103 Rowe Street, Fitzroy North

Mark Moss & Co owned a large portion of North Fitzroy. In 1875 he acquired the whole block bounded by Rushall Crescent, Falconer, Michael and Rowe streets (Fitzroy – Melbourne’s First Suburb, p.27). There is more information on this land and Rowe Street in general here.

It appears that at some point between 1875 and 1884 the land consisting of 99-109 (now number 95-109 Rowe Street) were owned by A Windsor. This land was sold in 1885 to Joseph Hollow.

Joseph Hollow (Builder) & Naomi Hollow, owners: 1885-1938

Joseph was born in 1839 In Marazion, St Hilary, Cornwall, England and died aged 63-64 in North Fitzroy on 12 April 1903. He left behind his wife Naomi Hollow who continued to live at 103 Rowe Street until a few years before her death. He had 8 children. Over time I will do a full review of Joseph Hollow and link it here.

103 was built first and then shortly after the three houses to the right of 103 were built, possibly by Joseph Hollow. These were complete in October 1885 and advertised for rent. It is likely that Joseph Hollow made his money for the purchase of these from his time in the mines near Rutherglen.

In 1888 he also purchases the strip of land on the left of his house at 95-97 Rowe Street from Eliza Reed. The two terrace houses were built quickly and also leased out.

Robert Goodman

It appears likely that Naomi may have sub-let part of the house, thanks to Jason, who has identified that Robert Goodman, Minister of the Baptist Church was living here in 1919 (http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1919/V/general/124.pdf  page 1879).

Robert was originally from Burwood, NSW. In 1916, he became the pastorate of George Street Baptist Church, Fitzroy, succeeding Rev. W. M. Cartwright, commencing on 7 May 1916 (The Age, 6 Apr 1916; The Argus 22 Apr 1916 ). He remained here for three and a half years with his final sermon on 2 November 1919. From here he moved to Warrnambool church (The Herald, 11 Oct 1919).

Sale of the houses

In May 1930, 103 Rowe St was advertised for lease (The Age, 3 May 1930). It is likely at this point Naomi Hollow moved in with a child or to a nursing home. She died 6 years later on 22 September 1936. Her son (W H Hollow) and daughter in-law (Peggy) were living at 68 Park St, Brunswick West.

When the three house 95, 97 and 103 went to auction in 1938 only 95 and 97 sold and 103 was later advertised again but this time as being in Clifton Hill: “Massive bk Family Villa, 7 rs., & c.; executor selling; good value, 1150 pounds. Sole agent, David S. Jenkins, 314 St Georges Rd, N. Fitzroy” (The Age 7 Dec 1938). Not sure if this was to attract different potential buyers.