Bakery & House

Statement of Significance

The house on lot 326 Clarendon St Derby is of social and historic significance to the history of the development of Derby representing the site of the bakery business run by the Ah Chee family for over fifty years from circa 1910-15 until the 1970s. The building that exists on the site today is significant as it contains the original two rooms and kitchen constructed by Mr Owen Ah Chee circa 1910-15. The site is significant for its associations with the Ah Chee family, prominent in the development of Derby.

Physical Description

Owen Ah Chee built a house on the Clarendon St property which comprised two rooms, an open kitchen at the rear and surrounding verandah which was enclosed with tin shutters. Adjoining the rear of the building was a bakery which baked bread which was sold from the front verandah. As the size of the family grew, the verandah was utilised for sleeping and a shop constructed adjacent to the house. The building was adapted and extended over time as new rooms were added and verandahs enclosed.
In 1973 the bakery at the rear of the premises and the shop were closed and in 1983 the bakery was demolished. Today the original two rooms and kitchen still form the nucleus of the house and although much of the cladding has been replaced, the framework is still original.

History

Lot 326 Clarendon St was purchased circa 1910-15 by Owen Ah Chee who first arrived in Darwin in 1892 from Hynum near the Hong Kong border.

Integrity/Authenticity

Intactness of Fabric: Framing of the tow original rooms is intact.
Alterations: Extensive

Condition

Not known

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.