HOUSE, 26 HOWARD STREET

Statement of Significance

House 26 Howard Street is a single storey (originally; with second storey addition), limestone and iron house dating from the 1890s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is a simple example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

26 Howard Street is a single storey (originally; with second storey addition) limestone and iron house designed in the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. Walls are limestone to the front elevation and rendered masonry to the other walls. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. There is a projecting front room with a timber casement window and a front door and adjacent window under the verandah. The verandah has a corrugated iron roof supported by square timber posts. There is a limestone and metal wall to the front boundary line.

History

26 Howard Street was formerly 8 Howard Street; the numbering changing in 1935/36.
This house was one of two that were constructed on the lot for the owner Robert Howson. The rates books for this period do not distinguish which house was first constructed although it could be surmised that this house, the smaller of the two, was constructed in 1893. Further research of the rates books and certificates of title may determine the exact date of construction. Howson was a shipbuilder and was contracted by J and W Bateman to build luggers for the north west. In 1893 the house was occupied either by James Doig, a builder or John Locke, a mason. James Doig was a master builder who had arrived in WA in 1886. The family became closely associated with the Fremantle area and were prominent in the local football clubs.
In 1896 the house was occupied by Mrs Isabella Wray, a widow.
Later owners included; E. C. Maurman, Agnes Doig, Francesco Vinci, E and P Romagnola; and E J and J A Hobson.
The 1908 sewerage plan of the site shows this brick house as an asymmetrical design with a verandah across portion of the front façade. A small timber addition is evident at the rear of the building and a water tank is located adjacent to the back of the building. In the back yard is a brick closet and a small timer structure. A stone wall defines the front boundary of the property and has returns that join to the front of the building. The wall is broken in the centre to allow access to the house.
In 1965, the timber addition at the back was replaced with a brick construction. In 1969, renovations were undertaken including new roofing, ceilings, windows and the demolition of the brick dado to the verandah.
In 1992, the house was substantially unchanged since that last renovation.
Prior to 2002 the house was substantially extended and renovated including the addition of a second storey.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining but with some alterations.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.