February 2024 ADHS Annual General Meeting
The Society’s AGM was held on Sunday 25 February 2024.
The day was perfect and the Summer Hill Community Centre is a bright and pleasant venue. Society President, Alex Lofts welcomed Members and all gathered. The Minutes of the previous AGM held in February 2023 were confirmed.
Alex reviewed the fabulous events held by the Society in the, including past year, including our 50th Anniversary. He advised the gathering that according to the RAHS, the – ADHS is the longest affiliated historical society in NSW.
Alex then remined us of his words first expressed following Alan Croker’s talk last year on the 50th Anniversary of the Sydney Opera House: Battles are won but return to be fought again.
Alex noted that this is pertinent today in light of the Planning Reforms recently announced by the State Government. However hard the housing crisis is to resolve; we do not have to destroy heritage to solve the problem. Treasurer Carolyn Carter then presented her report for 2023 – the Society is in good financial shape. Susan Thompson oversaw the election of Society’s office bearers and Committee Members.
2024 ADHS AGM
The nominations were duly seconded, and the new 2024 Committee was welcomed.
The other key position holders are:
| Treasurer | Carolyn Carter |
| Membership Secretary | Carolyn Carter |
| Public Officer | David Rollinson |
| Research Officer | Ann O’Connell |
| Heritage Officer | David Rollinson |
| IT Coordinator | Phil Burne |
| Web Manager | Colin Webb |
| Rooms & Collections Coordinator | Clare Herscovitch |
| Activities Coordinator | Paul Williams |
| Minutes Secretary | Murray Cleaver |
| Newsletter Editor | Heather Warton |
Thank you to the outgoing Committee Members,Lucille McKenna and Nerida Thiering for their contribution to the Society. The meeting was advised that Bob, Lucille and former Committee Member Mandy Keevil have recently experienced health issues. We send our best regards to our good friends.
Guest Speaker Niall Macken: Hibernian Heritage
Niall Macken is an architect and heritage specialist with a Masters Degree in Conservation Studies from the University of York, UK. He has worked on significant historic sites, buildings and precincts in Australia, England and Ireland, within both the public and private sectors. Niall is a Registered Architect and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects, and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
He is the Heritage and Urban Design team leader within Inner West Council, a member of the NSW Heritage Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects heritage committee.
Niall’s talk was based on his work on heritage projects in Ireland – his grandparents on his father’s side and wife are Irish.
He outlined the Irish heritage legislation, and gave some examples of site that are protected under the relevant Acts. Two important items are identified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites – Newgrange in County Meath, a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument and Skellig Michael, a rocky crag off the coast of County Kerry.
Niall spoke about two projects he worked on as a heritage consultant.
The first project was in County Cork, the Old Cork Waterworks. Naill explained that Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, and is located on the Lee River. The city was expanding in the early 19th Century and was in need of a new water supply. A site was identified and in 1857 a notable architect of the time, Sir John Benson designed a group of polychrome brick and limestone buildings around a courtyard to house the Waterworks. The engines and boilers were in use until the late 1950’s.
Niall’s project was to oversee the restoration of the dilapidated buildings, that although had suffered some damage, were still structurally sound. A conservation report on the history and condition of the buildings, and an industrial archaeology survey were completed. The buildings were converted for use as a Information Centre, meeting rooms and offices.
The second project was to work one of the most single group of intact Georgian townhouses, at 14 Henrietta Street in Dublin. The townhouses were built for the elite of the day, and notable occupants had lived there. No. 14 had later been converted into tenements.
March 2024
Who do you think you might be? – the nuts and bolts of genealogical methods
On 24 March 2024 we had a very informative presentation at the Ashfield Civic Centre from our new Committee Member, Kerry Barlow, entitled ‘Who Do You Think You Might Be? – the nuts and bolts of genealogical methods’.
As usual, the Civic Centre presented a bit of an access challenge for attendees, but we managed to get everybody into the room for the very useful information from Kerry.
Kerry is an experienced presenter on researching family history and had condensed a full day workshop into one hour!
Her major point was that all information should continually be confirmed using primary sources such as government Births, Deaths and Marriages records and she outlined the potential for errors with transcription errors, incorrect spellings, nicknames, pet names etc. She listed some of the major resources available and that libraries are an excellent free access point for many of them.
