Wilson Park is currently one of the beautiful green spaces in Norman Park. Whether you’re a regular visitor of the park or simply passing by, have you ever wondered where the park got its name?
Located at 70 Norman Avenue, the park includes several amenities such as a basketball half court, barbecue (wood), bubbler/tap, picnic area, and playground. Because of this, Wilson park has been a great hang out spot for families who want to spend quality time together.
The Naming of Wilson Park
Wilson Park was actually named after the Wilson family to honour their contribution to the district. The Wilsons has been amongst the most notable residents of Norman Park.
Along with their very successful business, the family has been active in the community, helping out in the establishment of the state school and the foundation of a church in 1907. Have a look at how the Wilsons became one of the most significant families in the suburb.
Thomas Henry Wilson
Mr and Mrs T H Wilson. Photo credit: NORMAN PARK MEMORIES (1935, September 18). The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 – 1947), p. 21 (CITY FINAL LAST MINUTE NEWS)./nla.gov.au.
Thomas Henry Wilson was born in Lancashire, England on September 9, 1857. He studied at a public school in Manchester and then served his apprenticeship as brass moulder and finisher in Manchester.
He emigrated to Brisbane on 17 March 1883 and according to a family myth, he only had sixpence in his pocket. Mr T H Wilson joined the firm of Smith and Forrester, Engineers. There he worked for three years as a tradesman moulder.
In 1885, he married Elizabeth Sheriff who was born in Lozells, Birmingham, England.
Interestingly, when Mr T H Wilson first came to Australia, Elizabeth worked as a servant in a large house, waiting to join him. He then remitted the fare and she arrived with her brother on 23 September 1885. They were later married on 3 October 1885.
Wilson Waratah Metal Company
In 1889, Mr T H Wilson established his own business at Norman Avenue, Norman Park. At the time, Aboriginal camps stood in the immediate vicinity of the foundry and corroborees were held frequently on the banks of the creek.
The Wilsons built a house on land adjoining the foundry and called the home ‘Lozelle’. The residence initially had three rooms and grew over the years into a large family home. The home still stands to date.
The foundry, which started with one small iron building, grew to become Wilson Waratah Metal Company Pty Ltd in 1912. Mr T H Wilson has been its managing director until his death in 1944.
Mr T H Wilson was a talented inventor. He developed and patented an anti-friction white metal which he called ‘Waratah’. He also invented machinery for bearings which were widely used by Queensland Railways, Brisbane Tramways, and the Northern Sugar Mills for many years.
According to an article from The Brisbane Courier on 5 August 1930, Wilson Waratah Metal Company Pty Ltd was “probably the oldest established business in Queensland engaged wholly in the production of castings in all non-ferrous alloys and antifriction white bearing metals”.
Mr T H Wilson was associated with the brass foundry industry in Brisbane for 55 years. His four sons also worked in the foundry and helped it prosper. The foundry remained in operation until the early 1960s.
Wilson Family’s Involvement in Norman Park
The Wilsons were active in setting up the local state school in 1900, considering the fact that they have four young children attending.
Mr and Mrs Wilson were also active in the Presbyterian Sunday School, and in the foundation of the Church in 1907.
Mrs Wilson did a great deal of church work for several years. She was one of the most consistent of the sock brigade during the war.
It was said that she knitted three pairs of socks a week throughout almost the whole period, as well as balaclava caps, and other woollen comforts.
With the family’s successes in their business, plus their contributions to the community, it is just fitting to have the Wilson’s Park named in their honour.
