
Several years ago, Dr. Candace Kruttschnitt traveled to Mount Isa to visit Casa Grande, the architecturally significant house built by her grandfather, Julius Kruttschnitt, Jr., general manager of the Mount Isa Mine. A grand house designed by the prominent Brisbane firm of Donoghue, Cusick, and Edwards reflected the influence of Kruschnitt’s time spent in Arizona and Mexico. Built in 1949-1950, it was the largest and most elaborate house built in Queensland’s hot, dry western district.
On July 22, 1950, a housewarming party was given at “Casa Grande” by Mr & Mrs. Kruttschnitt, who entertained their guests under a marquee on the lawns. Casa Grande has been used for many social events. In 1951, when badges were presented to employees of MIM who had served twenty years with the Company, a dinner was arranged for the 80 men and their wives by Mrs. Kruttschnitt. An annual New Year’s Eve punchbowl party was just one of the functions hosted by the Kruttschnitts during their time at Casa Grande.
Julius Kruttschnitt resigned as Chairman of Directors in 1952 but did not return to the United States, settling in Brisbane at his home, Casa Ita. He was succeeded at Mount Isa by George Fisher, who lived with his family at Casa Grande until 1966. During Fisher’s occupancy, the house was refurnished, and much of this furniture remains at Casa Grande.[1]
Casa Grande became a guest house for visiting directors of the company and VIPs in 1966. A suite at the home was redecorated and refurnished for Queen Elizabeth, who visited the town in 1970. The Company bought a dining room table, with the tabletop constructed from one piece of cedar for the Queen’s visit.[1]
Casa Grande has been used for many social events. In 1951, when badges were presented to employees of MIM who had served twenty years with the Company, a dinner was arranged for the 80 men and their wives by Mrs. Kruttschnitt.[2] An annual New Year’s Eve punchbowl party was just one of the functions hosted by the Kruttschnitts during their time at Casa Grande.

Q: Why on earth would you travel halfway around the globe to some god-forsaken part of Australia on holiday?
A: I loved Julius and felt very close to him. After all, I could not have attended college if it wasn’t for him. He set up a small trust for my sister and me when my father ditched us. When I was at Yale, a friend of mine was doing research in the library and came out with a letter that had something about Kruttschnitt on it; he said, is this guy related to you? It was a letter written by W.J. Reid recommending Julius be admitted to Yale. At any rate, I always thought it would be wonderful to travel to see where he lived. So, with my family, we set out for a 3-week adventure to New Zealand, Sydney, Brisbane, and Mount Isa (which is really in the middle of nowhere).
Q: I read that the Kruttschnitts had a housewarming party to open Casa Grande. Did you see any evidence of this – like broken champagne glasses or furniture in the pool?
A. Nope, no signs of a party.
Q: What did you think of the design of the house? I read that it’s Spanish Mission in style, built with 6″-inch-thick Denaro bricks and a stuccoed outer wall. The white walls contrast with the dark timber framed sash windows and doors, and the building has terracotta roof tiles and balconies.
A: It was perfect for the climate, and I guessed it had a lot to do with Arizona and his time in very warm climates.
The large, U-shaped, two-storeyed house encloses a courtyard overlooked by surrounding verandahs supported by roughly hewn timber posts.
Q: Is anything still in the house – furnishings, etc. – from the Kruttschnitt years?
A: Yes, the house was fully furnished, but it looked very retro, with 1950s furnishings.
Q: Did they tell you anything about ideas that Kruttschnitt may have contributed to the design of the house?
A: No, but they let us spend the night in the house. It was very strange, especially the picture of Queen Elizabeth in the dining room.
Q: Can you see the mine from the house?
A: No, you have to drive to the mines, but the town was really awful. Remember, this was in 2001, and I kept thinking, if it is this bad now, I can’t imagine what it was like when he moved there with Marie and four children. The poor woman!
Q: Did you get a tour of the mine while you were there?
A: Yes, they treated us like royalty. We were served lunch and were given a full presentation of the development and financial state of the mines.
Q: How far into the mine did they let you go?
A: Honestly, I can’t remember, but I know we did go down into the mines in some sort of cart.
Q: It sounds like the K’s didn’t live there long – only from 1949 to 1953. Did you happen to find the places where they lived for the 20 years before that? I read that he was initially housed in a modest staff house overlooking Central Park and the Band Rotunda.
A: No, but the conditions must have been awful. I did see the Marie Kruttschnitt Club; she was doing her best to make life bearable. There was also Kruttschnitt Park.
Q: Did you happen to visit his next home in Brisbane?
A: No, but I did see the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre at the University of Queensland; very impressive!
Q: Did you visit any other Kruttschnitts while you were over there?
A: No.
