Brook Lodge

Statement of Significance

The place is associated with the war time operations of the Dehydration and Canning Factory in the centre of Donnybrook. It is also associated with the fruit picking industry and tourism. The extensive winged form and simplicity of construction materials has streetscape value.

Physical Description

Situated on east bank of the Preston River, Brook Lodge is an extensive single storey timber framed building clad in fibre cement sheeting with a hipped corrugated iron roof. The building plan is laid out with wings along the eastern and western sides.

History

In late 1943-early 1944, the place was built in Bridge Street as a hostel to accommodate women working at the recently completed dehydration and canning factory. It had been anticipated the work force would come from women already living in the local area, but as insufficient were available it became necessary to bring workers by bus from Bunbury, and from further afield, to live in Donnybrook and work at the factory. The Public Works Department of Western Australia (PWDWA), and in particular the district architect, Mr. C. J. Hall, was closely associated with the design and construction of the hostel, which was within walking distance of the factory. The hostel provided accommodation for 50 women, two per room, and had two lounge rooms, two writing rooms, a well-equipped dining room, and was ‘replete with all conveniences, including a recreational club’ (Kalgoorlie Miner 7 March 1944 & West Australian 14 August 1944). In 1946, a proposal to convert the hostel to provide a much-needed hospital at Donnybrook did not eventuate as it was considered unsuitable for that purpose. In the late 1940s, the hostel continued to accommodate factory workers. In the early 1950s, after the factory ceased operations, the hostel was sold into private ownership and operated as a guest house for some years before it became a private residence, with a large area of the place closed up. In 1981, Mrs. J. Wilson purchased it and opened it as a backpackers’ hostel, which she named Brook Lodge, and this name and usage continues in 2011-12.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

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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.