DUPLEX, 5 RULE STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 3-5 Rule Street is a single storey weatherboard and iron/tile duplex pair dating from c1931. 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.

Physical Description

Duplex, 3-5 Rule Street is a single storey weatherboard duplex pair with overall symmetrical facade constructed in c1931. Walls are timber framed and weatherboard clad in an ashlar effect. The roof to No. 3 is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. No. 5 is tiled. There is an exposed masonry dividing parapet wall. The verandah is under a separate roof supported by timber posts. No. 3 has chamfered posts. No. 5 has a simple curve valance to the underside of the verandah beam. The front elevation is symmetrical with a timber sash window and a front door to each side. There are tall chimneys visible. There are timber picket fences to the front boundary line in front of both duplex halves. The verandah between the two duplexes is divided by mini orb panelling.

History

Originally named Bay Road, Rule Street first appears on an 1873 survey diagram. The change of name was officially gazetted on 14 February 1969, although Bay Road was referred to as Rule Street or Rule Road as early as 1962. The street was named after Charles Rule, who was a North Fremantle councillor from 1948 to 1960 and a Fremantle councillor in 1961/62 and again from 1968 to 1973. Charles Rule was an active member of the North Fremantle community who service on the Fremantle Advisory Committee, was president of the Friendlies Societies Pharmacies for 21 years and was secretary of the North Fremantle Bowling Club. Rule Street is typified by workers cottages, where workers from Burfords Soap Factory, labourers and lumpers lived. In 1980 a $2 million restoration project converted the old soap factory into residential apartments, following the lead of “The Regency” at 47 Rule Street, where four up-market river-front units had been built two years earlier. Duplex, 5 Rule Street was built c. 1904 as a three roomed weatherboard house. The other half of the duplex at No. 3 Rule Street was built as a brick house about the same time. The 1904 Post Office directory records the duplex at 3-5 Rule Street as being occupied by Frank Gedded and Thomas Hayley. By 1921/22, 5 Rule Street was owned and occupied by Alfred E. Kell, who remained in occupation until at least 1936. Ownership subsequently passed to Dorothy E. Kell. Circa 1931, the brick duplex half at 3 Rule Street was demolished and a timber house built in its place. A 1939 plan shows the duplex at 3 & 5 Rule Street as mirrored weatherboard dwellings on single block, with full length front verandahs and centrally located front steps. Additions to the rear of each of the duplex were centrally located on the dividing rear fence, and both duplexes had water closets in their back yards. By 1955, Dorothy Kell owned both the duplex halves (3 and 5) and lived at No. 3. Following her death in the early 1960s, title to the property passed to her estate. Ownership of Duplex 5 Rule Street was subsequently passed on to Jessie Kell, who stayed in residence until the mid-1990s when the property was sold. 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) - BROWN -significant for making a positive contribution to the built environment of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

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

Condition

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

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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