Lynford Tudor Splendor

 Lynford Fine English Tudor 

The following is taken from the Brisbane Council Heritage Register.

This fine Tudor Revival home is possibly the best example of this style of house in Brisbane. Designed by notable architect, E.P. Trewern, it was constructed in 1928 for successful businessman, James W. Clifford Isles, of Isles, Love & Co. At this time the suburb of Hamilton, established as the locale for large estates of wealthy settlers, was subdivided and became the desired address for Brisbane's successful middle classes.

Eric Trewern is referred to by most architectural historians as the person who introduced the Spanish Mission style and Tudor style house to Brisbane in the years between the two world wars. Casa Ana at Hamilton and Santa Barbara at New Farm are two of his finest examples. Lynford is the first of his Tudor style homes and still stands today as Brisbane's finest original example. Pictures do not do justice to this superbly maintained example built almost 100 years ago. Eric or E. P. Trewern's designed homes demand a premium today firstly for the role they played in Brisbane's housing architecture and secondly for the innovative designs that Trewern incorporated for his discerning clients. 

The following is taken from John W. East's document "Suburban Eclecticism - The Brisbane Architect Eric Percival Trewern (1895 - 1959) and his work" 

Lynford, the house with which Trewern introduced the Old English style to Brisbane, was erected in 1927-28 at Hamilton for James W. Clifford Isles, director of the auctioneering firm of Isles, Love and Co. He was a man of considerable means, and the contract price of £4,200 exceeded even that of Santa Barbara. With this budget, Trewern was able to design a building which exemplified all the fine craftsmanship which is one of the abiding charms of Brisbane's Old English houses.

A multiplicity of building materials makes the exterior particularly interesting. The ground floor is mostly in face brick or quarry-faced porphyry. The upper floor is a competent imitation of traditional English half-timbered construction, with dark adzed beams standing out against the pale stuccoed walls. A large double chimney dominates the front elevation, with a prominent (and no doubt purely decorative) S-shaped tie-bar set into it. The roof of red Marseilles tiles is steeply pitched, with numerous gables, these being half-timbered, or weatherboarded, or simply stuccoed. There is an oriel window at the side, and one of the upper rooms at the front is jettied out above the ground floor. All of this makes for a complex and varied composition.

The solid oak door opens onto a stair-hall panelled in oak, with a wide oak staircase incorporating twisted newel posts. The lounge which opens off this has at one end a large brick fireplace, with a freestone surround rising to a Tudor arch. The walls have a panelled wainscot and the ceiling is heavily beamed. One side of the lounge opens into an enclosed sun-porch, with windows on all three sides, overlooking the garden. At the rear, the lounge opens onto a stone-paved piazza and so gives direct access to the garden. The lounge also connects via sliding glass doors to the dining room, which is panelled to the level of the platerail, and lit by a large window with deep reveals. On the upper floor are the bedrooms and bathroom and a large sleeping porch, with views to Moreton Bay.

James W. Clifford Isles

J. W. C. Isles was a third generation Brisbane businessman with his grandfather being James Isles of Brisbane and Queensland's Finney Isles Drapery business. Born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on 23 May 1894 to James Thomas Isles and Henrietta Love. James William Clifford Isles married Jocelyn Vyvyan Salisbury and had 2 children. He passed away on 10/05/1967 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His father James Thomas or J. T. Isles founded the auction firm Isles Love in conjunction with James Love. The following taken from the Courier Mail of 1934 provides the background to the firm Isles, Love and Company who James W. Clifford Isles was a director. 

James Thomas Isles - Founder of Isles Love and Company Auction House

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Wednesday 5 December 1934, page 25

MR. J. T. ISLES DEAD

Noted Business Man SERVICES TO CITY

Mr. J. T. Isles, a director of Isles, Love, and Co., Ltd., died yesterday at his home In Charlton Street, Ascot. He had long been a prominent member of the Business community of Brisbane, and was identified with movements for the welfare and progress of the city, and for benevolent objects, until five weeks ago he had been engaged in the activities of his firm. His last illness then supervened on a stroke. In his youth Mr. Isles was associated with many other young men then notable for their athletic prowess, and some later to be well known in civic or commercial life. Among them were his partner (Mr. James Love), his three brothers, and Messrs. T. Welsby, E. Markwell, Stombuco, J. E. ('Did') Harris, Mark Harris, F. Trimble, and E. Colclough. The friendships of those days were maintained by Mr. Isles throughout the years. Mr. Isles was born in Fortitude Valley in April, 1866. In childhood he accompanied his parents to England, and he received his early education at the famous Bluecoat School, in London, and in Scotland. On their return to Brisbane he attended the Brisbane Grammar School. His father (Mr. James Isles) was a co-founder with Mr. Thomas Finney, of the firm of Finney, Isles, and the young J. T. Isles, after experience with Farmer's, in Sydney, joined that business. In October, 1889, he joined Mr. James Love in partnership in the firm now known as Isles, Love, and Co., Ltd. In subsequent years he became a director of the City Electric Light Co. and Clifford Love and Co. (Sydney), and he had copra interests in the Solomon Islands. 

PUBLIC INTEREST 

He was recognised as an authority on taxation and real estate, and was vigorous in championing any public question or cause that he took up, par-ticularly those he regarded as relat-ing to the interests of the city or the State. A friend and business asso-ciate said yesterday that 'he placed the city before himself.' In discussion of public matters he assumed always the role of the constructive rather than of the destructive critic. He never entered parliamentary or civic life, but he was accepted as a strong influence in moulding public opinion, and in the development of Queensland and Brisbane. He was a former chairman of the Brisbane and South Coast Hospitals Board, and a member of the Y.M.C.A., Royal National Association, Rotary and Constitutional Clubs, and the Tax-payers' Association. He held the Diplomas of the Commonwealth Institute of Valuers (Incorporated) and the Real Estate Institute (Incorporated). A keen business man, he was revered also as one who held the confidence of the business community, and was ever ready to advise and help young men with their feet on the first steps of the ladder of life, and assist the distressed. In 1890 Mr. Isles was married to Miss Henrietta Love, a sister of Sir Clifton Love, of Sydney. He is survived by her and their two sons, Messrs. J. W. C. Isles, a director of Isles, Love, and Co., Ltd., and L. L. Isles, secretary of Clifford Love and Co., Sydney, and by a brother (Mr. S. J. Isles). Two brothers (Messrs. J. A. J. and L. H. Isles) predeceased him.

