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25.01.2022 Oh dear! Ann's in trouble again the following year! This time with her husband!! (See previous post). Thomas Stonebridge established one of Brisbane's early brick-making industries at Kangaroo Point and also owned a lot of land in the area. He died in 1887 and left a decent estate. Guess who was one of the beneficiaries- his wife Ann! I guess they made up! "Classified Advertising" The Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 - 1864) 2 January 1862: 3. Web. 1 Sep 2020
24.01.2022 Absolutely fascinating alright!
24.01.2022 Well hello there gorgeous! Check out the timber details inside this one! And the adorable dining nook off the kitchen! And the lino! And the bay window! And the plaster ceilings! And the bathroom... okay, not so much the bathroom although it is still kind of cool as it has its original 20s/30s green sheeting with dark cover strips in the bath recess! (see the photos from my previous post about this stuff in the comments) https://www.realestate.com.au/property-QPT-qld-CORINDA-1344 TThe Public Trustee of Queensland
24.01.2022 SWEET BABY RAY! Put your sunnies on before viewing this retro extravaganza!! WOW! Huge thanks to Scott for sending me this through (with an appropriate viewing warning ;) ) https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-macgregor-... Ray White Eight Mile Plains
24.01.2022 Dear Santa, I found what I want for Christmas!!! Absolutely STUNNING house MASSIVE block Secret passage (?!) ... Heritage listed Original interior features Decorative cast iron Fancy ye-olde name: "Ferguslea" Massive thanks to Renee for sending this through! Being sold by Alma Clark Real Estate Ascot https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-clayfield-
23.01.2022 Scott recently got in touch with me to ask about the light shown in one of the bedrooms in this AMAZING house at Coorparoo. His question was whether I have ever seen another house with the bedroom light fitting hanging low in one corner, in this case over a dressing table. He said he couldn't find a mark in the centre of the ceiling to suggest that the light was there originally. I haven't come across one like this before, have any of you? Here's the full listing if you want to see how untouched this beauty is (and buy it for me! ) https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-coorparoo- REMAX First Residential - Sales & Property Management
23.01.2022 I drove past this building today and it reminded me that I took some photos of it a little while ago and that I should share them! It’s the JPC Building at 327 George Street, Brisbane. Although not one of the largest or most spectacular city buildings, it has an absolutely fascinating history! It was built in 1916 as the headquarters for the business Jenyns Patent Corsets and you can still see these initials on the parapet at the top of the building. The business was estab...lished by Ebenezer Jenyns, who switched from producing surgical instruments to manufacturing corsets and female undergarments. Ebenezer and his wife, Sarah Ann Jenyns, who was a nurse at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, experimented with designs for a new corset that had medical applications in addition to being a fashion accessory. By 1914, the Jenyns had patented their design as the Jenyns Patent Reducing & Supporting Corset. In 1916, Sarah purchased the building at 321 George Street which they had been leasing (now 327 George Street). The architectural firm of Chambers and Powell designed their new building, which was completed by builder Blair Cunningham later the same year. Although the corsets were made in their Fortitude Valley factory, the George Street building was the shop front and headquarters for the business. Clients also came there for personal fittings. Unusually for the time, Sarah was strongly involved in the business and in addition to owning the land, she was responsible for forming the Jenyns Patent Corset Company in 1922 and oversaw the expansion of the company in the 1930s. Despite the decline in popularity of the corset over the following decades, the Jenyns product range continued to expand into the 1950s and they were still manufacturing surgical corsets right up until the 1990s. You can read more history and see photos of the corsets being modelled at this great website: http://www.corsetiere.net/Spirella/Jenyns.htm You can also read more about the history in the BCC heritage citation here: https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/1998 Old photos and adverts from State Library of Queensland except where noted otherwise.
