Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair People
For thousands of years, the Jagara people lived around the foothills and escarpment areas of the Darling Downs, while the Giabal inhabited the Toowoomba area. The Jarowair people's territory was the northern areas, towards and including, the Bunya Mountains.
According to the Cambooya Story, the Darling Downs has been the home of many clans called "fire blacks", after their habit of regularly burning off the grassland.
According to Norman Tindale's 1974 Aboriginal Tribes of Australia, the Giabal people spoke the Paiamba language when they met the missionary William Ridley at Yandilla in October 1855. Ridley only recorded eight words in this language. However, these words appear to be of the Waga-Waga dialect. Recent work by Wafer and Lissarague (2008) indicates a stronger link with the Waka Waka language group.
Multuggerah, an Aboriginal leader (also called Young Moppy), is believed to have accompanied the Moreton Bay commandant, Lieutenant Owen Gorman, from Gatton to Eton Vale station (later Toowoomba) in October 1840: thereby facilitating the development of Gorman’s Gap, one of the earliest routes between the Darling Downs and Brisbane.
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| Thomas John Domville Taylor arrived on the Darling Downs by 1842, one of the earliest European settlers in the region. His pencil sketches provide an important record of the region. |
Multuggerah stole sheep and blocked roads with the intention of staving settlers out. He then led a guerrilla campaign and ambush to stop pastoralists' supplies from reaching the Darling Downs near Mt Davidson. This is known as the Battle of One Tree Hill. And it is a complicated and sad story. Read more detail here
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| Aboriginal sewing, Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Thursday 14 August 1930, |
The Bunya (Araucaria bidwillii) tree, is indigenous to the Bunya Mountains and the Blackall Ranges of Queensland, produces large cones (about the size of a football). Various Aboriginal groups from Southeast Queensland would travel to collect these cones during the bunya nut season. Some cones could be picked up from the ground, while others required climbers to loop vines around their waists and scale the trees to harvest the cones.
The last traditional gathering is believed to have occurred around 1900.
After this, many Aboriginal men were employed in the pastoral industry and women in domestic service. The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach has acknowledged the contribution of Aboriginal stockmen, and Aboriginal women.
By the early 20th century, many of the Aboriginal people of the Darling Downs were relocated (many forcibly) to Missions, reserves and stations, such as Deebing Creek Mission.
Gummingurru, the modern name for the rock formations of a 6,000-year-old Aboriginal ceremonial site north of Toowoomba, which has rings of rocks and other totems, now has a cultural centre on the site. Read more
1820s
Allan Cunningham (1791-1839) was a botanist and explorer who arrived at Sydney Cove on the Surry in 1816. He would go on to travel extensively around Australia collecting botanical specimens.
In June 1827, Allan Cunningham climbed to the flat top of Mount Dumaresq, where he saw the rich and fertile valley of the Glengallan Creek, which he called Darling Downs in honour of Governor Darling. Cunningham returned to England by 1831 to study his specimens.
Alford opened “The Downs Inn” in July 1844 with a limited licence, which was upgraded to a Publican’s Licence in June 1845. In November of 1845, Stephen Meehan, who owned a store next door to the Inn, took over the business. However, in 1858, the original hotel burned down, and a new building was constructed on the site.
Alford opened the first store on the Darling Downs, near the boundaries of Westbrook, Gowrie and Eton Vale run, serving pastoralists, bullock drivers and travellers. He gained a liquor license for the Downs Inn, opened the first Post Office and bought land.
In June 1843, when Leichhardt was travelling from the NSW Central Coast to Moreton Bay, Leichhardt "put up at Thomas Alford's accommodation house at the head of the range where he found it very agreeable to have a bit of comfort after the rough life in the bush". Alford's house was named St Audries.
Thomas Alford died at his residence in Russell Street, Toowoomba, on Saturday 9 January 1864 aged 46.
The last traditional gathering is believed to have occurred around 1900.
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| Aboriginal rug making, Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Thursday 14 August 1930, |
Gummingurru, the modern name for the rock formations of a 6,000-year-old Aboriginal ceremonial site north of Toowoomba, which has rings of rocks and other totems, now has a cultural centre on the site. Read more
1820s
Allan Cunningham (1791-1839) was a botanist and explorer who arrived at Sydney Cove on the Surry in 1816. He would go on to travel extensively around Australia collecting botanical specimens.
