HOUSE, 5 PEARSE STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 5 Pearse Street, is a typical stone and iron 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.

Physical Description

House, 5 Pearse Street, is a single storey stone and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are painted limestone with painted brick quoins and reveals. Roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves and a centre gablet. Verandah is under separate bullnose corrugated iron roof. Verandah is supported by turned timber posts with decorative timber brackets. Front elevation is symmetrical with two timber sash windows and a central front door. The house is set forward with the edge of the verandah set on the front boundary line and timber picket fence running along this line.

History

The majority of Pearse Street was created as part of a circa 1890 subdivision by William Edward Marmion of Fremantle and James Grave, Edward Keane, Edmund Gilyard Lacey and Frederick Charles Monger Perth. The subdivision occurred when North Fremantle was experiencing rapid development and there was a demand for inexpensive housing close to industry and the railway line. Originally called Mason Street after local land developer and jeweller, Frederick Mason, the street was renamed Pearse Street in 1922/23 (only a year after Mason died) in recognition of George Pearse, Fremantle Councillor (1875-1881) and founder of the Pearse shoe and boot factory in Swan Street. Many of the street’s original occupants were working people who had jobs in nearby industries. Homes were modest in scale of brick, stone or weatherboard. Many of the buildings were owned by absentee landlords who leased the cottages to long and short-term tenants. The street has suffered from a poor reputation during its life, at one time known colloquially as ‘Pong Alley’. The short, narrow street has remained a residential street since its formation. The stone and iron cottage at 5 Pearse Street was built between 1897 and 1913 for an unidentified owner. The land was originally part of Lot P40, which was subdivided in 1891. Annie Glasson owned and occupied the four-roomed stone house from 1921 to 1935. In 1955, when the available records recommence, the property was owned and occupied by Fenis Teteris. In the same year the property was transferred to Michael Formato. He owned and occupied the property until 1961. Further research is needed to determine the subsequent owners and occupants. In 1940, the house’s simple square plan form was consistent with its original design. By this time, a small galvanised lean-to had been added on to the centre of the rear wall. A separate weatherboard building was located close by with a water tank and small galvanised iron addition. At the rear of the block was an earth closet. The cottage was connected to the mains sewerage system in 1954. In 1978, the front façade of the cottage showed little modification. 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). 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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