Bush Nursing Hostel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

This residence is representative of small timber buildings which were once dispersed all over the Wheatbelt. It is well preserved retaining most of its original features. Many of these buildings have been demolished of have been irrepairably altered or painted.
It has historic significance in that it was first built as a Bush Nursing Hostel and then used by the Silver Chain Nursing Association and for other commercial ventures before becoming a private residence.

Physical Description

two main rooms each with a door to the front and sash windows. Behind them is the kitchen and a small room with a bathroom and verandah behind that. It has its original skirting boards, architraves, oregon windows and jarrah floorboards in tact. It has not been painted. A verandah has been added to the north side and to the front.

History

In 1936 the C.W.A. and the Hospital Board organised the erection of a small weatherboard nursing home, at a cost of £430, near the hospital where women could live while waiting the birth of a baby. It was financed by the Bush Nursing Association on the condition that the C.W.A. saw to its maintenance. It was first called the "Expectant Mothers' Hostel" but became the subject of so much ribaldry it soon became the Bush Nursing Hostel. At the opening in July, T.A. Marsden thanked the Hospital Women's Auxiliary and the C.W.A. on behalf of the Hospital Board for all their efforts. Dr. Hogg and Harry Laudy were the only people to attend the ceremony.
After 1940, when the Hospital closed, the building was used by the Silver Chain and at one time by a Hairdresser.
In 1952 Mr. & Mrs. Ron Johnson bought the building from the Silver Chain & District Bush Nursing Association for £550. It was then moved to its present site and has been lived in by members of the family ever since. It was moved from its original site by rolling it on logs joined together and re-stumping.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: It is substantially as it was built although verandahs have been added.
Modifications: Verandahs have been added

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.