Toowoomba Historical Society Inc in Toowoomba, Queensland | Landmark

Toowoomba Historical Society Inc

Locality: Toowoomba, Queensland

Phone: +61 7 4638 7362

Address: 49 Lindsay Street 4350 Toowoomba, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.toowoombahistory.org.au

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23.01.2022 St Patrick's Day (1892) featured an 'ethnic' tug-of-war competition. The Irish team was organised by Michael Heffernan of the Gowrie Road Hotel, the Scottish team by builder Alex Mayes (4 men short on the day), the Welsh team by saddler William Davies, the English side by J Walton (but failed to field a team), the Australian team by D T Dillon of the Brewery, the German team by Henry Schreiber (2 men short) and the Danish side by Frederick Jensen (failed to field a team). Teams (of 10 men) paid 25 shillings to compete and members could come from 30 miles around Toowoomba. It came down to Ireland versus Australia with the younger and heavier Australians winning the 25 pound prize.

22.01.2022 Maurice French is seeking the following. Please share to reach more people. The Union Hotel, corner of Ruthven & Herries Streets, closed in 1987. It was known as Wilson’s Union Hotel. Does anyone have a photo of Wilson’s Union Hotel? If so, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

21.01.2022 The Toowoomba Historical Society (THS) is requesting photos of Toowoomba's hotels and publicans from 1840 to the present. Either facebook the photos and information, or email [email protected]

21.01.2022 On Monday 16 March, Peter Cullen will give a talk entitled 'History Around Us: Our Houses'. Peter will examine the history of a number of Toowoomba houses including Claremont, Spreydon, Millbrook.... The talk is given at the Toowoomba Historical Society's rooms, 49 Lindsay Street, commencing at 7:30pm. This event is open to the public at no cost.

20.01.2022 Emeritus Professor Maurice Frence will present a talk on the history of the Reliance Foundry and the subsequent history of the Porritt family on the WA goldfields and in the Sri Lankan cricket establishment. Date : Monday 17 February. Time : 7:30 pm. Venue : Toowoomba Historical Society Rooms at 49 Lindsay Street. Cost : Free. Member of the public are welcome to attend.

19.01.2022 The first annual meeting of the Toowoomba Soldiers' Sock and Comfort Fund was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday 29 August, 1916. In December 1917, members of the fund were receiving letters from soldiers at the front thanking them for the Christmas Cheer boxes that they had received. A typical box contained a handkerchief, butterscotch, tinned sardines, cigarettes, peanuts and other goodies. They were labelled 'Christmas Greetings from Toowoomba'.

17.01.2022 In the early 1870s the Griffith family established their Toowoomba Foundry in Ruthven St and William Porritt established the Reliance Foundry in Russell St. For the next two decades these two firms were fierce rivals until the former took over the latter. Emeritus Professor Maurice Frence will present a talk on the history of the Reliance Foundry and the subsequent history of the Porritt family on the WA goldfields and in the Sri Lankan cricket establishment. Maurice is the former President of the Society and author of a number of books on Toowoomba and Darling Downs. The meeting will be at the Society’s Rooms, 49 Lindsay St, Toowoomba on Monday, 17 February 2020 at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. There is no cost associated with this presentation.

16.01.2022 DID YOU KNOW! The photos below are of Joseph Wonderley and Robert George Wonderley. Robert George Wonderley was born on 28 August 1865, the son of Joseph Wonderley and Sarah (nee Grenier), daughter of Thomas Grenier, a Brisbane merchant with extensive landholdings in Toowoomba. Joseph was a chemist and druggist operating the Toowoomba Medical Hall in Ruthven Street from 1862. Joseph served on the Municipal Council 1867-1871, being Mayor in 1868 and 1869, and was one of the fo...unders of the Toowoomba Gas & Coke Company. After taking articles with Toowoomba solicitor Charles William Hamilton (who resided at Simla), Robert was admitted as a solicitor in June 1891, working as a Proctor for Hamilton and eventually becoming a partner in Hamilton and Wonderley; the partnership was dissolved in June 1898 and shortly after the firm of Wonderley & Hall was established. Robert was a lieutenant in the Queensland Defence Force, a steward at the Toowoomba Turf Club, and one of the initiators of the Toowoomba Athletic Association. On 26 October 1892 he married Isabella (Isa) Robertson, daughter of John Holmes Robertson, well-known Toowoomba stationer and bookseller. Robert and Isabella lived at ‘Caloola’ in Taylor Street. Robert died on 6 March 1914. Their son, Charles Robertson Wonderley (born 5 October 1894), a student, enlisted as a private in 9th Battalion on 11 March 1916, sailed from Sydney on 24 January 1917 and, as a Lance Corporal in 47th Infantry Battalion, was awarded the Military Medal for his actions in scouting enemy lines north of Polygon Wood on the night of 30 September 1917. Promoted to Acting Sergeant, he was killed (aged 23) on the Amiens Road near Dernancourt on 5 April 1918; reports indicated he died from concussion from an exploding shell with no visible marks on his body. He is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery, near Picardie, France. Post-war, his mother became the driving force behind the creation of the Mothers’ Memorial; she died on 22 August 1956.

