Fig Trees, Fremantle Road

Statement of Significance

The Fig Trees have aesthetic and historic value as they are fine examples of their species and are associated with local identity, Oscar Lauterbach.

Physical Description

Centrally placed row of fig trees along Fremantle Road, separating the two lanes of traffic. The mature fig trees with substantial canopies form an important part of the streetscape around the Gosnells Hotel. A plaque commemorating the planting in 1907 is placed near the trees.

History

In 1907, Gosnells horticulturalist Oscar Lauterbach planted trees on the road reserve on Fremantle Road as a personal project to beautify the area and commemorate the establishment in that year of the Gosnells Road Board. Among the trees planted were six Port Jackson Fig Trees (Ficus rubiginosa) located on the boundary of the Gosnells Hotel. The trees developed into large specimens where patrons would leave their horses in the shade while they went in for refreshments. Oscar Lauterbach had come from Germany as a child c.1885, and eventually settled in Fremantle Road, Gosnells where he began growing carnations in 1905. He became known as the Carnation King and won many medals in exhibitions for his prize winning blooms. The Port Jackson Fig Trees were threatened in 1960 when increasing traffic along Fremantle Road necessitated the widening of the roadway. At first the trees were to be removed but in the 1970s every effort was made to retain them by first pruning the roots and also resuming land on the Gosnells Hotel side of the trees, to make a dual carriageway. The cost to the Gosnells Council of the preservation of the trees was considerable, but the expenditure was well planned and succeeded in retaining some of the existing streetscape. A plaque was installed at the site in 1977 to commemorate the contribution of Oscar Lauterbach and the formation of the Gosnells Road Board.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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