House

Statement of Significance

The subject place has aesthetic value in exhibiting the characteristics of a Federation Bungalow style residence, which was built in the Inter-war period. It retains many fine internal details including fire places, art nouveau ceilings, cornices, timber floors, skirtings, light switch plates and timber doors.

Physical Description

The subject place is located on the north-east corner of the Morrison Road and Elvire Street intersection in Midland. The dwelling was built in 1933 and was designed to reflect a much earlier architectural style that being the Federation Bungalow style. However, its external detailing is simpler than a dwelling built right at the turn of the Twentieth Century – for example the building is not tuck-pointed, its proportions are more squat and the chimney lacks decoration such as pronounced corbelling. The dwelling fronts Morrison Road from which it has a 9 metre setback. It is constructed from red brick, which features a rendered horizontal band at head height. It has a corrugated sheet hipped roof with a gable over the front projecting room. The front projecting room features timber sash windows protected by an awning above. The street facing gable end has a timber batten infill. There is a skillion verandah, which is supported by timber posts and tall brick piers connected by a rendered brick balustrade. Internally the place retains much of its rich original detailing including fireplaces, cornices, timber floors, skirtings, light switch plates and timber doors. The front rooms also feature fine art nouveau ceilings.

History

Midland has been occupied by settlers since 1832. However, little development occurred until 1886, when the Midland Railway Company commenced operations. In 1891 the township of Midland Junction was established, after private land was subdivided and put up for sale by James Morrison. Between 1895 and 1897, the population of Midland Junction doubled, and by 1901 the population neared 1800. By 1905, the Railway Workshops were fully operational, and the Midland region could boast the Government Central Engine Depot, local brickworks and Hoskins Foundry, to manufacture steel pipes for the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. Following the new industrial expansion, building of commercial premises increased substantially. It also resulted in an increase in the population and subsequent construction of housing and public amenities. The subject place was not built as a response to this expansion. Rather according to the Wise Post Office Directories it was built much later circa 1933. In 1933, Morrison Road was called Boundary Road and No.55 was known as No. 96. From 1933 to 1949, when the Directories cease, Mr George Comber is listed as the occupant.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Creation Date

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