Packing Shed

Statement of Significance

The packing shed on Roe Street is significant as a vernacular stone building, important as a now rare local example of a stone packing shed, for its contribution to the commercial fruit industry of the district and as a workplace. Aesthetic Value The packing shed has moderate aesthetic value as a stone cottage on the southern streetscape of Roe Street, where remnants of fruit orchards can still been seen on several surrounding lots, hinting at its past contribution to the fruit industry of the district Historical Value A visual reminder of the successful fruit industry in Bridgetown from the 1880’s til the 1970’s. Research Value This packing shed is of low research value, as it’s conversion to a home has changed much of the fabric, and the sorting and packing machinery long gone. It’s rarity as a stone construction, purpose built as a packing shed creates some research value. Social Value Socially significant as a seasonal place of employment in the early years of Bridgetown.

Physical Description

This stone and timber building has undergone some external alterations including the replacement of the roof in Zincalume and the addition of aluminium windows, jarrah windows and hardwood French doors. As the building was originally an open workspace, internal walls have been added in the process of conversion to a house. A stone wall has been constructed at the front of the property in keeping with the existing stonework of the cottage. Part of the original orchard remains and still produces fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches and several varieties of plums and apples. There are also original Poplar trees on the property and the old ‘dunny’ still stands in the back garden.

History

Remnant of the early bustling fruit industry of Bridgetown. In particular, apples were grown in large quantities in the Bridgetown district, and exported around Australia and to England and Germany. The following information from the Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation for the Paterson & Co Fruit Packing Shed Complex provides some historical context for small packing sheds such as this: From 1898 a “daily rail service provided reliable and rapid transport to market, which was necessary for the development of the fruit and dairy industries in the district …… The acreage planted to apples [rose] steadily ….. and the importance of the Bridgetown area to apple production was reflected in the rail cartage figures from the town, which increased from 9,702 cases in 1903 to 26,568 cases in 1907. ….. Each orchardist initially packed his own fruit, and occasionally several neighbouring orchardists packed together to cut costs. ….. In 1914, a central packing shed was established at Bridgetown by the Bridgetown Fruitgrowers Association” but private packing sheds appear to have continued to have been used through to the 1930’s at least. Presumably, the packing shed was built of stone as it was readily available and more importantly for its thermal qualities in helping to keep the building cool in the warmer months. The local orchard industry suffered a heavy blow in 1993 as codling moth infestations caused a massive Government encouraged “Tree Pull". It is likely the packing shed was converted to a habitable space in the 1990’s, with an oven added and laundry created in October 2005.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low Integrity: The integrity of the building has been compromised due to its conversion / use as a residence, however the building has also been restored to very good condition for this reason. Medium Authenticity: A number of modifications and additions were required in order to convert the building to a residence, hence this has lowered the authenticity of the building. However, as viewed from the street, the place retains the major early elements of the form of the building.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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