 CHAMPION ATHLETE 

On the old Toowong sports ground, more than 40 years ago, Mr. Isles won footrunning championships and broke records, and in one day won important 150, 250, and 440 yards races. His brother (Mr. J. A. J. Isles) , Mr. James Love, Mr. F. Trimble, and he won the under 20 fours, with Mr. Mark Harris as cox, as members of the Commercial Rowing Club; Mr. E. Colclough's crew being second. He won many cycle races on the old 'high' machines. With the Fireflies Football Club he had many strenuous matches against the Wasps  both are famous old teams, recalled by surviving players. Mr. Isles's greatest service through the Rotary Club was in connection with the crippled children's movement. He was the first president of the Queensland Society for Crippled Children, a position he held until his death, and he assisted greatly in the establishment of the Montrose Home. After a service at St. Augustine's, Hamilton, at 3.30 p.m. to-day, the funeral will leave for the Toowong Cemetery.

James Isles The First Genertaion Isles in Brisbane

The story of Lynford would not be complete without reference to James Isles the founder of the company Finney Isles in partnership with Thomas Finney and certainly the start of the financial opportunuties available to later generations of the Isles family.

James Isles was born in Kinloch, Pershire Scotland on 16 May 1837, the son of Agnes and James. He married Isabella Jane Jackson on 29 September 1862 in Dublin, Dublin. They had five children during their marriage. He died on 3 November 1888 in Brisbane, Queensland, at the age of 51, and was buried there. He arrived in Brisbane in October 1862 on the ship "Flying Cloud". James Isles had met Thomas Finney in Dublin whilst on business there. They both sailed on the "Flying Cloud" and started the firm Finney Isles and Company in the Fortitude Valley. 

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 3 November 1888, page 4

Death of Mr. Isles

About 10 days ago Mr. James Isles, of tho well known firm of Finney, Isle, and Co. was seized with an attack of apoplexy, whioh was of such a nature as to confine him to his room. He was attended by Dr. Taylor and Purcell, and seemed to get bettor uuder their treatment, but still he was not able to get about. It was not thought that the end was so near, but this morning at 2 o'clock he died suddenly at his residence, at Clayfield. The deceased gentleman, who was well known and respected, was born at Scone, Scotland, in 1837, and was therefore 51 years of ago at the time of his death. He and Mr. Thomas Finney were in business in Dublin 30 years ago, and they have been associated ever since. After some four or five years in Dublin they came out to Queensland together, and in 1864 commenccd business in the Valley. Six years later they removed to a portion of the present premises now occupied by the widely known firm of Finney, Isles, and Co. The business gradually extended until now it is by far the largest drapery establishment in the colony. Some weeks ago a portion of a block of buildings in court of erection for the firm was completed, but the deceased gentleman has not lived to see the completion of that wharehouse which will ever form a monument of the energy, perseverance, and business tact, which have been the characteristics of the firm. Mr. Isles leaves behind him a widow and four sons, the majority grown up, and for whom much sympathy has been expressed in town this morning. The deceased gentleman took little interest in public affairs, the only appointment lie ever held being that of a justice of the peace. His funeral will take place at 2 o'clock on Sunday.

The Finney Isles and Co Building

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finney_Isles_%26_Co_Building

The first building referred to at the time of the death of James Finney was at the corner of Edward and Adelaide Streets and was known as "The City Exchange Building" built in the mid 1880s. The current Finney, Isles or "Big Block" building was not constructed until 1909.

Ardon The Centre of a Racing Dynasty

Ardon still stands today just as it did when built 1897 - 1898. Heritage listed with the Brisbane City Council the heritage details can be found here. https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/citation/ardon-_871.pdf

For over fifty years Ardon and the Ardon Stables were the home of the Tucker family. William Tucker or "Old Bill" Tucker or W. J. Tucker is now one of those legendary figures in Queensland's horse racing history. Built for the Tucker family the stables must have been adjoining or very close by in Bowley Street, Hendra. In 1952 when the estate was put up for sale there were two separate sales. Firstly the house Ardon and secondly a separate block suitable for building on. 

The Tucker family spanned a number of generations within the horse racing industry but Ardon is the place where it all started. Of personal interest to me is that William Tucker married Alice Robinson who is the sister of my great Grandmother, Elizabeth Emily Robinson. I have written about the Robinson family from Coorparoo in another web site. This particular web link has information relating to the horse racing of Coorparoo and the Tucker and Kirwan families.

http://sivyer.com.au/photo-gallery/robinson/

William James Tucker B:1868  D:1949 

The following two newspaper articles from the time of his death are a very good summery of his life an d the activities that would have taken place at the Ardon house and stables of Bowley Street, Hendra.

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Friday 5 August 1949, page 23

DEATH OF MR. W. J. TUCKER.

Mr. W. J. Tucker, for more than 50 years an outstanding figure in Queensland racing, died at his home, Rowley Street, Hendra, today. The late Mr. Tucker, as a lad, won the first race ever decided at Albion Park. It was known then as Smithfield. He was not quite three when he arrived in Australia in the boat captained by his father. His early ambition was to be a circus tumbler and trick rider but economic conditions his father died shortly after his arrival here forced him to turn (his natural ability to handle -horses to quick advantage. He won two races at the age of 11, graduating to the horses from Pony events at Lytton. At one stage of his career, he rode two winners at Lytton ; and then rode hard to Smithfield, where he rode two more. A first-class shot, there was little in the way of acrobatics or sport at which he did not excel. The story is told that, on one occasion, when he was travelling to Gympie with horses by road, he won a boomerang throwing competition against blacks, though he had never handled the weapon before! As a young man he owned, trained and rode his own horses, later becoming a public trainer. He met with continued success until his retirement about 15 years ago. The late Mr. Tucker, an owner- jockey, won the Moreton Handicap and Sandgate Handicaps with Little Tartar, the Windsor Handicap with Ardon. As owner, he won the Guineas with Mischief and Bold Step, the Queensland Cup with St. Quentin, Sea Breeze, Tetupha, Soft Step, the Brisbane Cup with Demeranthis. He raced Spear Chief in partnership with the late Mr. J. B. Charlton. He won, for the partners, the Sires' Produce Stakes, Guineas, Derby. St. Leger and a Brisbane Cup. Soft Step won him a St. Leger, too. The late Mr. Tucker is survived by three sons, W. A. and A. E. Tucker, who are licensed trainers, and E.G., former successful jockey. The funeral will leave his late residence, 17 Bowley Street, for the Nundah Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday.

