Name: Wilhelm DÖLLING
Occupation: Grocer; Boarding House Proprietor; Storekeeper
Birth: 29th March 1874, Rosewood Scrub, Queensland
Death: 7th July 1942, at home at Argyle House, Albert Street, Rosewood aged 68 years
Burial: 8th July 1942, Ipswich General Cemetery (Rev. J. H. Smith of St Luke’s Church of England)
Father: Heinrich (Harry) DÖLLING (Licensed Victualler)
Mother: Maria RAABE
Spouse: Mary Georgina NICHOLL
Occupation: Domestic Servant (1880); Boarding House Proprietor
Birth: 1871 Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Immigrated: 4th November 1888, the Famenoth arrived at Maryborough, Queensland.
Death: 25th June 1943, at home at Argyle House, Albert Street, Rosewood aged 72 years
Burial: 26th June 1943, Ipswich General Cemetery (Rev. J. H. Smith, of St Luke’s Church of England)
Father: William NICHOLL (Gamekeeper)
Mother: Annie ELLIOTT
Marriage: 23rd April 1896, Maryborough, Queensland
Children: 5
Elsie Victoria Pearl Violet May DÖLLING (1896-1896)
Mabel Elizabeth DÖLLING (1897-1992) = Charles Powers WARD
Ivy Penilla “Tup” DÖLLING (1900-1967)
William Henry DÖLLING (1902-1902)
Annie Florence “Trix” DÖLLING (1906-1994)
Bill Dolling, as he was locally known, was the first of seven children in his family. His parents were both German immigrants who married in Ipswich after immigrating to Queensland in the 1860’s. His name was registered as Wilhelm at birth and anglicised to William. He was born in the Rosewood Scrub and went to school at Tallegalla.
His father had been in partnership with Henry Vesperman in the Prince of Wales Hotel in Rockhampton but the partnership was dissolved and he was running the business on his own account when he took his new wife back to Rockhampton. Bill’s parents also ran the Melbourne Hotel in Rockhampton for a short time before coming to live in the Rosewood District. Later they took on the license of the Farmers’ Inn at Tallegalla from June 1885 until June 1888, on a property owned by Michael Goos. Michael Goos was married to Bill’s grandmother Elizabeth née Raabe.
[Some early info on the Farmers’ Inn. Elizabeth Raabe’s brother Jacob married Rosina Brecht, the daughter of the publican at the Union Hotel in Ipswich. Jacob built a hotel at Tallegalla and was granted a Country Publican’s License for the Farmer’s Inn, Tallegalla on 8th October, 1878. On 20th April, 1880 Jacob sold the hotel and the license was transferred to Michael Goos. Jacob and Rosina went on the land farming and dairying at Ebenezer, Stone Quarry, Teviotville and later Roadvale.]
During one of the Dolling family’s visits to Rockhampton in his youth, Bill claimed to have seen a rich investor from Mount Morgan gallop through the streets on a horse shod with gold. He could relate many interesting incidents concerning life among the gold miners in early days as told to him by his father.
As a young adult he went north to Howard where he opened a store. While he was there he successfully lobbied on behalf of a number of business people to re-open the Post and Telegraph Office so they didn’t have to use the railway station instead. He met Mary in Maryborough and they married in 1896. In September 1897 he opened a grocery and drapery store, W. Dolling and Co., in the Drill Hall, Lennox Street, Maryborough replacing Mr Blackwood who had a drapery there. It was a nice shop with a splendid variety of things for sale and they did a fair business for a while. (The original Drill Hall site has been divided over time with half of the land now occupied by the Maryborough Services Memorial Bowls Club and the Maryborough Memorial Pool). At some stage William closed the business and took employment at White Bros & Co’s grocery warehouse in Adelaide Street. In May 1900 he returned to Rosewood and found employment at J. L. Frederich’s Rosewood store (later Ruhno’s).
Bill had been in charge of the grocery department at Rhuno’s for almost 8 years before going to work for Barry and Roberts in Brisbane in February 1910. During those years they tenanted a property owned by Bart. Coveney in Albert Street and Mary ran it as a boarding house while he was at work.
Send off to Mr L. Steele – On Wednesday evening a send-off and presentation were tendered to Lieutenant L. Steele, of the staff of the Rosewood State School on the eve of his marriage, by his fellow boarders at Mrs W. Dollings’s establishment. Lieutenant Steele has been very popular during his residence here and has participated in all sports and social amusements. A very pleasant time was spent during the evening and a presentation of a pair of field glasses was made by Mr W. Dolling on behalf of the boarders in an appreciative speech, which Mr Steele suitably acknowledged. Dainty refreshments were served by the hostess and Mr Steele departed by the down train, amid the sincere good wishes of his many friends. [Queensland Times, Saturday, 10 April 1909, page 9]
In early November 1910, a fire occurred at Mrs. W. Dolling’s boarding house. Thankfully it was discovered before much damage was done to the building. A hessian screen and some bedding were destroyed.