In June 1827, Allan Cunningham climbed to the flat top of Mount Dumaresq, where he saw the rich and fertile valley of the Glengallan Creek, which he called Darling Downs in honour of Governor Darling. Cunningham returned to England by 1831 to study his specimens.
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| Allan Cunningham (1791–1839), English botanist and explorer |
1840s
It was not until 13 years later that the first settlers arrived, and George and Patrick Leslie established Toolburra Station 56 miles (90 km) south-west of Toowoomba.
In the early 1840s, other squatters began to take up pastoral runs on the Darling Downs.
It was not until 13 years later that the first settlers arrived, and George and Patrick Leslie established Toolburra Station 56 miles (90 km) south-west of Toowoomba.
In the early 1840s, other squatters began to take up pastoral runs on the Darling Downs.
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| The original Canning Downs homestead, Toolburra Station, where Mr. and Mrs. George Leslie took up residence in 1847, Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Monday 4 March 1940 |
The brothers Arthur Hodgson and Christopher Pemberton Hodgson followed the Leslie Brothers onto the Darling Downs in 1840 and established Eton Vale Station.
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| Eton Vale Homestead, QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Wednesday 24 February 1904 |
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| Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Saturday 3 February 1940 |
Josiah Dent in 1848 put-up a tent on the bank of West Creek where Myers store now stands.
In 1843 Thomas Alford built the first house in Drayton, which was then known as "The Springs" and by Aboriginal people as chinkerry (water springs up).
In 1843 Thomas Alford built the first house in Drayton, which was then known as "The Springs" and by Aboriginal people as chinkerry (water springs up).
In 1843 residents of Drayton petitioned the Governor to form a township.
A survey of the town was prepared in 1849, and Government Surveyor J.C. Burnett was instructed to mark out "suburban allotments for Garden and Agricultural purposes".
The site called "Drayton Swamp Agricultural Reserve" four miles northeast of Drayton, where two swampy creeks joined to form the headwaters of Gowrie Creek, would later become known as Toowoomba. "Swamp Allotments" were first offered at auction in November 1849.
A survey of the town was prepared in 1849, and Government Surveyor J.C. Burnett was instructed to mark out "suburban allotments for Garden and Agricultural purposes".
The site called "Drayton Swamp Agricultural Reserve" four miles northeast of Drayton, where two swampy creeks joined to form the headwaters of Gowrie Creek, would later become known as Toowoomba. "Swamp Allotments" were first offered at auction in November 1849.
Alford opened “The Downs Inn” in July 1844 with a limited licence, which was upgraded to a Publican’s Licence in June 1845. In November of 1845, Stephen Meehan, who owned a store next door to the Inn, took over the business. However, in 1858, the original hotel burned down, and a new building was constructed on the site.
In 1848 the Rev. Benjamin Glennie conducted his first Church of England service on the Darling Downs, at the Royal Bull's Head Inn.
In 1853 a survey of the swamp area was carried out. Land sales took place later in the same year.
In 1853 a survey of the swamp area was carried out. Land sales took place later in the same year.
1851: The Swamp
In about 1851, Alford moved to Toowoomba, then known as "The Swamp".
In about 1851, Alford moved to Toowoomba, then known as "The Swamp".
In June 1843, when Leichhardt was travelling from the NSW Central Coast to Moreton Bay, Leichhardt "put up at Thomas Alford's accommodation house at the head of the range where he found it very agreeable to have a bit of comfort after the rough life in the bush". Alford's house was named St Audries.
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| Meehans Hotel in Darling Street Drayton, originally established by Thomas Alford, circa 1856, State Library of Queensland |
The following applications were granted: Wed 27 Apr 1859
Mr. William Witham, Queen's Arms, Mr.
Frederick Molo, Royal Hotel, and Mr. John
Dare, Sovereign Hotel, Toowoomba.
James William Wright, of Toowoomba,
obtained a confectioner's license.
The license of Mr. William Horton, pro-
prietor of the Royal Bull's Head, Drayton.
Mr. William Witham, Queen's Arms, Mr.
Frederick Molo, Royal Hotel, and Mr. John
Dare, Sovereign Hotel, Toowoomba.
James William Wright, of Toowoomba,
obtained a confectioner's license.
The license of Mr. William Horton, pro-
prietor of the Royal Bull's Head, Drayton.
Moreton Bay Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1846 - 1861), Wednesday 27 April 1859
Toowoomba’s first hotel was built by William Horton.
William Horton was an English convict who founded the Royal Bull's Head Inn, Brisbane Street, Drayton, Toowoomba Region. He is regarded by many as the Founding Father of Toowoomba.
