Blocksidge & Ferguson's history
The State Library of Queensland has published some articles on Brisbane auctions we conducted in 1917 and 1926
You can read the full article on the Zillmere Auction and the Holland Park Auction on the State Library of Queensland blog, but we’ve also included some snippets below.
The State Library of Queensland has an extensive collection of historical maps of Queensland, some of which have been digitised and can be viewed online via their website. If you click the link above the article will give you further information on how to access these digital prints.
From the State Library of Queensland
Zillmere Auction 1917
This real estate map from 1917 advertises 140 allotments of land (and three houses) for sale at the Show Grounds Estate in the Brisbane suburb of Zillmere. There is a discrepancy between the map and newspaper advertisements for the sale which report 136 allotments (and two houses) being available.
The allotments were situated along Zillmere Road, Church Road, First Avenue (now Rowell Street), Second Avenue (now Halcomb Street), Third Avenue (now Rodway Street) and Fourth Avenue (now Ardill Street).
“The estate is only three minutes from the Zillmere Railway Station, is situated in the centre of the town, and has many advantages to recommend it to home site seekers. The auctioneers state that there are three improved properties and 136 choice allotments to select from. In addition, the auctioneers will offer a compact little poultry farm, situated opposite the estate, and also a four-roomed cottage adjoining the Zillmere School of Arts.” (Brisbane Courier, June 9, 1917).
A public auction was held at the site on the afternoon of June 16, 1917.
Holland Park Auction 1926
Below is a real estate map from 1926 advertising 102 allotments of land for sale at the Tarana Estate in the Brisbane suburb of Holland Park. The allotments were situated along Logan Road, Holland Road, Barter Avenue, Taunton Street (now Avenes Street), Somerset Parade (now Cavillon Street), Jackson Street (now Contay Street) and Allen Street (now Lamette Street).
A public auction was held at the site on the afternoon of November 20, 1926.
The Daily Standard newspaper reported the results of the sale –
“Messrs Blocksidge and Ferguson Limited report a very successful sale of residential sites in Tarana Estate, Holland Park, on Saturday last. Prices realised were from £85 to £303 per allotment (approximately $6,550 to $23,350 in 2016). The latter was a block of 39 perches at the corner of Logan and Holland roads. Other frontages to Logan road of 24 perches realised £200 each. Thirty-one allotments were sold for £4248, and the house and six allotments realised £1480, making a total of £5728. The auctioneers withheld a number of choice building sites for private sale. There was a large attendance and bidding was brisk.” (Daily Standard, November 24, 1926).
Tarana Estate, Holland Park, 1926. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
We’re very proud of our history and feel privileged to still be conducting auctions, and selling and leasing property today.
Do you know anyone who bought at this auction? Send us an email or a message on Facebook if you do as we love sharing our history with our friends, customers and clients.
If you have historical documents at home that you think the State Library of Queensland may be interested in don’t hesitate to contact them. You can find their contact details here.