Truth (Brisbane, Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Sunday 14 August 1949, page 45

QLD RACING LOOSES BY DEATH OF TRAINER BILL TUCKER

No more colorful personality has been associated with racing in Brisbane since its inception than thelate W. J. (Billy) Tucker; who was called before the Supreme Steward last week after a lifetime of active association with horse racing. Riding his first winner at the age of ll years, Billy carried on as a jockey even after his son, 'Young Bill,' had also adopted that profession. Then, as trainer and owner, 'Old Bill' went on to win every important race on the calendar cups and classic events on numerous occasions.

 Many of the racetracks on which W. J. Tucker cut his teeth are long since gone and for the most part, .forgotten. Only yery oldtimers remember race meetings being conducted at Oxley, Lytton, Coorparoo (under registered rules) and Breakfast Creek, when what is now known as Albion Park was a much smaller track. Breakfast Creek and Coorparoo meetings, under different proprietary interests, sometimes staged clash meetings on Saturday afternoons, and it was quite common for Billy Tucker to ride at both courses on the same day. On one occasion, after riding two winners at Coorparoo he raced his hack to the Creek and there was no short cut via Story Bridge at that time. Passing through The Valley, the hack fell, but without serious injury to the rider, who went on to Breakfast Creek where he rode another winner.

Hurdle racing was a feature of meetings at Eagle Farm in the days that Tucker rode, but he did not persevere with that branch of sport. In six such races, he rode three winners and had three falls 'a good average' he would say when he could be prevailed on to talk of his early days. There was a dash of the daredevil in Bill when he was a jockey. He could jump off and on horses like a circus rider when at full gallop. He did so in a race on one occasion with disastrous results. He was so far in front on a horse named Robert Emmett at the Farm that he decided to turn on a stunt. He jumped off the horse and back again nearing the winning post. Officialdom frowned on such frivolity, and disqualified the winner on the ground, that 'the rider had dismounted before being ordered to do so.' And some people refer to that era as the free-and-easy days. As a trainer and owner, Tucker won the Queensland Cup on seven occasions, and the Brisbane Cup as many times. There was no better judge of a yearling than he, and auctioneers and spectators, as well, always knew when he had decided to acquire one or more according to the number of knee boots and other safeguarding impedimenta he took to the sales. Having made his choice he would not be denied, and when he went to the figures indicated in the names of Six-Fifty and Seven-Fifty, it was regarded as sensational bidding. Until about 20 years ago 'Old Bill' declared that Mischief, with whom he won the Guineas in 1909, was the best horse he ever rode or trained. Later, he had a leaning towards Spear Chief, with whom he won, in partnership with the late J. B. Charlton, the Brisbane Cap in 1939, and which horse, after being sold, was successful in the same race with 9.7 in record time in the following- year. And so Billy Tucker has passed on. But memory of him will linger on, and the records of Brisbane racing, in which his name appears so often, will remain a monument to his ability In all three branches of the sport he loved and adorned.

Late Bill Tucker

June 28 1952 Daily Standard Brisbane

The Home of The Other W. B. Tooth

This post came through my research into George Rae one of Brisbane's leading inter war architects. A newspaper article with a reference to Grays Road, Hamilton was one of the references found in my research on George Rae. The home depocted in this article appeared familiar. I had photographed and written about the house next door (Onedin) in a previous post. In 1938 George Rae had designed the new home for the married couple of Mr. and Mrs. W. B Tooth. During the 1930 decade for those who were wanting a home of distinction building in brick was oen way of doing this. There was a move to look at brick as an alternative to the timber construction methods that had been common place in Queensland.

W. B. Tooth or William Butler Tooth who George Rae had designed the house for was a Brisbane tailor. His father Robert Ernest Tooth was also a tailor in Brisbane and proprietor of the Australian Tailoring Company. It is hard to imagine in today's modern world of fashions that the trade of tailor was a very large industry. It is reported that at the start of the twentieth century there were over a thousand registered clothing manufacturing businesses in Queensland. Tailored suits for a man was a common piece of a clothing. The drapery and tailor business bacame a major industry throughout the first half of the 20th century. Companies such as Stewart and Hemmant, Twomey and Company, Fred Simmons and Freedman and many others provided newspaper advertisements that promoted their business as tailors, hatters and mercers. W. B. Tooth's father, Robert Ernest died in 1933 leaving the business to his son.

Robert Ernest Tooth or R. E. Tooth

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Wednesday 21 June 1933, page 11

LATE MR. R. E, TOOTH.

Mr. Robert Ernest Tooth, aged 58, who died at his residence, Hamilton Road, Hamilton, on Tuesday morn-ing, was born in Dalby and came to Brisbane when he was 10 years of age. At the age of 17 he started in the tailoring trade, later becoming a master tailor. During the past 15 years he was the proprietor of the Australian Tailoring Co. He is survived by his widow, daughter, and three sons.

The Australian Tailoring Company had originated in Mackay under the ownership of Robert Ernest Tooth but then moved to Brisbane in 1928. A young W. B. Tooth had been the manager in Mackay. In 1933 the Asutralian Tailoring Company had met with taxation difficulties and was in receivership.

Why the name W. B. and not William Tooth? A common or popular naming convention in newspaper references was to use the christian name initials of a person. This of course creates great difficulty in modern research as one has to be mindful of the dates being read. In this case we have another W. B. Tooth but he died some 60 years before the house in Grays Road was built.