There were some cautionary tales about using family trees from websites such as Ancestry.com and the considerations that should be made before doing a DNA test! Do you really want to know the answer? Her other major hint was that if you are very serious about researching your family history you should join the Society of Australian Genealogists as they can provide excellent technical assistance plus their resources are available to members .
Thank you to Kerry who stepped in at relatively short notice – she really knows her stuff! If you want a repeat or for more information you should sign up for one of her WEA workshops.
April 28, May 19 and June 2, 2024
“Connections, Characters and Commerce “– Smith Street Summer Hill; Street Walks #1, #2 & #3 led by Mark Sabolch
The Smith Street Walks lead by Mark Sabolch led three walks in April, May and June 2024 exploring the value of the local heritage of Smith Street, Summer Hill. This was part of the National Trust’s 2024 Australian Heritage Festival.
The theme of the walk was: “Connections, characters and commerce”. Smith Street is extraordinary in that it passes through five separate Heritage Conservation Areas, and there are over 30 gazetted local heritage items along its path. With the continuing pressure for greater urban density and re-development, there is a need for greater awareness in our community of our local history and our local heritage. This walk was designed to share that awareness.
Mark started the walk at the site of the former flour mills (2 Smith Street), and explored through maps, pictures and a visit to the adjacent stormwater Canal, the original lay of the land. Mark provided information on the former Sheep Quarantine Station, many of the local characters (including early developers, speculative builders, business owners, doctors and nurses, local politicians and of course residents) and the interesting architecture within which they housed themselves. As always, there is more than what meets the eye.
The results of the walk were a better appreciation of the interplay between historical key characters, their cultures and values (to the extent we can glean that information), and also the continuing interaction between people and their geographical and economic environment. It is this complex interplay which makes Summer Hill the interesting place it is today. There were three walks delivered and each well patronized and appreciated.
A Presentation on Trove by Christine Yeats Sunday 21 July 2024
An interesting afternoon at the Summer Hill Community Centre was had with Christine Yeats. Christine, Fellow and Senior Vice President of the Royal Australian Historical Society, led us through the ins and outs of Australian resources, available through the National Library’s collection called Trove: Home – Trove (nla.gov.au) This ever expanding collection is available free to the public. The collection was launched in 2009 and is maintained and updated by the National Library, via hundreds of Trove partners with loads of fascinating digital images such as photographs, news clippings from our past. Christine presented a step-by-step approach, in a visual presentation, making us feel we were doing a search on line. She shared insights, tips, and pitfalls which gave us confidence to search on our own. Her opening visual encouraged us to explore. However, if one “just dived in” it could be overwhelming with too much choice!
The opening visual in Christine’s presentation
Christine selected Mary Gilmore as a sample historic figure to demonstrate the expanse of information to be found on Trove. There are 68,534 results for Newspapers for Mary Gilmore alone!
Portrait of Mary Gilmore found at Library of UQLD
We learnt that Trove has nine categories in which to search:
- We learnt that Trove has nine categories in which to search:
- Newspapers & Gazettes
- Magazines & Newsletters
- Images, Maps & Artefacts
- Research & Reports
- Books & Libraries
- Diaries, Letters & Archives
- Music, Audio & Video
- People & Organisations
- Websites
Christine provided a wealth of information that was useful for first time users of Trove as well as insights for more experienced users. A very informative session.
Conformity & individuality in the Californian Bungalow
A presentation by Colin Webb, Sunday 23 June 2024
Society president, Alex Lofts, introducing Colin.
It was standing room only at Summer Hill Community Centre on Sunday 23 June 2024 for Colin Webb’s highly informative, illustrated talk on the Californian Bungalow, that is prominent in Sydney’s Inner West, Colin’s talk had a particular focus on the suburbs of Ashfield and Ashbury.
The Bungalow was the most popular form of housing in Australia in the 20th century. The Californian Bungalow was amongst the earliest of the twentieth century bungalow styles. The unpretentious and earthy style was based on a distinctive type of rustic, Japanese – influenced single storey detached house, to become the standard of US west coast suburbia by the outbreak of World War 1.
