DUPLEX, 26 GOLD STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 26 & 28 Gold Street, is a typical limestone, brick and iron single storey duplex pair dating from 1900. 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

26-28 Gold Street is a single storey, limestone, brick and iron duplex pair with a symmetrical facade built c 1900 and designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are limestone with brick quoins. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron with dividing wall visible through roof. The verandah has a separate bullnose corrugated iron roof and is supported by turned timber posts. The front doors are located adjacent each other with a double hung sash window to each side. There are two corbelled chimneys evident. There is a timber picket fence to the front boundary line.

History

Gold Street was gazetted as George Street on 2 September 1904. The land formed a part of a large block owned by Henry Briggs, then President of the Legislative Council. George (Gold) Street was constructed in 1905 at a cost of ₤250. By 1908, a public reserve had been earmarked at the intersection of Francisco Street and George Street. George Street was renamed Gold Street in circa 1921. The majority of the housing stock in the street dates from the late 1890s and early 1900s.
Duplex, 26 Gold Street was built by 1900 as a duplex pair with Duplex, 28 Gold Street. In that year, the duplexes were owned by Annie Vagg. Joseph Austin, a painter, lived at 26 Gold Street with one female and one other male, presumably his wife and son. Stephen Stokeld lived at 28 Gold Street. There were also two males and one female living in that house.
By 1904/05, ownership had passed to Edward Vagg. At that time, No. 26 was occupied by James Anderson, a labourer. There was no occupant listed for No. 28.
By 1912/13, the duplexes were owned by George Francis. House, 26 Gold Street was occupied by Herbert Stevens, while George Barrett lived at No. 28. The cottages were connected to the sewer in 1913.
A decade later, the duplexes were owned by Olive Marsh. Roy Greenslade lived in No. 26 and Cecil Jarvis in No. 28. Ms Marsh continued to own the duplexes until the early 1950s, and they continued to be rental properties during this time.
A Metropolitan Sewerage plan dated 1954 shows 26 and 28 Gold Street as a pair of attached brick cottages with full length front verandahs and a fence dividing the front yards. Both had galvanised iron additions to the rear, and separate weatherboard laundries.
In the mid-1950s, the duplexes were bought by Harold Greening, who moved into No. 28 while No. 26 was occupied by Norman Craig. By 1960, Mr Craig was the owner of the duplexes, but he soon sold No. 28 to Antonio Di Pardo. From this time, the two duplexes have had separate ownership. Carmelo Carnabui was the owner and occupier of Duplex, 26 Gold Street in the early 1960s. The place has had several owners since then.
This place was included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

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.