House

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
• For its aesthetic value as a representative example of a well designed Federation era weatherboard cottage.
• For its historic value as a demonstration of the period in which Subiaco underwent rapid development in the early 20th century.
• For its aesthetic contribution to a largely intact Hensman Road streetscape of early twentieth century houses.

Physical Description

140 Hensman Road is a single storey timber weatherboard residence with a corrugated steel hip roof displaying characteristics of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The residence has a symmetrical form with a central ridge gablet and a corbelled face brick chimney. There is a corrugated steel bullnose verandah that extends along the front façade. The verandah is supported by timber posts with corner brackets. The place is enclosed by a painted timber picket fence that is approximately 1800mm high with a central gate. The place is obscured by dense vegetation and a mature verge tree. The place is serviced by a rear laneway.

History

The east side of Hensman Road between Heytesbury and Nicholson Roads appears to have been one of the last areas in West Subiaco to be subdivided for residential lots. A c.1903 plan shows no structures on Hensman Road between Heytesbury and Nicholson Roads, including at 132 Hensman Rd. The Post Office Directories in 1901 showed no residents of Hensman Road in this area. By 1905, there were 27 residents listed in the street, of whom three were in the block between Heytesbury and Nicholson Roads. In 1910, the number of houses remained at around 27, increasing to around 42 in 1915 and around 51 in 1925.

140 Hensman Road was first listed in the Post Office Directories in 1914, at which time it was occupied by Harry Edward Hewitt (carpenter). He remained here until c.1916.
The next occupants were the Grocke family. Online information suggests that Albert Julius (‘Jim’) Grocke (c.1884-1954) (cooper) and Margaret Ellen Dwyer (c.1888-1963) were married in Subiaco in c.1912 and that this couple had at least 3 children:
Marjorie Anne (1913); Richard James (‘Jim’) (born 1917) and John Alfred (‘Jack’) (1923).3 The Grocke sons appear to have all followed their father into the barrel trade. In 1943, Richard James Grocke, cooper, appears on the electoral roll at 140 Hensman Street, along with Albert and Margaret. By 1949, Richard had moved away but John Alfred Grocke, cooper’s apprentice, lived at the house, along with Verna Joyce Grocke, home duties, Albert and Margaret. Verna (nee Connery) had married John Alfred Grocke in 1947. Albert Julius Grocke died in 1954, aged 70. At the time of his death, it was stated that Albert was formerly the Foreman Copper at the Swan Brewery. Margaret continued to live at 140 Hensman Road, along with Verna. After Margaret died in 1961, aged 80, Verna and John moved away from Hensman Road. No Grockes are subsequently recorded at the address.

A sewerage plan from 1927 shows a timber residence with front verandah across full width, which matches the extant building in 2021. The house was extended to the rear in the latter 1990s.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High
Authenticity - High

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in a good condition.

Uses

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.