CDHS Talk Wavell Heights History House History Research War Service Homes Workers' Dwellings Homes

🏡🔍 Unlocking House Histories & the history of Wavell Heights - my recent talk at CDHS!

This is a video of a talk I gave at Chermside and Districts Historical Society on 4 May 2025. Huge thanks to John B Cooper Videographer (‪@johnbcooper‬ www.johnbcooperfilms.com), who filmed it all and gave me permission to share it, much appreciated!!!

What secrets are hidden in the walls? 🕵️‍♀️ In this talk at the Chermside & Districts Historical Society, I share the fascinating story behind a modest house in Wavell Heights—and show how even the humblest home can reveal a treasure trove of secrets! I also dig into the history of the suburb and how it ended up with its name.

Discover how social housing schemes like the Workers' Dwellings Board and War Service Homes shaped Brisbane’s suburbs, and learn why Wavell Heights was nearly named Beverly Hills!

Whether you're a history buff, a heritage home lover, or renovating your Queenslander—this is a must-watch for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Who lived here before me?”

📺 In this episode:

➡️ What I do
➡️ The surprising truth about a Brisbane heritage home
➡️ Behind-the-scenes research techniques using land titles, archives & Trove
➡️ Two Queensland social housing schemes for affordable housing
➡️ Hamlin's Nursery
➡️ TRUST NO ONE when it comes to house history research!!!
➡️ The power of social media in historical sleuthing
➡️ Tips for uncovering your own home's past!

📺 New to the channel? Subscribe for more Detective Diaries, house histories, research tips, and jaw-dropping home stories from around Australia!

Want to get involved in Chermside & Districts Historical Society and/or become a member? Check out this link: https://www.chermsidedistrict.org.au

👇 Timestamps
0:00 Intro to The House Detective
1:45 What an architectural historian really does
6:10 The curious case of the Hamlin Home
12:30 Wavell Heights: almost Beverly Hills?!
18:00 Land titles, social housing & construction secrets
28:00 Busting myths in the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register - TRUST NO ONE!
33:15 Facebook sleuthing and surprise discoveries
39:00 Join the House Detective community

💡 Want me to research your home?
Check out my research packages and hire me here: www.housedetective.com.au

Want to give house history sleuthing a go yourself? Download a DIY guide here to get you started uncovering the history of your Queensland house here: https://www.housedetective.com.au/sho...

Follow my research adventures on Instagram & Facebook for weekly discoveries and photos!

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE

Share your house history story in the comments below! Who knows— it might be featured in a future episode... 😊

#HouseDetective #AustralianHistory #BrisbaneHomes #WavellHeights #HeritageHomes #ArchitecturalHistorian #MarianneTaylor #HomeHistory #DetectiveDiaries #WorkersDwellingsBoard #WarServiceHomes #OldHouseLove #HistoricalResearch #TroveAustralia #HouseRenovationTipsWANT

TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF YOUR HOME?? I'm an architectural historian called The House Detective. I research houses and the people who lived there! When was it built? Who built it? Did it ever have a name? Are there any old photos of it? I can answer these questions and many many more! Visit my website: www.housedetective.com.au to view my research packages or for more information about what I do!

WANT TO HELP SUPPORT MY HISTORY ADDICTION? 🤣
You can Buy me a Coffee here: buymeacoffee.com/housedetective