22.01.2022 I was only just contemplating this morning about the difference between ladies underwear of the past and what we wear today (yes, I know, Im a bit weird ), then this post popped up in my feed! These are from the amazing historical clothing collection held at Miegunyah House Museum. https://www.facebook.com/382573505156804/posts/3447933555287435/?extid=LYnwop8vXtl47V2y&d=n
22.01.2022 I learnt so much yesterday at the informative talk by Friends of South Brisbane Cemetery about headstone symbols. They can tell you so much about a person beyond the text inscribed! This headstone (Alexander Stewart Angus) was a great example, containing the Freemasonry emblem, an anchor (he was a Master Mariner) and grape vine with sheaths of wheat. Although I knew the first two, I had no idea that the latter represented until the talk. Apparently the vine represents Christi...an faith and the grapes Christs miracles and abundance. Wheat represents a good afterlife, riches or the continuation of life. However, I did some more reading this morning and found that grapes and wheat together can also represent the sacrament of bread and wine. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the symbols are religious in nature. #cemeteries #southbrisbanecemetery #friendsofsouthbrisbanecemetery #headstonesymbols #gravestones #cemeterysymbols #graves
22.01.2022 I'm researching a house at Kangaroo Point at the moment and just came across this 1860 ad in the newspaper! I have so many questions!!! What exactly was Ann saying about ol' Lizzie??? "Classified Advertising" The Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 - 1861) 8 May 1860: 3. Web. 1 Sep 2020
21.01.2022 Fabulous news! Ravenswood is an absolute heritage gem, so it's wonderful to see these chimneys being restored! Maurie and his son Alek are fourth and fifth generation brick specialists and have worked on so many of our incredible heritage buildings. They do amazing, painstaking, detailed work. You can have a look at some of their other projects here: http://www.mozbiz.com.au/gallery.php
21.01.2022 Did any one else read Trixie Belden books as a kid? I absolutely loved Them! These books were the very beginning of me loving detective work and mystery stories! Dad used to take me to the second hand book shop opposite my primary school at Sherwood and I’d pick one out. Just seeing the covers brought back so many great memories! http://theconversation.com/my-favourite-detective-trixie-be
20.01.2022 Oooh this sounds like it will be a fabulous exhibition for those of us who love Modernist architecture and/or art, especially the Bauhaus school of design!! It's at the Museum of Brisbane and although you do need to book, it's FREE!! https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/bauhaus-now/
20.01.2022 My lovely friend Sarah sent me this and although I don't necessarily agree with all of it, it is certainly thought provoking. One person's comment exactly summed up my feelings: "There is beautiful architecture of every type, but I think one of the big things weve lost is local harmony and relatability". What are your thoughts? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgNxLiuwFDY&feature=youtu.be
19.01.2022 I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I am about to start researching my 100th house history as The House Detective!! Thank you so much to all of my wonderful clients who have hired me to uncover the stories and secrets of their homes and enabled me to do what I love for a living! Thank you also to my Facebook page community, you have no idea how much joy it brings me to share the fascinating tidbits I find with all of you!
18.01.2022 What a fabulous photo! Queensland State Archives
18.01.2022 What an incredible snapshot into life in Brisbane in 1964! Amazing! It features trams, Cloudland, City Hall, CBD streets and shops, clothing, houses, interiors, Roma Street Markets, footy games and sexist stereotypes! It is Episode 1 of the Life in Australia series, which was made to "encourage immigration to Australia and to highlight the various social activities, employment and educational opportunities and lifestyles of the various cities and regional centres throughout ...Australia. This film shows an idyllic picture of life in the Queensland capital of Brisbane in the mid 1960s." I.e HEY EVERYONE, COME SEE HOW GREAT WE ARE! ;) Made by the Commonwealth Film Unit 1964. Directed by Robert Parker and now available in 4K HD. Film Australia Collection NFSA. NFSA - National Film and Sound Archive of Australia https://youtu.be/KbukeJZftOs Lost Brisbane Lost Queensland Vintage Queensland Paddington Then and Now
17.01.2022 The drama continues! This time Ann is saying that Thomas deserted her and he is ordered to pay her support! (See previous posts) "CITY POLICE COURT." The Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934) 22 November 1879: 8. Web. 1 Sep 2020
17.01.2022 Has anyone else been watching this fantastic show? I'm enjoying it so much! It is such a great insight into how (some) people lived in Australia in the past. I would watch it just for the clothes though, especially the 1920s costumes! https://iview.abc.net.au/sh/further-back-in-time-for-dinner ABC TV + iview
16.01.2022 GREENMOUNT HOMESTEAD - ALBUM 4 The absolutely gorgeous bedrooms are featured in this fourth album of the wonderful Greenmount Homestead. Next album: THE AMAZING ART DECO BATHROOM!! The house was built in 1915 as a home for Albert and Vida Cook. Albert Alfred Cook was the son of Kennedy district pioneer, John Cook, who took up Balnagowan Station, not far from where Greenmount is today. Greenmount Homestead was designed by Mackay architect, William Sykes, based on Albert'...s rough plans. The house was built by local Walkerston builders Arthur Carter & Co. The fireplace, mantelpiece and a number of furniture items were moved to the new house from Balgowan and remain on display today. You can read the full history of this wonderful house in the Queensland Heritage Register entry here: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/, find out more about visiting here: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//histo/greenmount_homestead or see the house on an episode of "Building Australia" here: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//greenmou/building_australia Visit Mackay, Queensland, Australia Mackay Regional Council