The original inn, named after "Champion", a prize Durham bull on the Cecil Plains station where Horton used to work, was constructed by 1847, with a major extension in 1859. After the 1860 visit by Queensland Governor Bowen, it became the Royal Bull’s Head Inn.
A private Church of England School opened in 1856. The first state school opened in 1865. |
| Royal Bull's Head Inn, Toowoomba, QLD, circa 1880s, Toowoomba Regional Libraries |
A School of Arts committee was established in Toowoomba in the late 1850s. And the first School of Arts was erected in 1861 on land donated by Arthur Hodgson.
The Wesleyan congregation was first established in the 1850s and a stone church in Neil Street was constructed in 1864-65. The current Wesley Uniting Church was constructed in 1877.
What's In a Name?
There have been various explanations about the origins of the name Toowoomba. One is that the word means "gathering of many waters" in the local Aboriginal language.
A petition by Toowoomba residents seeking incorporation as a municipality was successful, and this proclamation occurred on 24 November 1860.
Clifford House, a gentlemen's club, was erected in 1865.
What's In a Name?
There have been various explanations about the origins of the name Toowoomba. One is that the word means "gathering of many waters" in the local Aboriginal language.
Another theory was that the name Toowoomba is derived from "choo-woom", a small melon the size of a duck egg, and "ba" meaning place. Another explanation put forward was that the place of the settlement, called "The Swamp", was pronounced by Aboriginal people as "Twamp" or "Twamba", which became "Twoomba" or Toowoom-ba."
In 1866, Patrick and Thomas Perkins started the Perkins Brewery in Toowoomba --this was Queensland's first brewery. The water for the brewery came from West Swamp Toowoomba. The Downs Brewery ceased brewing in 1958.
Pastor C. Schirmeister conducted the first Lutheran Church service on the Darling Downs, January 1st, 1859, in Lord's wool store in Toowoomba. The pastor travelled to Toowoomba from Brisbane on horseback. There has been three Lutheran Churches at Toowoomba since this time.
In 1866, Patrick and Thomas Perkins started the Perkins Brewery in Toowoomba --this was Queensland's first brewery. The water for the brewery came from West Swamp Toowoomba. The Downs Brewery ceased brewing in 1958.
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| The Downs Brewery in Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Qld - circa 1907, Aussie~mobs |
1860s
Toowoomba's first Town Hall was built in 1862 on the corner of James Street and Neil Street.
A hotel known as the White Horse Hotel is known to have existed since 1866.
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| Toowoomba, QLD, Town Hall from 1862 until 1882, then demolished |
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| Studio portrait of a man, Toowoomba, 1869. Aboriginal man's face with a beard. A young man with a scarification on his torso and wearing a necklace. State Library of Queensland |
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| Portrait of a young woman, Toowoomba, 1869. Aboriginal woman portrait, with a cloth wrapped over one shoulder and across chest. State Library of Queensland |
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| Studio portrait of a man, Toowoomba, 1869. Aboriginal man's face with a beard. A young man with a scarification on his torso and wearing a necklace. State Library of Queensland |
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| Studio portrait of two men with visible scarrification on one of the men in the Toowoomba District, 1869. State Library of Queensland |
Convict and Politician
Groom was conditionally pardoned and worked near Bathurst as a shop assistant and later a correspondent for the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal until he was accused of stealing gold. Groom was sentenced to three years road labour.
After Groom was released, he moved to Queensland and became a store-keeper and auctioneer at Drayton in 1856. He then bought the Royal Hotel in Toowoomba.
Serving as an alderman in the Borough of Toowoomba from 1861 to 1901, Groom became Toowoomba's first Mayor in 1861. He was re-elected in 1864 and 1867 and again in 1883 and 1884. In 1862, he was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly and was Speaker from 1883 to 1888. Groom was elected to the federal parliament at the inaugural election in 1901, becoming the only transported convict to sit in the Australian parliament.
William Henry Groom was born in Plymouth, England, in 1833. In 1849, he was convicted of stealing and sentenced to seven years transportation to New South Wales.
Groom was conditionally pardoned and worked near Bathurst as a shop assistant and later a correspondent for the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal until he was accused of stealing gold. Groom was sentenced to three years road labour.
After Groom was released, he moved to Queensland and became a store-keeper and auctioneer at Drayton in 1856. He then bought the Royal Hotel in Toowoomba.
