Fettler's Cottage, Bardoc Railway Cottages

Values

The place has aesthetic value as it contributes to the streetscape and townscape of Bardoc.

The place represents the development of a small country town.

The place is rare as it is one of the last cottages located on the railway line from Kalgoorlie to Menzies.

The place represents the communities efforts in rallying the Government to secure a railway system to service the needs of the local community.

The place is a good representative example of the Federation Bungalow architectural style in the Goldfields.

Physical Description

A two roomed cottage built of local stone with a corrugated galvanised iron covered roof that overhangs the exterior walls to provide shade. The verandah has a corrugated galvanised iron roof and wooden posts. There is a fireplace at one end, timber floors and a timber ceiling throughout.

It is believed that the cottage was relocated to another site in the late 1990’s

History

Fettlers cottage was is one of the few cottages remaining on the railway line from Kalgoorlie to Menzies. It was built prior to the opening of the railway in 1904. It is also the last of the three Fettlers cottages that were in Bardoc.

With the completion of the railway from Perth to Kalgoorlie in September 1896, the people living to the north of Kalgoorlie approached the Government requesting that a railway be built to Menzies. After many meetings and arguments between Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie, tenders were called in June 1897 for the construction of the Kalgoorlie-Menzies railway.

The chief stations was to be built at Menzies and constructed of stone, and all other buildings associated with the railway were to be built of the same material suitable for a hot climate. Smaller stations of similar design were to be constructed at the townships between the starting point and terminus. Construction on the railway commenced in September 1897 with the Bardoc correspondent reporting that the railway should arrive in Coongarrie by Christmas. On the 28th November, the railway reached Bardoc. On 7th December 1897, the Western Argus reported that coaches were running daily between Menzies and Bardoc bringing passengers to catch the train on its arrival at Bardoc from Kalgoorlie who were going on holidays to the coast. Work on building the railway stations, good shed, yard and fettlers cottages commenced about March 1898.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity- High
Authenticity- Moderate/ High

Condition

Good

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.