House 42 Suburban Road

Statement of Significance

Residence, 42 Suburban Road, known as Collins Store, is a good example of Victorian Georgian architecture that has been extended and the store demolished. Its social and historical significance is considerable for the associations with George, an expiree convict, and Ellen Collins and the Collins Stores that they operated at the site. It is the only documented store east of the Avon River in the townsite of York, making a considerable contribution to the history and historical townscape of York.

Physical Description

The single storey residence is a brick construction detailed in reverse-tone Flemish bond brickwork. The simple hipped roof is separate from the hipped roof over the veranda that is supported by square timber posts. The symmetry of the architectural style is evident in the centre of the front façade where the front door is flanked by pairs of multi-paned casement windows. Beyond that symmetry, the Flemish bond (reverse tone) walls extend to the north and south. The south evidences as addition due to the veranda roof hipping back to the main symmetrical section. The north ad section has the veranda right to the end where it has been enclosed with stretcher bond brickwork.
The location of the store (demolished) is not known.

History

Originally owned by George and Eleanor (Ellen) Collins (nee Horton). George Collins was Irish (c.1821-1908), an expiree arriving in Colony in 1866, married Ellen (1860-1930) in 1883, with no children recorded. In 1874 Ellen is noted as a hairdresser, and in 1885, Storekeeper. Between 1876 and 1882 Collins employed 18 Ticket-of Leave men including 2 drovers between 1878 and 1880. Collins’ Stores sold “household furniture and goods of all descriptions bought and sold”. Mrs Collins was widowed in 1908. She likely continued the business some items in their newspaper advertisement in May 1910, included: bedroom suite, good cottage piano with folding keyboard, Governess’ Car, and cows near calving.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Moderate/High

Condition

Fair/Good

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.