Craig Bailey is Gillieston Heights to the core.
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Born and raised there he is one of a long line of Baileys who have left their mark on the suburb formerly known as East Greta.
He knows anyone and everyone in what he likes to call the original Gillo but there’s one person who has eluded him and they share the same last name.
In 1991 Craig and his wife Annmaree, bought a piece of Gillieston history – the old community hall, ironically the location for Annmaree’s 21st birthday.
I have the original doors which are Gothic-like, as if they belong in a cathedral
- Craig Bailey.
While carrying out alterations, Craig found the hall’s original gate posts with names engraved – the first name was Sergeant F Bailey.
“I’ve asked around, looked on Trove and asked my uncle Wal Bailey who still lives here but everyone has drawn a blank,” Craig said.
He believes the gates had something to do with locals who fought in World War I.
But Sgt Bailey’s connection isn’t the only missing piece in his home’s puzzle.
Craig has heard the premises in Thomas Street were originally an Anglican Church then later remodeled and used as a community hall before he and Annemaree purchased it.
Craig has also uncovered a foundation stone which said St Thomas’ Church East Greta with the date 1899 and the name Arthur Killworth inscribed.
The hall still has its original floor and Craig has the original gate posts in safe keeping.
“I have the original doors which are Gothic-like, as if they belong in a cathedral,” Craig said.
“We paid $30,000 for the hall. That was back in the days when interest rates were 17 and 18 per cent and we couldn’t get a lot of money.
“When we bought it there was a stage and a picture of Jesus hanging on a wall.
“We bought it from the Anglican Church but knew little about the building’s past.
“We really want to find out the history of the place and when it was built so we can document a piece of the original Gillieston Heights’ past,” Craig said.
Craig has also heard that the church was built somewhere else and moved to Thomas Street.
Anyone with information can email Craig on acbails@live.com.au