Talking History: Lost Houses  – the stories remain!

Talking History: Lost Houses – the stories remain!

Local author, Ashley Hay recently wrote of the changes in our suburbs …’Presence and Absence. Absence and presence. The streets of our town are being transformed, yes.‘ The houses and streets of our town are being transformed but the presence of the ‘lost’ houses remains through the stories that are told.

Thank you Denis Peel, Lyn Burnett, John Horder and Kate Dyson for sharing your stories about some of the lost, found and mystery houses of our area at the Lost Houses talk on Saturday 28 September. It was a fascinating and moving conversation.

I was lucky enough to be in the audience. Here is a brief insight into what each of the speakers had to say. We’ll let you know when the full talks go up on this website.

If you have a story of a lost house to share with us send us an email on [email protected] or contact us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ASHGInc

The talk began with an acknowledgement that the people of the Yerongpan clan on whose land the conversation was being held built the first dwellings in the area. The dwellings ranged from small family sized structures to much larger covered areas. There are many thousands of years of stories of the people who lived here.

Below – the Lost Houses panel. From left Denis Peel, Kate Dyson, Lyn Burnett and John Horder.

Denis Peel (below) took us through the stories of some houses and the different ways they are lost.

Below: 6 Inchcape Street – this house was built around the 1930s. In WW2 the teenage sons of the Kinman family who lived there made their pocket money by running errands for the American servicemen stationed around the corner in Ashby House. 6 Inchcape Street was ‘lost’ to a fire in the 1950s, replaced by a chamfer board house and more recently was demolished to make way for the third house in 90 years.

Below: Juliette Street. This photo is from the Frank and Eunice Corley house photo collection in the SLQ. The man at the window looking at Frank Corley snapping his house in Juliette Street around 1970 is also looking straight ahead at the building of the initial segment of the south-east freeway. Later this Juliette Street house was ‘lost’ when the land was resumed for the continuation of the freeway.

Below: 20 Lisle Street, Tarragindi (Photo: Frank and Eunice Corley collection. SLQ).

Alex and Edith Romow were owner-builders of 20 Lisle Street in the 1950s. Denis interviewed Alex and Edith as part of the ASHG Frank Corley house photo project. Theirs is a post WW2 story of survival. Alex who was Ukranian had fought in the Red Army at Leningrad and was captured by the Germans. He escaped from prison camp twice and spent the last few months of the war hiding in the barn of a Danish partisan farmer. In 1953 Alex and his new wife Edith, a German, migrated with their baby daughter and settled at 20 Lisle Street, Tarragindi. Together they laid every brick, board and tile in this house learning as they went from their German speaking neighbour John Ehm who was a bricklayer. After Alex passed away in 2019 and Edith moved out, the house was sold and lost via demolition soon after.

Below: The two houses on the corner of Hyde Rd., and Kingsley Parade, Yeronga (Frank and Eunice Corley House photo collection, SLQ).

Most recently the local area has experienced a spate of disappearing houses as part of the buyback of houses in the flood zone. Ashley Hay wrote about it in the May 2024 edition of the Monthly. She writes: ‘You walk the dog early one morning and a house down the road has disappeared.’

2 Kingsley Parade is one of the houses that was bought back. Among the people to have lived at 2 Kinsley Parade was the Brisbane River pilot and Harbourmaster Richard (Dick) Hildebrand, who as Harbour Master at Thursday Island in 1952 was attributed with saving the pearl lugging fleet during a cyclone. Di Baker and family lived here from 1970 to 1983 and later an immigrant South African family lived there.

Below: The demolition of the house at 2 Kingsley Parade. (Photo taken by nearby resident Ross McDonald). The house next door at 66 Hyde Road was another ‘buy back’ and was removed on the back of a truck.

There’s a Tom Waits song: House where nobody lives.

‘They remind me that houses are just made of wood
What makes a house grand, oh, it ain’t the roof or the doors
If there’s love in a house, it’s a palace for sure
But without love it ain’t nothin’ but a house
A house where nobody lives
But without love
It ain’t nothin’ but a house, a house where nobody lives.’

