TAKE THE PHOTO NOW!

A bit of a different post now......  I usually park in the Bathurst Street Car Park and have noticed some changes in the last couple of weeks.  The mural is gone!  I don't know the history of the picture - its been surprisingly hard to track down on-line, although I assume it was part of the Streets Alive event from quite a few years ago.  (Please correct me if this is not the case).  I didn't even realize I'd miss it until it disappeared, and how much I took it for granted until I saw it almost completely covered with grey paint and thought....Oh no!  Did I take a photo of it or not?

As you can see....yes I did.  I did write myself a mental note though.......DO take pictures of the everyday things around you.  Nothing last forever and ultimately it's the everyday things you will probably want to remember and share with future generations more than those exotic once-off holiday snaps.  As you can see from the photos - even a week can change things!

MURAL BATHURST STREET CAR PARK

.  The wall is clearly a work in progress - no editorial about that......

GOING

GONE

87-89 LINDSAY STREET

VIEW LOOKING TOWARDS GRAIN SILOS, INVERESK

The silos in Lindsay Street, on the “North Bank”, close to where the North Esk joins the Tamar, are undergoing a radical redevelopment into a luxury hotel, so its probably timely to record them as “they are” but probably will soon no longer be.

They are frequently referred to as “an eyesore” (perhaps especially by those favouring the hotel development) but I have never seen them that way. Perhaps because I have never seen the landscape without them they have always seemed to belong just where they are.

The silos were being used for grain storage into this century, but were sold to a private company, The Tasmanian Grain Elevators Board, by the Tasmanian government in 2004. They sold to Tas Silos, who in turn sold to Roberts. The silos were subsequently acquired by the Launceston City Council for “flood protection.” It was later decided that they were not actually needed for this purpose, and so were sold back to Roberts, the previous owners who on-sold them to the current owners Old Launceston Sea Port Pty Ltd.

I have spent quite some time looking for an on-line reference providing more information about the history of the silos prior to this time with little luck, other from newspaper articles.

An article in The Advocate in 1951 refers to the construction of wheat silos by the Tasmanian government and the employment of Victorian consultant engineers to this end, and The Examiner of 7^th September 1951 reported the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works had recommended the construction of silos at the southern end of Kings Wharf at an estimated cost of 553 thousand pounds. At that stage, it was intended that the marine board would manufacture the concrete foundations. In 1953 construction still hadn't commenced, as test drilling had proved “unsatisfactory.” In February the following year, engineers had still not been able to find stable ground upon which suitable foundations could be built. Modernismtas.blogspot.com.au mentions that the silos were designed in the “late 1950s.”

In short, I don't have a date, but assume late fifties/early sixties would be accurate. I gather that the “grain” stored in the silos was wheat, but don't know whether or not other grains were stored, nor do I know who ended up designing the silos or building them or even how they “worked” in terms of pick up and delivery Perhaps someone could help with more information?

3-7 GEORGE STREET WAREHOUSE

GHOST SIGN

CASCADE HOUSE, GEORGE STREET

Although they have now relocated, this warehouse in George Street was for most current-day Launceston residents the home of Tulloch's Auctions.

Broomby and Dent were agricultural agents – involved in the sale of everything from animal feed, to flowers. They already had the warehouse when they purchased adjoining property on the corner of the street in 1909 – one suspects the current building has evolved into its current form over time.

(A picture of how it looked around 1907 can be seen in Michael Simco and Pete Jermy's little book “Launceston on old Picture Postcards”)

A newspaper report from February 1894 says that “Broomby and Dent have taken possession of the store in lower George.street until recently occupied by Messrs R. Newey and Sons. Both men had worked in the field for some time and proposed to store and sell wheat, hay and corn as well as engines to drive chaff cutters, crushing machines and more. At the time it was opened the building enjoyed the advantage of being close to both the railway station and the wharves. In this regard times have certainly changed! Newey's had been hay and product merchants in Launceston since the 1850s, the business having been founded by Richard Newey, who died in 1891.

