House, 108 Whitfield Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value an example of a simple timber residence. • This place has historic value for its association with the development of Bassendean in the early 20th century. • The place has social value as a demonstration of the scale of a simple family home of the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Single storey timber framed, weatherboard clad dwelling with a CGI clad hipped roof. At the eastern corner of the south elevation is a protruding gable section with timber detailing and vent at the apex of gable. The projecting section contains a timber framed, three-section window; the central section is fixed and the sections either side are casement windows. Above the 3-section window are two, four-section stained glass timber framed windows. Contained within the recessed section of the south elevation is the front entrance which abuts the projecting section and consists of glazed side lights and a fan light. To the west of the front entrance are a group of two timber framed casement windows; above each casement window is a four-paned, stained glass, timber framed window. The roof pitch breaks and extends down over the recessed section of the south elevation to create the verandah which is supported by rectangular timber pillars. In front of the west corner of the south elevation is a modern carport addition with a CGI clad, hipped and gablet roof.

History

This portion of Bassendean was subdivided for residential development c1905 when developer, Wesley Maley purchased a large parcel of land bordering the river. The names of roads in this subdivision known as ‘Riverside’, reflected Wesley Maley’s enthusiasm for the prize rams he purchased for his Katanning pastoral property, Moojebing. Maley purchased a flock of rams from South Australian politician, J.H. Angus. Several of the rams were named in honour of Australian prime ministers and consequently the names Watson, Deakin, Barton, Fisher and Reid were applied to the roads in this subdivision. Whitfield Street was extension of the road from the subdivision to the north named in honour of Francis Whitfield, an early colonist and Guildford landowner and Government Resident in the 1830s. From the available information this residence was constructed c1916 and the first occupant was Henry Goldie McNair (c1876-1963) and his wife Helen Small McNair (c1887-1955). The couple, originally from Scotland, married there in 1911 before settling in Western Australia and raising their family of girls. Henry McNair worked as a labourer but was a very keen gardener and the property was well known in the district for its blooms. The family lived in this house until the 1950s. Aerial photographs of the residence indicate that although the house has undergone major additions at the rear the original form is able to be determined. The lot was subdivided in 2009 and a large residence was constructed in the rear portion of the lot.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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