House

Statement of Significance

The place at 197 Serpentine Road has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
The place is associated with William and Alexina Cooper who were well-known for their businesses of tearooms, fruit and confectionery, as well as running local picture shows, and also for being credited with introducing many new novelties to Albany residents including a pbblic wireless and crossword puzzles.
The place is a fine and well-executed example of the Inter-War Old English style of architecture which is relatively rare in Albany, which has maintained a high level of authenticity including the original multi-paned windows, decorative timber gable infill and brick carport.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include:
• Believed to be architect designed
• House design unusual for Albany
• Set above road level
• Rustic cottage garden with rough stone terraces
• Simple brick carport built at road level below house
• Old English wood finishes in central gable
• Dark wood panelling and window frames
• Corner windows
• Windows leadlight rectangular panes
• Front door recessed
• Wide verandah with unpainted wooden verandah supports

History

The place at 197 Serpentine Road was originally Suburban Lot 126. In 1890 the sub-division of Suburban Lot 126 was advertised for sale. This house was constructed on No 4 of Suburban Lot 126.

The Rate Book entry for 1927 shows the owner as W H Cooper, who was also living in the house and the architectural style of the house suggests that the house was built for/by the Coopers. William Henry (Bill) Cooper, his wife Alexina had been living in Nornalup and arrived in Albany in 1921 when they took over Post Office Tearooms (opposite the Albany Post Office in Stirling Terrace). The tearooms offered Board and Accommodation as well as afternoon teas. The Coopers also sold a vast array of produce, confectionary and other treats:
At the Post Office Tearooms, opposite the post office, Mr Cooper, the proprietor, has a very fine display of newly arrived chocolates, both in boxes and loose, which he defies competition in, as regards quality and price. In addition many novelties suitable for presents for young and old are on view, while all kinds of fresh stocks of confectionery are in stock. A specialty is made of fresh fruit, including splendid specimens of Yates and Delicious apples, which command attention from lovers of fruit, while afternoon tea will be served in the dining rooms. An inspection is invited to this establishment where prices are guaranteed to meet the times (Albany Despatch 24 December 1925).

Mr and Mrs Cooper would make regular trips to England to personally select items ready for the Christmas trade and Easter gifts and novelties. Mrs Cooper would also bake scones for meetings held there free of charge.

In 1924, the Coopers were the first in Albany to have a public set with a loud speaker installed at their premises so customers could listen to the news and other broadcast programs at the tearooms. In another first, they also are credited with introducing the cross-word puzzle to Albany:
The crossword puzzle craze having caught on throughout the English speaking world, has now been introduced into Albany, the first business man to attempt this class of advertising being Mr. W Cooper of the Post Office tearooms. In our advertising columns he announces that cash prizes for the first and second solving of the puzzle of £2 and £1, together with a box of chocolates for the third successful competitor will be awarded. (Albany Dispatch 10 August 1925)

At the end of 1928, the Coopers moved to their new premises in York Street (opposite Corry and Co.) known as Coopers’ Fruit and Confectionery Shop which stocked chocolates, fruit, ices cool drinks, cigarettes and tobacco as well as novelties such as mechanical toys. As well as his shop, Bill Cooper also ran the picture shows at the Empire Theatre with H E Folkard. In 1932 he sold shop to F Knight. As well as his business activities, Bill Cooper was a popular and active Freemason, member of the Albany Bowling Club and the RSL having served in WWI

In 1928 Cooper applied to the Albany Council for an entrance to his house from Serpentine Road.

The Coopers had three daughters Amy (Nell) and Mary and Bill also had a step-daughter Jean. Alexina died 11th May 1945 at Bethesda Hospital Subiaco. After Alexina died, Cooper lived with his daughter, Mary (now Mrs Thomas), who lived at “Lilydale” in Lancaster Road where he died on 10th May 1950 aged 76.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.