Instead of Broomby and Dent, the inscription on the front of the building now reads :Irvine and McEachern. They were wine and spirit merchants and also sold cigars and tea, and had previously operated from 128 Brisbane Street. Rather confusingly the building has “Cascade House” on the front, but most newspaper references give the address of “Cascade House” as 38 Charles Street! Presumably there were two buildings with that title, both operated by the same company. I suspect someone out there will know whether or not the title was simply an association with Irvine and McEachern's business, or was related to the brewery in a more direct way. (All input welcome!!!!!)

Among the many enticing products wholesaled by Irvine and McEarchern was AB Tonic wine, advertised extensively in the 1930s. It was said to not only relieve exhaustion, lassitude and depression but to feed “the wasted tissues” and built up the system after influenza and other illness. All this for only 3 shillings!

As far as I can tell this building is not on the Heritage Register, but it stands as a reminder of Launceston's agricultural and commercial history and has a certain solid appeal, that paint aside, has not been overly damaged by overenthusiastic “development.” 

56 CHARLES STREET -STAFFORDSHIRE HOUSE

FRONT OF STAFFORDSHIRE HOUSE

OK......so this is one of those places that is so much a part of central Launceston that I've sort of overlooked it.........I bet I'm not the only one who didn't know the name of this pink building, nor what was inside (someone did venture to guess that as they had never seen anyone coming or going in daylight hours, that vampires were a possibility.)

The plaque helpfully placed on the building by by the council and National Trust (I would love it if there were more of these) reads “Staffordshire House - Regency Style - built in 1833 as a warehouse-building-shop, the only example in Australia extant. Office of Cornwall Chronicle. Early site of Scotch College. Purchased by National Trust, with help of City Council in 1966, and restored.”

In the late 1890s, Staffordshire House was home to Jackson's locksmiths. It is no longer owned by the National Trust

Today, the ground floor of 56 Charles Street houses the Andrew Inglis Clark Law Library. Someone else has done the hard work before me in finding more information about the building so rather than re-invent the wheel, I'd suggest you look at http://matthewbirrell.tripod.com/pg000008.htm to find out more.  

ST ANDREWS GARDENS PEDDER STREET/HIGH STREET, LAUNCESTON

ST ANDREWS GARDENS - View from High Street

There are a lot of little plots of land in Launceston, easily overlooked, that hold many stories. Such is the case with “St Andrews Gardens” in High Street. The title is perhaps a little overambitious as its more a case of a scrubby paddock with a few trees than structured gardens as such. In any case, the real story lies underneath the rather unkempt grass, because for almost a hundred years (1832 – 1938) this was the location of the city's Presbyterian Cemetery.

Newspaper reports from the years between 1928 and 1952 tended to talk about “the problem” of the Scottish Cemetery. By 1944 it was referred to as an “eyesore”, although there were still 178 graves. A letter to the editor of The Examiner makes reference to a tomb, forced open revealing 5 coffins. Neither the council nor the church seemed keen to take on the responsibility of its development, but eventually in 1952, the area became a park. Some of the graves were relocated to Carr Villa, others remain, hidden from view, and unmarked.

James Robertson who built Struan (see a previous post) was among early Launceston identities to be buried there.

(A little PS that has nothing to do with St Andrew's Park. Whilst searching through TROVE articles for more information I came across a letter to the editor published in January 1872, which suggested that geography would suggest that gold could well be found in “a vacant piece of ground, uncultivated, near some houses and cottages somewhere in a straight line halfway between the Scottish Cemetery fence and the Hobart Town Main Road, forming almost the lowest part of the valley there, going north to the city of Launceston.” So South Launceston residents, if you need some incentive to dig in the garden this weekend................)

431 WINDERMERE ROAD, ST MATHIAS ANGLICAN CHURCH

CHURCH AT WINDERMERE

Rather more of the “look around” than the Launceston this time.......only a short drive away, though, and still in the Launceston council area. This little church, St Mathias Anglican, at Windermere has one of the prettiest settings in the state.

