HOUSE, 31 GOLD STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 31 Gold Street, is a typical timber and iron single storey house dating from c1898. 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 Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

31 Gold Street is a single storey, single room width timber and iron house constructed by 1900 in the Victorian Georgian style of Architecture. The walls are timber framed and clad with timber weatherboards. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. The verandah is under a continuous corrugated iron roof supported by timber posts with decorative timber brackets. The asymmetrical front façade has a front door and a set of double doors with lead lighting features. There is a double storey extension at the rear also clad with timber weatherboards. The house is situated at street level. There is a timber picket fence to the front boundary line.

History

Gold Street was gazetted as George Street on 2 September 1904. The land formed a part of a large block owned by Henry Briggs, then President of the Legislative Council. George (Gold) Street was constructed in 1905 at a cost of ₤250. By 1908, a public reserve had been earmarked at the intersection of Francisco Street and George Street. George Street was renamed Gold Street in circa 1921. The majority of the housing stock in the street dates from the late 1890s and early 1900s.
House, 31 Gold Street was built by 1900. In that year, it was listed in the rate book as being a cottage owned and occupied by Ely and Theo Markham. By 1904/05, the cottage was owned and occupied by Charles Caple, a crane driver.
A Metropolitan Sewerage plan dated 1908 shows a long rectangular residence with a full length front verandah. Unlike most residences in the area, it did not have any additions to the rear. A water closet and small weatherboard outbuilding were located near the back fence.
By 1922, ownership had passed to Albert Caple, who rented it to William Campbell. However, it was soon sold to James Rule, who moved into the house. A decade later, it was owned by Florence Williamson and occupied by Oscar Pollie. Minetta Lancaster (who also owned the terraces at 25-29 Gold Street for a time), was the owner in 1932/33. She rented the cottage at No. 31 to Harry Cole.
By 1942/43, House, 31 Gold Street was owned and occupied by Minnie Pollie. By the early 1959s, it was owned by William Douglas and occupied by William Humphries for a time before Mr Douglas moved in.
A Metropolitan Sewerage plan dated 1954 shows that an asbestos addition had been built at the back of the house and a separate asbestos outbuilding in the backyard.
By the early 1960s, ownership and occupancy had passed to John Douglas. In 1974, the property was owned by Daria Gianoceli. In 1976, it was sold to William and Elise Scorer and then to Brett Tod-Hunter in 1979. All of these owners also lived in the house. House, 31 Gold Street has had a number of owners since the early 1980s.
This place was 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).
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.