Serving as an alderman in the Borough of Toowoomba from 1861 to 1901, Groom became Toowoomba's first Mayor in 1861. He was re-elected in 1864 and 1867 and again in 1883 and 1884. In 1862, he was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly and was Speaker from 1883 to 1888. Groom was elected to the federal parliament at the inaugural election in 1901, becoming the only transported convict to sit in the Australian parliament.
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| Mr and Mrs W H Groom, c1862, Queensland State Archives |
The original Toowoomba Gaol opened in 1864. Andrew Ritchie, convicted of murder and robbery under arms, was the first to be hanged at the gaol in August 1864.
After the prison closure in 1903, it was reused for several purposes before becoming Rutlands Guest House from 1930 to 1959.
Cobb and Co.
Cobb and Co.'s coaches began running in Queensland on January 1 1866. People boarded the coach in front of the Frasers Queens Arms Hotel, Toowoomba.
"Cook and Fraser ran a coach from Bigge’s Camp, (Grandchester), to Toowoomba, which Cobb and Co. bought, as also the one run from Toowoomba to Dalby by Mrs. Hartley, of the Jondaryan Hotel."
Balonne Beacon (St. George, Qld. : 1909 - 1954)
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| The roaring days of the Cobb and Co., Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 - 1954) |
Toowoomba Railway Station
The Toowoomba Railway Station was erected in 1867 as the rail line reached Toowoomba. The building was designed by Sir Charles Fox in England in mid-1866, prefabricated in England, and shipped to Queensland.
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| The Toowoomba Railway Station, QLD, was built in 1867, State Library of Queensland |
St. James Church is a heritage-listed Anglican church at 145 Mort Street, Toowoomba, which was designed by Richard George Suter and built from 1869 to 1953.
1870s
1870s
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| Train bridge on Main Range, Toowoomba, c 1870, Toowoomba Chronicle, 14 July 1877, Queensland State Archives |
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| View of Toowoomba including Russell Street in the middle distance, circa 1874. State Library of Queensland |
The Botanic Gardens at Toowoomba were establsihed in 1875.
The Toowoomba Court House was constructed between 1876 and 1878. It is the third known Court House to be built on the Darling Downs, the first of which was at Drayton.
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| Town Hall Hotel, Toowoomba, ca 1875. SLQLD |
Jewish Synagogue
Henry Spiro, a Jewish man, born in Posen, Prussia, in 1839 arrived in Queensland in 1861 and Toowoomba in 1863. He formed a partnership with a Mr Benjamin and opened a store on Stuart Street (now known as Geddes Street). In 1870 he was elected Mayor, a position he held until 1872.
A Jewish Synagogue was built in Toowoomba in 1876. However, Jewish families mostly moved away from Toowoomba. The Redeemer Lutheran Church in Neil Street now occupies the land where the synagogue once stood.
Gabbinbar
"Gabbinbar" Homestead was built for The Reverend William Lambie Nelson in 1876. His son, Sir Hugh Muir Nelson, later took over Gabbinbar. From 1906 to 1909, Gabbinbar was the summer home of the Governor of Queensland, Lord Chelmsford and his family.
The Wesley Uniting Church was constructed in 1877.
Gabbinbar
"Gabbinbar" Homestead was built for The Reverend William Lambie Nelson in 1876. His son, Sir Hugh Muir Nelson, later took over Gabbinbar. From 1906 to 1909, Gabbinbar was the summer home of the Governor of Queensland, Lord Chelmsford and his family.
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| "Gabbinar", Toowoomba, QLD, circa 1908, SLQLD |
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| Lord Chelmsford, Governor of Queensland, in 1907 |
1880s
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| Post Office and Court House, Margaret Street, Toowoomba, c 1880, Queensland State Archives |
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| Russell Street, Toowoomba, ca. 1885, State Library of Queensland |
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| Toowoomba and Drayton prior to 1887, State Library of Queensland. |
Toowoomba Hospital
In 1859, a house in Russell Street was rented for use as a hospital. However, by 1864, a timber hospital was built at the corner of James and Ruthven Street.
The present James Street hospital site was acquired in 1878. And the first buildings were designed by Queensland Colonial Architect FDG Stanley. The hospital opened in 1880. By the 1920s, the Toowoomba Hospital was one of the biggest and most well-equipped in the state.
