Timeline Photos

In purchasing Halcyon the sale documents included an asbestos audit. It pointed to only one item, which was the inner cladding of the upstairs verandah, at the rear of the house. Being thorough, Geoffrey Beevers went to the trouble of removing said sheets, sealing them in readiness for appropriate disposal. In the process he eventually discovered the stencilled text, indicating that item was in fact NOT ASBESTOS. So Geoffrey has clearly identified the material for future forensics, as above! Would it not be good if buildings, like cars, had a logbook documenting product use! I propose to start one for this house!

Timeline Photos

Western outlook of the facade. Restoring the original window sill after breaking through the paint build up. Painted up windows do give added security I guess.

Timeline Photos

The rear glassed in verandah the original exterior, masonry wall, facing east, the sea + the garden. At some point the room was given the security treatment for an office and the magnificent window obscured behind a false wall. The cladding was attached by drilling into the stone window frame. Unforgivable. And today begins the plaster repairs to restore the room to its integrity. Add a different door, a salvaged cedar door with two lights. Then tenderly I will minister to the drill holes in the stone window frame. An unforgivable act of desecration.

Photos from Halcyon's post

On this day, 23 February 1912, Halcyon transfers from Samuel Sydney Cohen to Archibald A.Rankin.

Timeline Photos

In situ: in the former butler's pantry then photocopy room, now the book room. Stacking books, beside the one original varnished/unpainted door, I came across this image pfor a Cocus wood finger plate with buttons, at 3/9 a pair. Standing before a similar plate. Not a pair. Source: UreSmith's "Australia in the Good Old Days" - facsimile from Lassetters' Commercial Review, No. 26, 1911.

Timeline Photos

The long view to the red umbrella.

Timeline Photos

Boston ivy animating the facade at a great pace and in a very convivial fashion. Each line of growth is very considerate of the others!

Halcyon's second family, the (Sir) Samuel Cohen's was established here from 1901. Elma gave birth to her 3 children in the house and until they moved to Sydney in 1913, it was very much a family home. The conveyancing documents indicate the transfer date to AA Rankin as 23 February 1912.

Timeline Photos

Maitland Regional Art Gallery produced this catalogue and exhibition, in 2010. It documents background on the significant Cohen family and the David Cohen and Company warehouse and store, established in Maitland in the 1830's before establishing its headquarters and main warehouses in Newcastle. Grandson of the company founders, (Sir) Samuel Sydney Cohen, became the second owner of "Halcyon", upon his marriage to Elma Hart of East Melbourne,18 April 1901. Halcyon was totally refurbished to include every mod con, including dumb waiter, baths and toilets, electricity, as well as elegant interior refurbishment. Considering the palatial East Melbourne residence Elma was raised in, this was only appropriate! Three children were born at "HALCYON": • 1902- 1978 George Jocelyn Cohen (Cullen) • 1904- 1986 Helen Elizabeth (Nell) MOSS • 1909 - Paul Alfred Cohen (Cullen) 1913 The Cohen family moved to "ROSEMOUNT" in Ocean Street, Woollahra. This led to the third owner, Archibald RANKIN acquiring Halcyon and continuing a significant civic profile.

Timeline Photos

1870s view to the nobbies headland from Halcyon before being built out by the growing city. This window is now covered by the neighbouring house, later built along the northern wall of the halcyon building

Timeline Photos

A new addition for the garden, a surprise find at Bunnings, a white pomelo tree, which I fancied for Italian preserves. Further research indicates that in Australia it was called the Shaddock, which I remember my maternal grandmother talking about. In truth the tree originates in South East Asia. In Southern China it is considered good luck for the Chinese New Year. It is used at weddings and as temple offerings. So it seems, Halcyon's garden continues a Chinese theme. This is the largest citrus and is the ancestor of the grapefruit, only sweeter. Citrus maxima.

Photos from Halcyon's post

WELL , WELL , WELL! Geoffrey ventures into the well. Locates the well cover down there. Works until it is on ground level, only to find there is a lovely old blue and white plate cemented onto it. Later discovery was the enamelled bread bin!