Ellensvale

This property was acquired in 1911 by Coorparoo resident John Innes Brown. Brown, like his father, was a blacksmith and operated from premises in Elizabeth St in the city. He married Mary Ellen Thomson in 1913 but remained at his parent’s home in Knowsley St Coorparoo until 1919 when he and Mary Ellen occupied the Dowar Street residence. The house name is recorded as both “Ellensvale” and “Ellesvale” from the mid-1920s. Brown was a member of the Coorparoo Shire Council from 1917-1925, and its mayor from 1924-25. He was a Brisbane City Council Alderman from 1928 to 1935. When Brown died in 1949 the property transferred to his second wife Euphemia. It remained in the family until 1959.