16.01.2022 Do you know the following about St James’ Anglican Church: in Toowoomba? The first panoramic photographic scenes of Toowoomba were taken from its new belfry tower in mid-1870? In 1882 St James’ installed the first pipe organ in Toowoomba?... A proposal in 1889 that St James’ become the Cathedral for a new Anglican diocese was rejected because of lack of funds so Toowoomba never became a (Church of England) cathedral city? In December 1968 St James’ became the home for the Regimental Colours of the 25th Battalion (later Royal Queensland Regiment) which is closely associated with Toowoomba in World Wars I and II? From 2002 St James’ has also housed the Colours of HMAS Toowoomba? See more

14.01.2022 John Goodrick (c.1841-1894), a chemist and druggist, established a business in Ruthven St in 1886 with funds provided by Brisbane-based drug wholesalers Elliott & Co. Goodrick apparently imported goods from Britain, storing them in his private residence until needed in his store. Following his death from influenza on 3 September 1894, Elliott & Co, being owed some 800, took possession of all the stock in his shop and private residence (including some furniture) and, moreover..., claimed the funds of two insurance policies in settlement of the debt. However, in his will, Goodrick directed his executors Charles Campbell (butcher) and his under-age son, John Holmes Goodrick, to invest these funds on behalf of his wife and children. A Supreme Court action determined that the seized stock belonged to Elliott & Co but the insurance policies were to be disposed of by the executors as they saw fit. See more

13.01.2022 The February newsletter has been sent to members. If you would like to become a member, email the Historical Society (history @icr.com.au) for a membership form. Cost is $25 for a single membership and $30 for a couple. Central Fire Station The Central Fire Station was situated in Neil Street. The fire station was initially located in Herries Street (near Victoria Street) with the fire alarm bell near where the Thomas Memorial was later located (Margaret and Ruthven Streets).... In 1892 a new fire station was erected in Neil Street next to the police station to which the fire bell had been relocated; for a short time, this building also housed the ambulance service until it moved to its present site in Herries Street in 1904. On Armistice Day 1918, the bell was rung so vigorously that it was cracked beyond repair and sold for scrap. A new fire station was opened on the site of the demolished Nessbank in Kitchener Street in 1958. See more

12.01.2022 The Toowoomba Historical Society is a library and research facility assisting members of the public with research enquiries regarding the history and heritage of Toowoomba and the surrounding areas. The society has an extensive collection of books, articles, newspaper clippings and photographs. If you have any enquiries, please phone the THS during the opening hours. One of our friendly volunteers will assist where possible. Opening Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday, Thursday - 1:00pm - 4:00pm

11.01.2022 The photos relate to the article about the Spanish Flu. 1. 12 Burns Street, Toowoomba 2. Advertisemenbt 3. Call for Help 4. Cambridge City Cementry...Continue reading