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| A large, two-storeyed complex with four wards each containing 16 beds. Attached to this main block by covered ways was a two-storeyed kitchen and laundry wing, by Queensland Colonial Architect, FDG Stanley, opened in1880, now demolished |
1890s
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| Club Hotel Toowoomba, Queensland, 1890, SLQLD. The Club Hotel is a double storey brick construction with wide verandahs displaying decorative friezes and balustrading to protect ground and top floor from the elements. The entry to the public bar is visible from the front of the building with open doors. A steeply pitched iron roof shows five tall moulded chimneys. |
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| Ruthven Street in Toowoomba, ca. 1893. SLQLD |
In 1894 there were seven churches at Toowoomba.
When the School of Arts building was badly damaged by a fire on 21 June 1898, the proposal was made to build a new town hall on the site, closer to the commercial centre of town.
1900s
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| Busy street scene in front of the Cramond & Stark building, Toowoomba, ca. 1895. SLQLD |
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| Group of Officials Toowoomba Show, QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 13 August 1898 |
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| The Toowoomba Show, QLD, Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), Saturday 19 August 1899 |
1900s
Toowoomba City Hall, the city's third town hall, was built in 1900.
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| Toowoomba Railway Station, QLD, Queensland Country Life (Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Tuesday 12 February 1901 |
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| Russell St, Toowoomba, QLD, Queensland Country Life (Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Tuesday 12 February 1901 |
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| Toowoomba looking north-west, QLD,Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 20 April 1901 |
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| The Chronicle, Toowoomba, Queensland, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 20 April 1901 |
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| Russell St, Toowoomba, QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 20 April 1901 |
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| Moloney's Globe Hotel, Toowoomba. QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 20 April 1901 |
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| St. Lukes Church of England, Toowoomba, QLD,circa 1902, SLQLD (It is the second church on the site) |
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| Walter Donely's Champion Pair of Buggy Horses, Toowoomba Show, QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 16 August 1902 |
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| Sir Arthur Hodgson and .Son's Nugget I., First and Champion Fine- Wool Ram and Grand Champion i f Yard. First and Champion Strong- Wool Ewe. Toowoomba Show, QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 16 August 1902 |
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| The Mayor Receives the Governor at Town Hall, Toowoomba, QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 16 August 1902 |
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| Typical Darling Towns haystacks, QLD, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Wednesday 27 April 1904 |
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| Flooded street in Toowoomba, 1906. Some of the business houses visible include Ted Roberts hairdresser, T. A. Clarke greengrocer, Edwood's city offices and the Criterion Hotel. SLQLD |
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| Goods for sale on the footpath outside the store of W. Lovelock & Co. Ltd., Toowoomba, 1906, The Queenslander, 13 October 1906, p. 23 |
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| Nurses and doctors on the staff at the Toowoomba General Hospital, ca. 1907. SLQLD |
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| Clifford House in Toowoomba. Queensland, ca. 1908, SLQLD |
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| Herries Street, Toowoomba, Qld - circa 1910, Aussie~mobs |
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| Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, c1910, Queensland State Archives |
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| Horse Sales, Toowoomba, QLD, circa 1910, Coloured Shell series postcard, Aussie~mobs |
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| Toowoomba's Ruthven Street in the early 1900s. Queensland State Archives |
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| Lady archers in Toowoomba, Qld - 1911, Aussie~mobs |
The original Empire Theatre was built in 1911. However, the theatre was fundamentally changed in 1933, incorporating substantial sections of an earlier theatre.
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First Empire Theatre (1911–1933), Sir John Robert Kemp - View of the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba, State Library of Queensland |
Coal Mining
The Acland Coal Company was established about 1913 to provide coal to local industries and the railway. In 1940s-50s, up to 52 men were employed at the mine.
The mine would become Queensland's oldest continuously worked coal mine. When the mine was shut down in 1984, Acland in the Toowoomba Region, had a population of between 200 and 400.
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| Workers in the brickworks at Brazier's, Toowoomba, ca. 1914. Workers pose with some of the urns and bottles they have made at the brickworks. SLQLD |
Boxing Champion
Jerry Jerome, of Giabal/Jarowair descent, was Australia's first Aboriginal boxing champion, to win a major boxing title, in 1913.
WWI
The March of the Dungarees was a snowball march in November 1915 in South-East Queensland, Australia, to recruit men into the Australian military during World War I. Crowds in Toowoomba welcomed the Dungarees as they marched from Harristown along Drayton Road into West Street and then past the hospital in James Street on 20 November 1915.
In May 1915, the women of Toowoomba attended a meeting at the Toowoomba Town Hall and decided to establish a Soldiers' Sock Fund.
