“What if these mud brick walls could talk?” That is what everyone asks about Former Leahy’s Residence. This historical house museum stands as a testament to Thargomindah’s vibrant past. It offers a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the region.
Former Leahy’s Residence began its story after 1885. The Thargomindah Newspaper Company received a Deed of Grant then. Brothers John and Patrick Leahy owned the newspaper company. The residence later came into the possession of Sir Sidney Kidman. He was a well-known cattle baron in 1912.
Kidman’s intentions weren’t purely residential. He sought a voice on the Bulloo Divisional Board. To achieve this, he needed a property owner in Thargomindah. Kidman gave the house to his manager, Jack Watts. People called him “Galloping Jack.” He constantly travelled between properties by horse. Owning this house enabled Watts to become a Board Member. Kidman was elected to the Board in 1906. He served for 22 years until his death in 1928.
The Former Leahy’s Residence is constructed from locally made mud brick. People continuously lived in it until 1995. The Bulloo Shire Council then purchased it for restoration. A Centenary of Federation Queensland Community Assistance Program Grant aided this project. After renovations, the House was entrusted to the Thargomindah Historical Society. The society maintains the displays and artefacts. These displays are for the community and visitors.
Former Leahy’s Residence opened as a Historical House Museum on May 12, 2001. This was part of Thargomindah’s Centenary of Federation celebrations. Scott Fraser, Mayor of the Bulloo Shire, and John Tully conducted the official opening. Tully is the Great Grandson of the Hon John Leahy.
Inside Former Leahy’s Residence, you will find four historical rooms. Some feature permanent displays. These displays are dedicated to John Leahy. They also highlight the history of Thargomindah and surrounding Stations. One room features exhibits that rotate regularly. The current exhibition showcases images of Nockatunga. It also explores the history of the Thargomindah Post Office.
John Leahy was born in County Cork, Ireland in 1854. He moved to Thargomindah in 1876. There, he established a General Store. He was also Postmaster at Windorah until 1883. John Leahy married Anne Colbert. They had one son and four daughters. He was studious and inventive. He was a pioneering and respected Irishman. Leahy was heavily involved in building the Thargomindah Township. This was before and after Federation in 1901.
John and his brother Patrick significantly impacted Thargomindah’s development. In 1884, John became a partner in the Thargomindah Herald. The newspaper was printed in an office in Sams Street. Patrick had established it. John’s other business interests included the Bulloo Cordial Factory. He had proprietorship of the Royal Hotel. He also had part ownership of Thylungra Station and the Brewery. He helped establish the Wool Corporation.
Leahy served as Secretary of the School of Arts in 1886. He also served as President of the Hospital Board in 1895. P.J. Leahy was the first recorded Clerk to the Bulloo Divisional Board in 1886. He was a brother of John Leahy. He displayed drive and foresight for the area.
The Leahy brothers spearheaded drilling an Artesian Bore. The project proved successful. Drilling began in 1891. In 1893, a plentiful supply of good quality water flowed. It was reticulated through Thargomindah. This made it the first town with a reticulated Artesian water supply. The efficient Bore allowed the town to harness cheap energy. They drove a generating plant for electricity supply. In the 1890s, the town’s population was about 338.
John Leahy’s political career began in 1889. He was appointed Chairman of the Bulloo Divisional Board. In 1893, he entered the Queensland Legislative Assembly. He was the independent member for Bulloo. From 1901 to 1903, he was Minister for Railways and Public Works. In 1907, he became Speaker of the House. He held this position until his death in 1909.
Leahy was a politician and country businessman. He was known as a fighter. He loved Tennyson’s poetry. As Speaker of the House, he was respected. This was for his measured handling of Parliamentary Debates. Leahy supported the Commonwealth. He believed Australians should engage in International Affairs. Former Leahy’s Residence serves as a lasting monument to his contributions. It shows the spirit of Thargomindah’s pioneers.