Crockenberg's House

Statement of Significance

Crockenberg's House is a representative fibro, weatherboard and iron residence demonstrating the simple construction of the post-war utility style.
Crockenberg's House is associated with Ted Crockenberg, a significant figure in post-war North Dandalup.

Physical Description

Fibro, weatherboard and corrugated iron residence.

History

Frederick Herbert ('Ted') (d. 1970) Crockenberg and his wife Edith May ('Nell') (nee Nelson) (d. 1985) bought the vacant lot in 1948.
Ted was third generation mill-worker, with his father and grandfather originally working at Banksiadale, and Ted for a time at Whittaker's Mill. During WWII, Ted ran the North Dandalup 'Alien's Camp' (where low risk Italians and Germans were sent after being processed at the Dwellingup POW camp).
Nell worked as a nurse in Dwellingup. Ted would bring sick internees to the Dwellingup hospital, and while there, met his future wife.
It is thought by some members of the Crockenberg family that a portion of the house was relocated from Whittaker's, although it is uncertain if this was the home the family inhabited at the Mill. In any event, Corckenberg House took three years to complete as building materials were in short supply post-war.
The house/property itself was used for many commercial interests. From 1952, a car showroom ran from a large shed to the rear of the house. Ted sold new cars (Austin and Chrysler). Around 1957, Ted expanded and started a mechanical workshop, employing three different mechanics over the years until the workshop closed in 1969, prior to Ted's death in 1970. The property also acted as a transport depot, Ted carted wood, deliveries and agricultural products. Ted was also a 'Starting Price Bookmaker' or 'SP Bookie', an illicit bookmaker. He mainly operated from under the large tree outside of the North Dandalup Hotel (now Stud Country Tavern). He was arrested several times, and eventually ran the operation from his home.
Ted ran for State Government, running for the seat of Murray as a Labour candidate during the 1960's. However, the seat was conservative, and he was unsuccessful.
His daughter Cheryl Davenport, followed her father into politics, and was elected into the Upper House as the Labour member for the South Metropolitan electorate (1989-2001).
After Nell's death in 1985, her son Malcolm Crockenberg took over the property and re-opened the workshop, operating an auto mechanics until 1991.
The property was subdivided in 1991, with the house and main workshop remaining on one title. The current landowners, the Kunzels have owned the property since 1993.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

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