Cora Lynn

Statement of Significance

Cora Lynn has aesthetic value as it exhibits the characteristics of a fine Federation Queen Anne style residence. It retains many fine details, including decorative lacework and brackets, and turned timber posts. It is located on a large landscaped block that dates from the early period of the area’s development and it positively contributes to the historic character of Guildford; and Cora Lynn is associated with well-known and influential agricultural journalist and educationist Mr William Catton Grasby, who lived in the house from 1908 until his death in 1930.

Physical Description

The subject place is located on a 1609 square metre lot along the eastern end of Turton Street, Guildford. The original grounds ran down to the Helena River to the east, however 1026 square metres of land fronting the river was compulsorily acquired by the Government. The single-storey brick and iron bungalow was built circa 1900 with a 3-metre setback to its front Turton Street boundary. The façade has been painted, however; originally it would have been tuck-pointed brick. The dwelling has full-length timber sash windows and a front door with leadlight side and fanlights. In the fanlight the name of the place ‘Cora Lynn’ is displayed in leadlights. The skillion verandah, which wraps around three elevations features decorative lacework and brackets; and turned timber posts. To the rear of the property there is the carriage stable and two wells. The garden contains mature plantings many dating from Grasby’s ownership including: Mature oaks, Cherry Plums, Olive Trees, Grapevines, Wisteria and Illawarra Flame.

History

The subject place was built circa 1900 by builder Mr Richards A Dixon who resided at the place from this time until 1908. In 1908 Mr William Catton Grasby purchased the subject place along with his wife Hannah. Grasby, agricultural journalist and educationist, was born on 2 October 1859 at Balhannah, South Australia. On his parents mixed farm Grasby developed an interest in agriculture and horticulture. In 1881 he travelled to Europe. He then taught in state primary schools where he introduced libraries and nature museums, he also experimented with nature study, drawing and science. In 1889, Grasby studied educational innovation in North America, Britain and Europe and published his findings in the book Teaching in Three Continents. In 1904 he reported prophetically on agricultural and fruit-growing possibilities for the Western Australian government and was appointed agricultural editor of the Western Mail in 1905. He held this position until his retirement through ill health at the age of sixty-nine in 1928. He gained a huge following for his weekly advice column for farmers ‘Mutual Help’. With his friend Charles Harper, Grasby developed the first Western Australian wheat varieties: 'Gresley' and 'Wilfred'. The Grasby family remained at the house until William’s death in 1930 when the property was sold. Grasby died at his home and obituaries published in the Western Mail provide evidence of the esteem in which he was held: ‘no single individual has been the means of collection and disseminating information more useful knowledge on agricultural subjects in the state.’ When the Grasby family owned the place, the garden was terraced to the river. Poultry was kept on the first terrace whilst fruit trees and plantings were kept on the second. There was a stable, tool-shed and carriage house along the northern boundary. Grasby carried out some wheat trials on the northern side of the property. After Grasby’s death there was a number of occupants of the house including Hugh McKnight, Mrs Watts and Jerry Northey.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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