The land, and a sizeable amount of the money required to build the church was donated by Dr Matthias Gaunt, in 1842, as he had promised his wife that a church would be built, if they moved to an area without one. The bricks were made in Launceston and an article in The Examiner in 1943, suggests that the building of the church may have been achieved with the use of convict labour.

The first marriage took place in the church in 1845 (the year the church was formally dedicated), and the first baptism the year later. The church became an important part of the life of settlers on both sides of the Tamar, at a time when the river was the main “highway.”

A history of the church can be read at http://www.winderdoon.com/community/st_matthias_church.htm.

The cemetery at the church contains the graves of many early settlers, and there are many others buried there in graves that are no longer marked. An article in The Examiner in 1926, said that church records showed that there had, even at that time, been over 300 burials, many of them already lost, due to “the want of a systematic layout.”

Sometime before the mid-1920s the church had fallen into disrepair, and was saved by the efforts of David Medwin of Woodlawn, but by the 1930s, cracks had appeared in the church and fundraising had to be undertaken. It was closed for five months in 1939 while repairs were effected, as it had become unsafe. We owe a debt to the Tamar River community, and their dedication to saving the church. The much admired building would probably otherwise not be here today 

THE OLD UMBRELLA SHOP - 60 GEORGE STREET

THE OLD UMBRELLA SHOP

Although not Launceston's oldest shop, the old umbrella shop is distinctive because not only does it have a well-preserved street frontage, but still contains  Victorian styled blackwood shop fittings.

Although opened as a grocery shop in the 1860s, it was operated by the Shott family between 1921 and 1979, selling their handmade umbrellas.  Today it is owned and operated by the National Trust.

Initially Shott's moved to the shop next door to this one.  Reading a description of their wares from an advertisement in the Examiner in December 1909, makes one a little envious, even although some very nice umbrellas can still be brought in George Street today.

"If it is an umbrella for a man friend, there is a lovely twill silk, with 18-carat gold-mounted ivory handle for 30s. This is made on the best frame, Hoyland's ribs being used, so that the frame can be covered again and again, Silver mounted handles have the reliable Partridge stems and Fox's Paragon frames, and are equally strong and durable, but cheaper than the gold mountings, or course. Then while still thinking or the gift for "father," I must mention canes which can be mounted to any order by Mr. Shott in gold and silver. Umbrellas for women folk are also mounted beautifully in 18-carat gold, and sterling silver on lovely ivory or pearl handles, with cable chain to slip over the wrist. But the greatest of all the novelties is the "spring-opening"' umbrella.  Just touch a spring in the handle and the umbrella simply opens itself, slips into its slot, and remains securely open. Touch the spring again and it slides down to its closing point, and there you are with a self-acting umbrella. All kinds of beautiful silks in floral panels, striped, checked, and patterned silks and satins, as well as black and white, are in stock, and Mr. Shott will make up a parasol on a reliable Paragon frame at the shortest notice, ranging in the price from 4s 6d to 12s 6d and upwards."

According to Beverley Heathcote's A Walk Through Launceston's History, the land on which the Old Umbrella Shop is built was first granted to surveyor Thomas Scott, and the shop was built as a grocery store during the next decade.  In the 1880s the owner was Daniel Corcoran, and the business was operated as "The White House Grocery."

PIZZA PUB - CNR WELLINGTON AND FREDERICK STREETS

This hotel,as a building, is often overlooked, I suspect because it fronts onto Wellington Street (this view is of the Frederick Street side) and is somewhat overloaded with poles and wires, lights and signs, which draw attention away from the building itself.  (As seen in the smaller unedited picture.

The Pizza Pub has a much richer heritage than its current name would suggest, as it is in fact one of the oldest buildings in Launceston.  

THE ELEPHANT AND CASTLE, ORIENT HOTEL AND PIZZA PUB

The original Elephant and Castle was first licensed in September 1830, to John Connolly, who was also the owner. The report in the Launceston Advertiser gives its location as “Brisbane Street.” The names of hotels did move around time from time , but as the same record incorrectly indicated that the Royal Oak (which is in Brisbane Street) was in Wellington Street, it was probably a typo. Its worth remembering that just because a contemporary source says it's so, doesn't mean its true! In any case, by the time the license passed to Thomas Kelly in 1833, the location was established as “Wellington Street”. Connolly was taken to court over outstanding debts in 1834, and was threatened with sale of the property if they remained unpaid. Kelly had his own problems – he placed an advertisement in The Advertiser in 1835 cautioning against extending credit to his wife, who had left him “without provocation.”  

