HOUSE, 19 PEARSE STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 19 Pearse Street, is a typical weatherboard 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 Fremantle vernacular style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 19 Pearse Street, is a single storey weatherboard and iron cottage with an asymmetrical facade designed in the Fremantle vernacular style. Walls are timber framed clad with weatherboards. Roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. Verandah is under separate bullnose corrugated iron roof. Verandah is supported by chamfered timber posts with timber brackets. Front elevation is asymmetrical with a protruding section with a single timber sash window and a recessed section with window and front door. The verandah is in front of the recessed section of the cottage. There is a low level rendered brick and timber picket fence and a side carport/pergola.

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 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 weatherboard and iron cottage at 19 Pearse Street (formerly 19 Mason Street) was built between 1890 and 1897 for an unidentified owner. In 1890 the vacant lot was owned by William Marmion. The cottage is shown on an 1897 plan of the area. In 1921, the cottage was owned and occupied by Mary Johnstone. The occupant from 1930 was Alfred Mellor and he eventually attained ownership of the place until the 1960s. In 1940, the cottage retained its basic form with partial verandahs on the front and back. A water tank was located close to the house at the rear and three outbuildings were located in the back yard. The cottage was connected to the mains sewerage system in 1955. In 1979, front façade of the cottage was basically unmodified. 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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