PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO FIRST FLEETER, BARTHOLOMEW REARDON -
FIRST FLEET ANCESTOR OF SYDNEY ROBERT GEORGE FEATHERSTONE
1) Bartholomew Reardon b.1724 England, sailed on First Fleet ship, Scarborough, arriving at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788. d. 1/5/1807 Norfolk Island.
Hannah Reardon nee Rowney b.1756 London d.4/11/1829 Sorell, Tasmania.
Marriage 11/1791 Norfolk Island.
2) Thomas Whellan Williams b.1766 Llanvilo County, Brecon, Wales d.10/1/1853.
Frances Williams nee Reardon b.12/10/1794 Norfolk Island d.3/9/1862.
Marriage 8/8/1808.
3) Richard Williams b.8/9/1816 d.1884.
Jane Williams nee Taylor b.1823 d. 1887.
Marriage 8/7/1844 Hobart, Tasmania.
4) George Biggs b.15/11/1848 Launceston Tasmania d. 1915.
Susannah Biggs nee Williams b.1853 d.1941.
Marriage 8/6/1871 Launceston, Tasmania.
5) Sydney Robert George Featherstone b.22/8/1882, Tasmania d.6/1/1949.
Elsie Mary Featherstone nee Biggs b.27/4/1881 Launceston, Tasmania d.28/9/1947
North Sydney, NSW.
Marriage 29/7/1909 Launceston, Tasmania
6) Charles Rendall Coulter b. 26/12/1908 Launceston, Tasmania d.5/7/1968.
Sydney, NSW.
Elsie Jean Coulter (known as Jean) nee Featherstone b.14/8//1910 Launceston,
Tasmania d.11/2/2009 Mosman, Sydney, NSW.
Marriage .7/10/1937 St Clements, Mosman, NSW
7) Anthony Rendall Coulter b.17/12/1944 Sydney, NSW
Margaret Lorraine Coulter b.29/6/1941 Merewether NSW,
Marriage. 16/8/1975 St. Marks, Sydney, NSW.
For more information Reardon’s early life as a convict in Australia: http://www.fellowshipfirstfleeters.org.au/bartholomew%20reardon.htm
Further reading:
https://arthurphillipchapter.weebly.com/bartholomew-reardon.html
https://firstfleetfellowship.org.au/convicts/bartholomew-reardon/
https://firstfleetfellowship.org.au/convicts/bartholomew-reardon/
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As well as my wife and myself there were several other family members who contributed to the production:
1) My cousins John and Robert sons of Phyllis Evans were very involved in all aspects particularly photos and compilation. Their mother was the sister of Jean Coulter and the daughter of SRG and Elsie Mary Featherstone.
2) My sister Roslyn Coulter. Roz was slightly older than the others and had a much sharper recall of her grandparents.
3.) My wife, Margaret, is also a member of the Fellowship of First Fleeters by way of Mary Allen and kept us grounded. Our daughter, Jennifer Lorraine Seyderhelm, will have the benefit of tracing back to two separate First Fleeters ancestors.
A.R. COULTER
01/06/2021
FIRST FLEET ANCESTOR OF SYDNEY ROBERT GEORGE FEATHERSTONE
1) Bartholomew Reardon b.1724 England, sailed on First Fleet ship, Scarborough, arriving at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788. d. 1/5/1807 Norfolk Island.
Hannah Reardon nee Rowney b.1756 London d.4/11/1829 Sorell, Tasmania.
Marriage 11/1791 Norfolk Island.
2) Thomas Whellan Williams b.1766 Llanvilo County, Brecon, Wales d.10/1/1853.
Frances Williams nee Reardon b.12/10/1794 Norfolk Island d.3/9/1862.
Marriage 8/8/1808.
3) Richard Williams b.8/9/1816 d.1884.
Jane Williams nee Taylor b.1823 d. 1887.
Marriage 8/7/1844 Hobart, Tasmania.
4) George Biggs b.15/11/1848 Launceston Tasmania d. 1915.
Susannah Biggs nee Williams b.1853 d.1941.
Marriage 8/6/1871 Launceston, Tasmania.
5) Sydney Robert George Featherstone b.22/8/1882, Tasmania d.6/1/1949.
Elsie Mary Featherstone nee Biggs b.27/4/1881 Launceston, Tasmania d.28/9/1947
North Sydney, NSW.
Marriage 29/7/1909 Launceston, Tasmania
6) Charles Rendall Coulter b. 26/12/1908 Launceston, Tasmania d.5/7/1968.
Sydney, NSW.
Elsie Jean Coulter (known as Jean) nee Featherstone b.14/8//1910 Launceston,
Tasmania d.11/2/2009 Mosman, Sydney, NSW.
Marriage .7/10/1937 St Clements, Mosman, NSW
7) Anthony Rendall Coulter b.17/12/1944 Sydney, NSW
Margaret Lorraine Coulter b.29/6/1941 Merewether NSW,
Marriage. 16/8/1975 St. Marks, Sydney, NSW.