Bartholomew Coveney acquired another property in 1911, removed the old building, which had done service as a dwelling for many years, and and built a new residence there (12 Albert Street), which the Dollings tenanted. Mary also ran it as a boarding house. Being of Scottish heritage, she named the house “Argyle House.” Bill came back to work at Rhuno’s.
On Tuesday evening a presentation was made at “Argyle House” to Mr. W. Bond on the eve of his marriage. Mr. W. Dolling, in making the presentation of a tea service and a water-jug and glasses, made reference to the many friends Mr. Bond had made during his stay in Rosewood, and wished him happiness and prosperity in his married life. The Misses Dolling also presented Mr. Bond with an afternoon tea-service. Mr. Bond suitably acknowledged the gifts. [Queensland Times Saturday 13 July 1912, page 11]
PRESENTATION TO CONST. RUTHENBERG. Const. John Ruthenberg who has been stationed at Rosewood for some time, was today presented with a shaving outfit by his fellow boarders at “Argyle House” and by the Allen family. Mr. Ruthenberg was of a very quiet disposition, and had been noted for his great kindness to all having any dealings with him. He has been promoted to take charge of Tangorin Police Station, and left for that district by early train today. February 10. [Queensland Times (Ipswich, Tuesday 11 February 1913, page 6]
In 1917 Bill bought their own property a couple of doors up at 16 Albert Street from John Henry Jacobs. Mary Dolling opened a private boarding house in the ten roomed house and was able to accomodate more guests.
The Dollings continued to run “Argyle House” for over 29 more years.
Mary ran Argyle House with assistance from her daughter Ivy aka “Tup” until Tup left home.
Bill opened a grocery business in John Street on his own account around 1925. His shop was located where the Council car park is now. In fact if you look at the main photo on this website you will see his shop on the left hand side of the street. It has “W. Dolling” on the awning and an advertisement for “King Tea” painted on the side of the building. He sold groceries, vegetables and cakes made by his wife.
Bill became the secretary of the Manchester Unity Lodge in Rosewood.
Their house was built by carpenter Robert James Murphy. He designed St Brigid’s Church and acted as foreman for the Rev. Father Horan on the build. The front doorknob of Argyle House is made of cast iron and the maker was Archibald Kendrick, West Bromwich, UK. The moulded date inscription is May 1911.
Argyle House accommodated many boarders over the years and many parties and celebrations were held there to celebrate special occasions and farewell patrons when they moved on. Guests included Clerks of Petty Session, school teachers, soldiers, police constables, bank officers, railway workers and other visitors to the district. Ferns and Gerberas and golden coloured streamers were the favourite decorations for these occasions and were used to adorn the dining room and verandah where “jazzing” was carried on.
Here are accounts of some of the many celebrations held at the boarding houses.
Queensland Times Saturday 10 April, 1909 page 9
Send off to Mr L. Steele – On Wednesday evening a send-off and presentation were tendered to Lieutenant L. Steele, of the staff of the Rosewood State School on the eve of his marriage, by his fellow boarders at Mrs W. Dollings’s establishment. Lieutenant Steele has been very popular during his residence here and has participated in all sports and social amusements. A very pleasant time was spent during the evening and a presentation of a pair of field glasses was made by Mr W. Dolling on behalf of the boarders in an appreciative speech, which Mr Steele suitably acknowledged. Dainty refreshments were served by the hostess and Mr Steele departed by the down train, amid the sincere good wishes of his many friends.
Brisbane Courier, Friday 3 November, 1911 page 5
On Saturday afternoon Miss Kindrigan, who has been transferred to Junction Park State School as assistant teacher, was presented by Mr and Mrs Dolling and fellow boarders with a silver backed brush and silver mounted comb.
Queensland Times Friday 18 August, 1913 page 8
Mr and Mrs F. J. Dargatz were the recipients of a number of presents from Mr and Mrs Dolling and fellow boarders at Argyle House previous to taking up residence in their new quarters in Rosewood.
Queensland Times, Saturday 25 July, 1925 page 12
ROSEWOOD.Mr and Mrs W. Dolling entertained a number of guests at dinner at “‘Argyle House,” on Thursday evening, in honour of Mr. R. J.Hart (Clerk of Petty Sessions) who leaves shortly for Innisfail, to which place he has been transferred. Miss I. Dolling assisted her parents in entertaining the guests. Vases of gerberas adorned the table and a very pretty decoration scheme was carried out in the dining room. From a dainty basket of ferns and gerberas suspended over the table golden coloured streamers were affixed to each guest place. Rev. T. H. Clark presided, and proposed Mr. Hart’s health. This was musically honoured. Addresses were delivered by Rev. T. Clark, Messrs. W. Dolling, C. McDonald, J. Sillman, J. Wyatt, R. J. Walsh, T. Southwell, R. Douglas, A. B. Clark, T. Potts.