Peace Celebrations
1920s
Jerry Jerome, of Giabal/Jarowair descent, was Australia's first Aboriginal boxing champion, to win a major boxing title, in 1913.
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| Jerry Jerome, boxer, Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), Saturday 19 April 1913 |
WWI
The March of the Dungarees was a snowball march in November 1915 in South-East Queensland, Australia, to recruit men into the Australian military during World War I. Crowds in Toowoomba welcomed the Dungarees as they marched from Harristown along Drayton Road into West Street and then past the hospital in James Street on 20 November 1915.
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| The Dungarees recruitment march, led by an army band, passing through Ipswich en route to Brisbane. The Dungarees march commenced in Warwick, Queensland on 16 November 1915 and travelled via Toowoomba to Brisbane. AWM |
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| In May 1915, the women of Toowoomba attended a meeting at the Toowomba Town Hall, and it was decided to establish a Soldiers' Sock Fund. Mr Merry and his lorry, Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), Wednesday 2 January 1918 |
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| Strand Theatre, Toowoomba, QLD, Construction and Local Government Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1913 - 1930), Monday 2 July 1917 |
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| Newtown Park, Toowoomba Band, 1918, Aussie~mobs |
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| Patriotic Workers at Toowoomba, WWI. Queensland, State Library of Queensland |
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| Law courts, Toowoomba, QLD, Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), Wednesday 8 May 1918 |
Peace Celebrations
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| Peace celebrations on Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, ca. 1919. Looking at the cavalcade of cars during the Peace Celebrations after the First World War, between Margaret and Russell Streets looking south, State Library of Queensland. |
1920s
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| Northern Herald (Cairns, Qld. : 1913 - 1939), Wednesday 17 March 1920 |
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| Overbridge at Toowoomba railway station, QLD, circa 1923 |
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| Glennie School netball team, Toowoomba, Queensland, 1924, State Library of Queensland |
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| TOOWOOMBA'S FIRST BAND. Blading (reading from left): George Farr. Chistav Muller. missing: George Jasse, August Winter, Wilhelm Muller, Frederick Kretachma, and Heinrich Muller Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1922 - 1933), Wednesday 2 April 1924 |
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| Ambulance Station at Toowoomba, ca. 1925., SLQLD |
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| Exterior view of the shop front of Pigott & Co. Ltd., Toowoomba, QLD, 1927, SLQLD |
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| Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, ca. 1928. Reproduced from a Red Arcade postcard. SLQLD |
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| George Elvery on a 26hp Austin tractor, Toowoomba, ca. 1927, State Library of Queensland |
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| Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of York, visit Toowoomba, QLD, 1927. The Duke of York went on to become King George VI and the Duchess of York became Queen. SLQLD |
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| 1929-30 Queensland Hotels and Boarding- House Directory and Tourist Guide, State Library of Queensland |
Interesting Titbits
According to the local Toowoomba history buff, Paul Herbert, who runs tours, Toowoomba was one of four places in Queensland that conducted public hangings, possibly as late as the 1870s.
At one time, according to Mr Herbert, a certain hotel in town sold matchboxes for a pound, which contained a key to a hotel room and possibly a lady of the night.
Interestingly, the Australian cake called a Lamington, according to Maurice French, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Southern Queensland, may have been named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland. One story goes that the lamington was first served in Toowoomba, when Lord Lamington took his entourage to Harlaxton House to escape the Brisbane heat.
1930s
Eagles Nest Camp was set up by the Toowoomba resident and philanthropist Dr Thomas Price (1871–1957), and other concerned residents, to alleviate the hardships experienced unemployed men.
The Toowoomba Trades Hall in Russell Street was built in 1934.
1940s and WWII
Toowoomba was the location of RAAF No.7 Inland Aircraft Fuel Depot (IAFD).
The Head Quarters (HQ) of the First Australian Army of World War II was formed at Toowoomba on 15 April 1942, and so, for a period, the HQ for the defence of Queensland and New South Wales was located at Toowoomba. American soldiers, nurses and naval personnel were also stationed at Toowoomba during this time.
1950s
According to the local Toowoomba history buff, Paul Herbert, who runs tours, Toowoomba was one of four places in Queensland that conducted public hangings, possibly as late as the 1870s.
At one time, according to Mr Herbert, a certain hotel in town sold matchboxes for a pound, which contained a key to a hotel room and possibly a lady of the night.