The Californian Bungalow was “imported” to Australia in 1916, more than likely Hollywood provided a “glossy” image of an American way of life and California was seen as a model for what Australia might one day become. The Australian version was usually built of brick rather than of timber, and it featured a range of carpentry details such as visually dominant low pitched spreading roof with wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafters and barge-boarded gables facing the street. The bargeboards were plain but visually prominent to accentuate the sweep of the roof. Also used were simple designs of shingles and ventilators, along with liver-coloured bricks, and masonry verandah pylons.
Society member, Colin Webb
Colin’s detailed talk showed several key features of local Californian Bungalows, such as:
- the single storey construction, although some may have a second storey with attic bedrooms
- Wide verandahs, which was a signature feature of the design. It often wrapped
- around the front & sides of the house, to provide a shady space to relax and enjoy the outdoors
- Leadlight windows were extremely popular in the twentieth century, along with lofty ceilings, which gave the rooms an airy and spacious feel
- Open floor plan with the living room, dining room and kitchen flowing together.
- Timber flooring featured.
Other features of many Californian bungalows in the Inner West are decorative fireplaces, bay windows, which added light and space to a room and a lovely view of the garden. Colin’s excellent presentation illustrated that the Californian Bungalows in the local area are functional, charming, and full of character.
Mandy Keevil
Photos: Lois Gray & Colin Webb
Mark Sabolch presents: The Victorian Italianate A walk through London streets in search of the origin of our Victorian Italianate legacy
On Sunday 18 August 2024, over 60 people attended a wonderful presentation by Mark Sabolch on Italianate architecture in London. This included members from the Marrickville Heritage Society, as it was a joint ADHS/MHS event.
Photo of one of the grand homes in the Italianate style in Belsize Park, London, from Mark’s presentation; Photo: Mark Sabolch
Mark’s presentation at Summer Hill was an extravaganza of photos of 19th Century Italianate London accompanied by a clear and erudite account of its evolution and deserved the full house audience that attended. My own feelings for the Italianate are influenced by its Roman legacy, the arches, columns, pilasters, quoins, capitals and acanthus mouldings etc that directly connect us with the architecture and power of ancient Rome.
Mark began with some local Inner West examples of Victorian Italianate houses highlighting some of the above features, and then took us to John Nash’s Cronkhill, the first-recognized Italianate villa (1802), with its tower, curved walls and asymmetrical elevation. The essence of Italianate is the picturesque, the attractive and theatrical. With this in mind, we then explored late 18th London beginning with Bloomsbury and progressing outwards to Regent’s Park and as suburbs developed, Belgravia, Kensington, Lewisham, as 19th Century London grew in size. The staid symmetry of 18th Century Georgian townhouses was livened up by the Prince Regent (later George IV and well-known for his late 18th Century Brighton Pavilion). To develop his London property, he gave his architect John Nash (1752-1835), who had also been involved in the Brighton Pavilion, a free hand, resulting in a curved row of 3 storey terrace houses in Park Crescent (1820), the grand entrance to Regent’s Park. Taking inspiration from Royal Crescent, Bath (1767), Nash added columned porches and stuccoed walls in imitation of the real Bath stone.
Mark demonstrating the transition from Regency style to Italianate, evident at Eaton Square, Belgravia, London; Photo: Alex Matte
The plan was to develop and rent out on long term leases, thus ensuring income stretching over centuries. While this may have worked for many developers, the Prince may have been extravagant and his grand plan was never fully implemented. But the Regency style with its Italianate features was taken up by Thomas Cubitt (1805-1850) builder/developer/financer in developing nearby Bloomsbury townhouses with asymmetry, columns and porches. Wealthy Landowner Richard Grosvenor then engaged him to develop the suburb, Belgravia, and the style grew in popularity and size. Architect Charles Barry (1795-1860) applied the Italianate style to major building including the Travelers Club (1830s) and later Reform Club with decorative parapets, rustic stone quoins, elaborate window mouldings, balconies – a mixture of classical features and very influential at the time. Barry was later responsible for rebuilding the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). Clearly now the height of fashionable architecture, Italianate was taken up by Queen Victoria. She employed Thomas Cubitt to design her private country house Osborne on the Isle of Wight, asymmetric, stuccoed with tower belvederes, grand windows and lots of steps (really just a bigger version of Glentworth!). Completed in 1851 with extensive gardens, a feature generally absent from the London houses. London suburban development continued unabated; Kensington (1860s), 4 and 5 storey townhouses with bay windows; Notting Hill – arches pediments, columns porches; Belsize Park (1850-70s), semi-detached with prominent steps; and Lewisham (1860s) 2 storey terraces for the working classes but retaining obligatory bay windows.