For more information Reardon’s early life as a convict in Australia: http://www.fellowshipfirstfleeters.org.au/bartholomew%20reardon.htm
Further reading:
https://arthurphillipchapter.weebly.com/bartholomew-reardon.html
https://firstfleetfellowship.org.au/convicts/bartholomew-reardon/
https://firstfleetfellowship.org.au/convicts/bartholomew-reardon/
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As well as my wife and myself there were several other family members who contributed to the production:
1) My cousins John and Robert sons of Phyllis Evans were very involved in all aspects particularly photos and compilation. Their mother was the sister of Jean Coulter and the daughter of SRG and Elsie Mary Featherstone.
2) My sister Roslyn Coulter. Roz was slightly older than the others and had a much sharper recall of her grandparents.
3.) My wife, Margaret, is also a member of the Fellowship of First Fleeters by way of Mary Allen and kept us grounded. Our daughter, Jennifer Lorraine Seyderhelm, will have the benefit of tracing back to two separate First Fleeters ancestors.
A.R. COULTER
01/06/2021
PART 2: Sydney Robert George Featherstone (SRG) – Builder and Family
(Based on Tony & Roz notes, May’16)
Key Dates
- 1842 His grandparents, James(1) and Eleanor Featherstone arrived in Australia. They settled in Hadspen, Tasmania and managed the Cricketers Arms Hotel
- 1848 His father, James Featherstone (2) was born
- 1874 July 22 James Featherstone (2) married Sarah George
- 1881 August 22 Sydney Robert George Featherstone born
- 1882 February 22 His mother Sarah Featherstone dies
- 1883 June 21 James Featherstone (2) marries again to Frances George (Fanny), Sarah's younger sister
- 1906 James Featherstone (2) dies
- 1909 July 29 Sydney Robert George Featherstone marries Elsie Mary Biggs
- 1910/1912/1914 Daughters born
- 1936/1937 Daughters married
1944 October 11 Fanny Featherstone dies
- 1947 September 28 Elsie Mary Featherstone dies
- 1949 January 6 Sydney Robert George Featherstone dies.
(Based on Tony & Roz notes, May’16)
Key Dates
- 1842 His grandparents, James(1) and Eleanor Featherstone arrived in Australia. They settled in Hadspen, Tasmania and managed the Cricketers Arms Hotel
- 1848 His father, James Featherstone (2) was born
- 1874 July 22 James Featherstone (2) married Sarah George
- 1881 August 22 Sydney Robert George Featherstone born
- 1882 February 22 His mother Sarah Featherstone dies
- 1883 June 21 James Featherstone (2) marries again to Frances George (Fanny), Sarah's younger sister
- 1906 James Featherstone (2) dies
- 1909 July 29 Sydney Robert George Featherstone marries Elsie Mary Biggs
- 1910/1912/1914 Daughters born
- 1936/1937 Daughters married
1944 October 11 Fanny Featherstone dies
- 1947 September 28 Elsie Mary Featherstone dies
- 1949 January 6 Sydney Robert George Featherstone dies.
SRG: HIS LIFE AND TIMES
A. The early years
Sydney Robert George Featherstone (SRG) was the fifth and last child of his mother. It was a difficult birth with severe complications that resulted in her early death at 27 on 11 February 1882. She was a twin and one of 12 children.
With a young family James (2) soon married again this time to Frances (Fanny) the younger sister, but not the twin, of Sarah.
SRG's third forename was the family name of his mother and stepmother. We know nothing of his schooling and not much about his family life. An observation by my mother that Fanny looked a ‘majestic figure in her Salvation Army uniform’ is probably a clue.
A later photograph shows Fanny with her two step daughters in Salvation Army uniforms suggesting that this was a significant part of their life.
A. The early years
Sydney Robert George Featherstone (SRG) was the fifth and last child of his mother. It was a difficult birth with severe complications that resulted in her early death at 27 on 11 February 1882. She was a twin and one of 12 children.
With a young family James (2) soon married again this time to Frances (Fanny) the younger sister, but not the twin, of Sarah.
SRG's third forename was the family name of his mother and stepmother. We know nothing of his schooling and not much about his family life. An observation by my mother that Fanny looked a ‘majestic figure in her Salvation Army uniform’ is probably a clue.
A later photograph shows Fanny with her two step daughters in Salvation Army uniforms suggesting that this was a significant part of their life.
B. Religion
SRG's grandparents were Church of England as per their burials. The next generation, probably influenced by Fanny, followed the Salvation Army call. SRG married in the Methodist Church possibility influenced by his bride's family and the daughters followed the faith in christening and schools. When they moved to Sydney both daughters married in Anglican Churches (renamed from Church of England).
C. Work 1900-1914
Most of this comes from a document provided by the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston. It shows 37 mostly residential buildings attributed to
SRG in the period only one of which is shared with his father. This is for the Murfets (Ellen Featherstone married Edward Murfet). I didn't have time to check the other names but some seem worthy of further investigation. For example, the Sutton 's at 120 Elphin Road. Mr Sutton, the former Mayor of Launceston, owned ‘Fairlawn’ with very substantial gardens next door to SRG at no.134. 120 may form part of ‘Fairlawn’ or be adjacent to it. Other properties have SRG's name to them that I take to mean spec buildings looking for a profit on sale. The document also includes comments on the architecture particularly windows, chimneys and timber features.