The various speakers paid tributes to Mr. Hart’s excellent qualities as a gentleman and sport, and congratulations were extended to him on his well merited promotion. Sincere regret was expressed at his departure from Rosewood, and the good wishes of those present were extended to him for his future success and happiness. Mr. C. McDonald, on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Dolling and family, and the boarders at Argyle House, presented Mr. Hart with a handsome travelling rug. Mr. Hart, in responding expressed regret at severing his association with Mr. and Mrs. Dulling and family, and his fellow boarders at Argyle House., where during his three years’ residence in Rosewood, he had received the best of kindness. Other toasts honoured were: “The Host and Hostess,” “‘The Ladies,” and “The Chairman.” Jazzing was indulged is on the enclosed verandahs, which were canopied with streamers of red, whilst hanging baskets of ferns added to the very pretty effect produced. Solos were rendered by Mrs. A. Imrie, Rev. T. Clark, Messrs. J. Wyatt, and J. Sillman. The accompaniments were played by Miss D. Allen, who also supplied the dance music. Supper was served shortly before midnight, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” terminated a delightful evening. Those who were present were; Mrs A. Imrie. Mrs A. B. Clark, Misses D. Allen, R. Ogg, E. Lahey and E. Hogan, Rev. T. Clark, Messrs C. McDonald, J. Sillman, J. Wyatt, R. J. Walsh, T. Southwell, R. Douglas, A. B. Clark and T. Potts.
Queensland Times, Thursday 27 Dec 1945, page 6
ROSEWOOD Farewell Social Evening.- In honour of Mr. Les. Reithmuller, who recently disposed of his business at Rosewood, and who will be leaving the district, a farewell social evening was held at Miss I. Dolling’s home, Argyle House, on Thursday night. Solos were sung by Mrs. E. N. Gainen (Booval), recitations given by Mrs, E. O’Sullivan, and community singing enjoyed, Mrs. H. J. Carmody being pianiste. Supper was served. The table had two-toned pink decorations and a centre mirror outlined with rose petals and maidenhair fern. Mr. A. Gale, a friend of Mr. Reithmuller presided. The Chairman and Messrs. N. Ruhno, J. Boden, D. Baines, E. Gainen, E. Fraser, E. O’Sullivan, and A. R. Blake spoke in appreciative terms of Mr. Reithmuller as a business man and fellow boarder of many present. Miss Dolling added a tribute of appreciation of the guest of honour. On behalf of Miss Dolling and the boarders of Argyle House, Mr. Ruhno, who proposed a toast to the guest of honour, presented Mr. Reithmuller with a writing case. Mr. Reithmuller proposed a toast to Miss Dolling, and presented her with a Christmas gift from the boarders at Argyle House. His remarks were supported by Messrs. Boden, Baines, and Blake. Miss Dolling responded. Mr. M. J. Carmody proposed a toast to the ladies. He was supported by Mr. E. O’Sullilvan. The hostess, Miss Dolling, was assisted by Mesdames E. O’Sullivan. C. Donaldson, and A. Street. Mr. Reithmuller left on Saturday for Sandgate, where he is spending the Christmas holidays at his mother’s home.
Mabel Dolling married Charles Ward in June 1921. Charles was a livestock auctioneer and property salesman. Charles served in the Great War and lost an arm from wounds he received. Prior to his enlistment in the AIF in 1916 he became a member of the Rosewood Masonic Lodge No. 878 under the charter of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. On his return from active service he aspired for office in the Lodge and was installed as its Worshipful Master in September 1921. They left Rosewood and made their home in Rockhampton.
Trix Dolling was a telephonist at the Rosewood exchange. She was a leader in the Girl Guides and later she joined the W.A.A.F. (SN: 94227). Trix moved to Brisbane where she worked as a Clerk until her later years when she moved to Rockhampton.
Ivy spent some time away from Argyle House and lived with Trix in her mid 30’s, returning home to assist her mother after her father died. Records give her name as Ivy Myrtle, not Ivy Penilla as her birth record reflects. Ivy’s occupation was given as “Home Duties” while living with Trix.
Bill Dolling spent two months in Ipswich Hospital at the end of 1937 and died in 1942. Mary also suffered severe illness but had regained her health to a degree. She was spoken of as a particularly kind and hospitable woman. Mary grieved William’s death to the detriment of her own health and died in 1943. She had no relatives in Australia. Both she and Bill died at home at Argyle House.
