1865 Richard Harding Watt sketch of the Gaol and Military Barracks at Green Hills, an early name for what would become the suburb of Petrie Terrace. The first residences started appearing on the crest following the auction of freehold land in the early 1860s (Mitchell Library, Library of NSW)
It seems as though there are surprises in every nook and cranny of the research library, including a collection of late 1970s/early 80s photographic prints of all of the houses and business premises in the suburb of Petrie Terrace. And not only the street elevation, for some there are side and rear views. It is this set of images that represent the ‘before’ for this study, the ‘after’ the result of a more recent pounding of the footpaths.
The immediately obvious visible changes during the intervening years include the greening of the streetscape, the proliferation of cars, and the sulo bin. Perhaps we were always out and about on bin day. Much of the post war fibro cladding has been consigned to the tip, revealing original verandahs and weatherboard. What hasn’t changed is the size of the lots, outlawed by the 1880s ‘undue’ subdivision legislation, the result being the raisings and extensions necessary to keep the accommodation up to date with modern expectation.
In addition to the ‘timber and tin’ we have included what information we have to hand on individual houses, the intent being to add this progressively as it becomes available with future updates. There is a smattering of sex, drugs and rock and roll in this material, but we hope the albums will in due course build up a wider picture of life in the community, stories of the people who lived, worked and visited the area. If you are a house owner, or renter, we are happy to provide copies of the images to hand, but there will be a quid pro quo.
Posted in no particular order, the following albums are available for viewing/download: Auburn Street, Avon Street, Belgrave Street, Clifton Street, Clyde Street, Cricket Street, Crown Street, Earl Street, Hale Street (odds), Jessie Street, Melford Street, Menzies Street, Mountjoy Street, Pratten Street, Princess Street, Regent Street, Rutland Street, Sexton Street, St James Street, and Wellington Street.
If you want to provide/require further information, or are keen to see your street (we can prioritise), please contact us on bhgreseachlibrary@gmail.com