House

Statement of Significance

The place is one of the remaining buildings from the period in which North Toodyay was
established and is therefore one of the oldest buildings in the area.
The place is associated with Jonathan Somers and early industry that helped to establish the
district.
Together with the adjacent property at no. 4 Jubilee Street, there are a number of
proeprties that form a historic precinct of buildings constructed when the area was settled.

Physical Description

The cottage is of simple symmetrical design of rendered brick and iron. The verandah on the
northern side appears to be a later construction although the verandah on the elevation
facing Jubilee Street is likely to be original. The foundations evident under the verandah are
of random stone cosntruction with some sections of brick. Later additions of brick on the
northern elevation are in poor condition. The original brickwork is rendered to imitate a stone finish with patches and staining on the southern elevation. The casement and sash
windows are timber framed and appear to be original.
The cottage is located on a large lot which has some specimens of mature trees and shrubs
although the lot is predominantly unkempt grass. Some of the remaining plantings are
reminiscent of a formal planting with some large specimens of succulents located on the
rear property boundary. At the rear of the lots is an assortment of timber and tin
outbuildings. A large shed of recent construction is in the SE corner of the lot and the
discarded machinery parts lie adjacent to the shed.
The boundary of the lot is marked by overgrown hedges and rundown wire and timber
fencing.
The adajcent cottage at 4 Jubilee Street appears to be of a similar age and the two buildings
demonstrate the earliest type of cottages in the area.

History

n 1890, Kingston and Best established a sawmill and coach building works in North
Newcastle (Toodyay) which was the town's second manufacturing industry after Hasell's
brickworks. Jonathan Somers who had moved to the area from NSW in 1890 worked for the
firm for a year and then bought the business. He built his home (2 Jubilee Street) adjacent to
the mill. Somers married Catherin Drummond Thomas in 1891 and they had nine children.
The extended Somers family have made a significant contribution to the Toodyay
Community since the early 20th century and the family is still associated with 2 Jubilee street.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: High

Condition

Poor

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.