As the Elephant and Castle, it was home to annual horse sales, as well as the civic functions typically held in hotels in the nineteenth century – inquests, meetings of sporting clubs and so on

In 1836 it was,for a time, renamed the Currency Lass Public House.

I'm not sure when it became The Orient but it was named thus is 1911. If you're keen you could track the licensing information printed in contemporary newspapers, and probably work it out. There was a serious fire, in which a man died in 1928. Most of the roof was destroyed and areas not damages by the flames suffered water damage.

In the 1920s, the hotel (as did many others) had difficulties with accusations of illegal trading. In 1923, for instance, it was claimed that the folk going in the doors after six were using the billiards or wireless plant, and/or attending meetings of axeman (chopping events were held in the yard of the hotel) or cyclists!! Although doubtless people attended the hotel to do all those things, the explanation seems a little dodgy, especially given that the police were clearly convinced there was a case to answer. but the license was renewed none-the-less.There were accusations of illegal bookmaking in the 1930s, and at least one brawl large enough to result in newspaper reports and formal charges, the following decade.

The hotel has been reborn in modern times as The Pizza Pub, and is part of a larger retail group.  Its founders would not have begun to understand the concept of home delivered gourmet pizzas!!  I suspect, though, that the Elephant and Castle/Currency Lass/Orient/Pizza Pub might make a good case study of how hotels have changed over time.

32 BRISBANE STREET - MARRILAC HOUSE

MARRILAC HOUSE

The glass above the front door of 32 Brisbane Street reads “JM Pardey.” Dr James McImery Pardey's obituary, published in The Examiner in August 1944 refers to his move to 32 Brisbane Street around 1893, and confirms that he was living elsewhere when he died. The article is well worth reading, as Dr Pardey,Chad an interesting career, entwined with Launceston's history.

After cancelling his plans to move to the mainland, to deal with an outbreak of smallpox in 1887, he worked in a variety of roles including surgeon superintendent at the General Hospital, medical officer for the Gaol, a doctor in private practise and as the City Medical Officer. As medical officer, his duties included assessing whether or not particular dwellings were “suitable for human habitation.” He clearly believed in a healthy lifestyle - he was medical officer for the Northern Tasmanian Football Association, a tennis competition was named for him, and he was a bowler, angler and gardener. The Examiner mentions that his “handwriting was excellent” - perhaps a little dig at the usual stereotype.

Dr Pardey was a modern man – he was one of the city's earliest motorists and had the phone connected to the Brisbane Street House in November 1894 (the number was 157!). The life of an early doctor would have been challenging. Certainly there were financial rewards and social standing but there are numerous newspaper reports of various calamities occurring in Launceston at all hours of the day and night which ended with someone being dispatched to fetch Dr Pardey. One gains the impression that holidays out of town would have been essential!!

The house seems to invite a name. Whilst Dr Pardy and his family lived there, and for some time later, it was called “Lapoinya.” In the 1940s it was occupied by a Dr John MacDonald and his family. There was a legal issue with a tennis court at the rear of the building around this time, although its not clear whether or not this was part of the original house.

I was fortunate enough to have stayed in the house when it was “The Maldon” - which was­ somewhere between a hotel and a B&B (and a great place to stay with two active toddlers who could be taken to play in nearby City Park). Other things were taking my attention at the time (!) but the amazing pressed tin and ruby glass stayed in my mind.

The house has been reborn as “Marrilac House”, and is now run by the St Vincent de Paul Society as affordable accommodation for those who need to travel to Launceston for medical care.

CIVIC SQUARE FOUNTAIN

Fountain, Civic Square

There is quite a bit of public art to be seen in Launceston, although most of it occurs in rather defined areas.  Civic square has some great examples.

