Austin House

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Statement of Significance

Austin House has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is associated with Lionel Austin who established Lionel Austin and Son, one of the best-known family ‘firm’ of boat builders and workboat operators in the port of Albany for much of the 20th Century. The place is one of many associated with sea trade and port affairs in Brunswick Road and the eastern end of Stirling Terrace. The place reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that emerged from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Stone foundations • Brick construction and finish (Albany brick) • Large hipped, corrugated iron roof • Verandah under main roof • Chimney with moulded capping • Original timber sash windows • Timber verandah posts and balustrading Some obvious modifications include: • Timber extensions to verandah

History

This property was formerly the house of Lionel Austin. The adjacent property, which was sold off some time ago, was originally Lionel Austin’s yard for boat building, carpentry and blacksmithing. The house is significant for its association with one of the best-known family ‘firm’ of boat builders and workboat operators in the port of Albany for much of the 20th Century. The business, Lionel Austin and Son, is no longer operational. Before setting up his own family business in 1929, Lionel Austin had been employed for 11 years for Millars Karri and Jarrah Co. Austin was also the President of the Princess Royal Sailing Club.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Fair

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Brackenhurst

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Statement of Significance

Brackenhurst at 68 Brunswick Road has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is associated with John McKail, well-known early settler and merchant in Albany who had Brackenhurst built. The place is associated with the Moate family, well-known residents of Albany who opened up their home Brackenhurst to social, religious and cultural events for the local community and causes. Brackenhurst was where Eliza Moate died in 1919. The place was well-known as Nurse Catherine Gomm’s nursing home where many babies from the local community and surrounding regional areas were born, and who was married to Harry Gomm who later built Gomm Cotttage in Kalgan. The place is a fine example of Victorian Regency architecture and of the work and skill of local builder Charles Donat Keyser who also built the Union Bank and National Bank in Albany. The place reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that emerged from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia. The place is one of a group of significant residences built during the Late Victorian/Federation period along this eastern end of Stirling Terrace, just outside of the Stirling Terrace Heritage Precinct.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Elevated position on corner block • Circled by mature, shady trees • Majestic, large scale building • High level of integrity • Prominent wing with projecting bay • Pyramidal roof on projecting wing • Hipped roof on remainder of building • Exposed stone masonry • Rendered, painted quoining on corners • Verandah partially across front elevation, apart from projecting wing • Timber verandah posts and wrought iron balustrading • Distinctive timber ‘slab’ fence Some obvious modifications include: • Extensions to the rear • Installation of solar panels

History

Charles Donat Keyser built this stone house on the corner of Cuddihy Ave and Brunswick Road for owner John Frederick McKail, who was an Albany merchant. A report in the Perth ‘Inquirer’ on 23 Feb 1881 described the house as a “fine commodious residence on a hill opposite the P & O Jetty, giving a full view of Princess Royal Harbour”. The title deed for the land recorded a mortgage of £1,000. It is said that the house was named after a college in the north of England. John Frederick McKail was the son of John McKail Snr who died in 1871 and left much of his estate – which included the London Hotel and White Star Hotel - to his sons, the other son being Nathanial William McKail. Charles Keyser was a well-known local builder who also was the contractor for the Union Bank (Albany House, Stirling Tce/York St), the National Bank (Vancouver House 86 Stirling Tce) and the original goods shed at the Town Jetty. Since its construction, Brackenhurst has had a variety of owners, tenant and uses. In 1900 William Commins-Reilly, a Justice of the Peace, and his wife Ellen (nee Millar) and family moved from Mt Barker to Albany and bought Brackenhurst as their family home. They later moved to Melbourne. By 1902, Catherine (Katie) Gomm (nee Rogers) who was a medical surgical and ladies nurse was running Brackenhurst as a nursing home and it was advertised as a good home with splendid grounds. Many babies from Albany and the surrounding regions were born at her Brackenhurst nursing home. In 1905, Catherine was also advertising rooms to let at Brackenhurst. She had married Harry Falby Gomm in 1898, who before moving to Albany was a prospector in the goldfields then joined the regular army and was stationed at the Forts. The Gomms moved to Kalgan where they bought land in 1904 and built Gomm Cottage. They eventually moved back to Kalgoorlie in the early 1930s. In 1907 the White Star Tea Gardens were operating at Brackenhurst, possibly for just this one year although one advertisement appeared in the Albany Advertiser for 1 January 1908. In 1908 tenders called for painting and renovations to the nursing home at Brackenhurst. By 1910, Brackenhurst was owned by John Thomas Moate and his wife Eliza Ann. They had 3 sons and 6 daughters. The Moates also had the property called Tandara at Two Peoples Bay. The Moates were very involved in the local Baptist church and religious meetings and presentations of various related societies, such as the London Prophetical Society, were often held at Brackenhurst. The house and grounds were also the venue for social functions in particular fundraising events. The corner of Brunswick Rd and what was then Marine Dve was often called Moates Corner and a well-known danger spot for car accidents. In 1913, offices for the British, Australian Land Settlement Co Ltd were located at Brackenhurst. Moate later joined the oil exploration business and by the 1920s Brackenhurst was the location for the WA branch of the Adelaide Oil Exploration Company Ltd. Eliza died at Brackenhurst in 1919 and Moate eventually moved to Adelaide after her death. In 1925, Brackenhurst was advertised to let suggesting this as the time Moate left Albany. However, he still owned Brackenhurst and it was leased to Mr A T Thomas. Moate died in Adelaide in 1934 and after this time, Mr and Mrs J Anderson owned Brackenhurst. Other residents/owners included Mrs Louisa King, the wife of Vernon King, who was a well-known proprietress of restaurants in York Street and Stirling Tce. She moved to Brackenhurst when she retired as a widow in the 1960s.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

