House

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic and historic significance as a Federation Queen Anne former residence built in 1907.
It is a reminder of the earlier character of this area of Perth as primarily residential.
It has historical value and associations with the Northbridge Greek community due to its former use at the Pittokos Night School.
It represents the more recent development pressures of adaptive re-use into commercial, retail and restaurant spaces that Northbridge is known for in the 21st Century.

Physical Description

Single-storied residential building with steeply pitched hipped roof, with the original bull nosed verandah has been enclosed with weatherboard and brick piers constructed. Original Chimneys intact.

History

The area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was valued by the Whadjuk Nyoongar for its low lying and swampy lakes system, which provided abundant resources. After colonisation, this land was not settled as quickly as drier areas on the ridge of Perth. In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing fertile land for farming. As the population grew during the convict era of the 1850s the land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860 and taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses.
In 1881 the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade tended to focus on smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890s and early 1900s was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. This was an immediate response to the tripling of the State’s population in the recent decade due to the gold boom, and a pressing demand for affordable accommodation.
A number of trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time.
Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities. for example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area. Northbridge, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge, was approved as a suburb name in 1982. The former house at 63 Aberdeen Street dates from 1907. The Post Office Directory lists it for the first time in 1908, with the new occupant Samuel R. Maley.
In 1917 Alexander Afflick Patman was the listed resident. With his wife Maud, the family grew to nine children. The Patman family occupied the house for more than 30 years, up to at least 1949.The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan dated 1950 shows the footprint of the house with two projecting bays to the street, and various outbuildings to the rear, including a brick garage.
As 2021 the house is a restaurant. An addition has been made to the west side to expand the restaurant space, and the front has brick pillars and a wall to the street.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity.
Low level of authenticity.

Condition

Good

Uses

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.