This William Butler Tooth of Grays Road had his family ancestry from Cranbrook, Kent. The Tooth family in this post are descended from the union of William Hedley Tooth and Ann Fulcher who were inhabitants of Cranbrook, Kent. William Hedley Tooth's mother was Catherine Butler and this is where the name Butler as a family christian name is derived. William and Ann had twelve children. Two of these William Butler and Atticus emigrated to Australia. 

In early 1938 W. B Tooth the Brisbane tailor had his house in Grays Road featured in the Better Homes section of Brisbane's Telegraph.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Tuesday 18 January 1938, page 19

BETTER HOMES

DELIGHTFUL COTTAGE at HAMILTON

THE scrolled gables of picturesque Holland dominate the pleasant exterior of the new brick home of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Tooth in Grays Road, Hamilton. Here is a delightful home that is characteristic of a popular trend in Brisbane and although it is very new already imparts that atmosphere of homely comfort that is so desirable. There is nothing overdone tn this compact little cottage. It does not pretend to be anything that it is not and that is worthy of special note because there are so many homes built nowadays that give an entirely false impression from the outside. - Having a particularly large window area and cool in its cream textured walls, this cottage.-gives a good impression from the beginning but inside it has a latent quality of comfort that is not always found in much more expensive homes. While some of the credit is due to the architect. Mr George Rae, it is obvious that in his contract he enjoyed a harmonious relationship with his clients for that is reflected in the effectiveness of the .planning and the internal fittings.

As in the entrance porch and heavy oak door there is a suggestion of the Spanish in some details of the planning, but the whole scheme is one eminently suited to Queensland. From the lobby access is had to the lounge and dining room, all papered in biscuit tonings with curtains, carpets and mats to match. The lounge is furnished with a roomy Chesterfield upholstered in a bold art design with an ultra-modern two-tier occasional table, and a notable feature is the textured face-brick fireplace, which although designed to accommodate a glowing wood fire at present houses an electric radiator. The dining-room opposite is delightfully furnished in rich oak of period design. Convenient to the dining-room, the kitchen is unusual because it is of galley design. The colour scheme here is outstanding, being enamelled in bright yellow. It is gas equipped, and has particularly well planned cupboards cabinet finished. There are two bedrooms and a nursery, the main room being furnished oak of Queen Anne design against a background of cream papering, drapes and floor covering The nursery is convenient to the main bedroom, and here also the dominating tone is cream. A sunporch is entered from either the main bedroom or the nursery, where a squatter's chair and seagrass furniture help the visitor to enjoy a delightful panorama of the Newstead and New Farm reaches of the Brishane River There is a completeness and a compactness in this admirable cottage that is not always found in the modern small home, and the owners should be proud of their possession.

The W. B. Tooth the tailor of Grays Road died in 1949.

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Saturday 1 October 1949, page 27

CITY TAILORING FIRM HEAD DIES

The head of a prominent city tailoring firm took a stroke and died early last night. He was Mr. W. B. Tooth, who traded as Hector Power, tailor, of Queen Street.

Mr. Tooth, who was born in Brisbane, 45 years ago, was a keen sportsman. He began his business career with his father, the late Mr. R. E. Tooth, who was a prominent Brisbane tailor. Mr. Tooth, who lived in Grays Road, Hamilton, is survived by his wife and four children.

The ancestry of this particular Tooth family, (W. B. Tooth the tailor being one) have left a mark on Queensland's history. 

Who was the first William Butler Tooth or as he was commonly known and recorded in history, W. B. Tooth?

William Butler Tooth 1822 - 1876

William Butler Tooth epitomises the early land baron in Australia's colonial history. Intent on living the life of the British squire he created an empire but died at 53 years of age. His biography is worth reading and one can determine their own opinion on Queensland's first W. B. Tooth.

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/tooth-william-butler-4733

Atticus Tooth

Atticus Tooth is the grandfather of W. B. Tooth the tailor in Brisbane. He has not been as well known in Queensland's early colonial history as his brother W. B. Tooth.

The following is taken from the online biography of W. B. and Atticus Tooth.

Atticus joined G. E. Dalrymple's expedition to Port Curtis in 1859 and settled near Bowen as a station manager. On 22 December 1869 he married Sarah Emmerson, daughter of a grazier; as a manager he rejoined William, who was then settled at Clifton. After William's death, he managed the Brisbane municipal markets but returned to Bowen just before his death on 15 January 1915. Survived by his wife and eleven children he was buried in the Church of England section of the Bowen cemetery.

Other Notable Tooth Family Descendants 

Sir Edward Marsden Tooth or E. M. Tooth

The footprint of this descendant has continued to provide funds and infrastructure for the Anglican church. The E. M. Tooth Memorial Home is just one of these. His biography is wort reading as he left an estate of over 700,000 pounds in 1957. 

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/tooth-sir-edwin-marsden-11872

Sir Seymour Douglas Tooth

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Tooth

Emily Tooth - Wife of Sidney Herbert Tooth

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Monday 2 December 1940, page 5

MRS. EMILY TOOTH DIES AT AGE OF 89

A link with the pioneer days of Queensland and New South Wales was broken yesterday by the death, in her 90th year, of Mrs. Emily I. Tooth, wife of Mr Sidney Herbert at her home, Bowen Terrace, New Farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tooth, who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in June, 1939, at the home of their son, Mr. E. M. Tooth, came from Australian pioneer families. Mr. Tooth Is a son of the late Mr. W. B. Tooth, of Clifton station, Darling Downs, from which the town of Clifton took Its name. Mrs. Tooth, before her marriage, was Miss Emily Isabel Hassall, eldest daughter of the Rev. J. S. Hassall, of Berrima, New South Wales, and a great-granddaughter of the Rev. Samuel Marsde*n, famous missionary md one of the founders of the Australian wool industry. Her great-grandfather landed in Sydney in 1793 as Church of England Chaplain to the Colonies, and the historic church of Cobbity, New South Wales, had as its first pastor the Rev. Thomas Hassall, grandfather of Mrs. Tooth. Mrs. Tooth's father, the Rev. J. S. Hassall, for many years was rector of St. Matthew's Church of England, Sherwood, and Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Tooth were married in that church on June 19, 1879. Mrs. Tooth devoted much time to church and charity work. She has one brother and one sister still living— Mr. W. H. Hassall, Eagle Heights, Tamborine, and Mrs. F. L. Pratten, Corinda. She is survived by her husband, three sons— Mr. E. M. Tooth (Hamilton), Mr. H. L. Tooth (Brisbane), Mr. S. W. Tooth (Gympie)— and one daughterMrs. A. V. Dodwell (New Farm). Her prreat-prandchildren are the sixth generation of the family to be born in Australia.