John Ruskin (1819-1900) now steps in (1851), a bit dismayed at all the stucco and pretence, Craftsmanship is important and influenced William Morris (1834-1896) and the Arts and Craft movement in a back to basics. As a result, brick walls were left unstuccoed to show the underlying bricklaying craft, polychrome and fancy machine bricks were displayed, interplayed with Italianate bowfront windows, and towers. Back in Sydney we could all see the connections, and how all those British immigrants that made up most of the Sydney population, particularly the Upper and Middle Classes, had carefully copied the designs of Home, with the positive additions of verandahs for the weather and local cast-iron columns and balustrades, resulting from improved late Victorian technology. I think we were all happy that our Sydney versions of the Italianate, at least in the 1-2 storey version set in a nice garden are superior! I’ll add a postscript – Victorian Italianate seems to have stopped In Sydney by the end of the 19th Century, to be replaced by Federation style, but the wooden verandah columns and capitals replacing cast-iron still hark back to their original Roman creators.
Doug Benson
Photos: Murray Cleaver, Alex Matte & Mark Sabolch
Guided tour of Trinity Grammar School
28 September 2024
The School’s Archivists, Alison and Tracey, met a group of about 25 Ashfield & District Historical Society members outside the school’s main gates in Prospect Road. We learned that the impressive gateposts and gates had adorned St. Andrews Cathedral until the construction of Town Hall station and the widening of George Street made them untenable at that location.
Alison Doran, Archivist for Trinity Grammar Alison then took us to admire Hurlstone, currently the Headmaster’s residence, as she described its provenance, but as an active residence, it was not open to view inside. However, we were able to see the cast iron water pump dating from the house’s construction as we progressed along the old driveway past what was once the rear garden of Hurlstone.
Climbing some stairs to the upper level of a building which now occupies what used to be a graveled driveway where the teachers’ cars were daily parked beneath a row of ancient Moreton Bay Figs, we were treated to a view of the adjacent Number One Oval, hallowed ground now sadly occupied by rows of temporary classroom buildings. Here Alison and Tracey gave a thorough account of the history of the site and School, before conducting our group via the Wilson Hogg Assembly Hall/Theatre and Compass Courtyard to the central Quadrangle. Our tour was unfortunately constrained by the imminent extensive building works which precluded access to much of the Western parts of the School, so Alison and Tracey explained the historical aspects of the area before continuing to the peaceful atmosphere of the Chapel with its traditional Gothic furnishings and progressively installed stained glass windows.
From there it was a few steps along the colonnade, with another view of Hurlstone, to the Dining Hall, no longer the hive of activity of the boarding-school era, but intact from its heyday with polished wainscoting and furnishings and endowed with imposing portraits of past Headmasters. A refreshing afternoon tea had been provided, and we chatted with our hosts, before heading home.
Paul Williams
Images: Colin Webb
Walking Tour of Malvern Hill Estate, Croydon Held
October 2024
It was a pleasant Spring afternoon when we met in front of the Masonic Hall Croydon. It was a large group of at least 26 people who registered on the Society’s webpage or with Burwood & District Historical Society or just came along. It was a joint function for both Societies. Burwood Council is keen to raise awareness of the significance of the conservation area given the potential threat it might be facing with the Government’s intention to seek increased housing opportunities close to railway stations.
John Johnspon from the Burwood Historical Society
A representative from Burwood Council Library made some introductory remarks, welcoming attendees and introduced John Johnson and Cecily Gray who led the walk. John has written a book on the Malvern Hill Conservation Area which he expects will be available in the new year. John touched on the early development of the area mentioning persons owning the large estates whose names are enshrined in the fabric of the suburb
- Daniel Holborow – Gads Hall
- Samuel Dickinson – The Hall
- George Murray – The Lee
- Anthony Hordern – Shubra Hall.
proceeded in two phases – May and September 1909 creating large blocks and applying a residential covenant with conditions on use and building materials. Many blocks were sold complete with architect plans. It resulted in Federation style homes of complex designs, featuring multiple gables, tall chimneys and spacious verandas. By 1912 Californian bungalow elements were being introduced – low pitched roofs, squat chimneys, dark brick rough cast walls, deep verandas with heavy supporting columns. Close proximity to the railway station ensured it was a desirable area to live. The walk commentary focused on the social history aspects rather than the architectural features. Some remembered snippets are relayed here.