All in all a very impressive body of work.
SRG's grandparents were Church of England as per their burials. The next generation, probably influenced by Fanny, followed the Salvation Army call. SRG married in the Methodist Church possibility influenced by his bride's family and the daughters followed the faith in christening and schools. When they moved to Sydney both daughters married in Anglican Churches (renamed from Church of England).
C. Work 1900-1914
Most of this comes from a document provided by the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston. It shows 37 mostly residential buildings attributed to
SRG in the period only one of which is shared with his father. This is for the Murfets (Ellen Featherstone married Edward Murfet). I didn't have time to check the other names but some seem worthy of further investigation. For example, the Sutton 's at 120 Elphin Road. Mr Sutton, the former Mayor of Launceston, owned ‘Fairlawn’ with very substantial gardens next door to SRG at no.134. 120 may form part of ‘Fairlawn’ or be adjacent to it. Other properties have SRG's name to them that I take to mean spec buildings looking for a profit on sale. The document also includes comments on the architecture particularly windows, chimneys and timber features.
All in all a very impressive body of work.
D. Marriage and Children
SRG married Elsie Mary Biggs on 29 July1909 at a Methodist Church in Launceston. His occupation is shown as Carpenter/Builder whilst she wrote down Dressmaker. For a while she worked in a Haberdashery store run by Fanny Cox a sister to Susan Biggs. The marriage produced three children:
- Elsie Jean (Jean) born 14 August 1910.
- Phyllis (Phyl) born 14 March 1912
- Kathleen born 11 March 1914 died 24 March 1914
The girls were christened at the Patterson Methodist Church in Launceston probably where their parents had been married.
By this time SRG was doing very well in his business and the girls were educated
at the private school MLC (Methodist Ladies College) at Launceston.
My mother remembered how strict the teachers and prefects were about the dress codes, hats, gloves, stockings, uniforms the correct length with slip not showing, shoes shined and so on. She also recalled going to Church on Sundays, again appropriately dressed, in a horse and buggy driven by SRG. There is a picture of the girls aged about 12 and 10 with their parents.
E. The Social Scene
This was a very important part of Launceston life and status. My Aunt on the other side of the family (Margaret McCarthy nee Coulter) published a glowing retrospective about this in a Melbourne Newspaper. On the other hand, my wife Margaret and I met up with Wal Evans in 1984 who said that there was a darker side to some of these activities. In the Launceston Examiner was a report of one of these major events where Jean was crowned as ‘Belle of the Ball’.
One happening of more particular significance was the engagement of Jean to the son of the Rolphs, the proprietors of the Launceston Examiner. Her parents thought that she was too young. His felt that he was not doing well with his studies (Medicine at Melbourne University) and needed to concentrate on his studies if he was to get through. The engagement was called off. Mum said that he eventually graduated and practiced as a GP in a Victorian regional centre. Our daughter has inherited the engagement ring.
F. SRG’s Sporting LIfe
SRG had two other interests in life. He was Chairman of the City Football Club and did much to foster the game in Northern Tasmania. He was chairman when Roy Cazaly was brought to Launceston to captain City. Cazaly is a legend of Australian Rules Football. In 1979 there was a catchy tune released by the ‘Two Man Band’ called ‘Up there Cazaly’ which got to No.4 on the Hit Parade.
SRG was also on the committee of the Northern Tasmanian Trotting Club for many years. He was a huge trotting enthusiast and owner with his best two being Bay Voyage (successful in Melbourne) and Lumont Lass.
SRG married Elsie Mary Biggs on 29 July1909 at a Methodist Church in Launceston. His occupation is shown as Carpenter/Builder whilst she wrote down Dressmaker. For a while she worked in a Haberdashery store run by Fanny Cox a sister to Susan Biggs. The marriage produced three children:
- Elsie Jean (Jean) born 14 August 1910.
- Phyllis (Phyl) born 14 March 1912
- Kathleen born 11 March 1914 died 24 March 1914
The girls were christened at the Patterson Methodist Church in Launceston probably where their parents had been married.
By this time SRG was doing very well in his business and the girls were educated
at the private school MLC (Methodist Ladies College) at Launceston.
My mother remembered how strict the teachers and prefects were about the dress codes, hats, gloves, stockings, uniforms the correct length with slip not showing, shoes shined and so on. She also recalled going to Church on Sundays, again appropriately dressed, in a horse and buggy driven by SRG. There is a picture of the girls aged about 12 and 10 with their parents.
E. The Social Scene
This was a very important part of Launceston life and status. My Aunt on the other side of the family (Margaret McCarthy nee Coulter) published a glowing retrospective about this in a Melbourne Newspaper. On the other hand, my wife Margaret and I met up with Wal Evans in 1984 who said that there was a darker side to some of these activities. In the Launceston Examiner was a report of one of these major events where Jean was crowned as ‘Belle of the Ball’.
