Watson Estate, Booval [Booval/East Ipswich], 1911 (Map of the Week)

State Library of Queensland has an extensive collection of historical maps of Queensland, some of which have been digitised and can be viewed online.

Watson Estate, Booval, Ipswich, 1911. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

This real estate map from 1911 advertises 59 allotments of land for sale at the Watson Estate between the Ipswich suburbs of Booval and East Ipswich. The allotments were situated along Railway Street, Watson Street, Fox Street, Brisbane Road, Mary Street (now Marian Street) and Macfarlane Street (now Barrett Street).

According to Ipswich newspaper, Queensland Times this land was previously owned by Ipswich Mayor, Richard P. Watson -

"The Mayor of Ipswich (Ald. R. Watson) has instructed the well-known auctioneers and surveyors, E. Bostock and Sons, to subdivide and sell by auction, on an early date, his fine property situated between East Ipswich and Booval, bounded by the railway line on the north and the main Brisbane-road on the south. It is Mr Watson's intention to place on the market the whole of his 21 acres, with exception of four acres and his residence." (Queensland Times, August 26, 1911)

Watson's residence, Elamang was built ca.1895 and still stands today.

Prior to the sale extensive publicity was published in the Queensland Times.

“A final reminder is given by E. Bostock and Sons of the sale of this beautiful estate on the ground, at 3 o'clock this afternoon. The auctioneers specially mention that the elevation is good, the situation perfect, the soil is rich, the foundation solid, and soon there will be access both by rail and motor-bus whilst the estate is only a short distance from the city". (Queensland Times, October 7, 1911)

Advertisement, Queensland Times, September 9, 1911

A public auction was held at the site on the afternoon of October 7, 1911. The Queensland Times reported the results of the sale.

“E. Bostock and Sons, the well known firm of auctioneers and surveyors, report that, on Saturday afternoon last, the whole of the allotments submitted in the above estate were disposed of at satisfactory prices. There was an excellent attendance and keen competition. The areas ranged from 24 perches to quarter-acres, the highest price per lot being £55 , which was realised on three allotments facing the main Brisbane Road; whilst the highest price per acre came to £288 11s, obtained for two allotments also facing the Brisbane Road. The total amount realised was £1922 10s.”. (Queensland Times, October 9, 1911)

The Queensland Times article also listed the names of the purchasers for the allotments facing Brisbane Road, Fox Street and Watson Street.

List of purchasers at the Watson Estate auction. From Queensland Times, October 9, 1911

The original map was annotated, possibly by the auctioneer, with the prices obtained for each allotment.

A higher resolution image of this map can be viewed and downloaded through our One Search catalogue.

Prints of this map are also available through the Library Shop.

You can browse a compendium of our previous maps of the week on our blog.

Myles Sinnamon – Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland