Cambridge street's first resident?

Once subdivided, the Gurner estate was offered for sale in 1885.  Cambridge street makes its first appearance in the Sands Directory in 1886.  There are two people listed as living in Cambridge street then, although only one goes on to stay on Cambridge street through the 1890s.  That is Thomas Lawler and he was at 57 Cambridge street.  That address will be familiar to anyone with kids.  It is the Cambridge street playground!  Thomas Lawler remained at 57 Cambridge street until his death in 1908 (you can find his funeral notice on Trove in the SMH of 28 July 1908).

Thomas' wife, Catherine, remained at 57 Cambridge street until 1925.  From 1926 until they stopped printing the Sands Directory in 1932/33 there is no listing for 57 Cambridge street.  Catherine Lawler passed away in 1943.  The death notice in the SMH of 19 March 1943 listed her as living at 1 Cambridge street.