Local Kenmore History: The Bon Accord Steam Sawmill
A small business that began in what is now called Kenmore Hills in 1875 has moved on but is still operating today 142 years later.
The business was the Bon Accord Steam Sawmill and was set up 1875 by Patterson brothers, Charles, John and Hugh.
The location was near the intersection of Brookfield Rd and Gap Creek Rd , down to what is now the Friary and Iona Retirement Village.
The sawmill began with one twelve horse power steam engine and two saw benches and the business grew. Patterson’s sawmilling and timber business continued to expand.
Timber was needed for railway bridge girders, railway sleepers, wharf pylons, telegraph poles and residential and commercial construction.
Extensive tramways were constructed to bring timber to the Bon Accord sawmill from nearby ranges.
Charles made many trips to Brisbane for supplies. These trips took 2 hours each way on horseback.
Charles Patterson built another sawmill at Toowong in the early 1880s. It was built where Toowong Village is today. By 1888 the business had 32 men employed.
The Bon Accord steam sawmill at Kenmore Hills became Patterson’s Ltd, then Finlayson’s Timber and Hardware and is still operating today, 142 years later.