One happening of more particular significance was the engagement of Jean to the son of the Rolphs, the proprietors of the Launceston Examiner. Her parents thought that she was too young. His felt that he was not doing well with his studies (Medicine at Melbourne University) and needed to concentrate on his studies if he was to get through. The engagement was called off. Mum said that he eventually graduated and practiced as a GP in a Victorian regional centre. Our daughter has inherited the engagement ring.
F. SRG’s Sporting LIfe
SRG had two other interests in life. He was Chairman of the City Football Club and did much to foster the game in Northern Tasmania. He was chairman when Roy Cazaly was brought to Launceston to captain City. Cazaly is a legend of Australian Rules Football. In 1979 there was a catchy tune released by the ‘Two Man Band’ called ‘Up there Cazaly’ which got to No.4 on the Hit Parade.
SRG was also on the committee of the Northern Tasmanian Trotting Club for many years. He was a huge trotting enthusiast and owner with his best two being Bay Voyage (successful in Melbourne) and Lumont Lass.
G. Difficult Days Ahead
Mum said that SRG was a very generous man probably to a fault. She felt that he should have set aside capital or resources should there be a downturn in the business. The onset of the depression in the late 1920's caused SRG's business to falter and he sold out, eventually moving to Sydney in1930. The other two major competitors survived, JT Gunn and Himman, Wright and Mansell. It had a major effect on him and the family. Much of the family furniture and possessions were sold or sacrificed.
The family decided to settle in Sydney probably influenced by family connections such as Elsie Mary's older sister Edie and her husband Herbert Boyle who were living in Mosman. SRG and family found a quality rental at ‘Highroyd’ in Musgrave St. Mosman close to the Musgrave Street Wharf.
Mum said that SRG was a very generous man probably to a fault. She felt that he should have set aside capital or resources should there be a downturn in the business. The onset of the depression in the late 1920's caused SRG's business to falter and he sold out, eventually moving to Sydney in1930. The other two major competitors survived, JT Gunn and Himman, Wright and Mansell. It had a major effect on him and the family. Much of the family furniture and possessions were sold or sacrificed.
The family decided to settle in Sydney probably influenced by family connections such as Elsie Mary's older sister Edie and her husband Herbert Boyle who were living in Mosman. SRG and family found a quality rental at ‘Highroyd’ in Musgrave St. Mosman close to the Musgrave Street Wharf.
H. Mosman Sydney
Jean found employment as a nanny with various jobs around NSW and, eventually, a permanent job as a Karitane nurse. The Tasmanian links remained strong with both daughters having beaux with Launceston connections that they eventually married.
Phyllis married Walter Evans (Wal) on 27 July 1936 at St Phillips Church, Sydney with Jean as bridesmaid and Ren as best man and Jean to Charles Rendall Coulter (Ren) on 7 October 1937 at St. Clements Church, Mosman with Edith Boyle as bridesmaid and Constance Sutton's daughter as Flower girl. The reception was at the Clifton Gardens Hotel that, a few years later burnt down. Both weddings were officiated by the Reverend.
Jean found employment as a nanny with various jobs around NSW and, eventually, a permanent job as a Karitane nurse. The Tasmanian links remained strong with both daughters having beaux with Launceston connections that they eventually married.
Phyllis married Walter Evans (Wal) on 27 July 1936 at St Phillips Church, Sydney with Jean as bridesmaid and Ren as best man and Jean to Charles Rendall Coulter (Ren) on 7 October 1937 at St. Clements Church, Mosman with Edith Boyle as bridesmaid and Constance Sutton's daughter as Flower girl. The reception was at the Clifton Gardens Hotel that, a few years later burnt down. Both weddings were officiated by the Reverend.
G. Williamson who turned out to be the father of Malcolm Williamson the first and only Australian to be appointed to be Master of the Queen's Music.
Ren and Jean decided that they would look around for land nearby and found a block at 3 Rickard Avenue, Mosman. SRG was the obvious choice as builder and with help from some of the family the house was completed in 1937 with a few early photos taken.
G. Williamson who turned out to be the father of Malcolm Williamson the first and only Australian to be appointed to be Master of the Queen's Music.
Ren and Jean decided that they would look around for land nearby and found a block at 3 Rickard Avenue, Mosman. SRG was the obvious choice as builder and with help from some of the family the house was completed in 1937 with a few early photos taken.
Into the 40’s
- Wal and Phyllis decided to settle in Melbourne.
- Fanny Featherstone died in Launceston on 11 October 1944.
- Elsie Mary Featherstone died in Sydney on 28 September 1947.
- Sydney Robert George Featherstone died in Sydney on 6 January 1949.
- The latter two are buried in the Northern Suburbs Cemetery not far from Edie
and Herbert Boyle.
- At the time of passing of Elsie Mary and SRG had four grandchildren.
