Community
25 January, 2022
Gordon’s Gleann
Previously known as Plain Camp (1877), Mulgrave (1890) and Nelson (1896), the town of Gordonvale was officially renamed in early 1914 in deference to local butcher and cane farmer, John Gordon.
Gordon was a popular figure and many attributed the district’s success to his endeavours and thus the town was named in his honour while he was still very much alive. The impetus to change the name was prompted by the frustration of residents whose mail was often sent to Nelson, New Zealand.
Gordon arrived in Nelson in 1878 and helped to establish the Mulgrave Sugar Mill of which he was a shareholder and director. He was also president of the Nelson (Mulgrave) Library School of Arts, and Patron of the Gordonvale Bowling and Mulgrave Turf Clubs.
On December 29, 1901 the Irishman married Elizabeth Mary O’Byrne. Although they didn’t have any children of their own, they regularly hosted the annual picnic for children from the local Presbyterian Church at their Mt Sophia property.
In 1913 Gordon retired from business and planned a tour to America, England and the Continent with Mrs Gordon. The couple were given a big send off by 120 friends and acquaintances at the Federal Theatre in Gordonvale on February 19, 1914.
On October 23, 1914, Mr Gordon sent news that he and his wife had arrived in England aboard the Ulysses and were both well. They were back in Gordonvale by December when the outbreak of war cut their trip short.
By August 22, 1923, it was reported that Gordon had resigned from the Mulgrave School of Arts Committee and was now residing at Mt Sophia.
John Gordon of Gordonvale received a Masonic Funeral after he passed away on March 3, 1929 aged 76 years. He left an estate valued at £96,000 which included bequests of £500 to the Cairns Hospital Board and Presbyterian Church Gordonvale.
Sources: TROVE, Mulgrave Settlers Museum, State Library of Queensland, Mulgrave Shire Historical Society.
