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The SUmmerhouse
An example of a structure built by Henry F Halloran in the early 1930s
The Summerhouse 1960’s
Tanilba Bay was the Principal Focus for Henry’s Constructions
Tanilba Bay emerged as the principal focus of Halloran’s stonework and constructions, although similar projects were evident in estates such as Stanwell Tops near Wollongong and Environa near Queanbeyan.
The Summerhouse 2024
What is the Purpose of the Summerhouse?
The Summerhouse, a unique landmark in Tanilba Bay, showcases Halloran’s dedication to architectural innovation by using tree trunks as posts and his vision for Garden City subdivisions. This movement was a method of urban planning with green belts integrated with residences & community facilities.
The Summerhouse was constructed by Henry as a place where members of the community could gather and enjoy a picnic or morning & afternoon tea.
The Summrhouse 2024
Where is the Summerhouse?
Situated on an island (now a roundabout) at the corner of Caswell Crescent and Admiralty Avenue, the Summerhouse stands as another example of Henry F Halloran’s construction endeavours during the Great Depression.
Admiralty Avenue No Thoroughfare
Henry F Halloran introduced modern urban design ideas, like rounded street corners and green spaces. At the intersection of Admiralty Avenue and Caswell Crescent, he built the Summerhouse, showcasing his innovative approach by blending practical structures into the landscape while enhancing its beauty.
What were the 3 islands surrounding Tanilba House used for?
Henry F Halloran used the three corners around Tanilba House to plant a circle of palms and to build the Temple of the Stork and the Summerhouse.
Islands in the road utilised by Henry
Following the establishment of The Summerhouse, the adjacent roadway was repurposed, creating a tranquil enclave.
Over time, a dedicated group of local residents have transformed this roadway into a beautiful garden that can be enjoyed as a meeting place enhancing charm and allure of the local area.
Lime Kiln
A lime kiln, built by Lt. William Caswell, stands near the Summerhouse. The fireplace there was reconstructed using stones from the original kiln.
This lime kiln was used to cook oyster shells, producing slaked lime, which was then mixed with sand to create mortar for the construction of Tanilba House.
How is Lime Produced
Lime is produced from oyster shells in a kiln through a process called “calcination.” Convicts gathered oyster shells from the Tanilba foreshore, which were then heated in a kiln at very high temperatures, breaking down the calcium carbonate into calcium oxide (quicklime) and carbon dioxide.
The chemical equation to produce calcium oxide (quicklime) from calcium carbonate (oyster shells) through calcination is:
CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) + heat = CaO (calcium oxide) + CO2 (carbon dioxide)
This process removes the carbon dioxide from the shells, leaving behind the calcium oxide, which is the lime. The lime was mixed with sand to make mortar. This mortar was used to build Tanilba House.
Caswell Cresent with the school bus turning into Admiralty Avenue near The Summerhouse in 1962.
Source: Port Stephens Family History Society Inc
Summerhouse by Henry Halloran in Currarong built in 1936
Other Summerhouses by Henry Halloran
This is another example of a Summerhouse that Henry Halloran had constructed on his estate in Currarong which is located between Nowra & Jervis Bay on the south coast of New South Wales. This Summerhouse was constructed in 1936.
Get in Touch with Port Stephens Family History Society
We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email or visit us any Thursday from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at the Lemon Tree Passage Old School Centre