House, 50 Watson Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a good late example of the Federation style.
• This place has historic value for its association with the development of Bassendean in the 1910s.
• The place has social value as a demonstration of the scale of family home of the early 20th century.

Physical Description

A single storey timber framed and weatherboard cottage with a replacement false tile hipped roof. The roof continues down to form the verandah canopy. The symmetrical façade includes 1-over-1 sash windows.

History

This portion of Bassendean was subdivided for residential development c1905 when developer, Wesley Maley purchased a large parcel of land bordering the river. The names of roads in this subdivision known as ‘Riverside’, reflected Wesley Maley’s enthusiasm for the prize rams he purchased for his Katanning pastoral property, Moojebing. Maley purchased a flock of rams from South Australian politician, J.H. Angus. Several of the rams were named in honour of Australian prime ministers and consequently the names Watson, Deakin, Barton, Fisher and Reid were applied to the roads in this subdivision. From the available information this residence was built c1912 and the first occupant was labourer, John
Honner (c1873-1949) and his wife Elizabeth Mary, née Daly (c1888-1974). The couple raised five children at the house before relocating in the mid-1930s. Elizabeth also worked as a dressmaker from the family home. Aerial photographs indicate that the house had a simple square plan form until the early 1980s and a corrugated iron roof. The block was subdivided in c2003 and a new residence built on the rear portion of the block. The original house was added to on the northern or rear elevation which has subsequently been added to and modified.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate
Moderate

Condition

Good

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.