Lyn Burnett’s story of 19 Albemarle Street is a story of a house where there was lots of love, fun and joy.

Below: 19 Albermarle Street, Yeerongpilly as Lyn knew it.

The house is no longer to be found on a map, but it is still there in the bones of a residence at 50 Soden Street. For Lyn it remains her home and all the memories that go with that.

Lyn’s paternal great grandparents, Willian and Susan Rogers (nee Cook) from County Armagh in Ireland and their family were the first generation of Lyn’s family to live in the house from 1920. Lyn’s Nanna and Pa (Fisher) moved to the house to live with Susan after William died. Lyn’s parents Roy and Val Fisher lived in the house from their marriage through to when they sold the house in 2017.

The Yeerongpilly property originally bought by Lyn’s great grandparents in 1920 consisted of 3 blocks of 16 perches nos. 70,71,72 in Soden St (originally Herbert St according to the map of Lathorn Estate in 1885). The house, though always faced Albemarle St (Margaret St., till 1941).

Below: 2 photos of 19 Albemarle Street, now 50 Soden Street under construction and finished.

There were Council restrictions on the property that included keeping the front character of the original home and not building underneath due to a watercourse issue. What a change Lyn and her mother found when they were invited back to see what the new place looked like in 2018.

Lyn says she can still see the old house in the new house!!

Below: Lyn’s father Roy always loved trains. He became a train driver. Val’s mother was a station mistress.

Below: The original kitchen – simple and functional. Roy loved bright colours. Notice the hexagonal table.

Below: The garden was a pride and joy and won prizes at local events. Below: Val and Roy in front of their azalea bush.

The house was full of music – below. Roy Fisher in the middle.

Lyn closed by agreeing ‘that house and home are inextricably linked together…. When one remembers the house, you lived in as a child, all the memories and emotions associated with the actual building are hard to separate from the home…. I believe my house is not really lost but transformed, and my home is now very much a part of me.’

John Horder (below) gave a brief history of his family home at 59 Dudley St West. The house was owned by Charles and Ivy Caroline Boettcher (Nee Hall) from about 1926. Charles was a Master Builder and likely built the house.

John’s family moved to 59 Dudley Street West (photo below) near Annerley shopping Centre in 1960.

The house had been owned by the Boettcher family for about 34 years. The Horder family’s move to Dudley Street West was convenient for the family. It was close to John’s father’s work at the Ipswich Rd. Bus Depot (now Target) and the children were close to the newly opened Yeronga High School. The house had a large art studio downstairs which proved very useful. John’s mother sewed overalls at home as a piece worker for Halco Overalls in Grey St., South Brisbane. John’s father made toys, some were sold at the Dickie and Jones Newsagency in Ipswich Road.

59 Dudley street was spacious and enabled the family to provide accommodation for 3 boarders at any one time. The family and the boarders sat around the octagonal table for their meals and had many great conversations. John’s father stayed in 59 Dudley Street until he died in 1994. It was then sold to Energex and after a few years was sold for removal.

Below – 59 Dudley Street, today, The house has been removed and the site is part of the extended Annerley Energex substation.

Below: the House at 59 Dudley Street West has a new life at Wivenhoe Pocket near Fernvale. The house had about 34 years with the Boettcher family, 34 years in the hands of the Horder family, a few years rented out by Energex and two more decades with two new owners at Wivenhoe Pocket.

Kate Dyson discussed several mystery and ‘lost’ houses including Seiano (the former home of the Cilento family), 60 Aubigny Street and 65 Park Rd.

This is a photograph of Kate presenting her story about lost houses.

The house below was for many years a landmark on Ipswich Road, opposite Chardon’s Corner hotel. It was famously known as the Cilento family home, Seiano: but where did it go to? And does it still exist?

The house was most probably built for Matilda Auslebrook around 1916. The house passed through several more hands before Raphael and Phyllis Cilento (later Sir and Lady) and their family of 6 children settled there. (For more information read Chapter 8 by Stephen Sheaffe in the ASHG publication Women of Stephens and The Accidental Present by Ross Wilson. The latter provides more information about the relationship between Oodgeroo Noonucal (Kath Walker) and the Cilento family).

