W.G. Leeder's house (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has historic significance for its associations with William George Leeder. The place has historic value as an example of a maternity hospital in a rural town. It demonstrates the evolution in women's healthcare in the state. The place has social value for those women who were patients a the hospital and for former workers and visitors. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the Toodyay streetscape.

Physical Description

Single storey brick and rendered dwelling on stone base. Hipped iron roof with prominent painted chimneys. Return open verandah with simple timber verandah posts. Rear extensions. Timber framed sash windows.

History

William George Leeder was the son of William Leeder, Perth butcher and settler in the area that was to become Leederville. In 1871, Leeder took over as manager of Connor's Freemasons Hotel, and later, between 1875 and 1885, leased the Newcastle Hotel. After purchasing the hotel he sold it to A.Wroth in1889 as he endeavoured to clear his debts incurred from pastoral ventures in the north west. W.G. Leeder became the first Chairperson of the Toodyay Road Board to be entitled Mayor of Newcastle in 1887 and was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the WA Turf Club. He owned a number of racehorses and employed jockeys and stable hands. His racing horses were stabled in a stone building behind the house on the same lot. Leeder was active in the Mechanic's Institute and the instrumental in the extensions which took place in 1886. In1907 a maternity hospital was opened in Leeder's home after it was converted for the purpose, by Doris Durlacher, a midwife and Nurse Despard.This was unusual as traditionally women had given birth at home.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Medium

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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