15.01.2022 It's not everyday that I research a house with a BALLROOM!!! That will give you some idea of the grandeur of this incredible house! Read its history and drool over the photos at the link below. You can also uncover the connection between the house, Brisbane City Hall and the New Farm Powerhouse! https://www.housedetective.com.au/maritimo Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society... Vintage Queensland Bygone Brisbane & Vintage Queensland Old Brisbane Album Lost Brisbane See more
15.01.2022 GREENMOUNT HOMESTEAD - ALBUM 5 THE AMAZING ART DECO BATHROOM!! I've saved the best until last for you! Behold the unexpected splendour that is Greenmount Homestead's bathroom!! Oh and the toilets too- but they are umm far more utilitarian! The house was built in 1915 as a home for Albert and Vida Cook. Albert Alfred Cook was the son of Kennedy district pioneer, John Cook, who took up Balnagowan Station, not far from where Greenmount is today. Greenmount Homestead was des...igned by Mackay architect, William Sykes, based on Albert's rough plans. The house was built by local Walkerston builders Arthur Carter & Co. The fireplace, mantelpiece and a number of furniture items were moved to the new house from Balgowan and remain on display today. You can read the full history of this wonderful house in the Queensland Heritage Register entry here: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/, find out more about visiting here: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//histo/greenmount_homestead or see the house on an episode of "Building Australia" here: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//greenmou/building_australia Visit Mackay, Queensland, Australia Mackay Regional Council
15.01.2022 I'm FINALLY working my way through all the photos from my Mackay trip and I just HAD to share this one, as it was one of my favourite buildings! The Sugar Research Institute was designed by Karl Langer and constructed in 1953 by builder Don Johnstone. Initially, only the eastern wing was constructed and the western wing wasn't designed until 1963, when Mackay architect, H. V. M. Brown, based the plans on Langer's original design. This second stage opened August 1966. The row ...of royal palms along the front fence were planted in 1954 and represent the Sugar Research Institute's member mills. In addition to being a stunning Modernist building on the outside, it also it contained offices, boardroom, drawing office and a library and lecture room on the ground floor. The first floor contained research laboratories. There was also workshops, stores and a machinery room on the site. Paddocks behind the site were used for experiments in growing cane and there was also a residence on site for the director. As the name of the Sugar Research Institute suggests, its role was to undertake research into the production of sugar, the major industry in the Mackay region. This included investigating ways to improve the efficiency, productivity and quality and reduce the costs of all aspects of the industry, from growing the cane, harvesting, transportation and milling. Twenty-five years after being established, the Institute's research had introduced improvements in mill technology that, amongst other things, tripled sugar production. If you are interested in more details on the research and improvements, I highly recommend reading the entry in the QLD Heritage Entry here: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/ I would have loved to take a peek inside (especially at the laboratories, being an ex-chemist) but unfortunately the site is currently under re-development into a Catholic College and was not accessible. It will be great to see the building brought back to life in the near future though! #visitmackay #mackay #mymackay #meetmackayregion #mackaycitycentre #queenslandheritage #qldhistory #heritagebuildings #mackayhistory #housedetective Visit Mackay, Queensland, Australia Mackay Regional Council Mackay, Queensland Have you seen the Old Mackay Councillor Fran Mann Kitten Vintage Mackay McDougall Furniture Restoration
15.01.2022 Many of us Brisbanites will be familiar with, and have fond memories of, Metro Arts, which has inhabited 109 Edward Street for 40 years. This wonderful six-storey building was built in 1889/90 by Captain George Poynter Heath and has served as a warehouse for household goods, biscuits, hats and supplies during World War II, as well as being used as government offices. Finally, it became the home of Brisbane Community Arts Centre in 1981 and the building's recent history is syn...onymous with the Brisbane arts scene. Now you can buy a book that "charts the living history of Metro Arts, from its gutsy DIY beginnings to its bright future." If you're interested in this great book, "Art Starts Here: 40 Years of Metro Arts", get your copy here: https://metroarts.com.au/book You can also read the full history of the building here: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/ Zenobia Frost
14.01.2022 I mentioned a little while ago about a secret project that the wonderful Debra Hilda Hood and I were working on... well here it is! She takes me on a tour of her wonderful MCM home at Carina, designed by John Dalton. We discuss its architecture, history and what she loves about it! Huge thank you to Alanna Jane McTiernan (www.lannie.com.au) for the concept, filming, editing and producing!