11.01.2022 In August 1908, the Canadian Cycle & Motor Agency (based in Brisbane with branches in Rockhampton and Charters Towers) bought the Queensland Motor Importing Company’s Toowoomba operation in Margaret St, opposite the Post Office, with T Cutler replacing R S Boys as manager. It sold the ‘Clement Talbot’, ‘Humber’, ‘Russell’, ‘Darracq’, ‘Star’, and ‘Singer’ vehicles. In November 1909, against the protests of some 49 horsedrawn ‘cabmen’, the Company introduced a motorized taxi-ca...b service with two cabs (type unknown). This proved so successful that just before Christmas 1909 a consortium of local businessmen led by Alex Mayes (who owned the Company’s premises) and G A Godsall bought the Company and established the Toowoomba Taxi-Cab Company Ltd with the intention of adding two Renault cabs per month to provide a fleet of 12. Two cabs were initially acquired from a Brisbane firm but there was such a world-wide shortage of cabs that the Company determined to import the chasses and build the bodies locally. The Company was officially launched on 18 February 1910; first manager was W J Nicholson, a former London cabbie, but he moved to Sydney in June 1910 and was succeeded by James Adam. The fees were one shilling per mile for 1-2 passengers, 1 shilling and 3 pence per mile for 3 passengers, and 1 shilling and 6 pence per mile for 4 passengers; hourly rates were also available. See more

11.01.2022 Tonight's talk by Peter Cullen has been cancelled. This talk will be held at a later date which will be advertised in the next newsletter and via this facebook page.

11.01.2022 The Downs Co-operative Stores Assn. Ltd. (known as the Downs Co-op) was a large discount grocery store established by the Dairy Co-op in early 1918 when it acquired the premises of W C Peak & Co. It was situated near the corner of Ruthven and Bell Streets where the Heritage Building Society now stands. It employed 30 40 staff serving customers and delivering orders to homes. Its distinctive feature was a 90 metre long counter behind which the youngers members of staff would delight in running and sliding on a floor polished by daily doses of sawdust and kerosene as they met customers’ requests. It was here that Jack Duggan, future MLA and Mayor, secured his first job. The store operated until the 1960s. (Information from Toowoomba A Sense of History 1840 2008 by Maurice French)

10.01.2022 Did you know that the Federal Hotel (corner James and Geddes Streets) was called the Victoria Hotel from 1863 to 1875 when it was renamed the Shearers’ Arms? It was renamed the Federal Hotel about 1892 and was completely rebuilt in 1914.

08.01.2022 Annie Marjorie Scholefield was born at ‘Weetwood’, Toowoomba on 5 July 1897, daughter of pastoralist and auctioneer Richard William Scholefield who had migrated from Leeds, Yorkshire and, in the 1870s, managed Alice Downs station on the Barcoo River. On 28 January 1885 he married Eva Louise MacDougall of ‘Lorne’, Maitland, NSW. Richard died in 1902, aged 58, and Eva in 1939, aged 79. Annie was educated at the Glennie School and during WWI was Secretary of the Toowoomba branch... of the Australian Comforts Fund. In the 1920s-1930s she was actively involved in the Queensland Country Women’s Association of which she was State Secretary1922-1926 and 1931-1938. She was also involved, usually as honorary secretary, with the Toowoomba Riding Club, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the ‘Simla’ Red Cross Convalescent Home, the Toowoomba 1st Voluntary Aid Detachment and the Glennie Old Girls’ Association. She lived at ‘Weetwood’ up to the end of WWII and then moved to 141 West St (1949) and finally to 24 Curzon Street (1963) until her death on 9 May 1980 (when her age was incorrectly recorded as 80 years). She is buried alongside her father and mother in the Toowoomba & Drayton Cemetery. See more

07.01.2022 The Toowoomba Historical Society will be closed until Tuesday 5 May. The April talk has been cancelled. There will be an April newsletter sent/emailed to members.

07.01.2022 A view of Ruthven Street, looking south to Herries Street, in the mid 1930s. The dating is made possible by two factors: firstly, angle parking was replaced by parallel parking on 26 August 1935; and, secondly, Pye's delicatessen at 507 Ruthven Street (Betros' Brothers Fruit Shop and now CEO Office Concepts) was operated by Walter Henry Augustus Pye (icemaker, smallgoodsman and cook) in 1934, but by 1937 he had moved to Brisbane. Morris Leschinski, tailor, a prominent member ...of the small Jewish community, died in May 1947. His neighbour, Pierre Chrissen, jeweller, died in December 1943. Note the distinctive Falconer Ford sign on the north-west corner of Ruthven and Little Streets where Dan Lock had once operated his livery stables. The School of Arts Hotel (later the Ruthven Hotel) and Toowoomba Electric Light & Power Co can also be seen, with the Town Hall, Commonwealth Health Laboratory and RSL in the distance. See more

