillside’ was completed by 1888 and Wilson had probably intended to offer it for lease, as he was having other, smaller wooden homes built nearby for a similar purpose. But in May 1888, Edward Cook Pritchard and his wife Mary Ann purchased 9 Gray Road. While the Pritchards were undoubtedly the first occupants of ‘Hillside’, Edward C. Pritchard’s occupation remains a bit of a mystery. In the dual 1889 Post Office Directories, he is listed as both the Reverend Pritchard and as the manager of the Mutual Temperance Life Insurance Company. The Pritchard’s time at ‘Hillside’ was only brief for in March 1889, the property was sold back to William Wilson. Thereafter Wilson rented ‘Hillside’ out to professionals such as Lewis Phillips, an auctioneer. By the early 1890’s, Wilson had also placed ‘Wanda Walha’ on the rental market. But the rental from ‘Hillside’ and his other properties were not enough to save Wilson from financial difficulties. In 1910, Wilson put ‘Wanda Walha’ up for sale but with little success and, in 1912, all Wilson’s land was repossessed by his mortgagee, William Beit. Beit had the land containing ‘Hillside’ and ‘Wanda Walha’ resubdivided and sold. The block containing ‘Hillside’ was reduced to its existing size of 32.4 perches and in June 1912, the property was sold to John Sutherland. Frances Lilian Wilkins, wife of Frank Wilkins purchased ‘Hillside’ in April 1916. Frank Wilkins worked as an indenture agent for shipping interests and his family became the longest continuous owners of ‘Hillside’. After Frances Wilkins death in 1962, the property was shared amongst 10 family members: Frank Wilkins, George Maxwell Wilkins, Frank Geoffrey Wilkins, Stanley Alan Wilkins, Roy Wilkins, Leonard Watson Wilkins, Vida Francis Lewis, Clarice Rosalind Cunningham, Nancy Lilian Wheeler and Myra Caroline Sutherland. 

The Wilkins family relinquished control of ‘Hillside’ in February 1965, when they sold the property to Robert and Eileen Lawrence. Prior to this sale, in September 1964, Robert Lawrence had gained Brisbane City Council approval to convert ‘Hillside’ into 10 flats. Reflecting the poor, run-down image that South Brisbane had at that time, ‘Hillside’ had a rapid turnover of owners in the 1960s and 70s. The Lawrences sold the property to Dereck Leslie Rintel in June 1966 and he, in turn, passed ‘Hillside’ onto Demitrios Katsadoros and Zampeta Catsadoros in February 1968. Katsadoros enclosed the house’s verandah in order to create even more rooms for rent. In September 1972, George and Vespina Petavrakis purchased ‘Hillside’. In April 1973, a proposal to convert the property into a four-storey block of eight units never got beyond the planning stage. In September 1975, Kieron Owen Timothy Quinn purchased ‘Hillside’ and began restoring it to its original condition. Tim Quinn was elected as Alderman for The Gabba Ward of the Brisbane City Council in 1985. In 1997, he became the Deputy-Mayor of Brisbane. Source Queensland Heritage Register and the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register.

Wairuna - Allan of Allan and Stark

 There are still a few generations left in Brisbane who remember the retail store and chain of stores called Allan and Stark. Today the current generations of the 21st century know the name Myer. In the first seventy years of the twentieth century Allan and Stark were a Brisbane institution. Wairuna was the home of James Allan founder with Robert Stark of the Allan and Stark firm.

Wairuna was constructed as the residence of James Allan between 1896 and 1900, to the design of fine Brisbane architect Robin Dods.

James Allan was the co-founder of the drapery and outfitting firm, Allan and Stark who had outlets in South Brisbane and Queen Street. Allan and Stark were operating from the mid 1880s and remained in business as a major Queensland department store until they were taken over by Myer in the later half of the twentieth century.

James Allan and his new wife, Elizabeth Stark, moved into a house in Hampstead Road on the site of Wairuna which Allan bought on 4 February 1885. Wairuna was constructed in several stages from 1896 until 1900 and there is suggestion that the original house in which the couple were living was somehow incorporated in the new Dods' designed residence. However there is very little evidence of this at the house, although material including timber and doors may well have been recycled within the Allan's new house. When constructed Wairuna included a tennis court and tennis pavilion, a fence and surrounding gardens.

Robert Smith (Robin) Dods was a prolific, innovative and highly skilled Brisbane architect. Dods was articled in Edinburgh to Hay and Henderson and also attended classes of the local Architectural Association, before moving to London and joining the office of prominent nineteenth century architect, Sir Aston Webb in 1890. He returned to Brisbane after winning a competition for the Brisbane Hospital and began a partnership with local architect, FR Hall. Dods was a sophisticated architect, able to well integrate the contemporary innovative design of the Arts and Crafts movement with the climactic features of a sub tropical climate. Wairuna is certainly an example of this integration of ideas, a finely designed building following the Arts and Crafts tradition with a high pitched complex roof, multi gabled and bayed projections and an overall picturesque quality, achieved whilst obtaining a comfortable and livable Queensland house.

James Allan died on 27 January 1938 and Wairuna was acquired by the Presbyterian Church on 16 March 1943. The building was used as a hostel from 1939 until 1972, then as a Home Mission Training Institute and in 1977 was used as a Uniting Church manse. During the period of church ownership many internal partitions were added and the bathroom facilities were extended. A church hall was constructed on the site of the former tennis court. Subdivision followed and the church was sold into private ownership in about 1984.

Source - The Queensland Heritage Register

James Allan

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Tuesday 4 June 1935, page 17

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FIFTY YEARS MARRIED

Mr. and Mrs. James Allan Quiet Celebrations To-day

A quiet family parly is being held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Allen, Wairuna, Hampslead Road, South Brisbane, this afternoon to celebrate the golden anniversary of their wedding. Ever devoted to his business activities, Mr. Allan, who is chairman and manager of Messrs. Allan and Stark Ltd., spent the morning in his city office. But most of his time was taken up receiving congratulations from callers over the phone and by telegram, and by letter.

"Yes, it is an event that does not occur In the life of every couple," said Mr. Allan, "but we are celebrating the golden anniversary of our wedding at South Brisbane 50 years ago in the quietest possible way at our home, for you know that Mrs Allan has always been more fond of home life than of public life." 