The land was sold to BP to build a petrol station, and the Cilento family took their home Seiano, sawn into 3 parts, on the back of a truck in the dead of night, to 268 Vulture St at Kangaroo Point until plans for the Captain Cook Bridge pushed their way through in the late 1960s. And that was apparently the end of Seiano or was it? There is a family in Sandgate who believe that they live in the old Cilento house. Another house mystery to be solved.

Annie and Ted Mackenzie’s house, 60 Aubigny St., Annerley got lost in the night. The photo below, from the Frank and Eunice Corley collection was taken around 1970 and was the home built for newlyweds, Annie and Ted McKenzie in the 1930s in Aubigny St., Annerley. The house was there when Kate moved into her house in Moorooka around the corner. Annie and Ted got a Workers Development Board loan, Annie drew up her plans for what her ‘dream house’ would look like. The house served them well for many years – with 3 children and trees planted in their garden for their birth days. After Annie and Ted sold the house it stood for another 30 years until the house and land were sold. Kate recalls hearing the creaking and groaning of a truck taking away the house in the night. She wonders if the house was protesting as it was hauled away.

Below is what took the place of Annie and Ted’s house. Kate wonders if the Jacaranda planted for Annie and Ted’s wedding, and the other trees such as Laburnum, frangipani, bauhinia and 3 book pines planted for each of their children in 1940, 42 and 44 are still there in the back yard.

And finally 65 Park Rd., Yeronga: a house that was never intended to be moved from its site and to get lost, but it was anyway due to an apparent oversight by Brisbane City Council. A sad story of a heritage ‘lost’ house.

As the Tom Waits song says ‘houses are just made of wood’ it’s what happens inside that’s important. The stories of houses, our homes tell us stories about the times in which people lived, the development of our community and universal stories.

Thanks for reading. Watch out for the full stories when they are posted to the website. And particular thanks to Denis, Lyn, John and Kate for this great Lost Houses conversation.

Becoming a member is easy

Becoming a member is easy

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Talking History: July – November 2024

Talking History: July – November 2024

ASHG is excited to share its program of events for June – November.

The Wednesday morning drop in days will continue providing a relaxed opportunity each week to talk history.

We’re doing things a little differently in the second part of the year with a walk, events at two of our local libraries, the first Saturday afternoon Talking History events and a book launch. Watch out for more information about each event.

On the 10th August ASHG is excited to be back at Annerley library for a morning talk at 10.30 am. Dr Janis Hanley will discuss Ekibin’s Chinese past and explore the extent of Chinese market gardens from the late 1880s to post WW2.

The Memories of Stephens, the compilation of articles from the 2023 conference will be launched by Dr Denver Beanland at the Yeronga Community Centre at 7.00 pm.

On Saturday morning 28th September Lyn Burnett, John Horder and Denis Peel consider Lost Houses and the stories that they tell.

On the afternoon of 26th October Jeff Brunne will be at the Fairfield Library looking at the question Why is Fairfield so Different.

For our last event of the year ASHG is very pleased to host Dr Kevin Rains discussing Cross River Rail Archeology on Saturday 16th November at 2.00 pm.

Monthly meetings are held at 6.00 pm on the first Monday of the month unless it is a public holiday when the meeting is held on a Tuesday.

Text Box: Image Courtesy State Library of Queensland

Our Publications

Our Publications

ASHG actively publishes local history books about the areas covered by the former Stephens Shire. Books are available for purchase  from the our History Room, during its opening hours,  and from Annerley Meats, 502 Ipswich Rd, open Monday to Saturday. We also offer these books for sale at ASHG events and stalls. The books are also available for perusal in our History Room, and at Annerley Junction Library. 
Note: Prices listed exclude postage.

