John Beebe was born in Sandhurst (Bendigo) in 1866. In his earlier years, John and his brother William operated a stonemason's business in Bendigo, designing and making monuments. John graduated as an architect in 1900 . By 1910, John was in sole practice in Bendigo, when he was appointed as architect for the Anglican Diocese. His churches from this period include St. Paul's bluestone church in Axedale and St. John's in North Bendigo. He moved to Brisbane in 1916, possibly for health reasons. He died on 15 December 1936 and is buried in the Lutwyche cemetery in Brisbane in an unmarked grave. Four page collection of research on the observatory built by John Beebe at his residence at 55 Condon Street, Kennington. Articles are: one page brief biography "John Beebe's Observatory in Condon Street'; includes mention of how he acquired the telescope that was built into the brick observatory at Condon Street. "the building is a very rare survivor and an important relic of late 19 century scientific endeavour in Bendigo and should be placed on the Victorian Heritage Register'. Second article: two pages 'John Beebe, Architect, owner of East Bendigo Observatory. His later life in Queensland 1916 - 1936, by Peter Anderson April 2020. Article includes family history; John Beebe earlier life' John's brother William and his son Wilfred John Beebe; John's career in Bendigo; Astronomy in Bendigo; Fellowship of the Royal Astronomical Society and the move to Brisbane, Queensland and speculation upon the reasons. Third article: 'Our heritage in danger - amazing observatory comes to light' by Mike Butcher. Article addresses the significance of Beebe's observatory building ' and is representative of the city's early endeavours into scientific research'. At end of article a colour photo of the observatory with the heading 'John Beebe's observatory in Condon Street under threat of demolition'. john beebe, william beebe, observatory, 55 condon street kennington, stonemason, architect, st. pauls axedale, st. john's north bendigo, heritage significance

The City of Bendigo asked for a heritage overlay over the site of a private Kennington observatory. It was once used for for the City's official meteorological readings. The observatory was built by architect John Beebe and is on the storm damaged property part of "La Rocca" house. Council approved $2 million for preservation of the site which will be integrated into a contempory complex boasting seven childcare rooms for 144 children.Bendigo Advertiser and the Herald sun: five articles on the former astronomical observatory at 55 Condon Street in Kennington.bendigo, observatory, john beebe