14.01.2022 This wonderful story by Sunshine State Home is a great example of how getting in touch with descendants of your home can provide a treasure trove of information that you would never find in documents alone! If you enjoy it as much as I did, make sure you subscribe to their YouTube channel while you're there, so you can follow their restoration of this beautiful house! I can't wait to see how it comes up! They also have a great Instagram account @sunshinestatehome. Okay, this is sounding a bit like a sponsored post but it's not I promise I just really love the house and story and how much they genuinely value the house and its history and I'm sure you all will too!
13.01.2022 Today in the life of the House Detective... I was searching for just the right image of a gable to use in a research guide I'm trying to write and came across this photo of a house at Sandgate. It's quite an unusual style and of course I couldn't help having a quick squiz to see if it was still there on Loudon Street. To my surprise, it appears it is! WOOHOO! Sandgate District History Sandgate & District Historical Society & Museum Inc Photo from State Library of Queensland
12.01.2022 Okay, so this map of Brisbane from 1855 is pretty cool in itself, but check out the drawings of buildings along the bottom!! It says they are of Mr McAdam's Sovereign Hotel, but of course I couldn't just leave it there- I needed to know more! The location is also shown on the map, it ran between Elizabeth and Queen Street on the block bounded by George and Albert Streets. I did a quick search and found another picture of the hotel from 1869, but it's looking a bit fancier by ...then! Newspapers tell me that George McAdam ran the Sovereign Hotel from at least 1849 until at least 1858, so this fits with the date of the map. If you want to zoom in on the detail, you can download a super high resolution version of this map at State Library of Queensland here: https://rosettagw.slq.qld.gov.au/d/IE423867-996962594702061 Lost Brisbane Lost Queensland Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society Vintage Queensland
12.01.2022 @alanna.mctiernan struggling to get a serious shot of Arthood - Debra Hood Art and I, but we were too busy talking and laughing #outtakes #secretproject #midcenturymodern #mcm #bts #behindthescenes #brisbanehomes #queenslandarchitecture
11.01.2022 Check out this real estate description below from 1885 for the estate in the image! You would think it was describing nirvana, but it was actually on Sandgate Road at Clayfield!! The sound of the ocean??? Ummm... as the crow flies it's 9-10km away! "THE NOBLE ESTATE needs no puffing. It is unique only in the fact that it has all advantages which have been ascribed to all other estates fairy knolls, woodland glades, picturesque views, permanent water, rich soil waiting for... the hand of man to touch into wealth of fruit and flower, fresh and uninterrupted breezes from the ocean to invigorate the feeble, to paint the cheek of the maiden, or to blossom in rose clusters on the round ripe faces of the children; the music of the perennial waters of Kedron Brook and the sonorous roll of the ocean" "Advertising" The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947) 25 December 1885: 8. Web. 19 Aug 2020
11.01.2022 How absolutely gorgeous is this painting!!!! I thought it was a photo at first! Love your work Philip Farley - Artist!
11.01.2022 Okay, I have a new favourite house!! I love this Mid-Century Modern inspired style! https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-yeronga-13 Domain realestate.com.au Matt Lancashire Ray White New Farm
10.01.2022 Looking forward to this fascinating talk on Secrets of Cemetery Symbols this morning! What a beautiful and peaceful setting, in the middle of South Brisbane Cemetery! Friends of South Brisbane Cemetery
10.01.2022 GREENMOUNT HOMESTEAD TOUR You've all seen the marvellous photos of Greenmount Homestead, now let me take you on a personalised tour of this wonderful heritage property!!! A big thanks to our wonderful guide Angela and keep an eye out for a special cameo by my mother-in-law, Alayne! :) ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTAako8txVA&feature=youtu.be Video by Matt Williams Photography Mackay Regional Council Mackay, QueenslandVisit Mackay, Queensland, Australia Sugar City Art Deco & Modernism Society Kitten Vintage Mackay Councillor Fran Mann
09.01.2022 I had a wonderful day with these two lovely ladies, Arthood - Debra Hood Art and @alanna.mctiernan, working on a little somethin somethin! #secretproject #midcenturymodern #mcm #bts #behindthescenes #brisbanehomes #queenslandarchitecture
09.01.2022 I just started researching a building in Cooroy and I am pretty excited to discover that the Cooroy Noosa Genealogical & Historical Group Inc have a great website and an absolutely wonderful collection of goodies for me to search! But even better - a lot of it is indexed!! Woohoo!! Love your work!!! https://www.genealogy-noosa.org.au/home Noosa Council