 

Memories of Stephens  $25

This book, compiled by Stephen Sheaffe, yet again expands the collection of stories of Stephens, with a diverse array of topics. These include pre-colonisation views of Yeronga, local scouting, railways, local churches, local Chinese people, Tennyson, a remarkable local GP,  World War II stories, graves and cemeteries, houses, state heritage properties and more. Chapters include:

– Yeronga 1823 (Dr. M. Macklin)
– Stephens Army of Boy Scouts (D. Marshall)
– The Wilderness of Tarragind (G. Dove)
–  Dr Lindsey Page Winterbotham (Prof. J. Pearn)
– The Forgotten (d. Hacker)
– From Softstone to Tennyson (J. Wiley)
– Chinese in Stephens (Dr. J. Hanley & J. Richardson)
– Toohey Forrest Land-use History (Dr. W. Metcalf)
– State Heritage Properties in Stephens (G. Sheaffe)

More information about the book can be found here. Press the red “Look inside” button ont he left for contents.

 

 Women of Stephens  $25

This book celebrates the lives and stories of women from all walks of life who contributed to the rich tapestry of the south-side of Brisbane. It is a compilation of the papers delivered at the 16 October 2021 lASHG local history conference. The book is compiled edited by Pauline Peel, Kate Dyson and Denis Peel. Chapters include:

– The headwomen of the Chepara people (K. Wilshire)
– Tracing female convict lives (J. Richardson)
– Nurses of World War One (Prof. L. Shields)
– Jessica Anderson’s Yeronga (R. Blair & A. Hay)
– Calling Paula Gubar a dressmaker …. (K. Forsythe)
– The story of the Fairfield Hat Factory
(S. Monk & L. Hurse)
– The Brisbane Line (Dr J. Powell)
– Four Generations of Annerley-Stephens (G. Dove)
– Annie MacKenzie  (J. Wiley)
– Lady Cilento (S. Sheaffe AM)
– Local women: a designer, an author & a poet (K. Dyson)
– Mabel Alice Love (Kathryn Watters)

 

 Stephens and War $25

This book is an exploration of wartime and its legacy from a local perspective, and it is a revealing chronicle of the people, streets and parklands of Stephens Shire.The papers delivered at ASHG’s 26 October 2019 conference are collected in this book. The book is edited by Stephen Sheaffe. Contents include:

– Yeronga Park (R. Walding)
– Burnett, Qld Aboriginal soldier in the first AIF (R. Pratt)
– Military camps in Stephens (P. Dunn)
– Local History Beyond Appearance (N. Buch)
– War Service Homes (C. Black)
– Interwar housing a Four Mile Swamp ( K. Dyson)
– Annerley Drill Halls on Portion105 (M. Baker)
– Finding the first war Service Homes (D. Peel and K. Dyson)
– The military hospital at Greenslopes (C. Strakosch)

 

 

Echoes of Stories of Stephens $25

Echoes of Stories of Stephens contains 18 vibrant chapters exploring our local history . The book is based on Annerley-Stephens History Group local history conference of February 2019. The book is edited by Stephen Sheaffe. Contents include:

– Stephens Divisional board 1886-1903 (T. McKell)
– The Yerongpan of the Chepara People (K. Wiltshire)
– The Comercial Development of Annerley Junction 1866-1966 (M.Baker)
– Cotton Growing in Stephens Shire during the Americal Civil War (M. Macklin)
– Brandons Shoe repairs (M. Scully)
– Annerley Meats (M.Scully)
– The Stephens Croquet Club (V. Layne)
– Tarragindi Buses (N. Wilson)
The ‘Sunbeam’, Streetscape Heritage in Fairfield (J. Pearn).

