HOUSE (DEMOLISHED), 8 HEVRON STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Physical Description

DEMOLISHED. Retained on MHI for historical information only.

History

The original parcel of land that became Hevron Street formed part of Lot P 52, a two acre lot granted to William Ralph Yesrige, a Pensioner Guard. The land remained undeveloped until it was subdivided by John Allen, Frederick Mason and a Mr Davies c. 1890. Ambrose James Hevron purchased an allotment in 1894, as did Robert Payne. By 1897 the land had been partially developed, with four cottages on the left hand side and six cottages on the right hand side of the street, which was originally named Frederick Street. The street was officially renamed Hevron Street on 19 January, 1923. From its establishment, Hevron Street developed as a primarily residential area. Following World War II, the area saw an influx of migrants, especially of Portuguese and Italian origin. Lot 5 of P52 remained undeveloped until c. 1900, when a house was built on the land. It is thought that the house was built by John Hill and his father-in-law, Thomas Fell. The Fells had already built a house at No. 6 Hevron Street, and persuaded their daughter and son-in-law (who had married in St John's Church in 1896) to purchase the block next door. John Hill had arrived in Australia c. 1891 and lived in the Eastern colonies before coming to Western Australia, where he was first an employee of the Bunbury Harbour Works before moving to North Fremantle and the Fremantle Harbour Works. The Hills had nine children, all of whom were born at No. 8 Hevron Street. Over time, the house was extended to cater for the ever-growing family, with additions at the rear comprising two rooms and a bathroom. John Hill continued to reside at 8 Hevron Street until his death in 1936. One of his sons, Thomas Charles Hill, lived in the family home from 1955 until his own death in 1987, at which time ownership of the property passed to the Public Trust Office. A 1939 plan shows 8 Hevron Street as being a large weatherboard house with a full length front verandah and full length rear enclosure/verandah. There was also a large outbuilding set against the back fence. The house was demolished in 1991. Prior to this, some locals had protested against the demolition of the house and suggested that it be relocated to an alternative site. However, the response from the public was limited, and it is unclear as to whether this was ultimately carried out. A new brick and iron home was subsequently built on the site. This place had been included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It had also been 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.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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