Apart from graffitists, few of us expect to leave a tangible legacy behind. Mr William Street, the builder, though, were he to return to Sandgate (93 years after his death), would recognise, no doubt with pride, many structures – such as the old post office building, Sacred Heart Church, the former Baptist Church, and The Cottage on Flinders Parade – for which he was responsible.
William Street’s career began when, as a 14-year-old in 1863, he was apprenticed to a joinery company in Brisbane. There, he learned not only joinery but cabinetmaking and French polishing. He worked in those trades until, as he himself reported, he “broke down and became a nervous wreck.” The cure for this was thought to be a period of rest, and where better to recuperate than the emerging seaside resort of Sandgate?
During this sojourn, William was employed doing odd building jobs and house painting. Finding Sandgate to his liking – and in the throes of a building boom – he decided to stay and set up a construction company. One of the first houses he built was for himself – Anchor Cottage, in Cotton Street. For a time, he did well, but his health again became precarious and he was once more advised to rest.
This restorative interlude took the form of a three-year sea voyage to Africa, Britain and eventually, America. While there, he met and married Miss Helen Robertson of Wisconsin. They returned to Sandgate in 1882 and settled into Anchor Cottage, where three children were born.
The next 10 years were prosperous ones for Mr Street, whose timber yard in Creek Street (now Palm Avenue) supplied the materials for his flourishing building business. This decade saw the construction, in addition to those buildings mentioned above, of the old Sandgate Town Hall (destroyed by fire in 1910), the original courthouse in Yundah Street and the Victoria skating rink – all now, sadly, gone.
A Lasting Legacy in Sandgate
However, misfortune struck in 1887 when fire destroyed the timber yard and all his stock. Undeterred, he rebuilt, restocked and carried on until 1893 when, regrettably, the business failed and he was declared bankrupt. Nothing if not resilient, he left Sandgate and moved his family to West End, where he developed “Street’s white ant cure” and set up a very successful pest extermination business, continued by his family until 1993.
William Street died in 1933, mourned as “a kindly and courteous old gentleman … highly esteemed by all”, and remembered today as a fine builder to whom we in Sandgate owe some of our most celebrated old edifices.
With thanks to the Sandgate Historical Museum (opening hours: Sunday and Wednesday, 9am to 1.30pm. Adults $5, Children $3, Membership $20/$30).
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
- Bramble Buzz: Updates from the Community
- CatVideoFest 2026
- Organic Gardening in August
- Wedding Inspiration Awaits at Queensland Brides Expo
- Running Festival Returns
- Three Women Share Creative Journeys Through Handmade Exhibition
- A Penny from the Past
- Spring has Sprung
- St Pats Expansion Plans
- Red Riding Hood a Feminist Icon
- Fashioning a Fundraiser for 100 Years
- Everybody Needs Good Neighbours
- Get Your Rhythm and Blues On at Cardi Bar
- Young Creatives Turn Handmade Talents Into Small Businesses
- Gluten-Free Dining Options Across the 4017
- From the Bush to the Beach
- New Podcast Helps Overwhelmed Business Owners
- Switch Off and Tune In: Enjoy a Digital Detox Around Sandgate