Stories of Stephens $25

The Stories of Stephens is the collection of papers about the First Nations People of Stephens, A short history of the Shire, Yeronga, and Fairfield as well as stories of prominent names of Stephens. The papers were delivered at the Annerley-Stephens History Group 2016 local history conference. The book is edited by Stephen Sheaffe. Chapters include:

– A Short history of Stephens (S. Sheaffe)
– Aboriginal Landscape and History in Stephens Annerley (R. Kerkhove)
– Yeronga from Colony to World War
– Annerley’s Original Parkland (N.Buch)
– Junction Park School (J. Lergessner)
– Tramways of Stephens (p. Hyde & R. Thomson)
– Strong and Dunn Families (J. Collins)
– John Leary Cracknell (M. Morris)

 

 


Annals of Stephens $15

This was the very first  collections of stories about Stephens, drawn from the 17 July 1994 Annerley Conference,  organised and curated by Stephen and Glenda Scheaffe.  It represents the history of Annerley from its beginnings as farmland owned by T.S. Stephens to an important inner-city suburb of Brisbane. The book is edited by John Kerr. The contents include :

– The Stephens family (L. Stephens)
– John Soden’s Omnibuses (B. Roberts)
– Five Decades of Plicing in Stphens (B. Rough)
– Growing up in Annerley between the wars (R. Wood)
– Children of the Creek 1935-1940 (G. Jurott)

 

 

Children of Stephens $5

(Class packs available)

Children of Stephens is a delightful booklet written and researched by Jarrah Pearce.  Jarrah recorded several oral histories to compile a collection of activities for primary school children.  Lots of fun, and the booklet brings many insights into Stephens past. Contents include:

– Map of Stephens
– Generations
– Before the Second World War – Game: Hopscotch
– During the War – Game: Beam
– Post-War era – Game: Fly

 

 

 

If you would like the books posted out to you, or want to ask any questions about ASHG activities, please use the contact form below.

11 + 4 =

Talking History: Ekibin’s Chinese Past, Dr Janis Hanley – Annerley Library

Talking History: Ekibin’s Chinese Past, Dr Janis Hanley – Annerley Library

It was standing room only at the Annerley Library on Saturday 10 August, with Dr Janis Hanley presenting a fascinating exploration of the multi-cultural beginnings of Ekibin.

Engaging maps, photographs and other documents presented gave a real ‘feel’ for the area and how it changed over time. A tale of fellmongers, tanneries, wool scours and manure dumps in the catchment that impacted Norman Creek (and gave a certain aroma to the area).

An overview of how Chinese market gardeners used nutrient-rich creek water (from upstream slaughterhouses) to fertilise organically and grow vegetables successfully and productively.

Janis carefully navigated the complexities of antiquated and exclusionary immigration policies and revealed fascinating information about local Chinese residents from official historical documentation.

After the talk the room was abuzz and several descendants of Chinese Market gardeners recalled stories from their childhood.

Dr Janis Hanley provides some interesting narratives using historical maps.
Annerley-Stephens History Group

Annerley-Stephens History Group

 ASHG explores many facets of local history, a history firmly rooted in lands of the Yuggera people. Our work embodies our respect for Elders, past, present and emerging, and their ongoing care for this country and the community.

In traversing these pasts, ASHG aims to learn from First Nations perspectives and knowledges, with their rich storytelling traditions, and strong awareness of the interconnections of people, land, and natural environments.

ASHG captures and relates stories of the everyday – and the extraordinary – embracing the stories of those on the margins to grow our awareness of the diversity of our community, and the changing cultural and global influences across time. 

We focus on the area defined by the former shire of Stephens, with Logan Road and Cornwall Street forming distinct boundaries the north and east respectively.

In current terms, Stephens was centered in Annerley, and included Fairfield, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly,  Tennyson, Tarragindi, Holland Park West, and parts of surrounding suburbs of Greenslopes, Moorooka and Mount Gravatt. See more information on the Stephens Shire here.

 

Our work weaves together stories told, memories shared, archival records, family histories, physical and social landscapes, and various forms of creative expression.

ASHG is an active vibrant group. We share these local stories and learnings through coming together, ‘talking history’, conferences, books, blogs, image, social media, connecting with other community groups, and participating in community events.

Come see for yourself, through one of our ‘Drop in‘ days or through one of our ‘Talking History’ events. See our Calendar of Events for times and dates.

‘What matters is not the past, but our relationship with it.’ 

Hewison, 1987:43, The Heritage Industry.