Starting at 2A Fitzroy Street, the Masonic Hall, now known as the Imar Youth Charitable Community Hall, owned by the Lebanese Maronite Charitable Organisation, is indicative of the cultural change that has occurred in the suburb.
The walk moved to the former Croydon Post Office, complete with the original post box outside, now a shop (Adora Cream Chocolates). Its prominent position marks the entrance to The Strand on the western side, the first area to be developed (1913), followed by the eastern side in 1917. Along with the original Canary Island Date Palms in the centre of the street, The Strand is one of the most intact shopping strips in Sydney. Nos. 1-27 and 2-32 are listed as part of the Conservation Area. It is interesting to note that there was a motor garage (EA and HO Comer) at No. 34, at least from 1925. This was taken over by the Roy Bros in 1926, who also established a motorcycle dealership at No. 30. The Roys accumulated a few properties in The Strand and eventually moved the motor garage to the western side, where a motor mechanic operates today. From The Strand we moved to Dickinson Avenue where nos.1-19 on the western side are in the Burwood local government area, the eastern side being within the Inner West.
The elegantly styled house immediately facing The Strand, No. 1 Dickinson Avenue, was one of the first residences to be built and has been used in recent years as low-cost seniors living with 30 furnished rooms. It would be wonderful to have it restored to its former glory
1 Dickinson Avenue Croydon No. 5 has had land subdivided off for a 1960’s home (5A) now rendered and painted grey, and No. 7 (Cavendish Lodge) has been modified for an assisted living boarding house. Otherwise, the street displays the original architecture and subdivision pattern. A Californian bungalow (Willandra), at No. 22, (Inner West LGA) was pointed out as being the home of Albert Francis Lenartz, the composer of the ‘I like Aeroplane Jelly’ jingle. In 1938 it was played up to 100 times a day on radio and turned out to be longest running advertising jingle in Australian history.
22 Dickinson Avenue Croydon
We were welcomed into the grounds of No. 19 (Pahiatua), a two-storey Federation home with Victorian features internally, which has been very faithfully restored. Unfortunately, the large group size prevented us from going inside. Being a large block, the property once included a tennis court.
Our tour then turned the corner from Liverpool Road into Malvern Avenue. The homes here nos. 1-23 and 2-36 remain intact, displaying a mix of the Federation and Bungalow styles. Notable in this area was Sir Bertram Stevens, former Premier of NSW 1932-1939. Sir Bertram and Lady Stevens first lived at No. 26 (Hillcrest) and later moved to No. 15 where the land extended west to Chelmsford Avenue. When the Stevens fell on hard times, land to the rear of the property was subdivided. Stevens had trained as an accountant, was a Public Service Inspector, and Director of Finance in the NSW Treasury before entering politics. He served as Treasurer in 1929, so it is hard to imagine that Stevens was poor at his death. John spoke of the State funeral organised for Bertram by former Premier Jack Lang, with whom he had clashed when in the Department of Finance. The funeral was conducted at the then Croydon Methodist Church on the corner of Malvern Avenue and Murray Street where the Stevens attended.
15 Malvern Avenue Croydon The Minister at the time was renowned for giving a sermon in support of the New Guard. The Church itself is an impressive mix of red brick Federation and gothic styles designed by prominent architect Alfred Newman. Our walk finished at the Church, leaving more of the conservation area for another day perhaps. There is so much that could be explored in this Conservation Area. It will be interesting to read John’s book, when published, to find out more. Congratulations to Burwood Council and Burwood & District Historical Society for their support in seeking to inform the populace of our valuable conservation areas.
Lois Gray
Images: Colin Webb
A visit to History House
14 November 2024
On 14 November, a group of ADHS members attended a very enjoyable talk, morning tea and tour of the historic town house at 133 Macquarie Street in Sydney which is the home of the Royal Australian Historical Society. The Vice President of the Society, A/Prof. Carol Liston, noted its establishment by dedicated volunteers as long ago as 1901 but without a place to call its own. Many years later, in 1941, premises were made available in a former wool store in Young Street from which time cataloguing of manuscripts, glass slides and photographs commenced, forming a substantial collection. The Society moved to what is now History House in 1970 after extensive restoration and construction work was carried out.
