By Cathy Jones 2021
Parts of Redmyre Road are located on land originally granted to James Wilshire in 1810. In 1874, land was acquired by members of the Vernon family from the subdivision of Wilshire’s land marketed as the Redmire Estate. The land was subdivided and marketed for sale in 1880 as the ‘Mount Vernon Estate’ (DP 528), creating Vernon Street, Brunswick Street (then called Redmyre St) and had lots on Redmyre Road (south between Vernon Street) and Homebush Rd (east between Vernon Street and Homebush Road). Properties 34 to 70 Redmyre Road are built on the Mount Vernon Estate.
‘Ballina’ was built in 1903 as the home residence of Thomas Holley, who operated a produce, fuel and general store in Redmyre Road. Holley died in 1939 and by 1941, the house was in the ownership of Strathfield Municipal Council. Council had also acquired the lots from Holley’s estate on which the Baby Health Centre and Croquet Club were built (50-52 Redmyre Road).
In September 1951, Strathfield Council sold the house to Maurice Brendon Moroney, public servant, for £5200. In May 1954, the house was sold to barrister Ray Loveday for £5650.
In July 1959, Loveday sold the house to John and Joan Taylor for $29,000.
References
Sands Directory for Sydney and Suburbs 1900-1932
Strathfield Council Building Application Registers
Strathfield Council Valuation Lists 1894 to 1960
Strathfield Council Notices of Land Transfer (1927-1960s)
Wise’s Post Office Directory 1908, 1936
