Johnson's Complex

Child Places

• 04096 Cottage

Statement of Significance

The place exhibits characteristics of a fine 1850s Victorian Georgian stables, whilst the remnant brick wall is the site of the sole known archaeological evidence of Johnson's Mill (1855-56), and the cottage and house exhibit characteristics of an 1860s Victorian Georgian style residence and an 1890s Federation Queen Anne style residence respectively;

Each of the built elements is a fine example of its style, enhanced by its setting in a cultivated landscape, featuring a number of fine mature trees;

The place is an important component of the historic fabric of Guildford, a town with a particularly high density of historic places which reflect the early to late nineteenth century development of the Swan River Colony;

The place has been closely associated with the development of Guildford and the Swan district from the 1850s, and in particular, from 1855 to 1925, with the Johnson family after whom Johnson Street was named; and

The place demonstrates in the nature of the fabric and the quality of the accommodation the social and economic status of the occupiers.

The metal outbuildings and perimeter fences, other than the new timber picket fence, are somewhat intrusive and have no heritage significance.

Physical Description

The premises consisted of a flour mill and main house. The flour mill was a three storey structure built c.1850s (now demolished). A two-storey carriage house and store with loft above remains.

An elaborate villa was later built in 1890s. The villa has extensive verandahs along the western and northern sides, and are decorated with finely cast iron lace. The main roof is of clay pantiles (an unusual material as shingles were used in most houses).

Other original details include numerous gables, coloured tessellated floor tiles in the entrance hall. The house is set in a traditional cottage garden with mature trees and recessed street hedge. The house is believed to contain tiles from Turton's Brickworks. The current house has a cellar where the flour mill engine room was located. Unfortunately the stables are all that remains of the earlier mill.

History

W.G. Johnson, a Methodist farmer from Yorkshire, arrived in Western Australia aboard the sailing ship 'Tranby' and sheltered in small farmlets on the Maylands peninsula. Johnson later returned to England only to come back to Western Australia in 1854 where he established a general store and built a flour mill and house.

Johnson originally came to Guildford with his parents and was educated at the Guildford State School and had private tuition. Johnson later became Chairman of the Town Trust from 1881-84 and Mayor of Guildford in 1879, 1910-12. On his retirement he retained connections with public affairs as a JP Licensing Magistrate, member of the Swan Roads Board and Chairman for 7 years of the Agricultural Society. He was also President of the Mechanics Institute and a member of the Swan Bowling Club. The building operated as a maternity hospital for a period from 1930 to 1946.

The property was purchased by the pioneer Whiteman Family in 1954. Lewis 'Lew' Whiteman was a member of a prominent early pioneering family in the area and bequested Whiteman Park to the community.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good

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.