Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Crosby House back in the day

Today I paid a quick visit to the modern off-shoot - Knowlman McDonald McMillan - of the original architect/builders Griffin & Knowlman which built our house in 1968. It appears our house is part of an estate "Kenmore Gardens" which 'made' the G&K practice. Back in the day, one bought a plot of land in Kenmore Gardens and with the plot came a G&K designed house. I bought a copy of the origins plans. Our house is still almost exactly the same as it was as originally built. 
I had heard the practice has a board tucked away downstairs which shows the map of Kenmore Gardens with photos of all the houses. Crosby House is pictured in a tiny black and white photo. I loved seeing her as she was when she was originally built. And here she is. She's tiny but we love her. It's now my mission to bring attention to the G&K history in my area. It's so valuable to Brisbane's architectural history that to leave it a secret and not share it somehow would be wrong.






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5 comments:

  1. Dana@Mid2ModApril 8, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    It's so cool that you've been able to find out so much about your house! I'm really excited for you. I'm amazed at how unchanged it is...sweeeeeet! All I've been able to find out about our new house is some background on the original owner. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force and apparently quite a WWII hero. I haven't found out who designed or built the house yet, but I'm still digging.

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  2. KylieApril 8, 2015 at 8:06 PM

    I agree with Dana. It's way cool!
    I tried to find out about our house, but the woman in charge of the local historical society is slightly scatty and hasn't got back to me. That was over a year ago and because I am slightly scatty too - I haven't persued the matter any further. Must pull my finger out.
    Have you ever though of ditching those awnings Carmel? I myself love a stripey awning and I'm sure they serve a purpose but they hide the nice structure of the carport and its connection to the house which I love (as seen in original pic). None of my business of course and who am I to say?! But just a thought...
    It's great to see you blogging. I myself have nothing to say at the mo, but I'll be back when I do x
    p.s. I really hope you're not offended by awnings comment.

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    1. MakeminemidcenturyApril 9, 2015 at 2:05 PM

      Absolutely not offended by the awning comment! Glad you made it. Sometimes in the forest I get index by the trees, as it were. This weekend I am going to have a good look at the awnings. We have stripped the house and yard back so far that it looks pretty ordinary at the moment, but without those awnings I think it would look much cleaner. Thanks for the tip! I'm trying to blog more but only have my phone at the moment which is tricky!

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    2. KylieApril 11, 2015 at 1:52 AM

      That's a relief Carmel, 'cause I'd hate to offend you :)
      Let me know what you decide to do.
      Any luck with your ply guy?
      (we had problems finding a cabinet maker happy to use ply (why?) too, but our wadrobes turned out perfectly - we have had no issues with them at all)
      I like that staircase too btw.

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  3. PippaApril 10, 2015 at 3:18 AM

    I'm with Kylie! I really like the skinny legs on the carport and the VW too of course!

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