 

Campbell and Plumridge Timber and Chocolates

101 Christian Street, Clayfield

The initial start of this post was an advertisement in the Real Estate section of Brisbane's Courier Mail. The colour pictorial of the address 101 Christian Street, Clayfield depicted a very original and wonderfully kept timber home that definitely is distinctive. The research started and in Trove an advertisement was found of the house being auctioned in 1950. 

The Courier Mail, Friday December 1, 1950

In seventy two years the structural appearance of the home has not changed. The owners and I believe the original owners were Eric Plumridge and Jessie Muriel Plumridge (nee Campbell). Marriage references and electoral roll records show that this would have been their first home after newly married in 1920. Eric Plumridge's full name was John Eric Ewing Plumridge. They were married in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Anne Street and was the union of two very staunch Presbyterian and Scottish families. Jessie Campbell was the eldest daughter of Charles William Campbell of Campbell and Sons Timber Merchants and the grandduaghter of James Campbell the founder of the Campbell timber, brick and building empire. In 1995, Campbell’s Timber and Hardware was absorbed into the BBC Hardware chain and in 2001, that was absorbed into Bunnings.

Eric and Jessie Plumridge 

On the electoral roll of 1921 the newly married Eric and Jessie were living at "Durris-deer" Christian Street, Clayfield. The name thay had given to 101 Christian Street did have a wonderful scottish connection in that Durris Forest is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Eric is listed as a confectioner. Confectionary was the family business of Plumridge Pty. Ltd. The home of Eric and Jessie Plumridge "Durris-deer" or 101 Christian Street in 1921 would have definitely been a marvellous example of Queensland timber and style.

http://heritage.saintandrews.org.au/john-edward-selves-plumridge/

The following article about Eric and Jessie Plumridge is taken from the St. Andrew's church heritage web site "Lives, Links and Heritage" written by Ian Carnell AM.

Eric and Jessie

In 1920 at Saint Andrew’s Eric and Jessie Muriel Campbell (a daughter of Charles William Campbell and a cousin of Frank and Douglas Campbell – also listed on the Honour Boards) were married by the Rev. Dr Ernest Merrington.

Jessie taught bookkeeping at the Commercial College and kept the books for Plumridge Pty Ltd.  Alex Penhaligon recalls Jessie completing journal and ledger entries ‘by fountain pen, in perfect script, in large leather-bound books with marbled page edges. Mr Hoge, the company auditor, never found an error in my grandmother’s work’.

Beyond his work in the confectionery business (in which Eric was highly regarded by business contacts for his ethical approach), Eric was very involved with Saint Andrew’s Church – serving as a member of the Committee of Management, and later as one of the Elders.  He conducted several fund-raising campaigns for the St Andrew’s Hospital in Brisbane.

Like his parents Eric was a keen participant in yachting.  He also had a lifelong enthusiasm for photography (his first job was in that field) and travel.  He and Jessie lived for many years at 101 Christian Street, Clayfield  – with Jack joining them there after Annie died – and later Eric and Jessie built in Holland Park, next to daughter Jessie Elizabeth Ewing (known as ‘Betty’), who married a returned 2nd AIF Army Corporal and prisoner of war, Roy Penhaligon at Saint Andrew’s in 1945.

Eric passed away in 1982, and Jessie two years later in 1984 - their ashes were placed at Mt Thompson in the niche next to that holding Jack's ashes.

Eric and Jessie Plumridge move to 72 Reuben Street, Holland Park to be closer to their grandchildren and daiughter.

The H Look in Houses, Reuben Street Holland Park

Saturday October 9 1954 The Courier Mail

 "Isdale" 37 Bellevue Street, Clayfield

Charles William Campbell the youngest son of James Campbell timber merchant. lived with 100 metres of his oldest daughter Jessie Plumridge. It was not far to walk to the local Prebyterian Church on the corner of Christian and Bellevue Streets, Clayfield. Charles Walter Campbell or C. W. as he was known as lived opposite the church.

In 1909 W. C. Campbell lived in Bellevue Street. I am confident in saying that the current house at 37 Bellevue did not exist then but the 1919 electoral roll has C. W. at 37 Bellevue Street and also Jessie Muriel listed there as well. Jessie married Eric Plumridge in 1920 and when they built their new home it was literally just around the corner from Charles William and Minnie Campbell her parents. The current house at 37 Bellevue Street may have been built early 1920s as it is a very fine example of an early brick home for that period. 

The following is taken from the online biography of James Campbell. The brother in reference here is John Dunmore Campbell. John Dunmore was baptised by the Rev. John Dunmore Lang and this Campbell carved out his own piece of early Queensland history. Seventeen years younger than the more noted older brother Charles William Campbell may have appeared to have led a more subdued life. Starting out as a traveller in the family company C. W. Campbell made his own contribution to early Brisbane and in partucular Hamilton Town and ward.

His brother Charles William (1871-1949) was born in Brisbane on 28 May 1871 and educated at Brisbane Grammar School. Managing the firm's Albion sawmill, he pioneered the export of Queensland timber to Melbourne by rail. He was an alderman of the Hamilton Municipal Council in 1912-19 and mayor in 1916-17; when Hamilton was absorbed by 'Greater Brisbane', he represented the suburb on the Brisbane City Council in 1926-31. Chairman of the Clayfield Nationalist Political Association, he was president of the Queensland Employers' Federation for fourteen years and was connected also with the Brisbane Timber Merchants' and Timber Export associations, and the Queensland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In his youth he was a well-known boxer and crack rifle-shot. In April 1897 he had married Minnie Hill; they had six children. He died at Clayfield on 3 July 1949 and was cremated. His estate was valued for probate at £33,584 in Queensland and £3181 in New South Wales.

James Campbell

While this post is not about James Campbell he is linked to both these houses. James the father of one owner and the grandfather of the other house owner. Below is further reading to provide the background of a young scottish immigrant who created an empire within 50 years of arriving in Brisbane. 

