House, 58 Thomas Street

Statement of Significance

The place is of aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location.

The place is of historic significance because it reflects the period of affluence and optimism following the end of World War I.

The place is a representative example of a residential property in West Perth that has undergone a change of use to commercial/professional offices the changing character and growth of the City.

Physical Description

Single storey face brick building originally residential. Painted corrugated iron hipped roof with projecting half-timbered gable and tall chimneys with rendered detail. The timber framed verandah has been enclosed.

History

West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890's. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood.
Proximity to the city centre and Kings Park (then known as Perth Park), and the elevated location which provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills.
The area had social status already associated with addresses in nearby Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system. The area was subdivided into large residential lots for development and proceed accordingly. Less prestigious areas also developed in lower parts of the area and adjacent to the railway.
The homes built in West Perth from the early 1900's included prestigious mansions built in prominent locations and smaller working class cottages in the narrower back streets and towards the northern end of the area adjacent to the railway
The land on which this building is located was part of a landholding subdivided for residential development in 1898. This lot and the lot to the north (lot 4), were secured by accountant Frederick William Kenneth Bunning in 1902 and then transferred to dentist, Grafton Cameron Dickson Forster (1869-1949) in January 1903.
Forster had a successful practice as a dental surgeon and seemed to engage in interests outside his profession. In 1903, he engaged architect Frederick Burwell to design a hotel in Applecross (Hotel Melville). Forster lived in St Georges Terrace so it is clear that he built this house and the one adjacent as investment properties. This property was transferred in Ethel Blanch Harry in July 1904
The Harry family, consisting of Oscar and Ethel and their two boys Geoffrey and Romilly, lived at the house until c1914 when the property was transferred to George Loder Needham. It was at about this time that the house which was designated as 44 Thomas Street was renumbered as 58 Thomas Street.
George Needham did not live at the residence throughout the period of his ownership which ended in 1926. Several other occupants are recorded in the Post Office Directories as living at the property in the 1910s and 1920s. Those living there appear to have been professional men and their families. Occupations included civil servants and accountants.
In 1926, the place was transferred to another accountant, Edward Stephen Hart (c1876-1956) who owned and occupied the residence until 1951.
In October 1951, the place was transferred to accountant, Gordon Vale Mummery (c1914-1982). His wife Annie lived at the house until her death in 1991.
In 1991, the property was transferred to the State Planning Commission.

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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.