The reception area includes the entrance hall and adjoining drawing and dining rooms which have been decorated and furnished in period style and showcase cedar timberwork with mahogany detailing and parquetry flooring. Magnificent! A large proportion of the Society’s collection is housed on the first and second floors and includes journals, newsletters, diaries, books, press clippings, letters, reminiscences and scrap books as well as the Society’s quarterly HISTORY magazine and biannual Journal of the Royal Australian Historical Society. Other reference materials in hard copy include the Sands Directories and the Post Office Directories followed in time by street directories from the 1920’s covering the Sydney region with some regional directories also available. Importantly, the Society’s collection contains cemetery records which contain headstone transcriptions, the Consolidated Index of NSW Parliamentary Papers covering local issues of the time, and the NSW Statistical Register.
This includes data on education, travel, domestic rents, meteorology, council rates, births, deaths and more. The thousands of photographs in the collection include many of the Garden Palace in the Royal Botanic Garden, destroyed by fire in 1882, and the Sandhills (Devonshire Street) Cemetery upon which Central Station was built from 1901. Photographs from the Adastra Aerial Survey from 1937, particularly of Sydney and the east coast of NSW, are also well represented. Over 7,500 glass slides, produced using photographic film, record historic places and events including the State funeral of William Charles Wentworth in 1873. Donations of larger objects including pistols and the Ranken family landau were made by the Society to other museums such as the Powerhouse Museum and the National Museum of Australia.
It is a credit to the Society’s Librarian, Donna Newton, that these items are catalogued and can be accessed by the public (apart from rare books) in a relatively small space. The Society is also working on an online register, starting with its book collection, possibly operational next year, and a general history database. While much historic data is now available on-line, this is not possible with all records and hard copy reference material can convey context and a different perspective. A/Prof. Liston noted that understanding how information is collected, how and where it is stored and why it has not been digitised may in fact assist historical research. An outing enjoyed by all who attended, with thanks to the Royal Australian Historical Society
Clare Herscovitch
House visit to a Californian Bungalow in Summer Hill
17 November 2024
Inspecting this wonderful Californian bungalow was an extraordinary privilege. The house is a prominent and stunning feature in its environment with a wonderful history. We learnt a lot about the history of the house from the owners Richard and Susan. What was truly remarkable was the extent the owners have gone to preserve the architectural heritage of the house. The interior of the house has been preserved and restored, where necessary, to retain its original features. One of the features of the living/dining room is a stunning hand-painted frieze above the picture/plate rails. Some of the elements of the frieze have been highlighted with gold leaf as have some of the details in the plaster ceiling panels.
The original dark woodwork in the doors, windows architraves and skirting board is a great feature of the interior of the house and has been meticulously maintained, as have many of the other features of the house to create an atmosphere that makes one feel that the house is almost entirely original.
One particular feature of this house is the use of leadlight. The leadlight is very geometric and uses minimal colour, typical of many Art Deco houses. In this house it is used in almost all windows and doors, internal and external, and in the bookcases on either side of one of the fireplaces.
We had a simple afternoon tea on the front verandah after the inspection. Sue Jackson-Stepowski thanked the hosts who were extraordinarily generous to open their home to members of the Society.
Joy McIntyre
Images: Colin Webb
Party time! 8 December 2024
Our President Alex Lofts and his wife Louise again graciously hosted the Society’s Christmas Party in their lovely Victorian terrace in Summer Hill. It was a steamy day, and the weather looked uncertain so the universal decision to congregate on their undercover back terrace was justified, as it began to rain later in the afternoon. Our group of about 18 people conversed in comfort, under the sleepy supervision of Henry the dog, who was not at all inconvenienced by the unaccustomed throng. The healthy green of the garden contributed a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, as we sampled a table laden with a variety of tempting nibbles, salads and sweets provided by members to accompany barbequed items expertly cooked by Alex. Most chatted and lingered long after hunger was satisfied.
We had a wonderful afternoon! Thank you again, Alex and Louise, for your generous hospitality.