The online biography of James Campbell and Sons 

https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/campbell-james-5490

Centenary Celebrations for James Campbell and Sons

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/101723844

The advertisement below is from Wikimedia Commons

Death of James Campbell

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 11 April 1904, page 5

---

Death of MR. JAMES CAMPBELL. -----------

Early This Mornlng.

Mr. James Campbell, founder of the well known firm of J. Campbell and Sons, Limited, died at a very early hour this morning at Camona, Kelvin Grove, at the age of 74, which advanced period he attained on March 6 last. Thus a very old and very highly respected citizen of Brisbane has passed away. 

Mr. Campbell was born at the picturesque town of Auchterarder, in the picturesque Scottish county of Perthshire, on 6th March, I830. His parents intended him for the Presby-terian Church ministry, but he preferred manual labour, and apprenticed himself to a plasterer. After working at his trade or some years he resolved to emigrate to a new country. He thought of America, but by information dissemi-nated by the late Rev. Dr. Lang, his attention was diverted to Australia. By this time he was married, and with Mrs. Canmbell he sailed for Queensland in the ship John Fielding, arriving at Bris-bane in June, 1858. There was but little doing here in the plastering line then, so he worked at other trades or occupations for about a year, after which he started in business for himself. 

The various enter-prises he entered on grew into the great industrial concerns which now form the business of the present limited company bearing his name. This business, as everybody knows, includes sawmilling, brick making, pottery manufacturing, cement making, and the importation of building materials. It goes without saying that he was a shrewd business man ; and if he was not always mild of temper he was invariably generous and so charitable that it is believed that during his time he gave away a fortune or two in aiding his fellow men. A pro-gressive Liberal in politics, he was one of those who assisted to secure the first election of the late Sir Charles Lillev for Fortitude Valley. He was also a leading promoter of the old Liberal Association. Entering municipal life, he was for two years an alderman of the City Council, and he also served on the Ithaca Divisional Board. 

He had six sons and three daughters. The eldest surviving son is Mr. J. D. Camp-beil, M.L.A., managing director of J. Campbell and Sons, Limited. The others are Messrs. J. M., H. E., G. P., and C. W. Campbell, who are directors of the company. One boy died in infancy. Mr. Henry E. Campbell, who is named in the foregoing list, is the manager for Burns, Philp, and Co. in London. The eldest daughter was the first wife of the Hon. R. Philp, another is the wife of Mr. J. Forsyth, M.L.A., and the third is the widow of the late Hon. W. Aplin, M.L.C. Ald. Campbell, the well known member of the City Council and the extensive soap manufacturer, and Mr. J. Campbell, manager of the brickworks at Redbank, are surviving brothers. Mrs. John Munro, of Wooloowin, and Mrs. Thomas Petrie, of North Pine, are sisters. 

The late Mr. Campbell was laid down by an attack of influenza last year. This was lightly considered by this particularly hearty veteran. Unfortunately a series of other complications ensued, and his case has given rise to much interest in medical circles, more especially so as his heart was in a very sound condition. However, he succumbed to his illness about half-past 12 this morning. The funeral is fixed to leave Kelvin Grove at 11 to-morrow morning. This morning the numerous employees intimated to the heads of the departments their desire to join the funeral procession and walk to the cemetery. It has therefore been decided that they shall meet at the Normanby at 11, or soon after, and join the cortege on its arrival at that point from Kelvin Grove. The late Mr. Campbell was a special advocate of physical culture, and his name will long be treasured in athletic circles as one of the originators and chief supporters of the Brisbane Gymnasium.

The Plumridge Confectionary Industry

Plumridge House

Former chocolate factory in Fortitude Valley

https://www.plumridgehouse.com.au/

https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/2098

The following taken from the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register

188 Barry Parade (formerly known as Susan Street) was built in 1900-1901 and was the first of these brick buildings to be constructed. The confectionery manufacturers Bouchard, Plumridge and Rankin Brothers first appear in the Post Office Directories in 1901 at 41 Susan Street, Fortitude Valley. They had purchased the property (subdivisions 40 & 50 of 87) in 1900. The business was known as Bouchard, Plumridge and Rankin Brothers until 1911 when it was renamed Bouchard and Plumridge and in 1912 it became Plumridge Ltd. In 1921 the adjoining building (on the right-hand side) was constructed. Built by contractor H. Robert for ?7500 the four storey brick building was the second of a set of three to be constructed for the confectionery manufacturers Plumridge Ltd. At this time, the Valley was experiencing substantial growth as the prosperity of the 1920s fuelled both a flurry of construction in the Valley heart and the desire of Brisbane residents for the most modern shopping experience. In addition to the construction of a large number of new, usually masonry buildings, many existing premises were altered or extended in an effort to attract business. In 1936, when the company purchased the building at 166 Barry Parade, this building was leased out to Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company and Plumridge Pty Ltd began operating out of the building at 166 Barry Parade. 

Bonnybrae A Stewart's Rest

Bonnybrae built in the 1890 period was the first home for Robert L. Stewart and his new bride. The first reference to the home is in a newspaper of 1896 notifying of a social event to be held at the home. Today the home appears to be in some form of renewal but from all appearances still maintains the precense of a grand home situated in one of Brisbane's most scenic positions. The city skyline of today would not have been a feature in 1896. For those who were seated or standing on the grand verandahs of Bonnybrae they would have had views across the river and town. The backdrop of the hills to the west would have definitely been a feature of the entertainment evenings at sundown.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 26 September 1896, page 6

LADIES COLUMNS.

