Our projects
Members of the Annerley-Stephens History Group are engaged in a number of projects to further the first objective of the group, which is:
- To research the history of the geographical area and the communities and people covered by the former Shire of Stephens and
- To make the information available to its members, other associations and the general public in electronic or printed form.
Our main projects are summarised below.
Streets of Stephens
We want to create street histories of our local area. You can help us by researching and writing about your street, and then ideally presenting this information at one of our monthly meetings. Some questions to get you started on your work are:
- Has the street name any significance?
- Has the street always had the same name?
- How has the street changed over time?
- What is the oldest or a significant house in the street?
- Who has lived in the street – one interesting character?
Our members can assist you with preparing your presentation and then liaise with you in publishing your history here. For more information, download the flyer or click here to have a look at what we have published so far.
The History of Yeronga
Over time, we will collect articles specifically on the history of each suburb in the former Stephens Shire. Click here to read about what Michael Macklin has researched and written on the history of Yeronga.
The History of Fairfield
Over time, we will collect articles specifically on the history of each suburb in the former Stephens Shire. Click here to read about what Denis Peel and Jeff Brunne have researched and written on the history of Fairfield.
Children of Stephens
In 2022, Jarrah Pearce – a history honours student from the Australian Catholic University undertook a project to tell the history of the former Stephens Shire area through the eyes of children. She conducted interviews with several long-term residents of the area about their memories of growing up in the area between the 1920s and the 1960s; and collected photos and images of objects from their childhood.
The final product is Children of Stephens, an information and activity booklet aimed at primary school children in the local area. It is designed to be an educational tool for teachers and a fun work booklet to engage kids in local history.
ASHG is interested in working with schools to take this project further. Please email us at: [email protected].
Lost Houses
We collect the stories of houses and the families who called them home in the former Stephens Shire area. The Lost Houses Project focuses on recording the stories of houses and families that may have disappeared from the area. Click here to read about currently published information.
Do you know of a house lost from the Stephens area? We’d love to hear from you. Please email us at: [email protected].
Local history walks
Conducting a guided walk exploring the heritage of specific locations in the old Stephens Shire is a great way to share our local history knowledge. We often find that members of the walking party have a strong connection with the area we explore, so it also a good way to build knowledge together.
ASHG has been conducting local history walks since our inception. The Covid 19 pandemic caused a hiatus in this program but it resumed with our People Who Left Their Mark tour of South Brisbane Cemetery and The Heart of Stephens Walk.
Click here for more information on current walks. To request a group walk please email us at: [email protected].
Frank and Eunice Corley House Photos
Frank Corley was a commercial photographer who photographed almost every house in Brisbane as he drove past in his Cadillac in the early
Click here for more information on the project, as well as the information which has been identified to date.