House

Parent Place or Precinct

25394 Union and Redfern Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
• As a good representative example of the application of materials and detailing which were derived from the Federation Queen Anne style, but which were applied in a more restrained manner that suited the budgets and expectations of the middle classes in Subiaco during the early twentieth century.
• For its historic value as a demonstration of the period in which Subiaco underwent rapid development in the early 20th century.
• For its aesthetic contribution to a largely intact streetscape of early twentieth century houses.

Physical Description

A more elaborately styled house of asymmetrical plan form with metal hipped and gabled roofs. The two gables incorporate roughcast render and timber details with turned timber finials. Two tall painted brick chimneys with cement corbelling are located towards the east and west edges of the roof.

The verandah extends across the recessed section of the façade with the half-bullnose verandah canopy positioned below the eaves. The eaves are battened and overhanging.

The projecting wing incorporates a feature multi-segmental arched window with leaded glazing and a central sash window flanked by additional glazing panels. The arch head is the continuation of the rendered string course which extends across the façade.

History

In June 1903, Sydney accountants William James Douglas and Frank Dyson purchased PSL 254 and portion of PSL 253. The land was subdivided into 36 lots and in August 1903, the pair divided the ownership of the lots evenly. Each owned half of the properties facing Rawson Street, Hamersley Road and Heytesbury Road. The lots were sold from 1904 onwards and the first home on Rawson Street, the subject area, was built by 1904. From the available evidence Douglas and Dyson never visited the properties in Subiaco and the sale of the land was managed by local land agents, Ebernezer Allen & Co.

The house was constructed in 1907 for Gordon W. Cumming (builder). It is not proven but it is interesting to note that in the same year that this house was constructed, Cumming was fined for erecting a building in Subiaco without first obtaining a licence to do so. The fine was 3s and 22s costs or seven days in prison.
This house was subsequently sold to Edwin A Whittaker (Whittaker Bros) in 1909 and he and his estate retained ownership of the property until at least 1949. Edward and Harriet Hazel occupied the property until 1917. It was then leased to Chris Luth (Town Clerk) who resided there until his death in 1932.
Occupants
1908-1909 Gordon W J Cumming
1910-1917 Edward Hazel
1918-1932 Christopher Luth
1933-1934 Frank J F Atkins
1935-1937 Frank Albert
1938-1944 H Shorter
1945-1946 Noel C Taylor
1947-1949 Miss Emma Kimber
Associations
Christoph Asmus Ludwig Luth (1870-1933) was born in Ballarat Victoria of German ancestry. He relocated to Western Australia in the 1890s and gained a position in the Subiaco Municipal Council as an accountant in 1903. In 1911, he was appointed town clerk and he maintained that position until his death in 1933. His knowledge of municipal law was stated as an asset to the council. Christoph and his wife Jessie had one daughter Clare and the family lived in several homes in Rawson Street. Luth was an active member of the Subiaco community participating in lawn bowls, cricket, football and during the depression period he assisted with the work of the unemployment relief organisations.

Edwin Alfred Whittaker (1862-1940). In 1896, brothers Edwin Alfred and Arthur George Whittaker established their timber and hardware business in Subiaco. The business was very successful and the name continues in a related industry today although no longer a family business. Whittakers supplied building materials and housing plans and the boom in building in the district in the early 1900s was one of the reasons for the ongoing success of the firm. As a suburb primarily for working people often the homes in Subiaco were built by their owners and added to as funds permitted. Large sections of Subiaco were dominated by small timber cottages built in stages by the owners with materials from Whittakers. It is likely that the Whittaker Brothers invested in real estate in their local community.

Integrity/Authenticity

The detail on the front façade and particularly the ornate front window shows a higher level of detail than some of the other properties in the street. This may be a result of the home being either built for or built by a member of the building profession.

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in a good condition.

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.