People in history
Glebe’s Blue Plaque Nominations (Part 5): 97 Derwent St, once home of Bessie Guthrie
Posted on 6th July 2022
In September last year the NSW Government called for communities to nominate places linked to notable personalities and events for recognition as part of the NSW Blue Plaques program. The Glebe Society made a number of nominations. The fifth site nominated by the Society is 97 Derwent St Glebe, lifelong home of Bessie Guthrie (1905-1977), designer, publisher, feminist and campaigner for children’s rights.
Who lived in your street? Leslie John Roberts Jones (1886-1970)
Posted on 7th March 2022
Inspired by reports he heard of the flying exploits of the Wright brothers and lectures he attended given by Lawrence Hargrave, ‘Jack’ Jones built an aeroplane frame and engine in the backyard of his 108 Hereford St house.
Sarah (Sadie) Murdoch King passes away days after her 100th birthday
Posted on 7th March 2022
It is with great sadness that we heard about the death of Sadie King, just a few days after her 100th birthday. Read more about Sadie’s fascinating life.
The story behind the packaging – Sydney Flour
Posted on 6th March 2022
1 Glebe Rd, Glebe, now the site of 279 Broadway, was the home of Federation Flour sold by Sydney Flour Pty Ltd. The site had been purchased by Adolph Frederick Brockhoff, and his sons Frederick and Charles, in January 1906
Blue Plaque nominations for Glebe & Forest Lodge
Posted on 4th March 2022
The Glebe Society has made a number of nominations to our local member, Jamie Parker, for Blue Plaques to be erected in Glebe and Forest Lodge. Blue Plaques will recognise and celebrate important people and places in NSW. Our first nomination was 27 Catherine St, Forest Lodge, which was the home of the civil rights activist Charles Perkins and his wife Eileen and daughter Hetti while he was studying at the University of Sydney.
Vale Janet Venn-Brown
Posted on 13th September 2021
Well-known Australian artist, Janet Venn-Brown, died on 6 August, aged 96. Janet had a long association with Glebe and the Glebe Society. Read more about her fascinating life.
A man who punched above his weight – John McColl
Posted on 12th September 2021
A much-loved boxing trainer and community member, John McColl, died in August at the age of 81 years. After a successful boxing career he set up and ran the Glebe Estate Boxing Gym that was once located on Wentworth Park Rd. As well as training state and national champions, the gym played a vital social role in the Glebe community.
Queen’s Birthday Honours for Glebe local, Ann Curthoys
Posted on 4th August 2021
In the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List Glebe local, Ann Curthoys, received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to tertiary education, to social history, and to research. Ann has a long association with Glebe, both as a resident and as an intellectual and an activist participating in Glebe’s progressive environment. Find out more about this Glebe treasure.
Who lived in your street? Catherine Anna Korff (1862-1938)
Posted on 4th August 2021
Catherine (Kate) Korff was one of eight daughters of Frederick James Robert Korff. The last unmarried sister to die, Kate’s passing marked the end of her family’s 80-years’ residency on Hereford St. In 1940 two brick semi-detached houses replaced the old home. They remain standing, as numbers 19 and 19A.
100 Years ago in Glebe & Forest Lodge – June 1921
Posted on 7th June 2021
100 years ago, June 1921: Double shipping tragedy off the NSW North Coast felt in Glebe & Forest Lodge
Who Lived in your Street? Peter Lewis Tighe (1860-1946)
Posted on 7th June 2021
Real estate salesman Peter Tighe enjoyed a fleeting moment of celluloid fame in 1913 when he featured in Picturesque Stanwell Park a 20-minute silent film advertising a new land release. Tighe and his family are seen leaving their home Kareela 154 Glebe Point Rd and squeezing into a taxi waiting outside.
Glebe’s Aboriginal residents, 1788-1859
Posted on 4th June 2021
Assumptions that Glebe’s Aboriginal community disappeared shortly after British settlement need revisiting.
The Duke in Sydney (and Glebe!)
Posted on 26th May 2021
Did you know Prince Philip visited Glebe in 1956 and toured the Glebe Library?
100 years ago in Glebe & Forest Lodge – this month: May 1921
Posted on 26th May 2021
What were the papers reporting about Glebe in May 1921?
Anzac Day in Glebe, 2021
Posted on 22nd May 2021
Max Solling on the impact of the Second World War on Glebe residents.
