Ithaca’s Leadership
Ithaca Town Council Chambers - 99 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill
To understand the leadership of Ithaca through the years, it's important to recognize the evolution of its local governance. Initially, the area was administered by the Ithaca Divisional Board, established in the early 1880s under the Divisional Boards Act 1879 (Qld)
This board was led by elected chairmen. As the region urbanized, the Local Authorities Act 1902 (Qld) prompted a reorganization, and in 1903, the Ithaca Divisional Board transitioned into the Ithaca Town Council. The Town Council was headed by elected mayors.
Both the chairmen of the Divisional Board and the mayors of the Town Council played significant roles in shaping the development and identity of Ithaca until its amalgamation into Greater Brisbane in 1925.
Following are some of the key people who led Ithaca.
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George Edward Cooper served as the Chairman of the Ithaca Shire Council from 1888 until 1889. Originally from Victoria, Cooper was well-known in Brisbane as the publican of the British Empire Hotel on Queen Street, later associated with the Royal and Stock Exchange hotels. His tenure was notably contentious; he was eventually ousted due to judicial challenges over insufficient polling places and incomplete voter records. Cooper passed away in 1923 at the age of 90, residing at Auchenflower in his later years.
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William Isaac Boys briefly served as Chairman of Ithaca Shire Council in 1890. Born in Brisbane on July 7, 1860, Boys was an influential businessman who initially worked in retail, eventually forming a successful fuel merchant partnership with his father on North Quay. Later, he moved to Maryborough, establishing a drapery business. Boys was actively involved in local civic and religious communities until his death in Maryborough in March 1933.
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Arthur George Clarence Hawthorn served Ithaca both in its Divisional Board era (1901) and later as Mayor of the Ithaca Town Council (1913). Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Hawthorn trained as a solicitor before moving to Queensland. He quickly became prominent in legal circles, forming significant partnerships and eventually serving in Queensland Parliament, including roles as Home Secretary and Treasurer. He remained influential in politics, local governance, and community activities until his death in Brisbane in 1934.
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Mayor George Thomas Sweetman, who led Ithaca in 1907, emigrated from Wexford, Ireland, arriving in Queensland aged 18. He established successful grocery businesses across Brisbane and was actively involved in community services, including the Ithaca Fire Brigade. Known for progressive reforms during his mayoralty, Sweetman twice held the mayoral office and was a noted philanthropist. He passed away in Ithaca at age 81 in 1950.
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Robert McCook, Mayor in 1908, originally from County Derry, Northern Ireland, was a prominent Brisbane produce merchant for over 40 years. Known for his Eden-Bann stud in Newmarket, McCook was notable for breeding horses and Jersey cattle. He retired from municipal politics in 1910 and was widely respected as an athlete and sportsman. McCook died in Brisbane in 1931.
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Item description
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Primrose Terrace, Red Hill
James Bray Lugg, Mayor for three terms including 1910 and 1916, originated from Truro, Cornwall. Lugg was a respected coachbuilder, active in religious and community organisations in Ithaca. As superintendent of Kennedy Terrace Methodist Sunday School for 50 years and trustee of the B.A.F.S. Dispensary for over 40 years, he was deeply influential in community affairs. Lugg passed away following a prolonged illness in Red Hill, Brisbane.
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Silvanus White, Mayor in 1911, was affectionately called "The Grand Old Man of Ithaca." Born in Devonshire, England, he emigrated to Queensland in 1866. Initially a builder, White significantly contributed to the local development of Kelvin Grove and Ithaca. He served a total of 30 years in local government, holding multiple key positions, including Chairman of the Divisional Board before becoming Mayor. He passed away aged nearly 91 in Brisbane.
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Frederick Thomas Morris, Ithaca Mayor in 1912, was an influential figure in the footwear industry, following his father's pioneering boot manufacturing business in Paddington. Morris was actively involved in local civic duties, masonic orders, and community organisations, including the Ithaca Benevolent Society. His commitment to public service was matched by his enthusiasm for lawn bowling and community welfare. Morris passed away after prolonged illness in Paddington.
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Robert Speedy, who served as Mayor in 1914, was an esteemed Kelvin Grove resident originally from Belfast, Ireland. Arrived in Queensland on "Star of England" in 1863. Started on a farm on North Pine River before moving to "Corona" a dairy farm on Three Mile Scrub Road (now Ashgrove Avenue). Actively involved in municipal politics, he held office until his passing in 1914, which occurred during his mayoral tenure. He was deeply involved in community affairs and his funeral drew significant attendance, reflecting the respect he garnered in the community. Alderman Speedy Died on 22nd December 1915 and is buried at Toowong Cemetery.
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William Robert Warmington, Mayor in both 1915 and notably the last Mayor in 1925 before Ithaca's amalgamation into Greater Brisbane, was originally from England. He was deputised under the Lord Mayor, William Jolly, after amalgamation.
Settling in Ithaca in 1890, Warmington transitioned from waterside employment to successful business as a fuel merchant. His extensive civic involvement included serving as one of the foundational aldermen of Brisbane City Council post-amalgamation. He remained influential until his passing at the age of 84.
Warmington Street is named after his family.
Interestingly, according to his Great-Grandson, Mark, William was granted a house and corner shop attached to the newly built tram depot. When a fire burned the shop down, the house was relocated to Morris Street, Paddington, where the family continued to live for many generations.
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John Tait, Mayor of Ithaca across multiple terms, notably 1917, 1922 (first mayor under new legislation), and again in 1924, was an influential civic leader with long-standing community engagement. Tait was instrumental in local governance reforms and managed civic responsibilities effectively during significant periods of change. His legacy includes his work on local infrastructure and community services.
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Arthur Kaye, Mayor in 1918, originally from Sheffield, England, was a noted music teacher and conductor, instrumental in Queensland’s musical circles. Arriving in Brisbane in 1887, he was actively involved in civic life and was recognised for significant contributions to cultural and community activities throughout Ithaca.
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Lived on Enoggera Terrace, Paddington.
Hayward Street is named after this family.
John Fairfax Hayward served as Ithaca’s Mayor in 1919. He was significantly involved in charitable and community organisations, including the Ithaca Soldiers' Memorial movement and local educational initiatives. His legacy includes substantial civic engagement, specifically in health, welfare, and education, until his death at 66.
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Frederick Edward Hampson, Mayor in 1920, held office until his passing in 1921. His tenure was noted for active contributions to Ithaca’s civic development, especially community health and local governance.
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Tooth Avenue is named after him.
Leslie Howard Tooth, Mayor in 1921 following Hampson’s death, was born in Dalby and significantly contributed to Ithaca’s civic and social affairs. Notably involved in the Friendly Societies' movement and various charitable initiatives, Tooth was known for his work on local healthcare, particularly the establishment of orphanages and dispensaries. He passed away after prolonged illness, highly respected for his extensive community service.
