Woodlands – Berwick - Dixacres – Gnangwea - Fullarton Park

Built c1865 for Charles Augustus Bleechmore as 7-roomed house named “Woodlands” on 10 acres of land taken up 1864. Property transferred to Joseph Edwin Bleechmore and Charles & George Smith (George owned adjacent land). Transferred 1870 to George Church, ironmonger, who added hall, drawing & dining rooms with bay windows. Sold in 1884 to William Edward Ford who set up a dairy & poultry farm for his clients at his York Hotel. Transferred 1886 to Williamina, wife of Norman William Stirling. Later John Morris acquired the property, renaming it “Berwick”. After he left for Europe it was leased & later purchased by Matilda Hardman, widow of James. After her death 1900, the property, still 10 acres, was occupied by her sister Miss Catherine (Kate) Howard and named “Dixacres” (dix = ten). The house, by then 11 rooms, purchased 1916 by Harold White Hughes & wife Ethel Margaret (Rita) and renamed “Gnangwea”. Excess land was subdivided for housing. Hughes’ property was purchased 1974 by City of Unley as public park & became community centre 1982.

 

“BLEECHMORE-WHITE — [Married] On the 14th September, at the residence of the bride's father, by licence by the Rev. C. W. Evan, B.A, Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of Woodlands, Fullarton, to Sarah Ann, second daughter of Mr. George White, Rosefield, Fullarton.” [Register 15 Sep 1865]

 

“BLEECHMORE.— [Birth] On the 24th August, at Woodlands, Fullarton, the wife of Mr. Charles A. Bleechmore, of a son.” [Register 25 Aug 1866]

 

“To be Let on Lease, for a term of Years, Woodlands, Fullarton, adjoining: Mr. G. White's Property. The House, which has been built two years, contains Seven Rooms, Two Underground Rooms, and Bathroom. There are 10 Acres of Land, all enclosed; Garden of one and a half Acres, front and back of House. The Fruit Garden is 12 years old; the remainder in Paddocks. There is a Stone Cottage of Two Rooms in Garden, with Stable, Gig Shed, and other Outbuildings. For particulars, apply to. . . Mr. C. Bleechmore, on the premises.” [Express & Telegraph 1 May 1867 advert]

 

“Mr. C. A. Bleechmore (who is removing to Norwood to commence business) to sell, at his residence, Fullarton. . . A Quantity Household Furniture and Effects, 2 Excellent Cows, Dray, Chaffcutter, &c.” [Advertiser 24 May 1867 advert]

 

“CHURCH.— [Died] On the 9th November, at Port Adelaide, Kate Hannah, the beloved wife of George Church, Fullarton, aged 28 years.” [Advertiser 6 Dec 1872]

 

“Mr. George Church has improved the appearance of his residence at Fullarton by the addition of a drawing-room, 22 feet by 18 feet, dining-room, 24 feet by 18 feet, and an entrance hall. There is a large bay window to each of the rooms, with a wide verandah breaking round the bays, giving the whole building a very pleasing effect. The improvements were also designed by the Hon. Thomas English, and were carried out by Mr. Matthias White at a cost of £1,050.” [Register 12 Jan 1876]

 

“CHURCH - HYNDMAN.— [Married] On the 2nd August, at St. George's Church, Woodforde, by the Rev. A. Honner, George Church, of Fullarton, to Lavinia Hyndman, of Felixstow, Payneham.” [Evening Journal 5 Aug 1880]

 

“The exhibits of the evening were, however, two large panicles of Catalpa syringaefolia. . . has drooping trumpet-shaped flowers, is a native of North America, and is said to grow to a height of 60 feet. The flowers are of a violet-purple color, and emit a scent which, although strong, is not altogether unpleasant. The branches are stated to be used in dyeing wool, which they stain a cinnamon color. The specimens under notice were said to have been obtained from a tree in the garden of Mr. George Church, at Fullarton.” [Advertiser 16 Oct 1885]

 

“Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel. . . the supply of fresh vegetables on days that were not ‘market’ days, fresh eggs, cream, and butter, and poultry, almost ad libitum (between sixty and seventy head being consumed weekly), Mr Ford determined to enter into the produce line himself. . . he procured premises 10 acres in extent at Fullarton. . . the dwelling-house first, because it is a handsome and spacious villa, where members of his family reside, and at the rear and sides of which are situated the dairy farm and poultry ‘ranch’. Entering a paddock on the south of the house we perceive a number of wire enclosures wherein are families of hens and chickens. . . in the same yard is a colony of ducks. . . some two or three hundred of these. . . Passing into another yard we find some special breeds, such as Malays and game. . . a big flock of full-grown fowls, geese, and turkeys. A fountain playing in a large pond in the centre supplies several hundred birds. . . Mr. Ford’s gardener has taken some seventeen prizes at shows for vegetables, flowers, and fruit. . . Besides the poultry, there are, as we have indicated, horses, cows, and pigs.” [Advertiser 15 Jan 1885]

 

“Removed From His Well-Known Poultry Farm at Fullarton. . . instructions from Mr. W. E. Ford, of the York Hotel, to sell by public auction. . . 32 (about) Pens of very high-class Prize Poultry, comprising —Buff Cochins, Dark Brahmas, Partridge Cochins, Dorkings, Light Brahmas, Peacocks, Aylesbury Ducks, Rouen Ducks, Toulouse Geese, American Turkeys, Game Fowls, White Turkeys.” [Advertiser 17 Jul 1885 advert]

 

“For Sale, Prize Berkshire Pigs. Apply W. E. Ford, York Hotel; or Wm. Harris, Gardener, Fullarton.” [Register 3 Oct 1885 advert]

 

“Berkshires to Melbourne.— A remarkably nice lot of pigs were sent away on Friday by the s.s. Konoowarra to Melbourne. They were bred by Mr. W. E. Ford, of Fullarton, from Mr. J. H. Angas's celebrated stock.” [Register 6 Feb 1888]

 

“Experienced Housemaid Wanted; references required; tram fares paid. Apply Mrs. J. Morris, 'Berwick’, Fisher-street, Fullarton-road.” [Advertiser 20 Mar 1890 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton. On account of leaving for Europe. The Whole of his Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . His well-known Pair Handsome Chesnut [sic] Carriage Horses, Hooded Wagonette, Pony-Carriage, Buggy, Golden Chesnut Pony, Pony-Cart, and Harness to match. The handsomest turnout in the colony. 2 Double Sets Silver-Mounted Harness. 2 Splendid Cows, both in milk. The Whole to be Sold Without any Reserve.” [Register 18 Jul 1894 advert]

 

“By Order of John Morris, Esq., J.P. ‘Berwick’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton.. . . The Balance of His Elegant Modern Household Furniture and Effects. . . Passage. . . Breakfast-room. . . Bedroom No. 1. . . To be followed by Contents of Bedrooms No. 2 and 3, Library, Dairy, Kitchen, Servants' Bedroom, Scullery, Verandah, Washhouse, Backyard, Toolhouse, Office, Stable Utensils, Shadehouse.” [Advertiser 24 Aug 1894 advert]

 

“Mrs. Hardman gave an ‘At home’ at her residence, Fullarton, last Monday. The wet afternoon prevented the guests wearing spring costumes. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Victoria Buxton appeared for a short time, and were accompanied by Miss Buxton and Major Guise.” [Critic, Adelaide 6 Nov 1897]

 

“Wanted to Sell. . . Cow, hall Shorthorn, half Alderney, second calf, good, milker.— Coachman, Mrs. Hardman's, corner Fisher-street and Fullarton-road.” [Express & Telegraph 4 Dec 1897 advert]

 

“HARDMAN.— [Died] On the 5th March, at London, Matilda Hardman, late of Fullarton.” [Register 7 Mar 1900]

 

“news has been received by cable from London of the death of Mrs. Hardman. She left Adelaide by the steamer Ophir on November 2 with her sister, Miss Howard, and bad intended to return by the steamer Ortona, leaving London on March 30. . . Mrs. Hardman was the widow of the late Mr. James Hardman, well known as an officer of the Bank of South Australia.” [Evening Journal 6 Mar 1900]

 

“Miss Howard, of Dixacres, Fullarton, has arranged for a sale of her own gifts and the gifts of kind friends in the Mayor's Reception-room in the Town Hall on Friday at 3 p.m. Mr. Bruce will offer them for her by auction, and the proceeds will be for the starving Belgians.” [Express & Telegraph 13 Apr 1915]

 

“HOWARD.— [Died] On the 21st September, at her late residence, Dixacres, Fullarton, Catherine Howard, in her 84th year.” [Advertiser 22 Sep 1916]

