DUPLEX, 48 HARVEST ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

Together with its pair at 46 Harvest Road, Duplex, 48 Harvest Road is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage duplex dating from 1900. 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

Single storey stone and iron duplex pair with overall symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Number 46 has limestone walls with face brick quoins and reveals. Number 48 has painted limestone walls with rendered brick quoins and reveals. The roof is hipped corrugated iron with a dividing parapet wall. No. 46 is a replacement Zincalume roof. As at 2014 No. 48 appears to have the original short sheet corrugated iron roof. There are two brick chimneys with rendered corbel details. The verandahs are under a separate corrugated iron roof (bullnose to 46) and are supported by chamfered timber posts. Front elevation is symmetrical with a timber sash window and a front door to each side. There is a timber and decorative iron balustrade to each verandah. A rendered brick stair leads up to each verandah. These stairs are parallel to the house and form part of the front boundary wall. This place contains a limestone feature.

History

From the nineteenth century, Harvest Road was important as an access route to Point Direction, the location of a sheltered landing place. Boat building yards were located at Point Direction for much of the twentieth century, during which time the Harvest Road jetty also became a popular family swimming and picnic area. Originally, Harvest Road began at Stirling Highway (then called Bruce Street), but from 1899 it was extended through to Queen Victoria Street (then called Victoria Street). Harvest Road has always been a predominantly residential street, developing steadily from the turn of the twentieth century, and characterised at least in its early decades as a place with a large number of rental properties. Three industries on the street were Purina (1935-55) and Nabisco (1955-88) cereal manufacturers (number 3-5), Rowlands Co Cordial, Wine and Spirits manufacturers (1908 to at least 1939, at number 11), and various marine industries, most prominently Browns Boat Building Yard (from c.1900), which was located between Corkhill (Elizabeth) Street and the River. Post Office Directories suggest that Duplex, 46-48 Harvest Road, was constructed c.1900, with William J Finlay occupying 48 from 1900, John Johnson at 48 from 1901, and Mrs Mary Taylor possibly also at one of the residences from 1901. Finlay had lived on Harvest Road from c.1899, and it is possible that he lived at 32 while building the duplex at 46-48, where he seems to have taken up residence in 1900. However, the place is not shown on a 1904 Water Supply plan, and it is therefore difficult to identify where Finlay and Johnson were living prior to this. (Mrs Taylor appears to have been renting a room at 27 Harvest Road from 1902-04) Johnson was replaced in 1903 by Stephen Meis, who stayed for three years. William Finlay remained at 48 until 1909, while the occupants of 46 changed almost annually. From 1910 there was a high turn-over of occupants in both houses, which continued well into the 1920s at 48. Some residents appear to have moved between the numerous rental houses along Harvest Road in this period. At 46, Alfred Lowcock arrived in 1920 and stayed until at least 1935, and in the 1940s, the place was occupied by George and later John Sorrell. Pictures taken in 1978 show 46 in poor condition, and 48 well-kept with fibro to dado height around the verandah. Photographs from 1996 show both 46 and 48 in good condition. Both have had replacement filigree railings added to their front verandahs. The roof to No. 46 has been replaced and the former skillion verandah roof has been replaced with a bullnose profile. 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

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