FAMILY GATHERING. At the Allan home for the celebra tions were the two sons, Professor. Marshall Allan, of Melbourne, and Mr. Thomas Allan, of Palmwoods, one daughter, Mrs. Eric Boden, and two grandchlldren, John and Mary Boden. The other daughter, Mrs. Mayne, wife of Dr. Cyril Mayne, of Plymouth, England, offered her congratulations to her parents over the radiophone one day last week. Miss M. Stark, who was her sister's sole bridesmaid, was also present. Mr. James Allan was married to Miss Elizabeth Stark at the bride's home at. South Brisbane on June 4, 1885. Mrs. Allan was a member of another family who came from Scotland and entered into business in Queensland. Mr. R. B. Stark, who with Mr. Allan established the firm of Allan and Stark in 1882, came to Brisbane in 1880, a year after Mr. Allan's arrival here, and the other members of the Stark family, including Mrs. Allan, followed Mr. R. B. Stark a few years later. 

STARTED AS A FARMER. Mr. James Allan started life as a farmer after he left school in Scotland, but that class of avocation did not appeal to him although he was the son of a farmer, and soon we find him serv ing an apprenticeship in the drapery firm of Daley and Co. at Glasgow. Mr. Allan mentioned to-day that through ail the years since he left Glasgow the senior member of that drapery firm where he spent his youth, Mr. James Daley, has continued to send him a Glasgow paper every week. After receiving his training in the drapery business in Scotland, Mr. Allan came to Brisbane under engagement to the wholesale firm of D. L. Brown and Co., now Thomas Brown and Sons, with whom he remained for three years. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Robert B. Stark, and with a capital of £500 they established a drapery business in Stanley Street, South Brisbane. The flood of 1893 ruined Stanley Street as a retail trade centre and the firm crossed the river and started afresh in Queen Street, building up a business which has continuously progressed. 

PUBLIC INTERESTS. Although taking a keen and active in terest in his business, Mr. Allan has found time and energy to devote to public life. He was a member of the South Brisbane Council from 1892 to 1895, and a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1909 to 1915. He has associated himself with many public bodies, his services always having been greatly appreciated by the Chamber of Commerce, the Drapers' Association, and other organisations. During the war Mr. Allan controlled the war work of the Y.M.C.A. in Eng land and France, and his two sons also served in the great conflict of the nations. 

CHURCH AND HOME. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allan have taken an active interest in the Park Presby-terian Church. Mrs. Allan is a life member of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union. She is also interested in activities of the home such as gardening, sewing, and knitting. Both have travelled a good deal. Thirty years ago Mr. and Mrs. Allan. took their family to Edinburgh, where Mrs. Allan, with her sons and daughters, remained for three, and a half years to enable the members of the family to further their education.

Professor Marshall Allan graduated at the University of Edinburgh, and Mrs. Mayne received her higher education both in Scotland and in Germany. THE PARTY Mrs. Eric Boden arranged the party for her parents, which took place this afternoon at their home at Wairuna, Highgate Hill. The colour scheme was gold throughout, even to the bread for sandwiches. Masses of jonquils decorated the tea table, and in the centre was a cake, which had been baked by little Mary Boden, and was iced in gold. The guests were received in the rose-decked lounge. Mrs. Allan, who wore a black cereal silk frock with a white jabot and touches of white on the cuffs, received a posy of gold carnations from her daughter, whose cigar brown en semble featured revers of buttercup silk. Miss M. Stark, Mrs. Allan's sister, who was her sister's bridesmaid, and lives at Wairuna, was among the guests.

Mr. and Mrs. James Allan in their garden. —Photograph by Murray Goldwyn Studio. . .

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Thursday 27 January 1938, page 14

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MR. JAMES ALLAN DEAD

Former Brisbane Business Leader

Mr. James Allan, one of the founders of Allan and Stark Ltd., and a leader of the commercial and philanthropic life of Brisbane, died last night in his eighty second year. Mr. Allan was known not only in Australia but overseas, for his business activities necessitated his making periodical trips to Europe, Asia, and America. He thus acquired a knowledge of world affairs that broadened his vision and made him a useful and progressive citizen. Mr. Allan was born near Airdrie. Scotland, in 1856. He had six years' business training at Glasgow before he came to Brisbane in 1879 under engagement to D. L. Brown and Co. (now Thos. Brown and Sons, Ltd.). In 1882 he entered business in a small way at South Brisbane, but by 1895 the volume of business had so increased that it was deemed advisable to trans-fer to Queen Street. In 1911 it was formed into a private company, many of the employees hav-ing acquired interests. In 1919, Allan and Stark, Ltd., was formed into a public company, and later incorporated the Civil Service Stores and the business of Stuparts, Ltd., Maryborough. Mr. James Allan was chairman of directors of these organisations. He had been president of the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, the Brisbane Drapers' Association, and the Brisbane Traders' Association. 

STATE MEMBER In public life Mr. Allan served as an alderman of South Brisbane from 1892 to 1895, and was a member of the State Parliament from 1909 to 1915. He took a keen interest in economic and social legislation, in the moulding of which his services were recognised by all parties in the Legislative Assembly. Those who had an inner knowledge of politics in those days are aware that the then Premier, the late Mr. William Kidston, availed himself of Mr. Allans savice on financial policy. Mr. Allan did not confine his public activities to politics. He was connected with many philanthropic organisa-ions. He was actively connected with the Young Men's Christian Association in this State, and for a term was president. In 1917 he was appointed by the National Council of Australia as honorary chief commissioner, treasurer, and chairman of the London executive committee of the Y.M.C.A. army and navy work abroad. He served in the Great War in England and in France from 1917 until after the Armistice. He held the General Service and Victory medals. His keen work for the Australian troops and his well-recognised capacity in business affairs were of great value in the wide flung organisation which called for strong and experienced men. Mr. Allan was also a member of the Town Planning Asso-ciation, and a foundation member of the Rotary Club. 

