Named in the 1870s after the place where owner Isabella Pennock Pierce was born - Woonsocket, Providence Rhode Island. It was later purchased by the Hallenstein family.

A residence built in the Renaissance Revival style for Thomas and Margaret Alston. It was later used as a boarding house for St Michael's Grammar School students.

The school was opened in 1862 by James Bonwick

On 1 Feb 2015, at 8:50 pm, John Blackburn <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> wrote:

Good morning,

 I am a Perth based genealogist and have hit one of the many genealogical “brick walls” and am hoping you can direct this query to someone in your society who may be able to assist.

 I am seeking information about a property called "Liswillow" in Barkly Street, St Kilda?  

 My interest in this property is that my 2^nd great grand uncle- one Thomas Blackburn, died at "Liswillow"  aged 63 years on 12 Jan 1881. 

 In the late 1800's The Trove newspapers, several people seem to show up as having been either born and or having died there so I wonder if it might have been a small private hospital or perhaps a boarding house. 

 The only information I have about “Liswillow” is that the property was advertised in the newspapers for auction on 19 Feb 1872 when it was described as a 7 room cottage but there was no street number just said it was "near the Junction" and seemed to be a house with a pleasant description and quality furniture.

 Yours faithfully,

 John L Blackburn

Western Australia Genealogical Society Member No 13058

Hello John,

James Bonwick met  Alexander Gillespie on his return voyage to Australia in 1871 and offered him a job at his Hofwyl School, St Kilda.