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House

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Statement of Significance

The place at 78 Brunswick Road has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is associated with John Norman Snr who served 44 years with the Postal service in Albany including as Postmaster, Secretary of the Mechanics Institute, Past Master of the Plantagenet Lodge, member of the Albany Chamber of Commerce and very involved with the Methodist Church with Norman House in Stirling Terrace named in his honour. His sons John and Arthur also established Norman Bros Stationers business in Stirling Terrace. The place reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that emerged from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia. The place is one of many associated with sea trade and port affairs in Brunswick Road and the eastern end of Stirling Terrace.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Set in elevated position overlooking the Grain Silos and Princess Royal Harbour • Residence is set back from road behind a hedge of Australian native plants • Stone and brick structure, mostly rendered and painted • Symmetrical facade, with large projecting bay windows on either side of the front door • Gables over bay windows • Verandah across front elevation Modifications include: • Rendering of brick/stone • Some external changes - difficult to assess accurately

History

It is said that this house was built for the P&O Shipping line as quarters for its visiting captains and VIPs and was later sold to the well-known Norman family in the 1890s. The house reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that was emerging from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia. There were several houses associated with sea trade and port affairs in Brunswick Road and the eastern end of Stirling Terrace (which was also referred to as Brunswick Road up to Spencer Street). Norman family - John Norman Snr John Norman Snr was born in Albany on 20 May 1861. His father James Norman came to Albany as an early settler in 1839 in charge of stock for the Australian Pastoral Company. As a youth he joined the Postal service when Albany was still the main port for Western Australia and eventually worked his way up to the position of Postmaster. His brother was Josiah Norman who became a leading building contractor in town and served as a Councillor for the Albany Road Board. In 1884 John Snr married Eliza Mews of Perth. They had five children, three sons John Jnr, Arthur and Percy, and two daughters Eva and Amy. Sons John and Arthur established Norman Bros stationers in Stirling Tce. Their youngest son Percy was killed in action in WWI. Daughters Amy married Lionel Carter 1915 and Eva married Arthur Mason 1921. After 44 years with the Postal service he retired in 1921 at aged 60. He was by now well-known in the community not only as the long-serving Postmaster, but as Secretary of the Mechanics Institute, Past Master of the Plantagenet Lodge and a member of the Albany Chamber of Commerce. However, he was mainly known and recognised for his involvement and contributions to the Methodist Church. In 1936 Eliza Norman died. John Norman Snr died aged 84 on 16th February 1946 at his home in Brunswick Road. Sadly he died just 30 minutes before the official opening of the Methodist Church Norman House Boys’ Hostel, on Stirling Terrace, which was named in his honour. (The house may have remained in the Norman family for some years after John Snr’s death. Gordon Norman – grandson of John Snr – was living in a house at 37 Brunswick Road in the 1950s so a check of changes in street numbers would need to be made).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

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Mass Rocks

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Statement of Significance

Mass Rocks has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is the site of the first religious service celebrated by a Catholic priest in Western Australia in January 1838 and marks the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church in WA in 1843

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Open setting, on the original foreshore below the offices of the Albany Port Authority • Two large rocks, one flat, with the other large boulder appearing to balance on it • A rough timber altar - added in 1993 • Access from Bolt Terrace or Brunswick Rd

History

Mass Rocks, sometimes known as Rocking Stones, are located to the east of the boundary of a four-acre block, E1, allocated to Sir James Stirling. At these rocks in January 1838 a religious service was celebrated for the first time by a Catholic priest in the settlement of Western Australia. The chaplain of the French warship “L’Heroine” gathered people to this place and offered Mass. In 1843 a mass conducted on the site by newly arrived priests marked the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church in WA. An outdoors wooden altar made from timbers salvaged from the old Albany deep water jetty was built on the site in 1993.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High/Moderate Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