INTEREST IN LITERATURE He took a keen interest in literature and wrote 'A Holiday Ramble in New Zealand.' In 1915, he edited 'Letters from a Young Queenslander' and 'Mesopotamia and India.' In 1885 Mr. Allan married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Thomas Stark, of Falkirk, Scotland. He had two sons and two daughters. The elder son is Professor Robert Marshall Allan, M.C., Professor of Obstetrics at the University of Melbourne, and the other Mr. Thomas Stark Allan, of Palmwoods. The daughters are Mesdames C. F. Mayne (Plymouth, England), and E. H. Boden (Brisbane). His widow survives. Interment will be private.

For a very comprehensive story on the Allan family, Alland and Stark and the home Wairuna I would recommend you access and read the blog by historian Paul Granville whose special interest is the area of Highgate Hill. Extensively researchedd it is a wornderful resource to access.

Highgate Hill and Its Past - Stories of The Southside

https://highgatehill-historical-vignettes.com/2016/09/11/james-allen-brisbane-retail-pioneer-1938/

Thurrocks now Cranagh

This home had as it first two owners or occupiers two examples of men who migrated to colonial Queensland and led very different but prominent lives. The first is an excellent example of the English merchant class who developed a business empire through hard work and taking a chance in the retail trade. The other is the classic example of the squatter or the land "accumulater". One English and one Irish they both wanted the name of their home to reflect their heritage.

Historical research indicates that this substantial Federation style residence was built circa 1904 for Edwin Pike, a successful Brisbane draper. It demonstrates the continued development of Clayfield at the turn of the twentieth century as a desirable address for Brisbane’s wealthier residents who built fine homes set in large grounds resulting in a distinctive pattern of development. The house and the surrounding brick and timber fence also have aesthetic significance. The house is situated on land that was part of a portion of over 30 acres sold by the Crown in 1862 to Edmund Gregory. Around four acres of this land was resold the following year and eventually purchased in 1878 by Frederick Henzell, a Brisbane property speculator. Henzell subdivided the land and sold it as residential allotments. Thomas Knowles purchased the property of George and Mary Izatt in 1890 and 1886 respectively, giving him over two acres of land in the block presently bounded by Bonney Avenue, Highclere Street, Queen’s Road and Bayview Terrace. Date of Citation — September 2004 Page 2 In 1901, Thomas Knowles sold his property to Edwin Pike, of the firm Pike Bros, a successful Brisbane draper and gentleman’s outfitter. He resided at this address until he sold the property in 1916 to a pastoralist, Michael (Mick) Ryan, who subdivided it into more residential allotments for his family in 1935, keeping the house. According to the reminiscences of Ryan’s son-in-law, Bill Ahern, the house was named Cranagh, after Ryan’s village in Ireland. Ryan allegedly immigrated to Queensland as a young man and settled in the Blackall district where he eventually owned several “stations”. The Prince of Wales is said to have visited the house in 1921 and the ballroom was added in anticipation of this occasion. The Prince attended a race meeting during his visit and allegedly commiserated with Ryan when his horse dropped dead during the race. Ryan was said to be a great gambler who was a member of theQueensland Turf Club committee. The Queen Mother also reputedly visited the house in 1928. After the death of Ryan in 1944, the house was eventually sold in 1952 to the Young Mens Hebrew Association of Queensland Ltd. This organisation sold the property to the current owners, the Worldwide Evangelization Crusade, in 1958. Although various alterations have been carried out to the house over the years, its original form and the ballroom added by Ryan have remained substantially intact. Source The Brisbane City Council Heritage Register.

Edwin Henry Pike

Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934), Friday 12 January 1906, page 21

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THURROCKS. THE RESIDENCE OF MR. E.H. PIKE, BAYVIEW TERRACE, EAGLE JUNCTION.

The origin of the name "Grays Thurrock" comes in two parts. Thurrock is a Saxon name meaning "the bottom of a ship". The element "Grays" comes from Henry de Grai, a descendant of the Norman knight Anchetil de Greye, who was granted the manor of Grays Thurrock in 1195 by Richard I.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 27 March 1933, page 9

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MR. EDWIN PIKE DEAD

Prominent Business Man Founder of Pike Bros.

Mr. Edwin Pike, governing director of Pike Bros. Ltd., general merchants and outfitters, of Queen Street, died a little before midnight on Sunday, after an illness lasting several weeks.

MR. PIKE became ill at Stanthorpe and was brought to Brisbane by aeroplane. He died at his home at Riverview Terrace, Ascot. The late Mr. Pike was born in the county of Wiltshire (England) on May 20, 1860, and was educated at Harlow College (Essex). He was a son of the late William and Sarah- Pike, of Woodlands Farm, Wiltshire, and was one of ten children. He came to Brisbane in 1883 with the intention of engaging in pastoral pursuits, but was persuaded to postgone going on the land by Mr. Bailey, then M.L.A. for Wide Bay. In order to conserve his limited capital while he was waiting to take up land, Mr. Pike engaged in commercial life. The present business of Pike Bros, was thus founded by him in 1885 on the site still occupied by the firm. 

IMMEDIATE SUCCESS. Although he merely started the business as a temporary expedient it was successful from the start and later Mr. Walter Pike, another brother, who was already in Brisbane, joined Edwin. Popular and greatly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact, Mr. Edwin Pike rapidly developed the business, but never did he forget his early ambition to become a pastoralist. In 1912 he bought a pastoral property— Wittenburra— in the Cunnamulla district. This was later, acquired by his son, Mr. E. D. Pike. 

UNFALING INTEREST. Although not exclusively engaged in the Queen Street business during the last 10 years, Mr. Pike retained his position as co-governing director and took the keenest interest in the welfore of the business and its employees right up to the time of his death. To keep himself occupied Mr. Pike bought a residence at Stanthorpe where he spent the greater part of the summer. In June, 1889, the late Mr. Edwin Pike married Miss Isabel Elizabeth Henderson, the only daughter of the late Mr. John Baillie Henderson, M.I.C.E., the Hydraulic Engineer for Queensland. He is survived by his wife, one son (Mr. E. D. Pike), and a daughter, Mrs. J. Thorpe, of Clayfield. 

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES. Mr. Pike was a very charitable man, but never sought the limelight of publicity when according assistance to any person or institution. He was a keen golfer both at Brisbane and Stanthorpe and remained an active player until his final illness. He was also a great shot and a fisherman and in his younger days was an ardent yachtsman. Mr. Pike was a member of the Brisbane Club, the C.T.A., Y.M.C.A., and a foundation member of the Royal Queensland Golf Club. The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to the Toowong cemetery.