- Wal and Phyllis decided to settle in Melbourne.
- Fanny Featherstone died in Launceston on 11 October 1944.
- Elsie Mary Featherstone died in Sydney on 28 September 1947.
- Sydney Robert George Featherstone died in Sydney on 6 January 1949.
- The latter two are buried in the Northern Suburbs Cemetery not far from Edie
and Herbert Boyle.
- At the time of passing of Elsie Mary and SRG had four grandchildren.
SRG’s Building Legacy
His legacy depends on the buildings he was responsible for. I have ranked them in order of importance not in time sequence.
A. Law Courts / Supreme Courts, Launceston
They were built in the 1920's and featured
one of SRG's renowned features - the use of Tasmanian Blackwood in window frames and other furniture. It is a timber that aged over a long period with a high black shine similar to ebony. My mother and I were in Launceston in the mid 1980's and visited the site. We found that significant developments were taking place. When we spoke to the Project Manager we found him to be very sympathetic to the original plans for the building and said that he would ensure that timbers would be matched. Margaret and I visited in 2013 and were very impressed with the quality of the building. Incidentally the Melbourne City Council building features extensive use of Tasmanian Blackwood.
His legacy depends on the buildings he was responsible for. I have ranked them in order of importance not in time sequence.
A. Law Courts / Supreme Courts, Launceston
They were built in the 1920's and featured
one of SRG's renowned features - the use of Tasmanian Blackwood in window frames and other furniture. It is a timber that aged over a long period with a high black shine similar to ebony. My mother and I were in Launceston in the mid 1980's and visited the site. We found that significant developments were taking place. When we spoke to the Project Manager we found him to be very sympathetic to the original plans for the building and said that he would ensure that timbers would be matched. Margaret and I visited in 2013 and were very impressed with the quality of the building. Incidentally the Melbourne City Council building features extensive use of Tasmanian Blackwood.
B. Launceston Grammar School
The school has the unique record of being the oldest continually operating school in Australia. Kings in Sydney in Sydney is older but closed down during the War. The school moved from the city centre out to Mowbray in the 1920's and was rebuilt. The old school has been preserved as a museum. My mother thought SRG had built the school chapel which we visited in1985. In 2013 Margaret and I arranged a meeting with the school archivist (Dr Gunn of the famous family) who took us on a tour of the site. Dr Gunn said that SRG did not build the Chapel but did build the Administrative Building and two other Boarding Houses. They rank highly because of the iconic relevance of the school.
My family on the other side has an on-going connection to the school with at least six students attending including my grandfather, father and a cousin. My uncle was both a student and later a long-standing member of the Board. Subsequently his granddaughter attended after the school went co-ed and his grandson is currently a pupil. As an aside Dr Gunn said that his early life was in a house to the rear of 134 Elphin Road.
The school has the unique record of being the oldest continually operating school in Australia. Kings in Sydney in Sydney is older but closed down during the War. The school moved from the city centre out to Mowbray in the 1920's and was rebuilt. The old school has been preserved as a museum. My mother thought SRG had built the school chapel which we visited in1985. In 2013 Margaret and I arranged a meeting with the school archivist (Dr Gunn of the famous family) who took us on a tour of the site. Dr Gunn said that SRG did not build the Chapel but did build the Administrative Building and two other Boarding Houses. They rank highly because of the iconic relevance of the school.
My family on the other side has an on-going connection to the school with at least six students attending including my grandfather, father and a cousin. My uncle was both a student and later a long-standing member of the Board. Subsequently his granddaughter attended after the school went co-ed and his grandson is currently a pupil. As an aside Dr Gunn said that his early life was in a house to the rear of 134 Elphin Road.
C. 134 Elphin Road, Launceston
This is SRG's prized building as it represents all the features that he most desired to build in his own home. My mother particularly noted the use of Tasmanian timbers on the Entrance Hall, Dining Room and Lounge Room in both the walls, windows, doors and furniture. In the latter case she deeply regretted the loss of the sideboard and dining table that showed off his carpentry skills.
In 2013 Margaret and I plucked up the courage to knock at the door. The owner was kind enough to invite us in and allow us to take photos. The house unfortunately is only in fair condition with a need for repairs but most of the internal features still exist.
One last note, on the telephone mum recalled that he always identified his name in full ‘Sydney Robert George Featherstone here’. I don't think he would have liked being referred to as "SRG" but it saves a lot of space!
This is SRG's prized building as it represents all the features that he most desired to build in his own home. My mother particularly noted the use of Tasmanian timbers on the Entrance Hall, Dining Room and Lounge Room in both the walls, windows, doors and furniture. In the latter case she deeply regretted the loss of the sideboard and dining table that showed off his carpentry skills.
In 2013 Margaret and I plucked up the courage to knock at the door. The owner was kind enough to invite us in and allow us to take photos. The house unfortunately is only in fair condition with a need for repairs but most of the internal features still exist.
One last note, on the telephone mum recalled that he always identified his name in full ‘Sydney Robert George Featherstone here’. I don't think he would have liked being referred to as "SRG" but it saves a lot of space!
