History of Bellevue

A look back into some of Bellevue's history

Workers from Heskeths Brickworks pose for a photo opportunity in 1913. Various members of the Hesketh family are identified – Joseph (father and son), Thomas, Joshua, William and John. Quite a family affair. Thomas and Joseph (sons of Joseph, the father and the owner of the brickworks) were both killed on the Somme in 1918.

Many of these men lived locally in homes from the governments "Workers Home Scheme" set up to assist returned soldiers.

Bellevue was quite an industrial suburb last century with many brickworks in the area.

Between the turn of the century and then onset of the war years, the output of bricks from Bellevue works increased from 50,000 to 70,000 bricks a week and there was no doubt the brickmaking industry was the main cause of Bellevue's phenominal growth around that period.

Bellevue railway station looking east around 1900...note the brickwork stacks in the back ground.

Foggit, Jones & Co's bacon factory set up in 1919 handling 600 pigs a week providee another source of work for Bellevue residents.

The Helena Vale Race Club was incorprated in 1897 and a branch rail line built to the race course in 1900. The grandtand there was completed four years later. Thomas Wilkins, the original proprieter of the Bellevue Hotel near the station (can be seen in the photo below) was quick to see the advantages of a hotel site nearer the race course.

Transfering the Bellevue Hotel to Thomas Sayers in 1903 he built a new hotel, the East Midland Hotel, on Great Eastern Higway opposite the race course.

This building is still in use today although much of grand ironwork and verandahs have been removed.

Bellevue Railway station looking west towards Perth around 1900. The original Bellevue Hotel can be seen in the background.

An undated photo of the Bellevue Hall in Helen Street. May have been taken at the opening in 1909, given the state of the surrounds.

It includes Mr Dudley Clarson and Mrs Louisa Clarson, though they are not identified from within the group.

The original Heskeths hall that was demolished to build RSL.