Addresses
Type of place
Work residence
Period
World War I 1914-1918
Style
Queenslander
Station Master's House (former)
Addresses
Type of place
Work residence
Period
World War I 1914-1918
Style
Queenslander
This timber stationmaster's residence was built in 1916 in close proximity to Gaythorne Railway Station, which also opened that year. It survives as a rare example of a stationmaster’s house still located in close proximity to the railway station as most were relocated or demolished during the mid to late twentieth century. The house is also significant as a station mistresses residence from 1919 until at least the late 1930s, at a time when it was relatively rare for women to be employed in similar positions of importance. This house is now a private residence.
Lot plan
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (D) RepresentativeInteractive mapping
Lot plan
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Timber
Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (B) Rarity; (D) RepresentativeInteractive mapping
History
The railway line from Mayne to Enoggera opened in 1899, servicing the Newmarket saleyards and passenger traffic, and encouraging further residential development along the line. By 1914, Dayboro and Samford farmers had been agitating for an extension to Terror’s Creek (now Dayboro), the Commonwealth government was keen to see an extension passing close to the Enoggera Rifle Range (and were prepared to finance it), and a degree of suburban growth had occurred beyond the Enoggera terminus.
Construction of the extension to Rifle Range Station, renamed Gaythorne in 1923, commenced in May 1915. By 9 February 1916 the progress report on construction stated that the station buildings and cottage for the stationmaster were practically complete. When the line to Gaythorne was opened on 16 February, the present shelter shed and office had been completed, along with a lamp room/closet and the stationmaster’s house. Gaythorne Station had a station master-in-charge only until August 1919, when a station mistress replaced him.
Mrs Mary Moynihan occupied the house until the early 1930s, followed by Mrs Ellen Self until at least 1939. As the home of station mistresses during the 1920’s and 1930’s, a time when it was relatively rare for women to be employed in positions of importance, the residence makes a contribution to the understanding of women’s history.
Description
This Federation style timber residence with pyramid roof was constructed circa 1916. Centrally located front stairs lead up to a front verandah that extends down both sides of the house. Slender columns that divide the facade into symmetrical bays, with simple dowel balustrades that are reflective of the era of construction. Timber lattice panels on the verandah and the timber skirt surrounding the foundation space contribute to the aesthetic Federation appearance.
Statement of significance
Relevant assessment criteria
This is a place of local heritage significance and meets one or more of the local heritage criteria under the Heritage planning scheme policy of the Brisbane City Plan 2014. It is significant because:
References
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Brisbane City Council Water Supply and Sewerage Detail Plans
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Kerr, J. 1988, Brunswick Street, Bowen Hills and Beyond: The Railways of the Northern Suburbs of Brisbane, Australian Railway Historical Society - Queensland Division, Brisbane
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Lawson, Ronald Brisbane in the 1890s: A Study of an Australian Urban Society. St Lucia U of Q Press, 1973
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McKellar's Map of Brisbane and Suburbs. Brisbane: Surveyor-General’s Office, 1895
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Watson, Donald and Judith McKay. Queensland Architects of the 19th Century: A Biographical Dictionary. Brisbane: Queensland Museum, 1994
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QSA A/8773, Railways Dept, Correspondence hard batches, 1915-20
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised September 2020)