D. 31 Brisbane Street, Launceston
31 Brisbane Street was built by SRG in the early 1900s. The original owner died before it was completed and it became a doctor’s home and practice. Sold in 2000 it was restored as a private home before being resold in 2018.
31 Brisbane Street was built by SRG in the early 1900s. The original owner died before it was completed and it became a doctor’s home and practice. Sold in 2000 it was restored as a private home before being resold in 2018.
E. 397 Wellington Road, Launceston
We only looked at this from the outside. However, it is a very attractive residence that has been kept in excellent condition visually.
We only looked at this from the outside. However, it is a very attractive residence that has been kept in excellent condition visually.
F. 3 Rickard Avenue Mosman, NSW
In 1938 this was a modest bungalow with a large pair of oval shaped windows. It has been extensively renovated since. Until the bridge was built in 1932 Mosman was mostly a middle class suburb. In later years with direct access for cars and outstanding views it became very desirable location.
In 1938 this was a modest bungalow with a large pair of oval shaped windows. It has been extensively renovated since. Until the bridge was built in 1932 Mosman was mostly a middle class suburb. In later years with direct access for cars and outstanding views it became very desirable location.
G. The Factory, 65 Wellington Road, Launceston
This is of most interest because the photo taken possibly 100 years ago represents a part of Australian industry that, in that form, has disappeared.
H. 4 Garfield Street, Launceston
A very modest house but of most interest because it may have been built by father and son. The original had a very attractive timber fascia that was subsequently removed.
I. ‘Connerville’ Cressy, Tasmania
This is a heritage listed rural property that my mother remembers SRG spending some time at around 1929 doing renovations. It was featured in a ‘Woman’s Weekly’ type magazine in the 50's which we cannot locate. Whilst in Launceston in 2013 I contacted the current owner Mr Conner. He knew of the major works done to the property at that time but was unable to locate any useful information about what was done or by whom.
J. Balmoral Beach Dressing Sheds, Sydney NSW
I found an article featuring this attributed to a well known local identity Mr Featherstone the builder in the 1920's. We know SRG made several visits to Melbourne and Sydney during the period but we cannot confirm.
A very modest house but of most interest because it may have been built by father and son. The original had a very attractive timber fascia that was subsequently removed.
I. ‘Connerville’ Cressy, Tasmania
This is a heritage listed rural property that my mother remembers SRG spending some time at around 1929 doing renovations. It was featured in a ‘Woman’s Weekly’ type magazine in the 50's which we cannot locate. Whilst in Launceston in 2013 I contacted the current owner Mr Conner. He knew of the major works done to the property at that time but was unable to locate any useful information about what was done or by whom.
J. Balmoral Beach Dressing Sheds, Sydney NSW
I found an article featuring this attributed to a well known local identity Mr Featherstone the builder in the 1920's. We know SRG made several visits to Melbourne and Sydney during the period but we cannot confirm.
PART 3: SUPPLEMENT
Sydney Robert George – The Builder
There was a query about the working relationship between SRG and his father. The only joint venture was the Murfet house built in 1900. SRG would have been barely 19! His father died in 1906.
As a part of the above I went back to the QV listing of SRG's early buildings. I noticed a sentence prior saying ‘resident Garfield St. (S/E corner Wellington P.O. 1914), 21 Patrick St (P.O. Dir 1912)’. The following list shows Garfield St. Cnr. Wellington Rd. built for S. Featherstone in 1912 and subsequently demolished and 21 Patrick St. built for S. Featherstone in 1909 and altered beyond recognition.
I passed this on to Rob who was able to find some photos in the family collection that probably answers the query.
Sydney Robert George – The Builder
There was a query about the working relationship between SRG and his father. The only joint venture was the Murfet house built in 1900. SRG would have been barely 19! His father died in 1906.
As a part of the above I went back to the QV listing of SRG's early buildings. I noticed a sentence prior saying ‘resident Garfield St. (S/E corner Wellington P.O. 1914), 21 Patrick St (P.O. Dir 1912)’. The following list shows Garfield St. Cnr. Wellington Rd. built for S. Featherstone in 1912 and subsequently demolished and 21 Patrick St. built for S. Featherstone in 1909 and altered beyond recognition.
I passed this on to Rob who was able to find some photos in the family collection that probably answers the query.
Patrick St. The first photo shows a very attractive building with a number of quality features in craftmanship. The clincher is that standing at the entrance is almost certainly SRG, Elsie Mary and their two children, Phyllis being a babe in arms. We would date this as 1913 and therefore that it is 21 Patrick St.
Wellington St. The second is very much in the style of 4 Garfield St. that we have analysed previously. It shows a much larger building but the design of the timber fascias is almost identical.
The probable answer is that it is the house on the corner of Garfield and Wellington described in the QV document as built in 1912 and as a residential from 1914 and subsequently demolished.
It was replaced in 1946 by a shop, a dwelling and bake house with the address now showing as 287 Wellington Road. What a shame to see this attractive home gone.
