September 2018 marks the 120-year anniversary of the opening of McWhirter & Son, the cash drapery that went on to become one of Queensland’s biggest and best-loved department stores. In 1894, my great-great grandfather James McWhirter senior began working for T.C. Beirne in his namesake business, and would stay there for four years – three […]
120th anniversary of McWhirter & Son Read More »
13th October 2018 Not that long ago, the narrow spaces around Fortitude Valley were just that — spaces, not vibrant laneways. These days, however, the area boasts not one, not two, but now three jam-packed alleys. Yes, that’s a development that’s worth celebrating. In fact, it’s a change worthy of a day-long festival, which is
Hidden Lanes Festival Read More »
27th October 2018 Even those of us with no Italian will hazard a fair guess as to the meaning of: “Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati”. ANFE was started in Italy after WWII to assist migrants and their families who were often left back home when the breadwinner migrated overseas. A Brisbane branch was founded in 1962
Italian sanctuary in Newstead – October meeting Read More »
22nd September 2018 SEPTEMBER’S meeting of the Society will feature Marisa Vecchio AM telling the story of Hanworth House, the grand residence dating from 1864 which stands at 109 Lytton Road,East Brisbane. The house was built for retired naval officer Captain George Poynter Heath who had been appointed marine surveyor of Queensland in 1860, and
September Meeting – Hanworth House Read More »
25th August 2018 A Young Englishman arrives to work on an outback sheep station and ends up writing a “fast-paced, suspenseful” novel that has melodrama, romance and comedy, with many surprising twists and turns.” “Completed in 1865, it proved to be Queensland’s second novel, though the miraculously-found manuscript was only published in 2010,” said Gerard
Who and what inspired early novelist? Read More »
Brisbane Times Once the home of a Queensland Premier, a 101-year-old New Farm home has been entered onto the state’s heritage register. The 1907-built Bowen Terrace home, Feniton, was designed by architect Robin Dods, who was recognised as one of Brisbane’s leading architects in the early 20th century. The old home is recognised as a classic
Historic New Farm home entered onto state’s heritage register Read More »
28th July 2018 THE speaker at the Society’s July meeting will be Julie Hornibrook, granddaughter of Sir Manuel (1893-1970), a name synonymous with master building in Queensland. “It’s remarkable that my grandfather was able to contribute to the building of the Story Bridge, William Jolly Bridge and Hornibrook Highway during the 1930s’ Depression,” said Julie,
Hear about Hornibrook from his granddaughter Read More »
HAPHAZARD training in Queensland’s early days, the recent house fire in James Street, and two notable recipients of an Order of Australia are among the stories in the latest NFDHS Newsletter. >> download it here. JULY MEETING: Julie Hornibrook, 28 July, 2-4pm, Merthyr Road Uniting Church Centre. All welcome!
July Newsletter: Early days… fire… awardees Read More »
PRESIDENT Ross Garnett extended heartfelt thanks to the almost 20 volunteers who supported the Historical Society presence in ‘History Lane’ (Ethel Street) at the 2018 Teneriffe Festival. “What a team!” said Ross. There were several new memberships and 35 people recorded their names to receive the newsletter. Many more enjoyed the opportunity to examine the
Teneriffe Festival’s impressive presence Read More »
THIS photo from the beginning of Griffith Uni in Brisbane was part of Dr Bill Metcalf’s engrossing presentation to more than 90 attendees at June’s meeting of the New Farm and Districts Historical Society. Early training in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, law and teaching was haphazard in the colony’s early days — but the
June Meeting: Haphazard training in the early days… Read More »