09.01.2022 GREENMOUNT HOMESTEAD Join me on a tour of the house here: https://youtu.be/nTAako8txVA... The house was built in 1915 as a home for Albert and Vida Cook. Albert Alfred Cook was the son of Kennedy district pioneer, John Cook, who took up Balnagowan Station, not far from where Greenmount is today. Greenmount Homestead was designed by Mackay architect, William Sykes, based on Albert's rough plans. The house was built by local Walkerston builders Arthur Carter & Co. The fireplace, mantelpiece and a number of furniture items were moved to the new house from Balgowan and remain on display today. You can read the full history of this wonderful house in the Queensland Heritage Register entry here: https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/ Find out more about visiting here: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//histo/greenmount_homestead or see the house on an episode of "Building Australia" here: https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//greenmou/building_australia Video by Matt Williams Photography
08.01.2022 The National Trust of Australia Queensland is hiring if any of you are interested! http://careers.nationaltrustqld.org.au/job-detai//7957693/
08.01.2022 Okay, it's been a while since I added a new house to my case files page on my website, but here you go! This was the first house I ever researched in Melbourne and it was absolutely fascinating! I also learnt about local suburban dairies and the Melbourne Orphan Asylum in the process! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed researching it! **If you recognise this distinctive house, please don't comment on its name or location to protect the owner's privacy, thanks!** https://www.housedetective.com.au/melb1
06.01.2022 Well my birthday has come early this year! Last night the absolutely lovely Emmi dropped off a package of heritage and history goodness! It is an absolute treasure trove of 1980s newspaper clippings about architecture and houses, for sale listings, house plan catalogues, photos of buildings at Petrie Terrace, photos of houses at St Lucia and so much more!! I cant wait to go through it all properly, but I guess I should do some actual work first. #bestpresentever #oldhouses #1980s #petrieterrace #stlucia #househistories #houseresearch #architecturalhistorian #housedetective @ Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
06.01.2022 One of my favourite parts of my job is when I hand over the final product to a client. I put so much time and effort into each and every one of my house histories, but seeing the recipient read it and marvel over the unique story of their house makes it so worthwhile and always brings a smile to my face! #historianlife #housedetective #househistories #architecturalhistorian #brisbanehistory #brisbanehomes #historicalresearch #kangaroopoint
06.01.2022 I wish I could get to Sydney for this event! Harry Seidler produced some outstanding architecture and this house he built for his mother in 1950 is sublime! Along with its collection of furniture and fittings, it truly is one of the finest examples of mid-century modern domestic architecture in Australia. One day I'll get to see it, one day! https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au//70th-anniversary-tour- Sydney Living Museums
05.01.2022 Oh WOW! Did someone say TIMBER?? Check out the stunning interiors of this gem at Salisbury! Please oh please don't let the new owners paint over it all! Nick Bowen - LJ Hooker https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-salisbury-
05.01.2022 Well hello there beautiful! I was out for a stroll this morning and came across this unexpectedly! I love stumbling upon the gems hidden in our local suburbs! The Spanish Mission style Greenslopes Baptist Church was built in 1933 and the hall added in 1951. The manse sits beside it, as does another house used by the church. You can read the full history here: https://heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au/heritage-places/804 #spanishmissionstyle #greenslopesbaptistchurch #greenslopes #brisbanebuildings #brisbanehistory #interwararchitecture #heritagebuildings #thehousedetective
05.01.2022 This house has been doing the rounds this week and although I can appreciate its uniqueness and innovation, Im not sure Id like to live in something that looks like a Maccas playground https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-karalee-13
03.01.2022 This looks like a great way to spend a Sunday morning... Well, if you like loitering in cemeteries I guess... and you know I do!!! Friends of South Brisbane Cemetery
03.01.2022 This is so awesome!! What a discovery!! Huge thanks to my bro for sending this through! ABC Brisbane ABC Australia ABC Northern Tasmania ABC Hobart
02.01.2022 How cool is this!! An antique shopping list! Flick the tabs across if you need to buy it. Very clever and more environmentally friendly than writing a paper list each time. Wouldn't work these days though, it would have to be 2 metres long!
02.01.2022 I was so honoured and excited to be the first guest interviewed by the wonderful Caylie and Kerry-Anne of Paddington Then and Now! Here's the link if you'd like to hear us discuss Brisbane history and homes and how to get started researching your house! The venue was just perfect- a secret(ish) room under the former stage at the former Plaza Theatre (now Empire Revival)! Heaven! https://youtu.be/AwkQUqaFVo8
02.01.2022 Want to see some absolutely spectacular historical evening dresses?? Check out the High Society exhibition at Miegunyah House Museum!
01.01.2022 A fascinating look at the first detailed maps of what would become Brisbane, surveyed in 1839! Kaye's knowledge of surveying and land management is phenomenal, she's one of those people whose brain I wish I could download into my own! Land Queensland