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Tuesday 2 November 1954, page 38

Central Queensland Herald (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1930 - 1956), Thursday 19 January 1956, page 4

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Thurrocks Becomes  Cranagh

 Queensland Figaro (Brisbane, Qld. : 1901 - 1936), Saturday 9 September 1916, page 15

Mr. M. Ryan, a well known western squatter, has purchased "Thurrocks," Eagle Junction., the residence of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Pike, and with his family, is residing there. Mrs. Pike and her daughter, Mrs. J. Thorpe, have recently returned from a visit to Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Pike, near Charleville.

Michael Joseph Ryan (M. J. Ryan)

Michael Joseph RYAN, b. 17th July 1865, "Crannagh" County Carlow IRELAND, d. 10th July 1944 Brisbane QLD
In a primary industry career that spanned almost 60 years, and which began as so many great enterprises do, in a humble way, Mick Ryan owned properties from Winton - "Vindex", to Longreach - "Dalmore", to Blackall - "Cootabynia", "Homebush" (his residence for five years), "Bride Creek" and "Forrest Hill" to Springsure - "Arcturus Downs" and Emerald - "Comet Downs". He was said to have developed "an instinct little short of genius" for land aquisition and it's release. At his death in 1944, Mick Ryan's pastoral empire, subsequently known as "Ryan Estates", comprised of ten grazing properties each, of which complemented the others. A generous and enthusiastic employer, he attracted managers of high calibre, most notably Mr Herbert T. (Bert) Williams, who died in 1973 and whose knowledge of sheep and the industry in general is still a matter of reverence in the Blackall district.
Mick Ryan's success in business occasioned his appointment in his middle years to the board of the Queensland National Bank, and the Green family holds dear the story of his insistance that bank buildings be painted green in honour of his native Ireland! He was also on the board of Queensland Trustees, Atlas Insurance Co. Ltd and the Intercolonial Boring Company, as well as on the advisory board to The Australian Estates Co. Ltd. He built Ascot Chambers, on the corner of Queen and Edward Streets, Brisbane. His attachment and generosity to the Catholic Church were rewarded in 1929 with a Papal Knighthood conferred by Pius 11.
Mick's great love was horses and he was famous not only in the west but throughout the state for his race horses, both aquired and bred with great care on his property "Kialla Stud", Greenmount. His association with the legendary Blackall trainer J.J Kahl, brought them both considerable success in the bush and, later in the city. Mick was was elected president of the Springsure Racing Club in 1912, having moved to the district a year earlier, and in 1916 was made Patron of the Club, a position he held for some years.
Mick Ryan's western "home" was always Blackall and he gave generously of his time and money. He was a member of the founding commitee of the Blackall Woolscour which is such a worthy monument to those visionaries. He outlived three wives, two of whom were Blackall women. The family of his second wife, Mary Ann McKenzie, being among the earliest settlers in the district.
Though circumstances dictated his residing in the capital for much of his later life, Michael J. Ryan's heart remained in the bush he loved. He was truly an "Unsung Hero of the Outback".

Like many before him, Michael J. Ryan took up the challenge to "Go West Young Man" in the dying years of the last century and in doing so made his substantial contribution to the growth of the pastoral industrial over an extraordinarily large are of the Central Western district of Queensland.

Subject and Association Description

Parents: John Ryan married Catherine Whelan
Siblings: Patrick, Ellen, Margaret, Catherine, Lillian, John, Mary and Joseph
Married: 1st Marriage: 24th June 1891, Blackall QLD
2nd Marriage: 29th April 1906, Blackall QLD
3rd Marriage: 29th November 1928, Coolangatta QLD
Spouse: 1st Marriage: M Spillane
2nd Marriage: Mary Ann McKenzie
3rd Marriage: Mary Ellen Donovan
Children: Catherine Maud, Margaret Theresa, Mary Doreen, Sheila Madeline, Dulcie Elizabeth, Michael James, Patrick Joseph, Marie Ellenor and Veronica Moirin
Resided: 1884 - 1914: Blackall
1914 - 1915: Springsure
1915 - 1944: Brisbane

Source - www.ehive.com Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre

Quienta - A Link to Zion Hill or German Station

 

This stately home now called "Riversleigh" is a link to the first white settlers of Moreton Bay in 1838 during the convict period of Brisbane's history. Hidden back from the main road it is difficult to obtain a picture of this substantive house. Built it appears in 1923 for the newly married Frederick Charles Franz. The family name is connected to the german mission of Nundah in 1838.

Frederick Charles Cecil Franz 1890 - 1951 Died "Quieta" 160 Wynnum Road Norman Park

The electoral roll of 1925 has Frederick Charles Franz living at "Quieta" New Cleveland Road. He married Rub Le Goode in 1923. In 1922 he is listed as living with his father (an accountant) at Franz Road, Clayfield. It would appear that "Quieta" is the home that the newly married couple moved into not long after their marriage. at this time Wynnum Road at Galloways Hill was New Cleveland Road. In 1933 there is a reference to "Quieta" where F. C. C. Franz is a Justice of the Peace with the address of "Quieta" New Cleveland Road, Galloway's Hill, Norman Park. When built in 1923 it would have commanded views of the Brisbane River across to New Farm and the city area. The death of F. C. C. Franz was recorded in 1951. Frederick Charles Cecil Franz was the grandson of Frederich Theodor Franz and the son of John Theodore Franz. 

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Wednesday 4 July 1951, page 21

E.S.C.A. MANAGING DIRECTOR DEAD

The death occurred in Brisbane this morning, after a long illness, of Mr. F. C. C. Franz, joint managing director of the Engineering Supply Company of Australia. Mr. Franz joined the Engineering Supply Company as a boy shortly after the fo mation of the company. He occupied many positions be fore becoming joint managing director. Mr. Franz was 61. His widow was Miss Ruby Le Goode. In his early years he was a prominent member of the Brisbane Motor Cycling Club.

When researching the house name "Quieta" the path lead me to the connection to the Franz family of 1838 and the first Germain settlement called German Station or Zion Hill.

