HOUSE, 27 HARVEST ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 27 Harvest Road, is a typical limestone and timber shingle 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 simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. it is one of the first houses built in the area.

Physical Description

House, 27 Harvest Road, is a single storey limestone and shingle cottage with symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are limestone with rendered reveals around windows. Roof is hipped timber shingles with no eaves. Verandah is under the same pitch shingle roof, supported by square timber posts. Front elevation is symmetrical with two timber sash windows and a central front door. The verandah has a timber floor. There is no front fence. A rear limestone addition, also with shingled roof, is visible from the street. Aerial views show a corrugated iron roofed structure in the rear yard.

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. Constructed c.1892-93, this place was one of the first two permanent buildings erected on Harvest Road, noted in 1892 Rate Books as a 3-room cottage, with a carriage building and second 3-room cottage also on site from 1893. It cannot be determined whether 27 or 29 was constructed first, as both were built on portions of the same Lot for George Staples, whose occupation is recorded as ‘lumper’ in the Post Office Directories and ‘carrier’ on the Certificate of Title. In 1891, George Staples owned Lot 28, on which numbers 27 and 29 were constructed. He resided at 27 Harvest Road until 1900, after which he and his wife Margaret moved to 11 John Street. From 1901, the place was occupied by John Staples, who is likely to have been a son of George and Margaret. From 1902 to 1905 Frank Staples is listed at 27, with John not listed as resident in the street at all, and Mrs Mary Taylor appears to have rented a room at 27 Harvest Road from 1902-04. From 1905, Charles Posselt lived at the house for several years, possibly until 1914, although records are unclear. He then moved to 21 Harvest Road. From 1915 it appears that John Staples, previously resident at 29 Harvest Road, and owner of all of Lot 28, moved next door to 27, where he continues to be recorded well into the 1920s. The 1921 Rate Books note him living in a four-room stone cottage at 27 Harvest Road. He is listed at 27 Harvest Road in 1949 Post Office Directories, and it is likely that he lived at the place until his death in 1962. Following John’s death, House, 27 Harvest Road, which had been given a separate title to neighbouring 29 Harvest Road from 1954, was transferred in equal half-shares to his bachelor son, Ronald John Staples (clerk) and Della Mavis Davey (married woman). Ronald, born in 1910, lived his entire life on Harvest Road, aside from his 4 years in the RAAF during World War Two. He was a prominent North Fremantle figure, serving as a Councillor from 1940 to his death in 1973. The property changed hands a number of times before being purchased in 1975 by Roger Brian Bitton (Engineering Draftsman). In 1985 the title was amalgamated with that for adjacent 29 Harvest Road, in line with the original subdivision of Lot 28, and both 27 and 29 came into the ownership of Daphne Marie Tye, married woman, of Karratha. 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

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, restored, sympathetic rear extension). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as fair (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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