Interestingly, the Australian cake called a Lamington, according to Maurice French, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Southern Queensland, may have been named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland. One story goes that the lamington was first served in Toowoomba, when Lord Lamington took his entourage to Harlaxton House to escape the Brisbane heat.
1930s
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| Hagan and Gatfield Furniture Factory, Toowoomba, 1931. Copied and digitised from an image appearing in The Queenslander, 17 December 1931 |
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| Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, circa 1930s |
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| A general view of the single unemployed men's camp at Toowoomba showing some of the neat huts occupied by the men. Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Thursday 1 June 1933 |
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| Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Friday 9 February 1934 |
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| Eddie Gilbert in April 1932 (Fairfax). Harold Edward Gilbert (1 August 1905 – 9 January 1978), known as Eddie Gilbert, was an Australian Aboriginal cricketer who represented Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. He was described as an exceptionally fast bowler. |
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| Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), Wednesday 6 November 1935 |
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| Decorated motor vehicles parked outside the Toowoomba Electric Light & Power Co. Ltd., ca. 1936, State Library of Queensland |
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| The Canberra Private Hotel, run by the the Temperance League, Toowoomba, QLD, Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 11 April 1938 |
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| "Toowoomba School. Teachers, Globe Trotters, Speak Highly of Queensland House", "Our , trip included England, Scotland, Norway, ' Sweden, France, Berlin, Florence and Venice, Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 17 January 1938 |
1940s and WWII
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| Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia, circa 1940, Aussie~mobs |
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| Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Wednesday 20 November 1940 |
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| Holm's Service Station and garage, Toowoomba, Queensland, ca. 1940, State Library of Queensland |
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| Queensland Country Life (Qld. : 1900 - 1954), Thursday 30 October 1941 |
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| "How Toowoomba Feted American Sailors", Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Friday 28 March 1941 |
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| Aboriginal display of tribal customs at a corroboree, Toowoomba, QLD. Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 - 1954), Sunday 28 January 1940 |
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| Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Monday 25 November 1940 |
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| Bruce Rock Post and Corrigin and Narembeen Guardian (WA : 1924 - 1948), Thursday 27 July 1944 |
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| Portrait of 414482 Flying Officer (later Flight Lieutenant [Flt Lt]) Raymond Kennedy Gibson RAAF of Toowoomba, Qld shown standing beside a Typhoon aircraft of No. 609 Squadron, RAF. Flt Lt Gibson was lost on operations over Germany on 14 February 1945 while serving with 609 Squadron and is buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery near the town of Kleve, Germany. AWM |
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| Court House, Toowoomba, August 1946, Queensland State Archives |
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| Canberra Hotel, Toowoomba, Queensland, ca. 1948. Brick building, the Canberra Hotel in Toowoomba. SLQLD |
1950s
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| Margaret Street, Toowoomba, Qld - circa 1950s, Aussie~mobs |
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| Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld. : 1909 - 1954), Wednesday 3 March 1954 |
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| One of the most impressive of the welcome archways awaiting the Queen and the Duke in Toowoomba today — the Toowoomba at- b in Margaret Street, Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Thursday 11 March 1954 |
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| Toowoomba's Greek community and Downs centres, which the Royal couple will not see during their Downs visit this afternoon welcomed the Queen and the Duke to Toowoomba v. ith arches of flags and bunting. Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Thursday 11 March 1954 |
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TRIO of (A)borigines from the Northern Territory in war paint who performed intricate tribal dances for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the mass welcome in Oueen's park in Toowoomba. Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Friday 12 March 1954 |
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| ELABORATELY PAINTED and feathered, aboriginal dancers from the Northern Territory danced before the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Toowoomba yesterday. Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Friday 12 March 1954 |
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FAREWELL glimpse for the crowd of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, laughing happily, as they left the Toowoomba Showgrounds, Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Friday 12 March 1954 |
1960s
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| Russell Street, circa 1961, was originally known as Farm Road. It was named after Henry Stuart Russell, an explorer, pastoralist, politician and author of The Genesis of Queensland. Queensland State Archives |
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| Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 1962, Ruthven Street is named after John Ruthven, 3rd Earl of Gowrie, as is Gowrie Street. Queensland State Archives |
