Hobbsy’s Store

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value for its demonstration of a simple Post War international style commercial building executed in concrete blockwork. • The place has historic value for its association with the development of Swan View in the period following World War II. • The place has historic value for its association with the experience of many migrants to Western Australia who undertook had physical work to secure property and financial security.

Physical Description

This single storey concrete block shop premises is of a rectangular plan form with the main façade located on the front property boundary. The main façade is the most striking feature of the building with a stepped parapet obscuring a simple gable roof clad with corrugated metal sheeting. The façade is rendered and dominated by large steel framed windows in a regular panels alongside a timber entry door with fan lights above and on one side. The block used in the construction of the building appear to be concrete blocks featuring a moulded design. The overall condition is poor and it no longer functions as a retail premises.

History

From the readily available information this commercial premises was built by Guiseppe Spadaccini in the late 1940s or early 1950s. The lot was formally approved for subdivision in 1952. The blocks used in the construction of the building appear to be concrete blocks featuring a moulded design replicating stonework. This was a not uncommon material in the period following World War II when building materials were is short supply. It was often used in self build projects and this may have been the case in this instance. Guiseppe Spadaccini (c1901-1985) born in Istonia, Italy travelled to Australia in c1927 and became a naturalised citizen in 1945. His wife Grazia di Biase and their son Michele (Michael) arrived in WA in 1934. It is not clear if the Spadaccini family operated the store from this premises or if they leased it to others. Guiseppe Spadaccini identified his occupation as a farm labourer in the Electoral Rolls and Michael Spadaccini was a photographer. The Spadaccini family lived in Talbot Road Swan View. The building to the rear of the shop was built between 1953 and 1961. The origin of the name ‘Hobbsy’s Store’ is not known.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update