park

During the Second World War, a number of fibrolite military buildings were constructed at various points in Victoria Park by the forces of the United States of America. Following the outbreak of war in the Pacific in late 1941, Brisbane was transformed into a locale of intense military activity with thousands of American troops stationed there before being shipped off to fight the Japanese forces in the Pacific. While most of the accommodation was canvas tents, a number of huts of fibrolite on timber stumps were constructed south of Herston Road and Gregory Terrace. After the war until 1947 many of these huts were used to house Australian war brides (Australian women who had married American servicemen). After these women married an American they became stateless, losing their Australian citizenship but unable to acquire U. S. citizenship or legal rights as several years of residence in the U.S.A was required. This left many women in a very difficult position. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Park,_Brisbane#Heritage_li...

One of the main features of Alexandra Park is the rotunda. Concerts by the Naval Band and others were often held in the park and were well attended. However, the bands had to stand in the full sun whilst listeners could relax in the shade of trees. In the Parks Report presented to Council at its meeting on 28 September 1910, Alderman Redmond noted that “...there was one thing lacking…” in the Park - a bandstand - which he hoped the Parks Committee would consider30. Alderman Maynard vouched for his agreement and maintained a bandstand would “...enhance the value of the park”. The Mayor (Ald. Nielson) donated £50 (his Mayoral allowance) towards the cost of the band stand. Other funds came from government parks and gardens grants and the outstanding balance was then initially to be sourced “...from the public by subscription or otherwise”. From newspaper accounts it doesn’t appear, however, that the public was asked to put their hands in their pockets to contribute to the cost of the bandstand itself. Tenders for the building of the band stand were called for soon after the Council meeting on 16 December, to be ready for the next meeting on 11 January 1911. Two tenders were received but were rejected, and it was decided to call for tenders again at a later date. This occurred on 28 March37, and in early April it was announced that the sole tender received in this second round was successful38. Mr John Heaps won the tender with a quote of £160 for a rotunda with iron railings or £158 for wooden railings. The quote for a rotunda featuring iron railings was accepted. The bandstand was officially opened on Wednesday evening 8 November 1911. A crowd of 400-500 was present to hear the Naval Band play in the new rotunda, and Alderman Redmond, in the absence of the Mayor (Ald. Stevenson), performed the opening duties. The new rotunda was “...regarded as a memorial to Alderman Neilson - fitting that he should be remembered in the gardens and his name should be on the bandstand”. Aldermen Nielson died suddenly on 11 October 1911. He had been a great supporter of the Naval Band and of the construction of a bandstand. Soon after Ald. Nielson’s death the Mayor received a letter from Mr. WG Lewis, Secretary of the School of Arts, wishing the Council and the people of Bundaberg to honor the late Alderman with “...a drinking fountain or marble tablet in the new bandstand”. He felt sure that an appeal to Bundaberg citizens would yield the necessary funds and he began the appeal by enclosing a cheque for one guinea with his letter. Over time many more people donated and a plaque was added to the rotunda in 1912. Source: www.artsbundaberg.com.au/downloads/file/67/alexandra-park...

The site of the Kiosk and Bandstand (former) Flinders Parade, between Fourth and Fifth Avenue Designed by Brisbane-based architect Mr HGO Thomas as part of the Sandgate Municipal Council's foreshore scheme in mid-1900. Source: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/outdoor-acti...

To benefit the numerous visitors to our beaches the Sandgate Town Council decided to construct two kiosks one in Moora Park and another on Flinders Parade. Both were similar and designed by T R Hall and built by Sandgate builder Samuel Drew. The Moora Park Kiosk was built in the late 1890s and the Flinders Parade Kiosk in about 1902. The Flinders Parade Kiosk was positioned on the foreshore in the vicinity of Fourth Avenue. Mangroves were still growing on the foreshore, and a jetty was built across the rocky ground to access the beach and seawater. The existing rock wall was built during the depression years of the 1930s by relief workers. The Sandgate Town Band played at both kiosks on alternate Sundays. Teas and locally made soft drinks and ice cream (Kreamco) were served. Also, lollies were sold, costing about one penny, and a vending machine dispensed 'three pence' Nestles chocolates. An open-air theatre was built on the seaward side of the kiosk. Gas lamps were installed for lighting and a water tank was installed until town water and electricity were established in the district in the 1920s. In 1927, saltwater baths were built just to the north of the kiosk. The council-owned and maintained the kiosk and over the years, there were several different tenants. For many years the tea rooms were well patronized and popular for functions. By the 1940s, visitors to the area had decreased considerably mainly because of the increase in motor transport and the opening of the Hornibrook Highway which made access to northern beaches more accessible. At this stage, the council renovated the kiosk and added another tea room. The rotunda (bandstand) was removed and placed on a brick base. The larger tea room was built on the seaward side closer to the saltwater baths. To enhance the building, the entire structure was enclosed with brick and cement. As the popularity of the Sandgate seaside reduced, patronage died off and the tenants found the tea rooms unprofitable. The Brisbane City Council called tenders to purchase and demolish the building. Despite efforts from concerned citizens requesting the council to preserve the building as a local landmark, the kiosk was demolished in July 1962. Story supplied by Sandgate & District Historical Society & Museum Inc. www.sandgateguide.com.au/news/475-remembering-sandgate-kiosk