07.01.2022 This Photo is of : RUTHVEN STREET LOOKING SOUTH FROM MARGARET STREET: On the bottom left corner (intersection with Margaret Street) is the former AJS Bank (Australian Bank of Commerce from 1910) building with Thornley & Tingle, Chemists, adjacent. Frederick Thornley established his business here about 1908. It became Thornley & Dudgeon in 1909 and Thornley & Tingle some time during 1912-1913. The photo probably dates from this time or just before WWI. However, there is a sign...ificant absence of motorized vehicles indeed, of any traffic! The band, and the occasion, is unknown. (Thornley and Tingle, coincidentally, lived at Numbers 3 and 7 Burns Street, respectively.) A (partial) sign for Harston’s Music Warehouse can be seen on the left. On the bottom right is the Bank of New South Wales, a vacant lot with tree (later Harrison’s printing company), the Royal Bank of Queensland with McPhie’s Auction business, the AMP Building, Bennet’s real estate agency with William Polglass ‘high class tailor’ above, and the Alexandra Hall with John M Harris’ ‘ladies outfitters’. The Town Hall is in the distance. See more

07.01.2022 Would you please share this post so that it reaches more people. In conjunction with his forthcoming history of Toowoomba’s pubs and publicans, Maurice French is seeking to make contact with Robert & Sophie Ehrenburg, of Lestat Publishing; Jan & David Selth, of Winalong Publishers; and/or anyone else involved with publication of The Toowoomba Book, which was produced annually during the early 1990s. Professor French is also renewing an appeal for information and photos, particularly of Toowoomba’s early publicans. All material used would be gratefully appreciated and any material used would be appropriately acknowledged. Please either Facebook information and photos or email: [email protected]

06.01.2022 The Empire Theatre began as Austral Pictures in the Town Hall (1909) and then the Austral Hall (1910) before moving to this site in 1911. ‘Talkie’ movies replaced silent movies in 1929. The theatre burned down on 22 February 1933 but was quickly rebuilt in art deco style, opening on 27 November 1933. Television forced the closure of the theatre in the early 1970s, and, although used as a warehouse and TAFE facility, increasing dilapidation threatened demolition until acquired by Council in 1995, and opened on 28 June 1997.

06.01.2022 An artificial waterfall was established in 1965-1966 by the Carnival of Flowers Association in a disused quarry adjacent to Picnic Point as part of a planned beautification of the area to attract more carnival visitors. The Camera Obscura was erected in 1967 by William Lowe. It was prefabricated in Toowoomba from white pine and comprised two 6-inch lenses, offering views of the city, Toll Bar/Range Road and Tabletop that were focussed onto a central viewing surface. It was closed in February 1990. It was demolished about 1993.

06.01.2022 Tonight (16 March) Peter Cullen will give a talk entitled ‘History Around Us: Our Houses’. The talk will be given at the Toowoomba Historical Society’s rooms, 49 Lindsay Street, at 7.30 pm. Houses have been called ‘built evidence of our past’, and in this talk Peter will examine the history of a number of Toowoomba houses. Some such as Millbrook may be familiar while others, though not so well known, also have important stories to tell. Not only the owners, but also the architects, builders and others responsible for these buildings are part of the history around us. Members of the public are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this event.

03.01.2022 Designed by James Marks the Spotted Cow Hotel (corner of Ruthven and Campbell Streets) was built in 1892 but originally called the Sovereign. Publican JT Nolan took over in 1902 and changed the name to the Luckona. Publicans changed hands over the next few decades until the building was extensively remodelled in the 1990s and renamed the Spotted Cow Hotel. Did You Know Thomas Francis Page was the licensee of the Luckona Hotel from April 1920 to December 1922.Thomas resigned f...rom the Queensland Police Force in June 1919 and, with his wife Jean, seems to have been ‘trained’ in hotel management by Mrs Gottfried Feldman of the Imperial Hotel. The family lived in Eleanor St from 1918 to 1922. They then took over the Samford Hotel and later the Bluff Hotel at Burleigh Heads. Jean was always listed as the ‘licensed victualler’ and Thomas as ‘barman’. See more