HOUSE, 97 WRAY AVENUE

Statement of Significance

House, 97 Wray Avenue, is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey house dating from 1915/16. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 97 Wray Avenue is a single storey, weatherboard and iron house with an asymmetrical facade designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are painted timber weatherboards with an ashlar effect. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with corrugated iron. The facade has a projecting room with a gable above and double hung windows. The verandah has a separate corrugated iron roof and is supported by square timber posts with a timber balustrade and decorative timber elements. There is a timber picket fence to the front boundary.

History

Wray Avenue was originally Hampton Street. The named was changed to avoid confusion with the intersecting Hampton Road. It became Alexander Road, after Laurence Alexander, Mayor 1901-1902, and a representative of Falk & Co. The street name was again changed to avoid confusion with Alexandra Road in East Fremantle, and became Wray Avenue in 1923. It was named for William E Wray, at one time with the Education Dept as Truant Inspector, and a resident of the street. He was on the Fremantle Tramways Board and Mayor of Fremantle, 1914-1918.
This property was formerly numbered 189; renumbering occurred in 1934/36.
This house was built in 1915/16 at a cost of £300 for the owner Fanny Elizabeth Powell and was occupied by Edwin J Powell. The adjacent block which subsequently was numbered 95 Wray Avenue had a garage constructed on it in 1928/29 and was also owned by Fanny Powell. The two lots were commonly owned or closely associated until approximately 2000. Edwin Powell was well known in the area as a contractor and builder.
Fanny and Edwin Powell owned and occupied the house and garage until approximately 1947. The house was then transferred to Francis G Coleman who owned and occupied the house until 1964/68. At that time the garage was owned by George Ross Aley and he took over the ownership of the house. The house was occupied by John Gawned in 1964/68.
The firms Aley and Powell were builders and later Aley and Richardson were joinery manufacturers. The garage or workshop was used as a timber mill and joinery for many years.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Purple: "Of architectural and historic significance in its own right") A photograph of the house at that time shows that the house was in relatively good condition with the front verandah partially enclosed with asbestos sheeting. The timber and iron roof were in good condition and the garden was well maintained.
In 1980, the house was owned and occupied by James Richardson. Richardson continued to occupy the place until 1999 although the owner changed to Retainer Pty Ltd.
In 2000, the land on which this house was located was subdivided separating it from the former workshop. It appears that prior to the subdivision the house was not used as a residence but was an extension of the business adjacent. At this time asbestos cladding which had been fixed to the exterior of the house was removed to reveal the original timber weatherboards in relatively good condition.
By 2003, the house had been renovated although not extended. The original verandah had been reinstated.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(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.