The probable answer is that it is the house on the corner of Garfield and Wellington described in the QV document as built in 1912 and as a residential from 1914 and subsequently demolished.
It was replaced in 1946 by a shop, a dwelling and bake house with the address now showing as 287 Wellington Road. What a shame to see this attractive home gone.
The second is matched with three other photos showing the back yard and two shots of persons taken outside the house.
We are fairly certain that at least two of these are family including Phyllis, Elsie Mary and Fanny but may require further investigation to confirm, such as the date of the photos.
The second is matched with three other photos showing the back yard and two shots of persons taken outside the house.
We are fairly certain that at least two of these are family including Phyllis, Elsie Mary and Fanny but may require further investigation to confirm, such as the date of the photos.
SRG the Builder added comments
In response to your comments the document from the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery clearly shows both father and son as the joint builder of the Murfet home in 1900. SRG would have been barely 19. The house at 4 Garfield St. is not on the list of either person. When I went to Launceston with my mother in 1985, she made a point of showing me the houses she recognized as the family lived in including Garfield St. in her early years.
We have a very clear photo of the house at that time (100 years ago not 1985) including the timber fascia, a carpenter’s trademark. My wife Margaret and I had some difficulty finding this house again in 2013 as we didn't have the number with us. However, we had the early photo with us and making allowance for the removed fascia, we were confident that all the other factors were there and the house still exists. Based on the attribution of the Murfet house and my mother's comments I assumed shared responsibility for the Garfield St. home.
Clouding the situation somewhat is a sentence prior to SRG's list saying: ‘resident Garfield St. (S/E corner Wellington PO 1914), 21 Patrick St. (PO Dir 1912)’.
On the following list it shows Garfield St. cnr Wellington built for S. Featherstone in 1912 and subsequently demolished and Patrick St. built for S. Featherstone in 1909 and altered beyond recognition.
I guessed that PO may mean Post Office but have no idea why he would be using a different postal address. I concluded that the corner Garfield St. Wellington St. is a different house to the one we have identified which is not on the corner and has not been demolished.
After 1900 there are no other houses attributed until 1909 when 4 are listed as by SRG. The remaining 32 fall into the period 1910-1914.
The QV record notes that SRG has been strongly identified with Glen Dhu a new development. Unfortunately, with the building of the Launceston Southern Outlet many of his houses have been demolished.
I don't think I can add any more to develop the working relation between SRG and his father. Clearly SRG's carpentry skills were enhanced alongside but he took the building know how to a new level.
JEN’s comments
Our daughter Jenifer found on google that JeanC's first fiance's family name was spelt Rolph not Rolfe although phonetically the same. It prompts me to wonder if the house on 1 Maitland St. built by SRG for W.Ralph may have the vowel incorrect with the client being William Robert Rolph the father of the fiance.
In response to your comments the document from the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery clearly shows both father and son as the joint builder of the Murfet home in 1900. SRG would have been barely 19. The house at 4 Garfield St. is not on the list of either person. When I went to Launceston with my mother in 1985, she made a point of showing me the houses she recognized as the family lived in including Garfield St. in her early years.
We have a very clear photo of the house at that time (100 years ago not 1985) including the timber fascia, a carpenter’s trademark. My wife Margaret and I had some difficulty finding this house again in 2013 as we didn't have the number with us. However, we had the early photo with us and making allowance for the removed fascia, we were confident that all the other factors were there and the house still exists. Based on the attribution of the Murfet house and my mother's comments I assumed shared responsibility for the Garfield St. home.
Clouding the situation somewhat is a sentence prior to SRG's list saying: ‘resident Garfield St. (S/E corner Wellington PO 1914), 21 Patrick St. (PO Dir 1912)’.
On the following list it shows Garfield St. cnr Wellington built for S. Featherstone in 1912 and subsequently demolished and Patrick St. built for S. Featherstone in 1909 and altered beyond recognition.
I guessed that PO may mean Post Office but have no idea why he would be using a different postal address. I concluded that the corner Garfield St. Wellington St. is a different house to the one we have identified which is not on the corner and has not been demolished.
After 1900 there are no other houses attributed until 1909 when 4 are listed as by SRG. The remaining 32 fall into the period 1910-1914.
The QV record notes that SRG has been strongly identified with Glen Dhu a new development. Unfortunately, with the building of the Launceston Southern Outlet many of his houses have been demolished.
I don't think I can add any more to develop the working relation between SRG and his father. Clearly SRG's carpentry skills were enhanced alongside but he took the building know how to a new level.
JEN’s comments
Our daughter Jenifer found on google that JeanC's first fiance's family name was spelt Rolph not Rolfe although phonetically the same. It prompts me to wonder if the house on 1 Maitland St. built by SRG for W.Ralph may have the vowel incorrect with the client being William Robert Rolph the father of the fiance.
ROZ’s comments
Roz says that when SRG and family arrived in Sydney they initially settled at a Guest House at Mosman Bay near Mosman Wharf called ‘Murcot’. It did not have a street frontage but you gained access via a passage way and/or door. She remembers a postcard that your sister Cathy found in Phyllis’ effects and sent to my mother.
