Currajong, West End facts for kids

Currajong is a historic timber house located at 5 Castling Street, West End, Townsville, Queensland. It was built between 1887 and 1888. This large, single-story home is special because it shows us what life was like for important families in North Queensland. It also played a unique role during World War II. Currajong is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's protected for its historical value.

A Look Back: Currajong's Story

Building a New Home in Townsville

Currajong was built from 1887 to 1888 for Alfred MacKenzie. He was a manager at the Australian Joint Stock Bank. Before that, he was one of the first people to grow sugar in North Queensland. The house was built in a popular area of Townsville, close to the road leading to Charters Towers.

Alfred MacKenzie bought the land for Currajong in 1886. He had moved to Townsville after trying to grow sugar near Ingham, which wasn't successful. He lived in the house for a short time.

New Owners and a Special Name

In 1889, Alfred MacKenzie moved away. The house was then sold in 1890 to Alfred Hunt. Mr. Hunt was very successful in mining. He had made a lot of money from selling a mine called the Great Cumberland Mine. He used this money to invest in large cattle properties.

It's said that Currajong got its name from tree seedlings. Alfred Hunt brought these seedlings from his property, Carpentaria Downs, to plant around the house. While living in Townsville, Mr. Hunt was involved in many businesses. He helped run a meat export company, a newspaper company, and a gas company. After he passed away in 1901, his wife, Mary, continued to live at Currajong until 1926.

From Family Home to Military Hospital

In 1926, the house was sold to John Joseph Fanning. He was a well-known businessman in North Queensland. Mr. Fanning was also famous in horse racing. He rode as an amateur jockey and was a respected judge of horses. During his time, the stables at Currajong were very well known.

Mr. Fanning moved to Brisbane in 1929. After he passed away in 1931, Currajong was bought by James and Jessie Ferguson. They came from a background of working on large farms. The Fergusons lived in the house until World War II began.

Currajong's Role in World War II

During World War II, the RAAF needed buildings for medical care. Currajong was taken over and turned into a Medical Receiving Station. To make it suitable, some changes were made inside.

The house originally had a central hall with two rooms on each side. To create larger spaces for patients, a wall between two bedrooms was removed. This made two big wards. An operating theatre was also added, along with new toilets and showers.

Currajong was first meant to be a training center. However, it quickly became busy in 1942. It received injured soldiers from the Battle of Milne Bay. By December 1944, the medical center was no longer needed. The staff left the house in January 1945.

A New Purpose and a Big Move

After the war, the Fergusons did not return to Currajong. In 1945, the house was bought by the Redemptionist Fathers. They used it as a monastery.

In 1955, the property was passed to the Sisters of Mercy. They built the new Mater Hospital on the grounds over the next few years. Currajong itself was still used as a home for the Sisters.

Saving Currajong from Demolition

By 1978, the hospital needed more space. Currajong was planned to be knocked down. But many people wanted to save it! The local branch of the National Trust of Queensland, the Townsville City Council, and the Sisters of Mercy worked together.

They managed to save the house. The Federal government also provided money. This funding helped move Currajong to a new location. It was carefully moved to 5 Castling Street, West End, where it stands today.

What Currajong Looks Like Today

Currajong is now part of a museum complex at 5 Castling Street, West End. This complex also includes an old miner's cottage and a farmhouse from the 1920s. Currajong faces the street and looks out over a park.

It's a large, single-story timber house. It stands on low brick supports. The roof is hipped, meaning it slopes on all sides, and is covered with corrugated iron. The house has wide verandahs all around it. These verandahs are supported by timber posts with fancy decorative brackets. They also have cross-braced balustrading, which is like a decorative fence.

There's a timber staircase on the side of the house with matching balustrading. The main stairs at the front entrance are made of cement. They curve outwards, becoming wider at ground level.

Inside, the house has seven rooms. Two of these rooms have extra spaces that open onto the verandah. The main part of the house has four rooms, two on each side of a central hall. An arched opening connects two of these rooms. These were originally the dining and drawing rooms.

Today, Currajong is set up to show what a wealthy family's home in Townsville would have looked like during that time. It helps visitors imagine life in the late 1800s.

Why Currajong is Important

Currajong is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it meets certain important standards.

Showing Queensland's History

Currajong is important because it shows how Queensland's history has changed. It tells the story of several families who were key in developing North Queensland. Its use as a military hospital during World War II also highlights Townsville's big role in the war in the Pacific.

A Great Example of Old Homes

Even though it was moved, Currajong is a good example of a large timber house from the late 1800s in Townsville. It shows the main features of homes from that time period.