I have not completed a lot of research on the Gardens as yet, but have come across some amazing pictures so have started this post to share what I currently have found. The earliest photo is the one below, which I think is simply magical – I just wish I could find a better copy!
“This pavilion was constructed in 1924 to the design of honary architect Edward Twentyman. The scheme derives from the Tholos of Delphi. It is a circular Doric building with rather attenuated columns, more Tuscan or Roman Doric than Greek Doric. There are 8 plain unfluted shafts with five panels of metopes between. The dividing triglyphs have two vertical shafts and are complete with guttae, all slightly brittle and thin in execution. There is a plain cornice above it and a dome in metal sheeting. The pavilion base is a solid drum and there is a high flight of stairs rising to it. An early photograph of the building shows that the base was originally rusticated and the rough cast finish a later alteration. There was originally an iron fence around the structure.” (North Fitzroy Conservation Study, 1978). (Glossary)
Image held by Fitzroy Library.
35 years ago on the railway land there was a noisy saw mill and flour mill. “National Can” factory. A panel fence joined each tree trunk beside tennis court. A “Ladies Only Bowling Club and gardeners house, with glass and shade houses!!! Railway line was edged with Privet hedge with posts/barbed wire. A footbridge went over railway land and “Fitzroy Station” had a truck weigh bridge with great red tin goods shed.
There was also a train engine for children to play on and an island in a fenced pond!