The Thomas House
THE THOMAS HOUSE. ALDERMAN L J THOMAS – MAYOR OF GYMPIE – (1920-1924), (1924-1927), (1927-1930), (1937-1941) In the early days of the Gympie goldfield, there were diggers from all corners of the globe trying their luck at prospecting. One such family was the THOMAS family from the coal mining town of Glyncorrwg in Wales. David THOMAS, together with his wife Evis and son Luke John travelled from Wales to Rockhampton, arriving on the ship “SCOTTISH HERO” on 29th January, 1884.
Who would have imagined that this 2 year old boy would grow up and become Mayor of Gympie in later years? Not only once but would carry out four terms. Unfortunately, he passed away during his last term. He was educated at the One Mile State School from which he entered the office of Messrs. MAXEY and MOODIE, mining secretaries, where he remained until 1912, by which time he had become the firm’s chief clerk. Resigning that year, he started business in the Market Square – “where buyers and sellers meet” – entering into a partnership with Mr. R. M. MOORE as Auctioneers and Commission Agents. Sale yards were erected at the rear of the premises and cattle, horse and pig sales were conducted here until the late 1920s. Thereafter, the sales were conducted at yards at the Gympie Railway Station.
In 1913 he was elected as an Alderman of the Gympie City Council. In the following years, Luke was closely associated with the Fire Brigade Board, Hospital Board, School of Arts, Memorial Park, Cemetery Trust, Show Society, Friendly Society, Braemar Lodge and was a founding Member of the Gympie Eisteddfod Committee and a Trustee of the Welsh Church in Crown Road.
In 1904, Luke married Miss Agnes NEILL, a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John NEILL, pioneers of the Monkland district. He had a family of four children – Rachel, Bryce, Jean and Jack. Luke and Agnes lived in the lovely old home which stood on the corner of Wickham Street and Channon Street. Over the years, there were several owners with it being used as flats in the early fifties.
Following relocation, alterations and lots of tender loving care, it then morphed into the wonderful home it is today, complete with beautiful wide verandahs and a central hallway. All very typical of our “Queenslander” homes of yore.
Thomas House” as it is today, relocated renovated and restored to its former glory