I haven’t really commenced on the history of Grant Street yet, however was following the trail of Benjamin Woodhead and discovered that he owned these two properties along with the whole corner south of them from the 1860s to 1902 when he passed away.
For a long time the area was just land, with the Cricketers’ Arms Hotel being built in 1868. This changed its name to the Recreation in 1877. At some point between 1877 and 1901 when the map below is drafted, the buildings 1-3 Grant Street are built as is the weatherboard cottages that front Queens Parade. These are sold as part of his estate. By reading the Rate Books, it looks as if he actually owns 148-170, and the foundry is separate, but it is difficult because of the numbering. We know from the Age, that the properties were described as: 144 Queen’s Parade – a double fronted weatherboard cottage of 4 rooms and land; 148 Queen’s Parade – a double fronted weatherboard cottage with shop front, 6 rooms and 3 stall stabling, a large shed and land. The three blocks of land between 148 and 162 Queen’s Parade each 35 ft x more than 112 ft; 162 Queen’s Parade, a well built double fronted weather board villa with 7 rooms, scullery, bathroom, large billiard room at rear and land (59 ft facing Queen’s Parade); 1 and 3 Grant Street, which were two superior semi detached brick villas with slate roof.
