HOUSE, 34 CHESTER STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 34 Chester Street is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey house dating from 1927. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Inter War California Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 34 Chester Street is a single storey weatherboard and iron cottage with an asymmetrical facade constructed c1927. The walls are painted weatherboards. The roof gabled with eaves and clad with corrugated iron. There are timber elements to the gable ends. The half verandah is under separate gabled corrugated iron roof with square timber posts on limestone piers. The front facade is asymmetrical with a protruding front room with a timber window and corrugated iron awning over. Under the verandah is the front door and a timber framed window. There is a low limestone wall to the front boundary and a small garden area behind.

History

The Chester family were early settlers, and one of the sons had a butchering business. Lots 12, 13, 26, 70 and 75 were subdivided by John Chester. From 1887 until about 1930, the area around Douro Road was known as Chesterfield. Chester Street was originally known as William Street; in 1901/02, the name was changed to Lloyd Street and from c. 1901, Chester Street.
In 1926/27, the land on which House, 34 Chester Street was later built was a vacant lot owned by Catherine and Raymond Fielding (they lived next door at #32 where they had built a house c. 1923). The land was sold to E R Buck, who was given approval to build a jarrah weatherboard house on the lot on 6 July 1927. The house was built by F Hancock for about ₤450. The house was originally numbered 64 Chester Street; it changed to #34 c. 1930.
The house was purchased by the War Service Homes Board in 1931/31 and Walter Richards, John Carbon and Arthur Hawes were listed as the tenants between that time when 1940, when the house was sold to George Cridland.
In 1943/44, the house was owned and occupied by William McKernan, an engine driver. A garage was also on the property c. 1941.
A diagram dated 1954 shows House, 34 Chester Street as a weatherboard house with a half-length front verandah and what appears to be an enclosed verandah (addition) down on side. There was a centrally located front path leading to the front steps and extensive paving down the side of the house providing access to the garage at the rear.
McKernan retained ownership until 1964/68, when it was purchased by Garth & Shelia Gregson. The Gregsons retained ownership until c. 1994, when it was purchased by Vic and Amanda Ryan.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
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

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.