Commercial Bank (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Massingham House has considerable historic and social significance as a commercial premise which has operated in the town since 1911. Further it is evidence of the development of the town and the importance of Kellerberrin at the time. The former Bank has aesthetic value given its commanding two storey facade, location and large scale. It makes an important contribution to the streetscape and the built fabric of the town.

Physical Description

Massingham House is a two storey building of brick construction with a hipped corrugated iron roof. The street facade is rendered, painted light grey and features off centre double entry doors with two windows to the ground and first floor. The windows are timber framed and double hung and have dark grey shutters either side. The lower level has striated horizontal banding while the upper level has large block quoining which is enhanced by the paint treatment. There is a lean-to roof at the rear with a timber framed weatherboard clad extension. The place has two chimneys which are rendered and corbelled. There is a rendered band to 1 metre height along the side elevations.

History

The tender of Mr J. Moore, Perth, was accepted by the Commercial Bank of Australia for the erection of a two storey brick banking chamber and dwelling on Massingham Street for a cost of £1.224. [Eastern Recorder, 26/10/1910, p2] The bank opened for business on 3 April 1911. An article in the local paper described the building: "An inspection of the building shows that every care has been taken to provide rooms at once large, lofty, well lighted and ventilated, the main factors in buildings designed either for business or domestic use. A very comfortable and convenient suite of rooms are provided for the resident manager, and they are replete with every convenience for making the work light and labor-saving." [Eastern Recorder, 5/4/1911, p3] In 1942 the building was bought by Mr George Bevan, a Dentist, who lived in the quarters and operated a dental clinic from the offices for several years. The Commonwealth Bank purchased the building c 1950, commencing business in the town. On the closure of the bank the building was sold privately. It has since operated as a boutique but now is a residence. The building was named Massingham House after Caleb Massingham. [M. McCulloch]

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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