HOUSE, 31 HARVEST ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 31 Harvest Road, is a typical rendered masonry and iron single storey cottage dating from the 1890s. 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 very late simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Single storey limestone and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are limestone with red brick quoins. Roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. Verandah is a separate skillion. Front elevation is symmetrical with two timber sash windows and a central front door. A high masonry and timber fence is located along the front site boundary. Lots 2,3,4,5,6,7 & 8 have been subdivided and are for Historic Record Only. The original HOUSE, 31 Harvest Road remains as a Level 3.

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. House, 31 Harvest Road is one of a cluster of five cottages built within three years (1892 to 1895) at 27-31 and 30-32 Harvest Road. It was constructed in 1893 for Henry Russell (plasterer) as a two-room cottage. Henry Russell lived at the place until 1900, followed for a year by George Russell. George Bishop then resided at 31 Harvest Road from 1902 to 1906. From 1908 to 1915, George Sanson occupied the house. Following his period of occupancy, residents changed several times until William Coughlan moved in, in 1919, and remained at the place until at least 1935. The place underwent renovations in 2004. The rendered walls were stripped to reveal original limestone, the verandah was reconstructed and a residential development was built behind the house called "Harvest Lane". 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

Moderate degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, partially restored currently (2004) under construction, some loss of fabric and previous unsympathetic alterations). Moderate degree of authenticity with basic original fabric remaining.Some loss of fabric. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as fair to poor but currently under construction. (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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