Clarence Hicks was a prominent timber merchant nearby in Hawthorn, who profited to such an extent from the rapid rise in residential construction in the area in these boom years that he was able to commission this extraordinary house. He was also a local Councillor from 1888 - 1896, and Shire President in 1889.
The property was also occupied for over 40 years by the RAAF, after being compulsorily acquired in 1943. Frognall played an important role in the RAAF communications network in the 1939-45 war.
The property for retained nearly its whole sub-division lot of 1859 within a suburb elsewhere closely sub-divided, until 1993, when the rear half was subdivided. The core of a decorative garden and drive, in the same form as laid out within the first decade after the construction of the house still survives.
Homes - Historic
Links: vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au
By: jdubble07
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