1970s
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| Toowoomba fire engine car No 4 - Toowoomba, QLD, June 1973, Queensland State Archives |
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| HRH Princess Alexandra and The Honourable Angus Ogilvie visiting Toowoomba, 1978, Queensland State Archives |
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| Toowoomba Post Office, QLD, was built from 1878 to 1908, 1990s, Queensland State Archives |
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| Alexandra Building, Toowoomba, QLD, was constructed in 1902 to a design by prominent Toowoomba architect Henry James (Harry) Marks (1871-1939) for local businessman Thomas Kelsall Lamb, Taken sometime in 1999, Queensland State Archives |
2005
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| Toowoomba City Hall, 19 September 2005, QLD, Foundationexpo88 |
2011
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| Toowoomba, QLD, 2011 flood |
Around Toowoomba
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| Royal Bull's Head Inn, Brisbane Street, Drayton, Toowoomba Region was built from 1859 to 1950s |
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| White Horse Hotel in Toowoomba City, Queensland, Australia, has existed since 1866 and was operated by Daniel Donovan. (Shiftchange) |
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| St Lukes Anglican Church, Toowoomba, QLD, was dedicated in 1897. The first building on the site of the present St Luke's Anglican Church, Toowoomba, was a small timber slab construction, built as a church and school in 1857 |
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| St Luke's Church Hall Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, constructed in 1911 |
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| "Whyembah" is a heritage-listed detached house at 80 Campbell Street, East Toowoomba, QLD, built c. 1896, and renovated and enlarged in 1906. |
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| Ruins of staircase and chimney in front of a more recent shed, Eton Vale, QLD |
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| St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, on James Street, South Toowoomba, was built from 1883 to 1935 |
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| "Claremont" at 91 Campbell Street, Toowoomba, QLD, built around 1905 with a coach house and stables |
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| The former Canberra Private Hotel, at 121 Margaret St, was run by the the Temperance League, Toowoomba, QLD, |
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| The Downs Hotel, QLD. The second oldest pub licence in Queensland (about 1844), Brisbane St Drayton, Queensland |
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| Toowoomba railway station, Toowoomba, QLD, was designed by FDG Stanley and built in 1873 by R. Godsall |
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| "Fernside," Toowoomba, QLD, was built from c. 1876 to c. 1915, for John Alexander Boyce |
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| Toowoomba Grammar School, QLD, was founded in 1875 |
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| "Millbrook" Toowoomba QLD, built in the 1860s. Owned by W.H. Groom the first mayor of Toowoomba (has been renovated) |
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| "Ellerslie House" was once owned by Toowoomba saddler, James Blackburn, who had a saddlery in Russell Street, Toowoomba, QLD, during the mid-1800s |
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| Toowoomba City Hall, QLD, the city's third town hall, was built in 1900 to a design by Willoughby Powell on the site of the School of Arts |
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| The Toowoomba Court House, QLD, was constructed between 1876 and 1878. It is the third known Court House to be built on the Darling Downs, the first of which was at Drayton |
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| Photo of former Toowoomba Technical College on Hume Street in Toowoomba City, Queensland, Australia. Shiftchange |
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| The Toowoomba Trades Hall in Russell Street was built in 1934 by Kell & Rigby to the design of architect MC Williamson, for the Toowoomba Trades Hall Board, QLD |
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| The Former Acland No. 2 Colliery, at 2 Francis Street, Acland, Toowoomba, QLD. Coal was one of the first minerals in Queensland to be commercially mined. |
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| Acland, Toowoomba region, QLD, old butcher's shop |
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| Strand Theatre is a heritage-listed cinema at 159 - 167 Margaret Street, Toowoomba City, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by George Henry Male Addison and built from 1915 to 1933 |
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| Redlands, Toowoomba, QLD, was designed by architect James Marks and built from 1889 to c. 1930 |
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| Public air raid shelter from World War II, Toowoomba, QLD |
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| Grand Lodge of Queensland, Toowoomba, was founded and dedicated on 6th January 1870 |
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| Toowoomba Police Station Complex, Southern Regional Headquarters, 50 Neil St, Toowoomba, QLD, designed by Raymond Clare Nowland and built in 193, 5Kgbo |
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| Originally called the Grand Hotel, when built in 1905, the name was later changed to the the name changed to Norville Hotel, Toowoomba, QLD (70 Russell Street) |
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| Cobb+Co Museum Museum, Toowoomba, QLD |
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| Bishop's House at 73 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba QLD, was built from 1910 |
Things To Do and Places To Go
Toowoomba's Russell Street Historical Walk
Historic Walks in Toowoomba City
Experience Aboriginal Culture and Heritage in the Toowoomba Region
Australian Army Flying Museum
Toowoomba during WWII – Walking Tour
Cobb+Co Museum
Acland Coal Mine Museum
The Clifton Historical Museum