House

Statement of Significance

The residence at 50 Shakespeare Street is a fine and intact example of a symmetrical Federation bungalow, which has a strong street presence.

Physical Description

The single storey symmetrical dwelling has a high pitched hipped gambrel roof with twin gable features above the rectangular bay windows. A bullnose verandah extends across the entire front façade and is supported by chamfered timber posts, spanned by a valance with vertical cottonreel details. The front wall is face brick with a rendered band at sill level. The windows are sets of two double hung sashes. The chimneys are tall, symmetrical, face brick with a roughcast band and moulded top detail with clay pots on top. No fence, open garden setting. None apparent

History

Shakespeare Street, Mount Hawthorn was part of the Merredin Park estate developed by the Intercolonial Investment Land and Building Company, of Sydney. This company was responsible for much of the residential subdivision in Mount Hawthorn. The streets in the Merredin Park estate were all named for major cities. This section of Shakespeare Street was originally named Dublin Street. It was renamed to make it a continuation of Shakespeare Street, Leederville in 1916. According to Wise's Post Office Directories in 1905 there were just two houses in Dublin Street north of Scarborough Beach Road (then known as North Beach Road) but they were both south of Hobart Street. House numbers were not allocated until 1917. In the meantime Albert Dewar was first listed as one of four householders in Dublin Street north of Scarborough Beach Road in 1912. In 1917 when the numbers were first allocated a Mrs O. Dewar was in residence at No 50. So it can be assumed that the house was built circa 1911-12. The Directories indicate that Frederick G. Charles was residing at No. 50 in 1928 and a new house was being erected next door. By 1938 the Masonic Hall had been erected (Nos 38-42) and there was a mixed business run by Mrs L. Sandys at No.44. George F. Charles was in residence at No. 50, indicating the house was still in the hands of the Charles family. Many of the residents of Shakespeare Street after World War II were migrant families from Italy and Greece and one of the features of the street were the front gardens 'planted with vegetables and rows of tomatoes laden with warm red fruit, chickens roamed free-range and the smell of well-turned compost filled the air.' ('Prestige Property' in Sunday Times, 1 May 2005, p.20) In 1949 Noel E. Hills was the resident of No. 50 and by then the street was occupied as far as Green Street. The house was extended at the rear at some later stage.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree

Uses

Creation Date

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