HOUSE, 17 PEARSE STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 17 Pearse Street, is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage dating from the 1890s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 17 Pearse Street, is a single storey stone and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are painted limestone with brick quoins and reveals. Roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. Verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof which has a central gablet, and is supported by timber posts. Front elevation is symmetrical with two timber sash windows and a central front door. There is a weatherboard clad side, and the roofline had been modified.

History

The majority of Pearse Street was created as part of a circa 1890 subdivision by William Edward Marmion of Fremantle and James Grave, Edward Keane, Edmund Gilyard Lacey and Frederick Charles Monger Perth. The subdivision occurred when North Fremantle was experiencing rapid development and there was a demand for inexpensive housing close to industry and the railway line. Originally called Mason Street after local land developer and jeweller, Frederick Mason, the street was renamed Pearse Street in 1922/23 (only a year after Mason died) in recognition of George Pearse, Fremantle Councillor (1875-1881) and founder of the Pearse shoe and boot factory in Swan Street.

Many of the street’s original occupants were working people who had jobs in nearby industries. Homes were modest in scale of brick, stone or weatherboard. Many of the buildings were owned by absentee landlords who leased the cottages to long and short-term tenants. The street has suffered from a poor reputation during its life, at one time known colloquially as ‘Pong Alley’. The short, narrow street has remained a residential street since its formation.

The stone, brick and iron cottage at 17 Pearse Street (formerly 17 Mason Street) was built in 1892 for Mary Edwards and was occupied by Robert Smith, a carpenter. Rates Book information describes the building as a four-roomed cottage. Between 1893 and 1895 the ownership of the property passed to Jane Smith. In 1921, the property was owned by Charles McMullen and occupied by Peter Josephson. Ownership transferred to Alfred Dyke, a labourer, in 1928/29 and the Dyke family continued to own and occupy the house until 1981. Between 1981 and 1991, the place was owned by Sarah Elizabeth Shaw. From 1988 to 1991, Carol Ireland and Maureen Mitchell owned the place and between 1991 and 1995 Stephen William and Jennifer Brooks were the owners.

By 1940, the building had a weatherboard addition at the rear. Within the back yard were a weatherboard shed, galvanised iron shed, earth closet and a water tank close to the back of the house. Well-defined pathways were marked out in the yard. In 1979, the front verandah had pillars and cladding (possibly later additions). In 1992, a timber sunroom was added to the residence.

This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, restored).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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