SOCIAL DOINGS

Bonnybrae, the pretty riverside residence of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Stewart, Galloway's Hill, was on fete, on Tuesday evening, the occasion being the third anniversary of their wedding day. The spacious verandas were enclosed and formed admirable dancing and supper rooms. The decorations, in excellent taste, were of ferns, palms, festoons of flowers, and fairy lamps. The guests assembled early in the evening, and were entertained at a good old fashioned high tea. Dainty refreshments were also provided at intervals during the evening. Music and other amusements occupied those who did not indulge in dancing. Mrs. Stewart, the hostess, wore a very pretty cream crepon frock with berthe of real lace. Mrs. Walker, black dress, handsome trimmings in strawberry silk and gimp; Mrs. J. Stewart, very handsome gown of white surah with black lace trimmiugs ; Mrs. Fleming, black skirt, blouse bodice of white Indian muslin ; Mrs. Carr, black costume ; Mrs. W. Ewart, blank skirt, blouse of white Indian muslin, pretty crossed fichu of black chiffon ; Mrs. W. Young, black silk skirt, blouse of pink mousselline de sole, lace collarette ; the Misses Stewart, twin sisters, were dressed alike in pretty cream costumes ; Miss Hunter, black serge skirt, pretty blouse of cream Indian muslin and lace ; Miss Macdonald, handsome black silk dress with white silk trimmings ; Miss Carr, black skirt, effective lace silk blouse ; Misses F. and E. Brown, black skirts, pretty light-coloured bodices. Cheers for the host and hostess, and “Auld Lang Syne" heartily sang in orthodox Scotch fashion, terminated this most enjoyable social function. 

The story of Bonnybrae starts with John Stewart the father of Robert L. Stewart.

 John Stewart

A scottish farmer from Ayr in Scotland he started a dairy at Eagle Farm in 1878. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Queensland Dairy Association in 1888. He was a prominent member of the East Moreton Farmer's Assocoiation which evolved into the (Royal) National Association in 1875. The event we today know as the "Ekka" had its first roots in the East Moreton Farmer's Association.

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Tuesday 13 August 1935, page 21

60 YEARS' RECORD OF PROGRESS

History of Association HALLMARK OF SUCCESS

The Jubilee Year of the Royal National Association will be celebrated officially by a commemoration dinner on the Tuesday of Exhibition Week. This glorified birthday party of an association, which began its career of useful endeavour in the interests of the State in 1875, will provide a happy meeting ground for exhibitors and officials of many years' standing, and will set the seal and hallmark of success on a continuous record of progress and achievement by an organisation that has played a notable part in the development of Queensland's primary and secondary resources.

 FORMATION

In 1875 the history of the Royal National Association may be said to have actually begun in 1866, the date of the formation of the East Moreton Farmers' Association, with which body the National Association amalgamated and subsequently absorbed. When it became known that there was a likelihood of the East Moreton farmers' Association winding up a neeting of delegates from several disrict societies was held in the Town Hall in 1875 under the presidency of Governor Cairns, at which it was decided to form an association with the object of encouraging and fostering agricultural, pastoral, and industrial development. Such were the relatively humble beginnings of the association, which staged its first show at Bowen Park in August 21, 1876. It was somewhat grandiloquently called 'the In-er-Colonial Exhibition.' There were 17,000 persons present when Governor Cairns officially opened the show, and the first day's receipts from the gates amounted to between £800 and £900. The building erected to house the first year's exhibits was found to be altogether inadequate, and two roomy temporary annexes were promptly built. So rapidly did the show increase in popularity that in 1887 additions had to be made to the Exhibition Hall, and 100 stalls were erected for the accommodation of horses and other live stock. Within a, very few years £15,000 had been spent on improvements, which included the construction of a huge pipe sewer through the ground, permitting the reclamation of all that land now comprising the oval, and also the erection of a secretary's residence and many stalls for the housing of cattle and horses. 

AREA GROWS The original area of Bowen Park allotted to the association amounted to little more than 17 acres, and extended from Bowen Bridge Road to Brookes Street. Owing to the swampy creek which passed completely across the grounds only two-thirds of this land was available for exhibition purposes, but the ground was filled in and levelled at considerable cost, and the council laid the foundation of a show ring and sports oval unsurpassed in the Commonwealth. In later years more grounds have been added, until to-dav the total area is 45 acres.

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 18 December 1886, page 7

AYRSHIRE DAIRY.

I beg to thank my numerous Customers throughout the City and Suburbs for their liberal support during tho past 2 and a half years, and having recently added to my stock of Prize Ayrshire Cows a fresh lot Imported from New Zealand, I take this opportunity of assuring them that they may rely as previously on a continual Supply of Good MILK. Thanking the inspectors for their efforts to establish a legitimate trade in milk.

(Signed) JOHN STEWART. Eagle Farm,

18th December, 1880.

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Wednesday 22 February 1888, page 2

Queensland National Association.

The Editor.

Sir,— In a recent issue of your paper ' Committeeman ' very ably brings before the reading public a few facts aboutt the working of the Queensland National Association which will, we trust, be a profitable subject of discussion to that august body. It really i ssurprising that abody that professes to help forward the cause of agriculture, the mainstay of the colony, should reject with such contempt the propositions of Mr. McAndrew, as representative of the East Moreton Farmers' Association. All we wish is to have the agricultural community represented on the committee of the Queensland National Association by a few practical, energetic men like Mr. McAndrew, and we should then have farming interests taking the place in their discussions which they deserve if we are to compete successfully with the southern colonies and New Zealand iu dairy products, a little more encouragement must be given to our struggling farmers, in the form of substantial prizes for tho best managed farms, stock, etc , on tho lines recently initiated by the East Moreton Farmers' Association. I notice with plensure that a special prize has been awarded by the East Moreton Farmers' Astociation to Mr. John Stewart, of Eagle Farm, for the best managed dairy, and I think this gentleman quite deserving of this favour for his really excellent stock of Ayrshire cattle. Sir Thomas McIllwraith, with his usual generosity, presented a special prize at the last exhibition for the best Ayrshire heifer, bred in Queensland ; and now that he has been elected chairman of the Queensland National Association, I trust that the real excellence of this Emperior breed of cattle will be fully recognised, and agricultural interests in general have a greater share of the attention of the committee. — Yours, &c., Dairy Farmer

Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Wednesday 4 December 1912, page 6

FUNERAL NOTICES. 

 FUNERAL NOTICE.—The Friends of the late JOHN STEWART, sen., are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, to move from his residence, Riverview, Heckelmann street, Eagle Farm, TO-MORROW (Thursday) AFTER-noon, at 2 o'clock, for the South Bris-bane Cemetery. By request, no flowers. JOHN HISLOP & SONS, Funeral Directors.