During his years in Sydney SRG did some spec building. Roz remembers him talking about some jobs in Roseville and the number of times he'd turn up in the morning and find the bathroom fittings and vanities missing.
On another occasion in the mid 50's Roz remembers travelling with her parents in the Triumph Mayflower (there's an iconic art deco vehicle for you car buffs!). They turned up Echo St. in Roseville where the parents said before purchasing land at 3 Rickard Ave. they had looked at buying in Echo St. Roz wasn't sure whether it was a house or vacant land.
Marrying the last two paragraphs together suggested to me that there might be a link between where SRG had been working and my parent’s interest in purchasing in Echo St. My wife Margaret and I decided to go and see for ourselves.
Middle Harbour has steep cliffs on both sides with Roseville on one side and Roseville bridge providing the roadway to the other side. Near the bridge is Echo Point Park and Echo St. lies further up I assume the geography of the opposing cliffs provides the echo effect for people calling coo-ee and such across the way in a similar fashion to the Internationally famous Echo Point in the Blue Mountains.
There are three houses of some interest. The first two, very similar are of the right era. The most significant feature was a pair of large sandstone planter tubs adjoining the front entrance of the first. The second had an attractive sandstone path leading to their front porch. The connection, if any, was to 3 Rickard Ave. where sandstone featured prominently especially the low front retaining wall at the top of the cliff face and two large sandstone garden seats, the first displaced when the garage was dug out whilst the other remains. Around Echo St. was considerable use in previous times of sandstone in retaining walls and suchlike. The third house that looked to be of a slightly later period has three brick arches two of which were in an open verandah at the front. The original 3 Rickard had what I said was two large oval windows in the lounge room which can be better described as being supported by two large brick arches. Overall, not enough to go on, but of some interest.
Turning to 3 Rickard which I had dated as 1938 as per the photo held. Roz says it must have been completed in 1937 because it was at the lock up stage at the time of the wedding and reception. On that day thieves broke into the home and stole some of the wedding presents that had been locked inside. They entered through the kitchen servery that the milkman and bread carter used to deliver and collect the payment.
Roz says that when SRG and family arrived in Sydney they initially settled at a Guest House at Mosman Bay near Mosman Wharf called ‘Murcot’. It did not have a street frontage but you gained access via a passage way and/or door. She remembers a postcard that your sister Cathy found in Phyllis’ effects and sent to my mother.
During his years in Sydney SRG did some spec building. Roz remembers him talking about some jobs in Roseville and the number of times he'd turn up in the morning and find the bathroom fittings and vanities missing.
On another occasion in the mid 50's Roz remembers travelling with her parents in the Triumph Mayflower (there's an iconic art deco vehicle for you car buffs!). They turned up Echo St. in Roseville where the parents said before purchasing land at 3 Rickard Ave. they had looked at buying in Echo St. Roz wasn't sure whether it was a house or vacant land.
Marrying the last two paragraphs together suggested to me that there might be a link between where SRG had been working and my parent’s interest in purchasing in Echo St. My wife Margaret and I decided to go and see for ourselves.
Middle Harbour has steep cliffs on both sides with Roseville on one side and Roseville bridge providing the roadway to the other side. Near the bridge is Echo Point Park and Echo St. lies further up I assume the geography of the opposing cliffs provides the echo effect for people calling coo-ee and such across the way in a similar fashion to the Internationally famous Echo Point in the Blue Mountains.
There are three houses of some interest. The first two, very similar are of the right era. The most significant feature was a pair of large sandstone planter tubs adjoining the front entrance of the first. The second had an attractive sandstone path leading to their front porch. The connection, if any, was to 3 Rickard Ave. where sandstone featured prominently especially the low front retaining wall at the top of the cliff face and two large sandstone garden seats, the first displaced when the garage was dug out whilst the other remains. Around Echo St. was considerable use in previous times of sandstone in retaining walls and suchlike. The third house that looked to be of a slightly later period has three brick arches two of which were in an open verandah at the front. The original 3 Rickard had what I said was two large oval windows in the lounge room which can be better described as being supported by two large brick arches. Overall, not enough to go on, but of some interest.
Turning to 3 Rickard which I had dated as 1938 as per the photo held. Roz says it must have been completed in 1937 because it was at the lock up stage at the time of the wedding and reception. On that day thieves broke into the home and stole some of the wedding presents that had been locked inside. They entered through the kitchen servery that the milkman and bread carter used to deliver and collect the payment.
Finally, after Elsie Mary died, SRG met an English couple at the local hotel who were looking for jobs. SRG invited them to stay with him at Highroyd with duties including cooking, cleaning and washing in lieu of rent. In SRG's will he left the furniture and household effects to his lodgers. JeanC was very upset about this and asked Phyllis if she would join her in a legal challenge. Phyllis replied to the effect that she was too far away and did not have any spare money to pursue a potentially expensive claim so it was not pursued.