 

“by auction in the Estate of the late Miss Catherine Howard, under instructions from the Executor (Mr F.C. Howard) — The family Residence, ‘Dixacres’, Fullarton-Road, Fullarton, Eleven Rooms, Electric Light, and all conveniences. Extensive Modern Stabling, Gardener's Cottage, and Out-Buildings. The land immediately surrounding the Residence comprises about 2½ acres, divided into Flower Garden, Shrubbery, Orchard, etc. Also Immediately Adjoining, about 10 Acres of Fertile Land, Suitable for Subdivision.” [Advertiser 17 Oct 1916 advert]

 

“the property of the late Mrs Catherine Howard was submitted to auction at Brookman Buildings on Tuesday last. The residence known as ‘Dixacres’, containing 11 rooms, situated at the corner of the Fullarton-road and Fisher-street, together with gardener’s cottage, extensive stabling, and five acres of land, was sold to Mr. Harold Hughes.” [Advertiser 21 Oct 1916]

 

“Subdivision of the Balance of ‘Dixacres’ Estate, known as the property of the late Miss Catherine Howard. . . sell by auction. . . Twenty-Four Large Building Sites, with Frontages to Fisher Street, Cheltenham Street, and Roseberry Avenue. The electric tram stops at the corner of the estate.” [Register 12 Apr 1917 advert]

 

“Dixacres, Fullarton road, the residence of the late Miss Catherine Howard, which, was recently sold. . . to Mr. Harold Hughes, is situated in the midst of a large block of pasture land which the trustee (Mr. F. C. Howard) has decided to subdivide into 24 fine deep building sites, with frontages to Fisher street, Cheltenham road, and Roseberry avenue. These are to be sold at auction.” [The Mail 7 Apr 1917]

 

“Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Hughes are now residing at Fullarton Road, Fullarton.” [Critic, Adelaide 20 Jun 1917]

 

“HUGHES.— [Birth] On the 29th August, at ‘Gnangwea’, Fullarton-road, the wife of Harold W. Hughes — a son.” [Chronicle 7 Sep 1918]

 

“The foundation stone of the new church of St. Chad's, Fullarton, was placed in position on Saturday afternoon, by Mrs. Harold W. Hughes. . . The new edifice, which is designed to accommodate 150 worshippers, is located in Rosebery avenue.” [Register 13 Sep 1920]. [Church destroyed by arson 1990, demolished & replaced 1992]

 

“generosity of Messrs. Harold Hughes and Peter Waite and Miss Famie Thomas and other residents, who had contributed liberally to the funds.” [Advertiser 13 Sep 1920]

 

“St. Chad's Church of England, Fullarton, will hold its annual fete and continental on the grounds of Mr. Harold W. Hughes, Fullarton-road, Fullarton, on Saturday. . . Electric light will illuminate the grounds in the evening, and a first-class musical programme will be provided.” [Advertiser 30 Oct 1923]

 

“Mrs. Harold Hughes gave a party at her home at Fullarton to the women's committee of the Church of England Boys' Home, Walkerville.” [The Mail 6 Apr 1929]

 

“Gnangwea (Pronounced Nangway, when the Hughes family made their first head station after taking up Booyoolie in 1843.” [Laura Standard 20 May 1932]

 

“an ‘Olde English Fayre’ held in Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Hughes's grounds at Fullarton on Saturday in aid of St. Chad's Church, Fullarton, building fund. . . About 2,000 people attended and £623 was raised.” [Advertiser 8 Mar 1948]

 

“HUGHES.— [Died] On December, 11, at his residence 126 Fullarton road, Fullarton, Harold White, dearly beloved husband of Rita Hughes and loving father of Tim, Alfred and Eleanor. In his 94th year.” [Advertiser 14 Dec 1954]

 

“By the passing on of Mr. Harold White Hughes at Fullarton a trio of well known big men physically and in sheep and cattle station parlance, has disappeared. His brothers were Herbert White Hughes and Edgar Bristow Hughes, of Athelney, Hackney. They were, associated with Booyoolee station when it comprised 200 square miles. . . Kinchega, on the Darling (3,000 square miles); Nockatunga, south-western Queensland. . . Kara, Broken Hill district. . . The meat canning industry here was started at Booyoolee, where at one time 14,000 to 16,000 sheep were shorn.” [Advertiser 17 Dec 1954]

 

Done