The First Quieta 

Albert Theophilus Franz uncle to Frederick Charles C Franz died in 1927. He had called his home in Best Street, Hendra "Quieta". Albert T. Franz was a prominent citizen of Brisbane having a newsagent business in Fortitude Valley.

Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934), Friday 30 December 1927, page 28

MR. ALBERT FRANZ

Mr. Albert T. Franz, newsagent of Kent's Building near the Valley Corner, died Tuesday after a short illness. The deceased gentleman was a son of the late Rev. Franz, who was one of the German missionaries stationed at Nundah (then called German Station) in the early days of Brisbane's history. He is survived by his widow, one son, and two daughters. Other relatives live, at Clayfield and Hendra.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Wednesday 28 December 1927, page 10

FUNERAL NOTICES.

Franz.-The Funeral of the late Albert Theophilus Franz will leave his resi-dence, Quieta, Best street, Hendra, This (Wednesday) Morning, at 11.30 o'clock, for the Nundah Cemetery. Motor service.

JOHN HISLOP & SONS. Funeral Directors.

The Franz Family of Nundah and Hendra and The Franz Estate

The Franz family name continues today with Franz Road in Clayfield. Today's Franz Road is cut by the Doomben - Pinkenbah train line and is renamed Alexandra Road at the southern end. At one point in time Franz Road ran from what we now know as Toombul Shopping Town through to Lancaster Road. 

The first Franz in Brisbane was Frederich Theodor Franz. He arrived in Moreton Bay in March of 1838.

At the turn of the 20th century Berlin and Best Streets Hendra and Franz Road, Clayfield had 13 people with the surname Franz registered on the electoral roll for the parish of Toombul. 

Freidrich Theodor Franz 1815 - 1891 Born Prussia

Frederick Franz was appointed to the first School committee of the New Farm State School in 1864. Eagle Farm State School's name was changed to Hendra State School. Frederick Franz's farm appears to have covered a considerable part of the area that we know today as Hendra. From Kedron Brook across to the Eagle Farm Racecourse.

The Franz Estate

The Hendra Railway Station opened on September 3, 1882 had an impact on the area of land that became known as the Franz Estate. The 1901 electoral roll has the Franz family living in Hendra and John Theodre in Franz Road. Advertisements for the land being developed into suburban housing started in 1903. The Franz farm and what was the Franz land holdings were developed over a period of time. The last suburban blocks listed for sale was in 1954 with seven housing blocks being advertised. In August of 1952 seven housing blocks were advertised as a piece of land between Alexandra Road and Chermside Street. The street map show that this would have been one substantial block split into seven pieces of land. Looking at today's streetscape there is a number of houses fronting Chaermside Street that are definitely of the 1950 style in their architecture. The railway line runs behind their back fences.

The other major change to the area in its development was the realignment of Sandgate Road from Albion through the Nundah township. The route that we know today as Sandgate Road was changed in the 1870s from a route to the west of present day Sandgate Road. It originall ran along Bonney Avenue then Junction Road to cross Kedron Brook. The new Sandgate Road when surveyed ran through the land to the west of present day Franz Road at Hendra.

Above Advertisement for the First Development of the Franz Estate 1903 

Above Advertisement for the Second Development of the Franz Estate April 1904 39 Allotments

This was readvertised in February of 1908.

Another subdivision occurred in June of 1909 with 31 blocks fronting Zillman Road being advertised for sale.

In June of 1911 it appears that 20 acres of the Franz Estate was developed into 140 houisng blocks fronting Zillman and Franz roads.

There were a range of housing styles upon the Franz Estate and many blocks were purchased by developers or land speculators for later sale. There were advertisements for workers style cottages, architectural planned homes and grand villas in the early years of growth of the land that was known as the Franz Estate. Th eadvertisement below is from July 16, 1913.

John Theodore Franz was son of Frederich Theodor Franz and father to Frederick Charles Cecil Franz of "Quieta" Galloways Hill.

Francisca - Alexandra Road The Home of John Theodore Franz

John Theodore Franz purchased a triangular piece of land containing a little over one acre in April 1885. Charles Gustav Franz, John’s younger brother was placed on the title deed as a nominated trustee for J.T. Franz in August 1886, the month in which John married Maria Sargeant. A Bill of Mortgage was taken out in Charles’ name in 1897 for £400. This is the same year architectural firm Hall & Dods produced a design for JT Franz’s Alexandra Rd home. 

John Theodore Franz was the son of one of the Moravian missionaries who came to Moreton Bay in 1838 and established a missionary settlement at Zion Hill. John was born and raised in Brisbane and eventually worked as an accountant with the engineering firm of Evans, Anderson, Phelan and Coy Ltd. There he rose to the position of company secretary. He was interested in politics and held a position on the Toombul Shire Council for a number of years, and was deeply involved with local Masonic clubs. When he died in 1926 the property was transferred to the name of his widow Maria until her death in 1951. It remained with the Franz family for some years, during which time small residential allotments were subdivided from the property.

The Anderson homes of Franz Road which belonged to the Anderson family of Evans, Anderson, Phelan and Co. In the 20th century we know the company as Evans Deakin Ltd. of Brisbane's Story Bridge and shipbuilding fame.

Ferguslea 36 Franz Road, Clayfield

The following is taken from the Brisbane City Council Heritage register.

Available evidence suggests that this house was built by James Anderson, a Brisbane engineer and a founding partner of Evans, Anderson, Phelan and Co. in the 1880s. According to the reminiscences of James’ grandson, Nesbit, as related to the current owner, James Anderson’s own house was nearby at number 42-44 Franz Road.

The house at 36 Franz Road is thought to have been the home of James Anderson’s son and daughter-in-law, Alexander and Emmeline Anderson. According to the present owner the house at 42-44 Franz Road was demolished prior to 1967.

The house was built on land which was originally part of more than 28 acres of land transferred by Deed of Grant from the Crown to Johann Gottfried Wagner in 1858. The area has a rich German heritage because of the establishment of a German Mission in Nundah in 1838. Wagner, a shoemaker, was one of the original Lutheran missionaries who settled in the district and whose families remained in the Nundah/Clayfield area and took up farming after the closing of the mission in the 1840s. Many of the street names in this part of Clayfield reflect this German heritage, although some, for example, Bismarck and Berlin Streets, were altered in the name of patriotism during World War I.

