The Gables, Point Vernon

Demolition of the Gables c.1957. Source: Hervey Bay Calling

Hervey Bay began as a small farming settlement in the 1870s. By this time Maryborough was a prominent town. People wanted to spend time by the sea and the first hotels and boarding houses opened in Pialba by the end of the decade. Although farming history remains important, Hervey Bay’s history and identity are also defined by its popularity as a seaside resort (Fraser Coast Regional Council, 2020).

Children playing with an old phaeton, a mode of conveyance owned by Mrs Upton, at the Gables during demolition c.1957. Source: Hervey Bay Calling.

In the 1880s, on the assumption that a railway line would be carried through to Point Vernon, the Bayview Boarding House was built at the area known as the Gables by Mr Antcliff in 1888. The stately wooden establishment would later be known as Vernon, and finally, as The Gables.

The Gables. Source: The Gables : memories of a grand Point Vernon house and other stories / written and illustrated by Gavin Patterson. 

From 10 November 1898 until 23 June 1908 the dwelling was owned by Hon. Andrew Heron Wilson and Mrs Wilson. The Wilsons were large sawmill owners in Maryborough and Andrew was a member of Queensland Legislative Council (National Library of Australia, 1906).  The Gables was then sold to Alexander and Louisa Corbet who owned it until 16 July 1913. The Corbets brought some of their horses from Gympie. Stables and coach houses were added to accommodate them. (Fraser Coast Regional Council, 2013). In 1914, it was purchased by Mr and Mrs L. M. Upton who later sold it to Dr. Bendeich. In 1957, it was in such a deteriorated state when it was sold to Mr R. Dillon of Kingaroy, the decision was made to demolish it.  

Do you have memories of The Gables boarding house?

References:

Fraser Coast Regional Council. (2013, 12 18). Place ID 149 - Dunn's Enclosure and Fish Trap (Formerly known as the Point Vernon Rock Baths. Retrieved from https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/local-heritage-register: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/689/place-id-149-dunn-s-enclosure-and-fish-trap-formerly-known-as-the-point-vernon-rock-baths-pdf

Fraser Coast Regional Council. (2020, 6 12). Hervey Bay Character Fact Sheet. Retrieved from Fraser Coast Engagement Hub: file:///C:/Users/Kathy's%20PC/Downloads/Fact_Sheet_FINAL_1572834743%20(1).pdf

National Library of Australia. (1906, 8 30). Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser (Qld. : 1861 - 1908). Retrieved from Trove: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/124380229

Patterson, G. (2018). The Gables: memories of a grand Point Vernon house and other stories. Hervey Bay: Gavin Patterson.

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