Correspondence between Sir Alfred Stephen and John Baptist Jnr concerning the John Baptist Fountain, 17 August 1888 to 1 August 1890

MLMSS 9677

fonds

17 August 1888 to 1 August 1890

1261054

0.05 metres of textual material (1 folder) - manuscript

John Baptist was an early Portuguese immigrant who established market gardens on Bourke Street, Redfern. The fountain was a part of these gardens and after his death his son John Baptist jnr. donated the fountain to Hyde Park in 1888 after the Baptist Gardens were subdivided and sold.

Source:
Library file.

Jeanette Uttley (great granddaughter) a descendent of John Thomas Baptist (1804-1873).

The letters document the moving of the fountain from Redfern to Hyde Park by the Hyde Park Trustees in 1888. Three of the letters are written to John Baptist Jnr by Sir Alfred Stephen, chairman of the Trust and one letter in reply by John Baptist Jnr. detailing the planned unveiling of the fountain. There is also one empty envelope from unknown source.

Letter from Alfred Stephen to Mr Baptist [Jnr], dated 17 August 1888. Inscribed ‘By post 20th’.

Letter from Alfred Stephen to Mr Baptist [Jnr], dated Friday 7 September [1888]. ‘Inscribed ‘By post 8th’.

Letter from John Baptist [Jnr] to Hon. Sir Alfred Stephen, dated 10 September 1888. ‘Inscribed ‘Copy’.

Letter from Alfred Stephen to Mr Baptist [Jnr], dated 1 August 1890. Inscribed ‘By post 4th’.

Envelope addressed to John Baptist Esq, King Street, dated 16 June 1890. Stamped Botanic Gardens, Sydney, N.S.W. Inscribed ‘By hand, 19 June 1890’. On reverse is embossed red stamp of the New South Wales crest.

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