During the second half of the 19th century, the Clayfield area attracted wealthy residents who could afford to establish themselves on large country estates. With the arrival of the railway to Sandgate through the district in 1882 and easier access to the city, Clayfield continued to be a sought after residential suburb. The pattern of building substantial, often architect designed houses, on large allotments continued into the early 20th century as the old country estates were broken up and sold for residential development.

In 1883, Johann Wagner subdivided and sold some of his land, keeping over 16 acres. After his death in 1893, his property was further divided and sold as the Wagner Estate. The advertisement for the estate proclaimed “this land is situated in one of the most healthy and convenient suburbs of Brisbane”….where “about 27 trains pass daily to and from the City”.

Ten of the subdivisions in the Wagner Estate, totalling 1 acre and between Franz Road and Childs Street, were purchased in 1894 by Mary Campbell Anderson, the wife of James Anderson.  James Anderson was living in Franz Road by 1897-99, although it is not known if this was at no 36 or no. 42-44. James Anderson established Anderson and Co., a shipbuilding and boiler works at Kangaroo Point in the 1860s. Evans and Phelan later joined the firm and by the 1880s, Evans, Anderson and Phelan had established the Phoenix Foundry at Charlotte and Mary Street in the City and expanded the shipyard at Kangaroo Point, manufacturing boilers, pumps and ornamental railings as well as ships.

Over 120 perches of James Anderson’s land, including the site of the subject house, was transferred to Emmeline Anderson, his daughter–in-law, in 1918. In 1948, it was subdivided and over 17 perches was sold. The remainder of the property remained in the Anderson family until after the death of Emmeline in 1967. In 1968, the property at 36 Franz Road was sold to the present owner. A Brisbane City Council detail plan which probably dates from circa 1930s depicts the house with the name Ferguslea. The house has retained its large grounds of some 50 perches. Ferguslea is significant for the evidence it provides of the history of Clayfield, a prestigious residential suburb that during the 19th and early 20th centuries attracted families from the professional classes such as the family of James Anderson.

Warley 24 Franz Road Clayfield

MISS DORAH FRANZ

Wilhelmina Feodora Ruth (Dora) Franz born in 1858 at Moreton Bay was an aunt to Frederick C. C. Franz. Wilhelmina had her day school at her house "Hermat" in Best Street which is reporte dto be behind her father's house. 

The Toombul Croquet Club's clubhouse is the school house built for Dora Franz. It was moved there from Best Street, Hendra in 1928.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 17 December 1934, page 10

MISS DORA FRANZ DEAD

Member of a Pioneer Family

Miss Dora Franz, a member of one of the pioneer families of Queensland, died at her home, Hermat, Best Street, Hendra, early yesterday morning.

The late Miss Franz, who was in her 76th year, was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Franz. Her father was a member of the Moravian Mission, one of the first missions to be established. The land on which the present Baptist Church at Hendra now stands was a gift from Mr. Franz and Miss Franz, was the first organist. A brilliant scholar, the late Miss Franz was the first dux of the Brlsbane Girls' Grammar School. She was also a very good linguist, Greek being her special subject. After leaving school Miss Franz accepted a position on the staff of the Brisbane Boys' Grammar School. Miss Franz accompanied her parents on a trip to England and the Continent and on her return in 1893, opened a private school at Hendra. Interested in all charitable works, especially in the Children's Hospital, Miss Franz will be missed by the residents of Hendra and surrounding districts. She is survived by Mr. Charles Franz, (brother) and Miss Gertie Franz (sister).

History Related to the German Station and the Franz Family

1.    Hendra State School and the German Community

https://hendrass.eq.edu.au/OurSchool/History

History

 In 2014, Hendra State School celebrated the 150th anniversary of our school. The following is an excerpt of the history of Hendra State School that has appeared on previous websites.

The History of Hendra State School

There were fewer than a score of State Schools in operation when, on 1 August 1864, the Eagle Farm School was opened with an enrolment of 47 increasing to 89 by the end of the year, on land given by Mr Westaway.

Several parents had each donated 20 pounds towards the cost of the well-ventilated building which was described by the school inspector as being “one of the handsomest and most commodious schools in the colony.” Gerler Road reminds us of one of the donors, the father of Charles Gerler, the first pupil enrolled. Most of the children were of German descent and spoke English imperfectly, but they soon made satisfactory progress.

The building, costing 600 pounds, a very large amount for those days, must have been constructed of the finest timber for half of the building, not altered greatly during the 60 years it was a school, served the community as the Progress Hall in Banister Park. 

Name change for Eagle Farm

After being known as Eagle Farm for forty-four years, the school, early in 1908, was renamed the Hendra State School as a result of an application by the committee.

Apparently some of the school mail was being wrongly forwarded to the Eagle Farm Post Office thus causing inconvenience. Moreover, the parents regarded the name Eagle Farm as a misnomer and claimed it had outlived its usefulness through suburban development, the school being nearer to Hendra than to Eagle Farm. The name Hendra had been in use for the railway station for a generation.

Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), Saturday 30 May 1891, page 8

Queensland Churches.

Our Brisbane correspondent writes under date May 25: Mr. Frederick Theodore Franz, one of the few remaining survivors of the little band of missionaries who settled at the German Station about 35 years since, passed away on Friday. Mr. Franz arrived in Moreton Bay in 1838, and with others founded the missionary settlement at what is now called Nundah. He afterwards settled at Hendra, where he brought up a family, and lived until he reached the age of 78, highly respected as one of the fathers of the district by all those with whom he came in contact.

2.    The German Mission and Zion Hill

https://brisbanehistorywest.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/thg-sep-2018-nundah-missionaries-margaret-dowse.pdf

http://missionaries.griffith.edu.au/qld-mission/zion-hill-mission-1838-1848

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Wednesday 20 April 1938, page 16

Queensland's First Free Settlement - John Dunmore Land and the German Missionaries

By H. von PLOENNIES

Honorary Secretary, Queensland's First Free Settlers' Centenary Committee

Mission Station In Moreton Bay

WHAT has Queensland done for its natives? All sorts of stories, more or less authenticated, are told of the manner in which Queensland faced its responsibilities to its original inhabitants. Facts can be come distorted in a hundred years. For the first time an accurate and comprehensive story of the first mission to the aborigines has been given by the committee which has arranged the commemoration of the arrival in 1838 of the Gozner missionaries in Moreton Bay. Sir George Gipps has been credited for among other things Brisbane's small streets and the loss of a boule-vard along the foreshores of the Brisbane River.

