HOUSE, 17 THOMAS STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 17 Thomas Street, is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey house dating from 1897. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Single storey weatherboard and iron single fronted cottage with an asymmetrical infilled verandah to the front facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are painted horizontal weatherboards and fibre cement sheeting. The roof gabled with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The verandah is under abroken back corrugated iron roof which has been later partially enclosed with fibre cement sheeting, large timber framed windows. The house is elevated from the street level.

History

Thomas Street was not formed until c. 1900 and was named for Captain John Thomas, an early land owner in the area. House, 17 Thomas Street was built between 1895 and 1900. In 1900, Frederick Reiserve, a labourer, was listed as the occupant of the cottage. Between c. 1905 and c. 1915, the cottage was owned by M Banfield. Matthew Phillips, a foreman, was the occupant during this time. Circa 1915, House, 17 Thomas Street was bought by Michael Morrison. The Phillips family continued to live in the cottage c. 1935. Following Mr Morrison’s death about this time, the cottage was owned by his estate for about 10 years, before being sold to Myrtle Lawrence. Ms Lawrence lived in the cottage until 1949/50, when it was bought by Fanny Purdy. House, 17 Thomas Street has had a number of owners since the early 1950s, including: George Clarke (early 1950s to early 1960s), Consuelo Miller (early 1960s to early 1970s), Richard Tompsett (c. 1973) and the Clifford family (1975 to early 1980s). The cottage has changed hands several times since the 1980s. A diagram dated 1954 shows a small weatherboard cottage with a full length front verandah, and a weatherboard sleep-out and verandah at the rear. A well was located to the side of the house quite near the street boundary. This place was included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993. 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

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

Condition

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

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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