It's such a relief. Crack the champagne, we're moving to the country!
In the midst of the excitement, I got a call from a man called Trevor.
Trevor moved into the house (our house, squeee!!) in 1950 with his parents and had been given my number off another local, Joy. I'd tracked Joy down through a comment she left on an online story, where she talked about her childhood in the tiny pocket we're moving to.
Ain't the internet grand?
Trevor's family, who owned the place for decades, bought the home off its original owners, who operated the post office and telephone exchange from the room on the front veranda.
Between Joy and Trevor, this is some more information I've picked up:
- The original owners bought the place and then built an extension on it, although I'm not sure exactly sure what year those things happened. More questions for Trevor.
- The original owners had two children, one of whom - Gladys - was a keen photographer from an early age and was rarely seen without her camera. Sadly, she is now deceased and it's unknown where her childhood photos are. But, they may be out there somewhere...
- The school house (or cottage) was moved to its current location from its original location further up the road.
Trevor remembers the house well well, lives nearby and is keen to come and see us there when we're settled in to explain how it all used to look way back when.
I can't wait to hear what he's got to say!
Woohoo! So so excited for you all. So wonderful to learn a bit of history too. Oh can you imagine if you could get your paws on Glady's photos? Best of luck with the move and a new beginning. mel x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - you must be over the moon! I so look forward to hearing the rest of this story unfold. As they say - 6 degrees of separation! xx
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you! You have to try and track down the original images from Gladys, it is such an amazing opportunity. Not just to get the history of "your" new home. Yup your new home. But to hear and see someone's story. Who probably would have blogged about it had of she been born later in life.
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congratulations and good luck with the packing!
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing thing to talk to trevor about his stories about your new house.
I'm so thrilled for you! And how great is it that you have already met people who can help you put the pieces together? I really look forward to watching it come back to life :)
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Let the fun begin! So great to know that things are on track. Congratulations. And how cool to be in contact with someone who knows the history of the house! xx
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't wait to hear more form Trevor and hope you manage to track down some of those old photos. Is there a local historical society? These places can be a wealth of information. xx
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you, not only the move but the fact you've been able to trace some history on your new home. I wonder if Australia Post's historic department might be able to give you some more information on its early days as a post office.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like I'm just in time to follow your move and progress on your new reno! All the best!
ReplyDeleteOnya Trev!!....how great that he picked up the phone...his old home must be very important to him. Get packing! (Urgh!!). cant wait for all the installments to come....you will be my entertainment for the next few years!!....no pressure! ;)
ReplyDeleteseriously.....congratulations, very excited for you all! (& for Trev) x
I think you will have to call your house Gladys!
Allison x
How exciting! It was obviously meant to be, just as we all thought.
ReplyDeleteGreat to get some local gossip .... I mean knowledge too. Would'nt you love to get your hands on those photos!
It sounds like it will be a long haul for you all, but well worth it. Remember to have fun along the way!
cheers Wendy
I look forward to watching your journey! Can I please offer a word of warning, though - PLEASE look out for asbestos - one of the photos appeared to have asbestos panneling, not sure what room it was, but those rectangular grey looking sheets, are very highly likely to be asbestos. It can also be in or under old lino/carpet, behind walls in bathrooms - please thoroughly research where it is likely to be - even if you think it is unlikely to be anywhere.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, and enjoy the process :)
M
Hi there, thanks for your message and the heads up! I've been worried about it too - (and snakes and spiders and just about everything) My husband works in construction and generally can spot the stuff a mile away. We have found some in the shed so far and have the number of a removal company ready to go.
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welocome to the Lockyer Valley, my hubby and I moved here from Sydney nearly ten years ago, we bought an old house and have renovated (still not finished) its a lovely area to bring your children up in, looking forward to reading about your new adventure, Lynne
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad to hear you say you enjoy it out there. It's such a big move for us away from friends and things in Brisbane, I need all the reassurance I can get right now! :-)
DeleteThank you Trish! I don't actually remember meeting that couple on the day. I will see if I can find out for you though. Small old world.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to be able to find out some history of the house, that is really awesome! We moved into a house (street no 5, on the 5th day of the 5th month 2005, the house was built in 1955!) which we renovated and we were able to find out about the original and only owner of the house from the neighbours. It was so lovely to know something about where we were living, and I'm sure you will feel the same way!Cheers Judy xx
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