Robert L. Stewart

R. L. Stewart became the next generation of children raised with a farming background and in this case specifically dairying. He turned his family background into his future life and business ventures. Robert's brother John Stewart Jnr. continued on the Stewart dairy business after John Stewart senior's death in 1912. 

Robert L. Stewart or R. L. as he was commonly known in the newspapers went into partnership with his brother in law Robert Walker to create the produce business known as Stewart and Walker. Their specialty was dairy products and for more than 30 years were the agents for the world famous Pittsworth cheese made under the control of the Pittsworth Dairy Company on the Darling Downs. In 1934 the firm of Stewart and Walker was dissolved with retirement for the principal players being on the horizon. Sadly in 1935 Robert L. Sturt died in Fremantle on return from his fifth overseas trip.

Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903 - 1926), Friday 29 February 1924, page 20

STEWART & WALKER.

Queensland is now the leading State of the Commonwealth for the production of cheese. The firm of Stewart, and Walker. handles the output of the Pittsworth Dairy Company's six up to date factories, two of which have the latest pasteurizing plants. The quality of their product grades high, and is well-known in all .the leading markets of the world. The large 1 1/2 ton cheese in the Queensland courts of the Empire Exhibition was made by this company. Production in Queensland will forge ahead now that a good season is assured, and cotton respectfully will be reported in over increasing quantities. One of the firm, Mr. Walker, hopes to visit the Exhibition about the middle of May. 

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Saturday 14 July 1934, page 18

EMPLOYEES ENTERTAINED BY PRINCIPALS

Bonnybrae, the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Stewart, at Norman Park, was the scene of an interesting gathering when the employees of the firm of Messrs. Stewart and Walker were entertained at a high tea on the occasion of the principals' retirement from business. The guests were received by Mr. and Mrs. Stewart and Mr. Walker, Mrs. Walker being unable to attend through illness. Mr. Stewart, in the course of a brief speech, reviewed the history of the firm, which was founded in 1887, and expressed appreciation of the services of the employees, one of whom had been with the firm for 37 years. At his request Mrs. Stewart presented to each employee a sealed envelope containing a cheque. Mr. Walker, in happy vein, recalled memories of the days when horses and carts did duty for the motor vehicles of to-day. He also expressed appreciation of the services of the employees. Each employee in turn expressed regret at the termination of the old firm, and wished the retiring employers many , happy years in the future. Toasts were drunk with musical honours. The house was decorated with marigolds and Iceland poppies.

Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Tuesday 18 June 1935, page 25

Obituary

Mr. Robert L. Stewart

A wide circle of friends in country districts, Northern towns, as well as in Brisbane and England, will regret to hear of the death of Mr. Robert L. Stewart, of 'Bonnybrae,' Norman Park, at a private hospital in Freenantle. Only a few weeks ago Mr. and Mrs. Stewart left Brisbane on their fifth trip abroad. Mr. Stewart became seriously ill after leaving Fremantle, and he and his wife landed at Colombo and embarked by the Otranto on the return journey. His illness developed rapidly, and he died on May 29 a few hours after Fremantle was reached. When radio messages were received in Brisbane of his condition, Mr. Charles Stewart (manager of the Union Trustees) travelled by air and train 3500 miles in four days, and was in time to meet his brother. The funeral took place on Friday morning from St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, of which he had been a member for 50 years, and an elder for many years. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Sinclair, Dr. Gibson, and the Rev. W. C. Radcllffe. Mr. Stewart's early business training was received in a large- firm in Glasgow, and some 50 years ago he obtained a position with the late George Harris, a prominent figure in the Brisbane business community, remaining with Mr. Harris as confidential clerk until the death of that gentleman. He then entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. John Walker, as Stewart and Walker, dairy produce merchants, retiring a few months ago after 47 years' partnership, when the firm ceased business. Mr. Stewart was of a retiring disposition, and took no part in public affairs, although a keen student of world problems. In his young days he was a cyclist, competing successfully on the old snorts t?round at Toowoner, and will.be kindly remembered bv many athletes of the old brigade. In more recent years he became a bowler, and was an esteemed member of the Balmoral Club. He was a son of the late Mr. John Stewart, who was a well-known breeder and successful exhibitor of Ayrshire cattle at (he Brisbane shows some 20 vears ago. In addition to his widow, two brothers and a sister survive.

Bonnybrae to those who observe it today stands as a reminder of those grand colonial Queensland homes that once were the property of the wealthier Brisbane citizen. If those timber walls could speak there would be an amazing dialogue of the social entertainment that took place. If it was built in 1893 Bonnybrae would have had a "front row" seat to the floods of that year. This Stewart family played an integral part in the early dairy industry of Queensland.  Bonnybrae's precense today is a reminder to the history of the dairying industry. The house provided a home for this family of Scot's known as Stewart and the part they palyed in Queensland's early dairy industry.

Daniel Kelly's Spring Hill Duplex

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

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

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

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

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

355 Wickham Terrace A Place of Many Names and Purposes

 

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

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

This is the Heritage Register listing for 355 Wickham Terrace.

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

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

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

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

For Sale in 1883

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

FOR SALE 1883

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

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

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

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8

WICKHAM TERRACE

ON THE GROUND IMPORTANT SALE

CITY PROPERTIES 

CORNER OF WICKHAM TERRACE AND LILLEY STREET

GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 

CALLANDER HOUSE

WOODEN COTTAGE

2 COTTAGES IN LILLEY STBEET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Education Institution on Wickham Terrace

Girls Grammar School

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

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

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

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

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

MRS. O'CONNOR'S Boarding and Day School

CALLANDER HOUSE.

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

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

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

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

Prominent Brisbane Residents of 355 Wickham Terrace

Reverend Joseph Buckle

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

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

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DEATH OR REV. JOSEPH BUCKLE.

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

Joseph Espie Dods

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

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

DR. ESPIE DODS.

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

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

Theosophical Society and Besant House

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

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

THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

BESANT HOUSE WICKHAM TERRACE. 7 30. 

MR. GEORGE MORRIS

MAN: WHENCE, HOW, and WHITHER? 

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

Besant House

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

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

Anna Besant May be Chief of Theosophists

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

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