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House

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Statement of Significance

The place at 96 Brunswick Road has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that emerged from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia and popular holiday resort. The place is one of many associated with sea trade and port affairs in Brunswick Road and the eastern end of Stirling Terrace. The place has landmark and aesthetic value as a fine example of Federation Queen Anne style residence, set on a prominence on the lot and with its well-presented though austere landscape which provides sweeping views from the street. The place is associated with the Wardell Johnson family who were well-known as early British settlers to Albany and with strong associations to St John’s Church in Albany and the local civic and social life.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Asymmetrical form, hip and gable roof with street facing projecting gable bay • Located on an elevated site set back on a large Lot • Stone and iron front fence • Formal landscaping of pleasure garden at front with expanse of grass and garden beds close to house Some modifications of this place include: • Zincalume long sheet roof The following is an extract from a REIWA advertisement in 2015 Ornate fireplaces and plasterwork, Federation archways, jarrah floors and high ceilings are classic features of the gracious home. And while it has been carefully maintained with modern fittings and fixtures installed where necessary, its original integrity has not been compromised. The design is classic 1800s with the wide entry hall and beautiful drawing and formal dining room, and spacious elegant master suite with views and built-in robe. The separate remodelled country kitchen is virtually the size of the drawing room, offering ample room for a banquet style table. There is endless storage and bench space and a commercial-sized stove. The sweeping passage past the kitchen also contains three big bedrooms, including one with a lovely extension, which could be an office, playroom, sunroom or extra bedroom. The rear of the home features a combined modern bathroom and laundry, second bathroom and two toilets. Additions and alterations were carried out in 2016. A shed and carport to the west of the house was demolished and rebuilt. The lean to the rear of the house was demolished and a new bathroom/laundry and alfresco added.

History

Alexander Moir was the owner of Lot 372 at least from 1888. The Rate Book entry for 1890 shows this Lot as still being land only. In 1897 the Lot is owned by F W Johnson and there is a house indicated as present. Frank Wardell Johnson was the son of the Reverend Wardell Johnson who was rector at St John’s Church in Albany from 1873-1898, having retired from this position only a year before he died. Frank was one of ten children. Frank became a customs officer and was also choirmaster St John’s. He married Grace Moir. Mrs Wardell Johnson periodically advertised for a general servant for her home in Brunswick Road. In 1903 the residence advertised to Let – described as 6 rooms, pantry, bathroom, wash house and stables. Frank and Grace left Albany in 1904 and moved to Claremont in Perth.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High/Moderate

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Lookout Rocks

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Statement of Significance

Like mass Rocks, this granite outcrop has a history connecting the rocks to the early settlement of Albany. Lookout Rocks have aesthetic, historic and social cultural heritage significance.

Physical Description

A large granite outcrop located close to the road, Burgoyne Rd From the top of the rock one would have a good view out over King George's Sound

History

This large granite rock is called Lookout Rock, as it seems that it was used as a lookout point to watch out for the arrival of expected mail steamers in the early days. Research by the Post Master General's Department in 1965 for the opening of the new Post Office in York Street (and the closing of the old, on Stirling Terrace) found that Matthew Cull (1848- 1937, P&O employee and Anglican sexton) as a boy, was paid to stand on the rock and look out for arrival of the mail ships, and run down to warn the post office. There is another account which has led to this rock being called Pulpit Rock by some, supposedly to commemorate the first mass held in Western Australia, but it would seem this is not accurate as the site of the first mass is documented as being at Mass Rocks or Rocking Stones. (Refer Place Record Form for Mass Rocks).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

Condition

Good

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House

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Statement of Significance

The place at 4-6 Mount Street has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: It is a good example of the Victorian Georgian architectural style and represents the early residential development in Albany. It is associated with its first owner and early resident of Albany, Hugh Mercer Thomas, who came to Albany in 1852 and later worked as Clerk of Courts as well as acting Resident Magistrate. The place reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that emerged from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Elevated setting on sloping block with views across harbour • Large example of Victorian residence with Colonial Georgian influences over design • Raised on timber stumps • Three large chimneys with moulded capping • Rectangular design with verandahs all the way around • Stone rendered walls • Steeply pitched corrugated iron roof • Verandah under separate roof Some obvious modifications include: • External colour scheme • Timber balustrading and steps to west • Free standing carport/garage to the west

History

According to the deeds Hugh Mercer Thomas owned the property from 1861 until 1890 when the title was transferred to a person thought to be a relative of Thomas. Thomas was second officer on the barque Larkins when he arrived in Albany in October 1852. He worked as an agent for the P&O SN Company until 1858 when he went on a trip to England. After his return to Albany, he took up the position of Clerk of the Court. In 1861 he acquired this property in Mount Street, which would have been conveniently located to the original courthouse in Stirling Terrace (refer Old Albany Post Office). His wife died in October 1899. Not long after this, Thomas retired from the Court – now at the 1897s Court House further east along Stirling Terrace - where towards the end of his career was often acting Resident Magistrate. An invalid for the last 2 years of his life, Thomas died in 1902. In 1994 the owner of the house, Desmond Guilfoyle, thought the house was originally built in the 1860s for a government doctor Johan Antonius Baesjou, hence the other name attributed to the house. Jenny Boreham, real estate agent, searched the title deeds which revealed no links with the name Baesjou at all. Although Baesjou may have leased the house from Thomas, this is not confirmed.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

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