House

Statement of Significance

The place at 74 Vancouver Street has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that emerged from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia. The place is associated with George and Elizabeth (nee Hynus) Moir, the original owners and early settlers to Albany whose family members were well-known business and local government identities as well as successful in farming. The place is indicative of the late nineteenth century practice of farmers purchasing town lots for investment or retirement. It is one of a group of houses/buildings in the historically important Vancouver Street that have heritage value both individually and as part of a streetscape.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Rendered and painted brick construction • Symmetrical façade with timber and glass door centrally located and single double hung timber sash windows on either side of door • Verandah under broken backed roof across front elevation and down one side of house • Timber verandah posts, balustrading and decking Some obvious modifications include: • Modified front verandah – now separate skillion (formerly extension of main roof) with a central gable in the front and side (east) elevation • Roof converted to half hipped gable with central gable facing Vancouver St and clad in colorbond (was CGI) • New solid front door • Extensions at the rear • External colour scheme

History

The place at 74 Vancouver Street was located on original Town Lot 249. The Rate Book entry for 1890 shows the owner as Robert Rennie but this was crossed out and the new owner listed as G C Moir. In 1891 the Rate Book has G Moir is still listed as owner with the tenant J Mooney, general labourer. George Moir was born in Markinch, Fifeshire, Scotland. He came to Albany in 1852 with his three brothers – Alexander, Andrew and John – initially to work for Mr Cheyne. John and Alexander in particular became well-known merchants with businesses along Stirling Terrace. Both George and Alexander married sisters of Sidney Hymus the well-known chemist of Perth and Wagin, and had large families, George having 11 children. George and Elizabeth established the property Mongup in Borden. After retirement they lived in Frederick Street. George died in May 1916 aged 82. Elizabeth died in 1929. Like the other blocks along this section, the original block ran through to Grey Street. Most of the original houses appear to have faced Vancouver Street with the rear section of the blocks used for gardens, fruit trees, poultry, horses or even milking cows. Wells were also installed in most of the houses, and a well still exists in the yard of this house.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High/Moderate Authenticity: Moderate/Low

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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