In this authoritative historical account, cited above, justice is at last done to the tremendous service which Sir George Gipps attempted to render to the aboriginal natives of Australia. His predecessor, Sir Thomas Brisbane, tried to make Moreton Bay the site of a mission to the aborigines when it was first formed as a penal settlement in 1824. His attempt to form a mission establishment here sponsored by the London Missionary Society came to naught. Dr. John Dunmore Lang's attempt to form a Scottish mission failed through the more urgent claims on their clergy of the Scottish peasants who, forfeiting ancestral homesteads owing to fore-closure, in ever increasing numbers sought new homelands in Canada. The gallant story of the Goszner mission is brought vividly before the people of Queensland by the very manner in which they honour the missionaries and themselves by observing the centenary of their arrival. It would be ungracious and unjust to differentiate between the various sections of Christendom in allocating credit for the work done on behalf of a backward race. The Roman Catholic Church made an equally gallant contribution to humanitarianism and Queensland when four priests of the Order of the Passion started a mission to the aborigines at Stradbroke Island. When Pere Bucas was forced for health's reason to abandon his mission to the Maoris and came to devote his life to the aborigines of Central Queensland, and Father Duncan McNab began his lifelong labours among the aborigines of Bribie Island and the Mary and Burnett River districts, the Roman Catholic Church made a con-tribution to the civilising of Queensland which will not easily be matched. In 1850 the Moravian Church with its headquarters at Herrnhut, Saxony, sent its first mlssioners, Rev. F. Trager and Rev. W. Spieske, to Victoria. The work the Moravians began was continued by the Presbyterian Synods of Australia and con-jointly the two churches have carried on uninterruptedly mission work

Sir Leslie Wilson, patron of the Queensland's First Free Settlers Cen-tenary Committee, who will unveil aa memorial cairn at Nundah on Saturday to which, beyond all other States, Queensland is indebted. In the story of the various missionary efforts in this part of the world there is hardly an episode which could thus justly stir the pride of Queenslanders more than the story of the Goszner mission in their own State. The missionaries both by precept and example have bequeathed an ideal of service which ev... a more complex society holds Beginnings of Free Settlement.

The history of Queensland's first free settlement may be said to date from December 12, 1836, when six young men in Germany, offered them-selves up for foreign mission work. They had been roused by the fervour of Pastor Goszner, the minister in charge of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Berlin. The academic qualifications insisted upon by the established missionary societies had deflected them into persuading Goszner to add yet another branch to his work of Christian charity which had been growing according to no preconceived scheme. They had been introduced by a certain Mr. Lehmann who was probably a connection by marriage of Gottfried Haussmann, himself the sire of numer-ous Australians. Of course, foreign missionary work as such was not an entirely novel vision to Johannes Goszner considering the fact that he himself had met native races while in charge of the Church of the Knights of Malta, tem-porarily transferred to the Russia of Czar Alexander I. He was then still in Roman Catholic orders. The story of his inner life is bound up with the political changes consequent upon the French Revolution and the warfare in its wake. He originated from Hausen, a secluded township in the Bavarian part of Suabia. The preceptor of Queensland settlers had reached a station of prominence in the Prussian capital by a succession of events which were not of his own choice. A fugitive from his native land and as political suspect also refused shelter in Russia, he had been befriended by the nobility of Silesia, where he ex-perienced his conversion to Protestantism, the Johannes Baptista Goszner henceforth being known as Johannes Evangelista Goszner. Goszner rejected the conception of an academic training as fitting the candidate best for his work among native races. He perceived a dual nature of a missionary's work in that the message of the Gospel was to be implemented by preparing the native to stand the impact of the white man's civilisation as well. Goszner would not have allowed himself to be swayed by the dictum of Carlyle, who had called a missionary "a machine for converting the heathen," even though this Carlylese dismissal of a missionary's calling occurred in a reference to the Bible Society. At a time when he was still of the Roman Catholic faith, the Bible Society had enabled Goszner to pub-lish his translation of Holy Script. It was also his first recorded meeting with Britishers. The course of studies Goszner imposed upon his neophytes took in both artisan's workshop and the study of his own manse. In addition to learn-ing a trade they were enabled to earn their keep by day while devoting themselves to the spiritual side of their course at night, when Goszner drew exclusively on the Bible.

IN July, 1837, Goszner was in a position to respond to a call made by Dr. John Dunmore Lang, the Presby-terian minister and promoter of responsible Government in Queensland, who had specific-ally asked for men suitable for the mission field. Dr. Lang had unwittingly been supply-ing the labourers needed for the build-ing of the city of Petropolis in Brazil, when in the course of his peregrination he had at the behest of his brother, Major Andrew Lang, on the Hunter River, been engaging prospective im-migrants. In the French port of Havre de la Grace he had seen the plight of im-migrants robbed by an unscrupulous agent, the victims in this case being German wintners.

