John Percy Francis Hamilton Baxter

CHILDREN
Feb 8th 1938- The Argus http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/1873448
BAXTER-On the 26th November, at "Glenvuillle," The Esplanade. Western Beach,
Geelong, to Mr. and Mrs. J. Percy Baxter- a son (John Russell).

RESIDENCES

39 The Esplanade DRUMCONDRA, Greater Geelong City
39 The Esplanade was built in 1914-15 for J P H Baxter, one of Geelong's most generous benefactors. The noted Geelong architects, Buchan Laird and buchan were responsible for the innovative design which included teh plain red brick walls, hipped roofs, restrained decoration and the prominent portico. It is of local significance. The residence was built in 1914-15 for J P H Baxter. Well known architects and builders were responsible for its design and construction. It was designed by architects Buchan Laird and Buchan and built by J C Taylor and Sons. This house was built just two years after Baxter's residence at 5 Glenleith Avenue. It is not known why Baxter moved so soon but it is known that he remained at 39 The Esplanade until at least 1941. J P H Baxter was one of Geelong's most generous benefactors. More details about his life may be found on the data sheet for 5 Glenleith Avenue

"Drumcondra"- 5 Glenleith Avenue DRUMCONDRA, Greater Geelong City
Historically, this residence is of interest as it was the home of one of the Geelong community's most generous benefactors, J.P.H. Baxter. Architecturally it is a particularly good example of the large Edwardian house with timber fretwork, believed to be designed by the prominent Geelong architect, Angus Laird. The complimentary glass house is of particular interest. It is of regional significance.

The Drumcondra Estate was first subdivided in the early part of the twentieth century (c. 1908 and some later subdivision ). Prominent people tended to take up allotments which were within easy access to the bay. As there were only very few isolated dwellings in Drumcondra until this time it is highly likely that the residence at number 5 Glenleith Avenue (formerly Church Street) was the first building on this site. At that time in 1912, it was described as a seven roomed weatherboard building with a 'motor shed'. The residence was built in 1912 for John Percy H. Baxter a prominent Geelong auctioneer of Read and Baxter, Auctioneers and Estate Agents, Malop Street. He was also a generous benefactor to the community generally. Some of his friendly gifts included the land for Baxter House, Geelong Hospital, the Baxter House at Grace McKeller and generous provision for intellectually gifted young men to further their studies. In 1932 it was noted in the Geelong Advertiser "For eighty years the name of Baxter has been identified with Geelong. Cr. J.P.H. Baxter's father John F. Baxter and his grandfather John Baxter, in earlier times were associated in business in Geelong west as timber and hardware merchants and contractors, under the name of John Baxter and Son. Their business was purchased about twenty years ago by Messrs Fagg Bros., who still carry it on."
Description

Five Glenleith Avenue is a timber Edwardian residence with return verandah decorated with sinuous timber fretwork. The dominant hip roof is intersected bya gable on each main elevation, and a gabled porch addresses the corner at forty-five degrees. The window hoods and gable ends have timber fretwork brackets. A porthole window emphasises the entrance. The tall straight chimneys have a surface treatment which is a combination of face and rendered brick. The corner site enhances the residence and contains a small glass house which appears to be contemporary with the residence.

Although the designer of this residence is not known, it is believed to be by Angus Laird of the prominent Geelong architects Buchan Laird and Buchan. Angus and John Percy Baxter were known to be very good friends and that Angus did a lot of architectural work for John. Alterations have included re-roofing and the possible loss of ridge decoration. The front fence is a later addition.

ALFRED TURNER

The Gardens at ALTON

Taken from: http://www.altongarden.com/history/history.htm

In January 1875 a bushfire slightly damaged Verdon's selection, destroying 20 chains of paling fencing and 80 fruit trees. 'Wanderer' commented that 'Although depressed by the misfortune ... Verdon again set to work to improve his little estate, and in this Sir George says he was greatly helped by Mr A. Turner of the Mount'.

Alfred Turner (1837-1916) was born at Owlpen, Gloucester, England and landed with his father in South Australia in 1838. They came to Mount Macedon in 1853 where his father was a timber splitter in the period prior to the advent of the saw mills. Turner apparently served his apprenticeship with Taylor and Sangster and his obituarist claimed that he 'superintended the preparation of the ground for residences of Sir George Verdon (Alton), R.L.J. Ellery (Hascombe), C. Ryan [Derreweit], and Professor McCoy and Gordon, C.E.'.

He took charge Alton from its early beginnings and remained there until Verdon's death in 1896. Alfred Turner purchased a block of just over six acres at Mount Macedon in 1888 and is described on the land title as a 'Farmer', perhaps indicating that his role at Alton was more akin to that of land steward than head gardener.

Note: Taylor & Sangster was a prominent firm of nurserymen with premises in Toorak and Macedon, Victoria. The business ran from c1875 until c1919.



DEATH

Alfred is buried with Martha (his wife) at the Mount Macedon cemetary.