Orr Homestead, Maddington

Child Places

• 13848 Avenue of Trees, River Avenue

Statement of Significance

Orr House (fmr) is significant for the associations with prominent local identity William (Billy) Orr who was involved in politics and sport at both local and state levels.
The trees planted in the avenue have significance in their own right as fine, mature trees, and also as a result of their association with William Orr. Environmental awareness has led to the recognition of the trees on the City of Gosnells Tree Register.

Physical Description

The single storey brick house has a clay tile roof. The roof is predominantly hipped except for the side protruding gable section facing River Avenue. The main Phillip Street frontage has a central protruding section that has verandahs to three sides. The verandah floor is concrete, the roof is hipped over that section with break pitch skillion verandahs and a dominant gable detailed in vertical timber contrasting with roughcast infill. The verandah is supported by simple timber posts. The windows comprise sets of three timber-framed casements.
This avenue of mature trees along River Ave is made up of a variety of Peppermint, Flame, Kurrajong and Box trees. The trees line both sides of the road.

History

This house was built in 1930 for William (Billy) Orr and his wife Thelma (nee Cowan). It was located on land given to them as a wedding present by Thelma's parents, Mr and Mrs Robert Cowan. Billy Orr came to WA in 1906 from Sale, Victoria. He was an active member of the Gosnells Roads Board for many years and held the position of Chairman for nine years until his resignation in 1936. He was appreciated for his strong leadership qualities and was described as one of the finest and most progressive citizens of the period.
Billy Orr was an excellent sportsman, particularly as a footballer, and was a member of Perth's premiership team in 1907 and Subiaco's premiership teams of 1912 and 1913. Service in World War One probably cut short his football career, which was spectacular enough to see him featured on cigarette cards. He was for many years Secretary of the West Australian Football League. He later played lawn bowls.
The Avenue of Trees was planted by Billy Orr at the corner of Phillip Street and River Avenue in 1929 to beautify the street corner where his house was being built. In 1989 a plaque was unveiled in a ceremony dedicating the historical value of the trees.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree: continual residential
Authenticity: Moderate degree

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.