After they had been treacherously baited with America, he offered them an abode in Australia instead. However, Dr. Lang's efforts were frustrated as soon as the immigrants set foot in their first port of call, a Brazilian harbour. The intervention of the Brazilian Government which stood in need of skilled workers was made effective by the pleadings of fellow nationals who de-nounced the distant goal, New South Wales, for being a slave-owner's country. In consequence a metropolis arose on the site of land granted to Dr. Lang's frightened immigrants. But for this interlude in the public life of Dr. Lang, Queensland might not have had cause to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of its first free immigrants. As it happened, Dr. Lang continued on his Continental quest, contacting Goszner. The establishment of a mission station in Moreton Bay is the outcome of an eager solicitude for the welfare of native races guarding against the re-crudescence of slavery. The Victorian age was assiduously cultivating that ab-horrence of slavery which has matured till it evolved the present day conception of trusteeship as regards native races at a backward stage. The missionary party left the Con-tinent in July of 1837 when they took ship from Bremen to Scotland. They departed from Europe on August 13, 1837, their port of embarkation being Greenock, which was also the birthplace of Dr. Lang. They comprised two ordained ministers, Rev. C. Eipper and Rev. K. W. Schmidt, and ten laymen, their names being all recorded on the cairn which the Governor (Sir Leslie Wilson) will unveil at Nundah, near their original settlement, at Zion's Hill. An early authentic record of Queensland history is the baptismal register antedating the introduction of compul-sory registration which is preserved in the Registrar-General's office, pending the establishment of a proper records office. Though pertaining to baptisms performed by the German missionaries at Zion's Hill, it also chronicles an event on the outward voyage when Pastor Eipper was called upon to officiate, a child being born on December 22, 1837, to Scottish emigrants. It was named Minerva from the ship in which they were travelling. In the same month typhus fever broke out which caused many deaths. One of the missionaries, too, died, Moritz Schneider, a native of Leipzig. Conse-quently their arrival in their port of destination, Moreton Bay, was delayed owing to their not being released from quarantine, until February 14, 1838. They had arrived at Sydney on January 23, 1838. They transhipped in two section, the first members of the party arriving in Moreton Bay on March 30, 1838. They were joined by the remainder of the party in June of the same year. Land Taken Up BEFORE the year had expired, two births had occurred. The first child born on Zion's Hill was Johann Augustus Ferdinand Rode, son of Franz Joseph Augustus Rode, and his wife, Juliana, nee Peters. He was born on June 1, 1838, and baptised on the 17th of the same month by Pastor Schmidt. The missionaries hailed chiefly from the Eastern provinces of Prussia, Silesia and Pommerania. They were of German extraction with the exception of one, Peter Niquet who was descended from a Huguenot of Mons. They represent the first organised group of German immi-grants in Queensland. The missionary settlement which was situated seven miles northward from Brisbane, and about two miles north-west from Eagle Farm, lay athwart the routes taken by the natives. The mission as such was a failure. The reasons adduced cannot diminish the meed of praise which must be be-stowed upon unselfish efforts, in the course of which the missionaries did not spare themselves. They even experienced murderous attacks such as befell Gottfried Haussmann near their outstation at Burpengary. One of the principal causes contributing to the abandonment of the original character of the missionary establish-ment was the lack of support forth-coming from an auxiliary which had been formed at Sydney. The site of their labours had been named Zion's Hill, alike for reasons of piety and owing to its resemblance to the original hill in the Holy Land which rises from the valley of Gilhon. The brook, too, was not missing, though it was rather a rivulet than a torrent The change in the character of Moreton Bay itself, the penal settlement fall-ing into desuetude, and the dash of the squatters who were overcoming barriers to the expansion of white settlement communicated itself to the once secluded settlement of missionaries. Some dis-persed, one going as far as Samoa where her pioneered a school for the children of the white residents. Those who stayed on now took up land on the site of the acreage originally allotted to the missionary establishment. Love of home life and ready absorp-tion into the predominant order, a British community, were to hasten on their progress to a final stage of being useful to their country of adoption. Their descendants have become an in-gral part of the Australian nation which has formed since the arrival of the Goszner missionaries. If it be postulated that the crucial test of nationhood was exacted during the Great War, the honour rolls can readily be proffered. Particularly gratifying has been the response which the commemoration of the centenary has been evoking in the homeland of the Goszner missioners. The information supplied forms material for different aspects of research work in Australia.

3.    The Founding of Nundah and the German Station

If you are not familiar with Brisbane's early white settlement history this article from the Brisbane Courier of 1926 provides a good recount of the very early days of what we now know as Nundah.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Monday 27 September 1926, page 6

Founders of Nundah.

It is many years since German station, or Nundah, as it is called, was founded. Mr. Geo. J. Walker, of Nundah, whose  father was tutor to the children of the original settlers, suggests that a memorial ought to be erected in recognition of these fine old pioneers. To that end he has forwarded a petition to the Mayor of Brisbane (Alderman W. A. Jolly), in-viting his consideration of the proposal. In this contribution, Mr. Walker says:— "Eighty-eight years ago, in the late 'thirties of the last century, ten brave men, with their noble wives, and pastor, left their homes of comfort, 16,000 miles away, and settled as a community at German Station (now Nundah), of which they were the founders, building their homes upon a knoll on Kedron Brook, and called it Zion's Hill, being a part of a square mile granted to them by the New South Wales Government in the year 1838. It stands out particularly unique in its relation to Brisbane (which itself then was but a bush town), as being the first suburb of our city at that early period, though five miles of dense bush intervened. It is not easy to conceive the hardships that were en-dured by them to make a livelihood, which could only be achieved by indomitable courage and indefatigable effort; pioneers in the truest sense, subsisting practically on bread, beef, and potatoes, and fish from the Brook, besides having to contend very often with their dusky neighbours, the aborigines, who surrounded them, endangering their lives. These brave mortals came from a land of plenty to our country of bush and blacks, and made good for themselves and their adopted land, under almost impossible conditions, and have given to our State assets of the highest type of character in their offspring, some holding to-day high office in the civic, parliamentary, educational, and spiritual life of our State, and many families of true Christian character. Is not the memory of these men worthy of a civic recognition to-day, by the evidence of a fitting monument in their town? They being some of the earliest history makers of our great State, I think, lays a great claim to our city fathers' action. I was born in the early 'fifties in Brisbane, and taken to German Station before I had an anniver-sary, when my father became tutor to their children; was brought up in their community, and have continued a resident in their district with many of their off-spring to the present time. Though I am making an individual appeal, it is with no motive of notoriety, but prompted by a consciousness of doing my duty; it is not a personal matter with me, for I think, without one dissentient, my appeal will have the backing of our whole townsmen. I here make an appeal to your Council for the erection of a monument to the memory of the 'Founders of Nundah' — this makes it historical in character. Their names can be furnished, and other information neccssary. A prominent and most suitable spot in the centre of Nundah now offers itself at the junction of Old and New Sandgate Roads, opposite Boyd Park, and near the Im-perial Picture Theatre, where a triangular area obtains. 'Never the time and the place and those we love,' quoth the immortal playwriter, William Shakespeare, but here and now we have the time, the place, and those we love (though sleep-ing in their graves close by)! The erection of a memorial, to be consummated by our civic authorities, is surely feasible and warranted."