HOUSE, 1 ONSLOW STREET

Statement of Significance

Aesthetically significant as an example of Fremantle’s vernacular architecture. Typical timber framed single storey cottage dating from the first decades of the twentieth century. Historically significant as a representation of working people’s living conditions in the Fremantle area.

Physical Description

Single storey timber framed and weatherboard clad walls and a steeply pitched zincalume hipped roof house. The roof extends over the verandah which is supported by timber collared posts and a lattice frieze, which is probably not original.

History

Research via the Fremantle City Council Ratebooks revealed that Lot 1443, now No. 1 Onslow Street was not listed in 1901-1902. In 1902-1903 the lot is listed but no description. In 1903-1904 a cottage first appears occupied by Louise Ferguson, a labourer and a lumper, with the lot owned by H M Government. These Government allotments were setup to enable people to more easily be eventual owners of their own homes and land. The allotments were available on application and payment of 10/- and then 10/- annually. People built their own homes on their block and in time, had the opportunity to acquire freehold of the land.
In 1915-1916 Julius Ferguson is recorded owner of the cottage, in 1923-1924 Louise Ferguson was listed; in 1934-1935 Julius Ferguson was listed and in 1938-1939 Miss Treena Mary Freguson (daughter of Louis Ferguson) was owner. Treena Ferguson, upon marriage became Treena Maguire. She was owner of the cottage until her death in 1990.
In the newspaper article at the time of her death it was mentioned that Treena (now Treena Maguire) had lived in the weatherboard home built by her father her entire life. Treena was an active voluntary worker for the Stella Maris Seafearers Centre and an ardent parishioner of the Immaculate Conception parish in East Fremantle. She was also a follower of the East Fremantle Football Club.
Jeanette Ann Ladhams was the new owner; then Sally Gordon in 1994 followed by Paul Leslie Phillips and Ian Thomson in the same year. Iain Alexander Copp and Annettee George took over ownership in 1995.
The 1914 PWB map shows the outline of the weatherboard house encased on three sides by a wide verandah. The 1984 Land Use Survey Map shows the shape relatively unchanged. The Taxation Map sizes the lot as it is today (1996).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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