A 100-year-old Toowoomba home with links to a family dynasty of 19th century sawmillers, has been unveiled as the feature of the 2013 Heritage Bank calendar. The 2013 calendar is the 32nd edition and will raise approximately $25,000 for charity, thanks to gold coin donations from customers.
The 2013 calendar features “Apsley” in Toowoomba’s eastern suburbs, a home that provides a wonderful example of the city’s early 20th century grandeur. The home was built in 1908 by William John Munro, reportedly named after Apsley Falls in New South Wales where he had honeymooned. William Munro lived at “Apsley” until his death in 1968.
William was the son of Duncan Munro, who set up a number of thriving sawmills in the Geham area with his brother Archibald in the late 1800s. Archibald went on to become an early Mayor of Toowoomba, while Duncan served on the local council in Highfields for more than 30 years.
“Apsley” was built in the style of the large early house in Toowoomba. With a wide front verandah, a central hallway with decorative arches, polished timber floors, 12-foot ceilings, casement windows and VJ walls, it typifies the homes that well-to-do Toowoomba citizens built at this time. That style extends to the large front and side gardens, and the tennis court at the rear.
Brisbane artist Cliff Sheldrake’s painting of Apsley adorns the calendar. Heritage Chairman Mr Kerry Betros said the house was another striking representation of the varied architectural history of Queensland.
“Apsley” today is a blend of old and new. While the front aspect remains largely unchanged from its original architecture, extensive renovations in the 1990s at the rear of the home have given it a more modern feel, though they marry up with the home’s original design and maintain the original charm of its era.
Heritage CEO Mr John Minz said the 2013 calendar was available to all members, who were invited to donate a gold coin for a copy. Funds raised from the 2013 calendar will be donated to charities across the southern Queensland region, including Ronald McDonald House, the AEIOU Foundation, the Logan East Community Neighbourhood Centre, CareFlight, Canteen and Fusion Sunshine Coast.
