Lady Campion Hostel (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Lady Campion Hostel, a single brick and tile residence designed in Californian Bungallw Style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons; * the place is closely associated with the Group Settlement scheme as it was the influx of these settlers to the area that necessitated the construction of such a Hostel and it has historical associations with the British Red Cross who provided the initial funding to establish a Bush Nursing Society in WA * the place has strong links with the Bush Nursing Society as it was this Society, through the auspices of the Bush Nursing Trust , who provided the necessary funding and infra-structure to construct the building. * the place has historical importance as it represents the modern approach towards childbirth whereby it was recognised that hospitals provided a safer environment for both mothers and new born babies * the place is considered to be rare as only five hostels of this type were constructed in Western Australia * The place contributes to the Busselton community's sense pf place through its role in the areas of health and welfare

Physical Description

Lady Campion Hostel is located in a residential area, close to the main commercial precinct of Busselton. The other buildings in the street are single story residences, The brick and iron building is single storey with verandahs to the front and sides. Stylistically it is best described as California Bungalow, although it displays only a few elements of this design style. The stretcher bond brickwork has been painted white. Two chimney stacks are visible above the line of the gable roof. The pebble dash stacks are surmounted by a simple brickwork pattern. The building is set back on the block, with a large expanse of lawn at the front and bushes on the eastern property boundary. A low post and chain rail visually separates the building from the footpath. A bitumen drive runs down the western side of the block providing access to a rear parking lot. The interior is divided into several rooms which open off a central corridor. These rooms are currently used as offices. The verandahs on the eastern side has been enclosed and this area is now used as office space. New rooms have been added across the rear of the building

History

Assessment: 2001 Construction: 1926 Alterations/Additions: 1980's Original Use: Hostel for pregnant women OVERVIEW Lady Campion Hostel was built be the Bush Nursing Society in 1926 to accommodate expectant mothers. Its location was chosen as it was close to Busselton Hospital. This particular hospital has now been demolished, however it was formerly situated along Adelaide St. The Hostel proved to be popular for expectant mothers although by 1937, it was noted that it was only being used occasionally and proposals were made to close the building. However, shortly after its closure was being considered, it became quite busy and permission was given to use it as a boarding house for tourists. Once WWII commenced, it became a popular venue with servicemen on rest and recreational leave. After the war, patronage again fell away and the Hostel was sold in 1947. The building was used for a short time as an Infant Health Centre until 1954. After the Infant Health Centre moved out, there is a gap in the history of the building util the 1980s when it was purchsed for use as private offices.

Integrity/Authenticity

Although the building has been altered to function as an office rather than as a hostel, the original layout has not been radically altered. The addition at the rear and the enclosure of the east verandah have not detracted from the building's appearance and, if desired, could be removed at a later date without damaging the original fabric. The building has a high degree of integrity.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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