History

Wireless House

In the early twentieth century radio broadcast was transforming Australian society. As a domestic social event, entire family groups would gather around a radio set for communal listening, even taking turns wearing headphones and narrating the events to the rest of the group. However, during the depression, only some families could afford to own a radio.

In 1933, a suggestion was put to Glebe Council to establish a Wireless House for community entertainment in the public rest park on the corner of Glebe Point and Bridge Roads. Commissioned in November 1934, Wireless House was officially opened in February the following year with a wireless set donated by Grace Brothers. The Wireless House operated from 10am until 10.15pm every day.

The Wireless House was revolutionary in its ability to cater to large crowds, including many unemployed, who congregated to enjoy the daily programmes. Although hailed as unique in Australian municipal history, it also received criticism from the church and sporting organisations - both sharing concerns about a loss of patronage.

The National trust listed Wireless House prior to the upgrade to Foley Park. Over a hundred Glebe residents petitioned for its retention.

Foley Park

The park was created in 1930 from the remnant grounds of Hereford House. Among the new park facilities were tennis courts, a children’s playground and a Wireless House, used for community radio broadcasts. The park was originally known as Glebe Rest Park, but was later renamed in the 1960s the Dr H J Foley Rest Park. Horace John ‘Doc’ Foley was a Glebe medical practitioner and prominent local politician. He was a Glebe alderman in the 1930s and was mayor twice, in 1937 and 1938. He later served on the City Council and Leichhardt Council. ‘Doc’ Foley’s community involvement included giving free medical treatment to the poor but, according to historian Max Solling, in exchange he expected their loyalty in the ballot box.

Hereford House

A large two storey villa, known as Hereford House, once stood on this site. It was the first gentleman’s residence to be built in the area, following the alienation of the land from the Cadigal and Wangal peoples and the subdivision of The Glebe in 1828. Other substantial houses followed, such as Toxteth House, Lyndhurst and Oak Lodge. Edward Hallen, an accomplished colonial architect, was commissioned by George Williams to build the house; he never lived in it. Hereford House once had large grounds, but these were gradually sold off. The last resident was William Wilkinson, a judge and prominent Glebe citizen actively involved in St John’s Bishopthorpe, who died there in 1908.

From 1910 - 1925 the ornamental gardens of Hereford House echoed to the laughter and conversations of trainee teachers. The house with its grand ballroom was converted to become a Teachers’ College. The gardens, as well as being a recreation space for the students, also had a demonstration ‘Model School Garden’.

For more information about the history of the park click here.