If like me, you tend to rush past at lunchtime I'll save you the time it takes to read the main text on the plaque on this fountain so you'll have an extra minute to appreciate its artistic merits!!

"The water jets represent migrants from different parts of the world arriving in Tasmania. The fountain was erected by the Good Neighbour Council, Launceston City Council, the Government of Tasmania and others in appreciation of the contribution to the city by the new settlers."

The sculptor was Mirek Marik, and the date inscribed is
21 March 1992.  Mirek Marik was a well-known artist twho had a copper gallery at Carrick in the historic Archer's Folly/Mond's Roller Mill building, which suffered extensive damage in a fire in 1978.  Another gallery was established next door.

72-74 GEORGE STREET, LAUNCESTON

Historic shop - Cnr George and Paterson Street, Launceston

Most of the early supplies for the residents of Launceston came from government stores, but gradually, as more enterprising ex-convicts and free settlers sought ways to independently support themselves and indeed to profit from increasing demand, privately owned shops were built.

This building, now a Mexican restaurant,  may be one of the earliest examples still standing, possibly dating to 1824.

It has housed many enterprises over the years, including Allen's Confectioners in the 1890s (Steamroller lollies are said to have been first made here).  Roses Big Novelty Store was a later tenant, and composer Alex Lithgow lived upstairs!  (This information has come from Beverley Heathcote's book A Walk Through Launceston's History).

George Street was formally named as such the year after this building was erected.  I don't know whether or not this advertisement, placed in on 06th April 1825 in the Tasmanian and Port Dalrymple Advertiser by a Mr Birrell, and referring to his store in George Street relates to this actual building, but it gives some idea of the sort of things that might have been for sale.

"Bengal OP Rum, 22s per gallon, superior Port ,and Cape Madeira Wine at 10s per gallon; large sized cups and saucers, 16s per dozen, Flint tumblers, 12s per dozen; Wine glasses 15s per ditto; Negrohead Tobacco 6s 6d by the keg or in quantities at 8s per lb;  Iron pots 8d per lb;  Writing paper, small size 30s, large size 35s, and best 42s per ream;  Argylshire cheese 2s 6d per lb;  Men's leather hats 7s 6d each, boys Leather Caps 3s 6d each; Frying-pans 5s each; Stock-keepers boots 15s per pair; Sallad (sic) oil 10s per bottle, Whale Oil 5s per gallon;  Wryghte's bitters 60s per dozen;  Elegant dinner services 25 pounds per sett (sic);  Durham mustard 5s per bottle.

Cash, Wheat or Kangaroo Skins taken in payment."

PRINCES SQUARE OAK TREE

PRINCE'S SQUARE  OAK

Princes Square is clearly worthy of an extremely long post all of its own, and will in due course have one, but for now, I'll just make an entry for this little sign.

The first royal tour of Australia was undertaken by Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh in 1867-68. It was an eventful trip, featuring sectarian violence, a riot in Melbourne and ending with an assasination attempt in Sydney. Amidst all of this, the Duke managed to have a comparatively pleasant month or so in Tasmania. Despite experiencing “July weather in January”, the Duke managed to brave the rain for a while, on Wednesday the 15^th to plant two Oak trees to commemorate his visit to Launceston. This plaque remains – if you have a bored child in tow next time you're in Princes Square, challenge them to find it!

Whilst he was in town, the Duke also turned the first sod of the Launceston and Deloraine railway, and was rowed up the Cataract Gorge in the evening. The Gorge was lit with bonfires and coloured fires, small boats were illuminated with lamps and choirs sang (the orchestral performance had to be cancelled due to the weather). The Examiner gives a full account of the day!

Despite some secondary sources suggesting otherwise, this was not the time at which Prince's Square was thus named. After the area was redeveloped into a park, it was initially known as St John's Square, but its official opening coincided with the heir to the throne's 18^th birthday (November 10^th 1859) and the name began to be used unofficially shortly after this time. It was certainly referred to as such when the first two “royal oaks” were planted in the park by the Launceston Mayor, W. Hart in 1863 to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark.