LIMESTONE FEATURE(S), 7 STEVENS STREET

Statement of Significance

The use of limestone is part of the Fremantle landscape and gives the City coherence and character. Limestone walls were built around properties in Fremantle to prevent sand drift in response to an early building regulation dating from the 1830s. Limestone walls are one commonly encountered example of use of this stone as a building material, most of them dating from the 19th century and early years of the 20th century. Most of the limestone in small walls came from local quarries.

Physical Description

Limestone front and side walls

History

Stevens Street was originally known as Church Street c1900, the boundary of the old Alma St Church of England Cemetery. It changed to Stephen Street in c1930. In 1962 spelling was changed to Stevens Street, probably to honour Jimmy Stevens, Councillor (1905-1929; 1929-1943).
7 Stevens Street was formerly 5/7 Church Street.
This weatherboard duplex was built in 1899 for owner Charles Purdie. The first occupants of the two dwellings were Andrew Shine, labourer; and Francis Morris, tally clerk. The duplex continued to be leased out to tenants throughout the first half of the 20th century. Owners during this period were George Cresswell, Emily Cresswell, Mildred Ann Crockett and Violet May Lovett. Violet Lovett continued to own the properties until the late 1980s and for some of that time occupied 5 Stevens Street. The two dwellings became separately owned after this time and owners of 5 Stevens Street included Ross and Louise Appleton; Clifton Watkins and Scott Harcourt Douglas.
The 1908 sewerage plan of this site shows that the lot had a stone wall on the front boundary which is likely to have been built at the same time as the original house. The stone wall stretched across five lots finishing at the boundary between 11a and 11b. There was only a break in the wall at the street address, 11 Stevens Street. The duplex is shown as a simple rectangular form with a verandah at the front and rear of the building. Galvanised iron closets are shown in the rear of the lot.
A photograph of the duplex in 1994 shows that the front verandah of the building had been enclosed with a structure of windows and fibro panelling. An awning is located over the front of the building. Each half of the duplex had a door to this enclosure. The limestone wall has a single set of entry steps to the property from Stevens Street. At the top of the wall is a metal balustrade.
This place was identified in the "Heritage Report on 19th century limestone walls and steps in Fremantle" prepared by Silvana Grassadonia, for the City of Fremantle, 1986.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.