The Ryno Pen

Sad blighter that he is, your humble blogonaut likes digging up Old Things.

Those lumps of bluestone and hardwood, that did so much expen$ive damage to the trenching machine when the studio was being built, were still relics of whatever building had once been on this site. (Makes promise to self: “I will get down to the council historical unit, and see what they’ve got to offer.”)

Herself is fond of Old Things, too. (Jokes about her choice of partner will be greeted with a “Hrumph!”) Our household stops for Time Team on Tuesday evenings. That’s the depth of our archaeo-tragic state.

When I found out about the pictures available online from the John Oxley Library in Brisbane, I had to have a look.

There’s a wealth of history in Toowoomba, changed only a little…

In 1906, the Grand Hotel looked like this:

The array of balconies above the porch is quite impressive!

Just to the left is the establishment of Mrs. E. Harris, offering “Board and Residence”. Now, please bear that in mind…

… as you look at the above photo of the Grand (now renamed the Norville), and see the main railway line, located so close to the premises.

The line was probably running in exactly the same spot in 1906. The photo above shows another angle: the line of trees is a creek, so there’s not a lot of leeway for relocating the rails. (The Toowoomba railway station is about fifty metres behind the photographer’s POV.)

(Brief digression: Yes, the men’s convenience is built over the creek. It is reputed to be the oldest public loo, in working order, in Queensland. The plumbing is connected to the sewer system these days.)

So, Mrs Harris’ boarders probably occupied a long, very narrow building with excellent railway access. If sleeping was too difficult, suitable liquid assistance was no doubt available from the Grand.

North is top of the map. Photos were taken looking south (Railway St on photographer’s right.)

G’night all — don’t let the trains keep you awake!