Some other boarders I have found who lived at Argyle House were Arthur Bruce (Police Constable) and Ella Annie Clark in 1921, Dennis (Public Servant) and Mable Isabel Ryan, also in 1921. In 1922 Charles Henry Durston, a miner was in residence and in 1926 a school teacher, Kathleen May Leahy was living there, and so was a hairdresser, Charles Otto Behncken.
Ivy continued on with the business until September 1946 when Charles Harding bought the residence. The Hardings raised a large family in the house and sold it in 1980. The photo below was taken during the time of the family’s residence and was kindly provided by Ian and Keith Harding.
Argyle House is now my home. I wondered why there were so many bedrooms and decided to find the answer. I was delighted to find out its history and connection to some of the early pioneering folk of Rosewood. Occasionally, in my imagination, I have travelled back in time to peek at the goings-on in my home.
The property’s history dates back to 1867 before the Macallister Land Act became law. James Foote selected 78 acres 2 rood and twenty seven perches (Free Selection Seven L) in the West Moreton Agricultural Reserve in the County of Churchill, Parish of Walloon. This comprised all of the land on the left side of what is now John Street from the railway station up to Lanefield Road. He sold the land to John William Vance in 1877. In November, 1884 my block, comprising 2 roods, was purchased from John Vance by John Henry Jacobs, a drover and farmer, who in turn sold it to William Dolling.
Originally a staircase come down from the front door out towards the road (see photo above) but it was changed during renovations in the 1960’s to where it is now. The wooden stairs were replaced with cement treads and iron railings. The wooden verandah balustrades were also replaced with weatherboards.
I have reinstated the wooden railings on the staircase and built a small porch at the top of the stairs adorned with decorative corners (dated 1925). The corners were sourced from from an old footpath awning which was once attached to one of my family’s shops. I’ve also installed a wooden picket fence similar to the one depicted. Some small and interesting relics of days gone by have revealed themselves to me over time. They seem to surface in the yard at times and include some predecimal currency from the 30’s and 40’s.
As an aside and an item of interest, during the Great War years William Dolling received a letter from William George Nichol (1888-1964), a stretcher bearer in the 15th Field Ambulance. He was honoured with a Military Medal for bravery in the field at Merris, France. William was actually a Sergeant at the time he wrote the letter and he was eventfully promoted to Lance Corporal. In civilian life he was a Police Constable (later Sergeant of Police).
SOLDIERS’ LETTERS. (Daily Mail Brisbane, 1 November, 1916 page 9)
TEN DAYS IN THE TRENCHES ROSEWOOD VOLUNTEER’S STORY.
Mr. W. Dolling, of Rosewood, is in receipt of the following letter from Pte. W. G. Nichol, lately of the Police Force, stationed at Rosewood, who writes from France as follows:—
I am O.K., and have been keeping well since coming to this country two months ago. Egypt was very interesting, but, I think every one of us was glad to get away from there. We were in action a fortnight after we landed here. I have just come in again after another ten days in the trenches. I am a stretcher-bearer. We had a lovely six days’ trip across the Mediterranean, and then a 58 hours’ journey in the train from the South of France, and I never in all my life saw anything so beautiful. I met Arthur Adams, Bob and Ted Akes, also Mick Toohey, in Egypt, They left for France a few days before us, but I met Arthur again here in the trenches. Bob is also here, but I have not met him, and poor Mick Toohey is among the missing since the night our boys went over the parapet. One of my mates said the last he saw of Mick he was badly wounded in a German dugout in the second line of trenches. One of the Tedford boys, from Maryborough, was killed, and the other wounded. I had a look over the front parapet yesterday, where Fritz’s trench is only 78 yards across, and there are a lot of our boys still out on “No Man’s Land.” They will never be brought in now. I am glad my brother is not in the same lot with me. It is nice to be together, but some boys who have brothers that are missing tell you they think they see them out on “No Man’s Land.” I came in yesterday after being ten days in the trenches, and yesterday morning we were shelled, and had our dressing station blown up with high explosives. I only heard of Asher Millard’s death yesterday. We are hoping to get over to England on leave soon. I would love to see the “old dart.” I like the French people very much, and we are getting fairly slap-up on the lingo – I don’t think. Of course, we have learned to say such things as “Bon soir madame,” and “Bonjour,” and “How are you mon garcon!” and that’s about the limit, but some of them speak a little English, and we soon get on. The French money was new to us, as was also the Egyptian piastre.
Charlotte Willis née Gunningham (1855-1909) and Maria Dolling née Raabe (1853-1915). Maria was Bill Dolling’s mother.
© Jane Schy, 2024
2 Comments
Very interesting reading. Jane .. somewhere among the details, did you come across a Margaret Harding?
Yes Mary. One of the children who grew up in the house was named Margaret.