Named the “House of Peace”, an important part of Logan history has after 107 years found a new resting place at Beenleigh Historic Village and Museum.
Heck Homestead was officially re-opened last week.
It was built in 1914 for Wilhelm and Ida Heck, second generation of pioneers who came out from Germany in 1866.
Overlooking the family-owned Rocky Point Sugar Mill, the family homestead was named “Friedensheim”, which means House of Peace, and had been home to three generations of the Heck family.
The family’s generosity and much work from the team at the Beenleigh Historic Village saw its removal in three pieces to its new site in July 2019.
At the opening of the remastered homestead, Bill and Pat Heck gave anecdotes of the 107-year-old structure which has been restored to its former glory.
The menu included Bill’s favorite corned beef and pickle sandwiches which he enjoyed with the family as a child on the verandahs, and Aunty Min’s Pudding as remembered by Pat as the staple dessert after dinner in this dining room.
They were prepared by students from Beenleigh State High School.
Mr Heck acknowledged Richard Lorisch who was in attendance and is a grandson of Albert Lohrisch, the Beenleigh builder, cabinet maker and funeral director who completed the job.
Invitees recognised the craftsmanship of the skilled artisans who originally built the homestead.
The structure has high ceilings and ornate pressed “Wunderlich” metal construction, a German technique common buildings of the time, but now a lost craft.
The homestead has not been lived in since the 1970s but was kept in good condition and was used for company meetings, family gatherings and charity events including “Opera in the Cane Fields” for many years.
Chair of the historical village Rodney Hammel said the donation of the house and the money required to restore the homestead was generous.
Community champion Sergeant Mark Hastier officially opened the homestead.
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