Doctor's Surgery

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

This small asbestos and timber building is situated in Museum Park It has a gabled parapet and the facade has an entry on one side, balanced by a window on the other side.

History

This building began as a general store built by the Daw family at Kundip. In 1929 it was moved to Red Lake. When the business was transferred to Norseman the little building was transported to Esperance in the late 1940s and located in Andrew Street where it was used by the Fraser's for real estate. taxation and accounting businesses. In 1966-67 the building was used as a doctor's surgery by Dr Tom Burcher who provided a second service to the town's only doctor. Dr J Fenwick After he left the town in the 1970s the building became disused and was eventually moved to Museum Park in 1973.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Most

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Elston's Bazaar and Stationery Shop

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

This compact store. made of timber. fibreboard and corrugated iron. is situated in Museum Park adjacent to the Doctor's Surgery. The facade has a gabled parapet and a large glazed window with a doorway to one side.

History

This building was situated opposite the Post and Telegraph Office and was originally occupied by Elston, a photographer who left a legacy of early photographs 1896-I 898 when he moved to Ravensthorpe. Later the shop became a general store. stationery store. bicycle agency and chemist. The shop has had a number of owners since 1896. For a number of years it was used by successive chemists. The chemist shops were taken over by Kieraths in 1970. In 1978 the shop was moved to Museum Park where it operates as a craft shop.

Condition

Good

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Esperance Court House (fmr)

Uses

Creation Date

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Esperance Municipal Offices (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

This important building has been preserved from the early settlement, by way of being placed in Museum Park. Built as Municipal Chambers it was later used as a Court House. Dr Black used the building as Resident Magistrate. Although called the Courthouse, this was actually its second use as a public building. The building is an example of the use of available materials. Pine may have been imported from Tasmauia as local timbers at that time were not used e.g hardwoods. Early buildings using pine have been lost due to white ants. It is significant that this one has survived.

Physical Description

This is a small square building with the entry through a passageway. It consists of two rooms and is lined with dark stained pine. The sash windows have white china knob fittings. The door and locks are original.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: All- except chimney which was not built in the old style

Condition

Very Good

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Headmaster's House

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building is a good example of 1930s domestic architecture. It was necessary to have a resident Headmaster's House, as the position changed rapidly.

Physical Description

This is a small four roomed house, with an asbestos roof, and a wooden board exterior. It still retains some original windows of the period. It was originally on the corner of Hicks and Dempster Streets. It has been transported twice from its original site, the first move to James/Dempster Streets when purchased by the Esperance Shire 1963-1976. It was later moved to the Museum Village in 1983. It probably had a tin roof in the 1930s. Asbestos was used more in the 1960s so when the building was moved, an asbestos roof replaced the tin roof.

History

Five principals were housed there - Rintoul, Bainbridge, Kidby, Eastwood and Jecks. (Jecks was the last headmaster to occupy the house). It was later used for Shire employees eg Clerk. Health Surveyors. In 1983 the Shire gave the house to Museum Park.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Basic shape retained, but entrance has ramp and is used for commercial purposes eg. kitchen (one of the rooms). Modifications; Internal doors removed. Front door, small panels of glass (pattern).

Condition

Good

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Matron's House

Parent Place or Precinct

05037 Wellard Hospital Buildings

Uses

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

05037 Wellard Hospital Buildings

Physical Description

Is a neat, small building, with wooden boards for walIs. Inside it is panelled with more modem material of the 1950s but the windows, doors and fittings remain of the 1920s period.

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Old Methodist Church

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building is significant as the only remaining early church in Esperance,

Physical Description

The church was built on Lot 80 Dempster Street in 1895 at a cost of £93.17.09. The building measured 40' x 20' with a 20' x 12' vestry with a 6' x 6' entry. The walls were 4 x 2 timber framed walls clad with corrugated iron. The timber trussed roof was covered with corrugated iron. The floor was constructed with 6" tongue and groove pine. The walls were lined with plasterboard with a 5' jarrah liningboard dado. The ceiling was lined with plasterboard In 1933 extensions were added - a small porch and a room with kitchen facilities. The church was moved three times before being placed in the Museum Park in 1979.

History

Built in 1895 for the Methodists of the day, the church was locatcd in Dempster Street. During the next 80 years the church was to have an unsettled history, It withstood three shifts to new sites, and the battle against isolation and problems of finance, For the greater part of its history, the Methodist Church was administered from Norseman and relied on missionaries from 128 miles away_ Owing to a dispute over ownership of Lot 80 the church was moved to Lot 148/49 in Dempster Streel, There was a plan to dismantle the church and move it to Ravensthorpe. but due to resistance from some Methodists the dismantling scheme was abandoned. In the 1920s the building was moved further along Dempster Street, opposite the railway yards. It was extended in 1933 when a porch and room with kitchen facilities were added. On this site the building served as the Methodist Church until 1970 when a new church was built. In 1979 it was moved into the Museum Park.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: In good presentation Modifications: Additions of porch 1933, and back room with kitchen facilities.

Condition

Good

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Salmon Gums Primary School;

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

It stands as an example of a smal1 rural school building used from 1916 until 1972. Although this building docs not boast charm. it has 'character'. It is an example of 'recycling' buildings by relocating them.

Physical Description

The building is rectangular. with an ante-room to one side. It has a pitched roof with sky light and a verandah all round. The open fire place is now enclosed with fibro sheeting.

History

The building was the first school in Salmon Gums. It served the community and district from 1928-1972 when a new school was built. The 'old' building was saved by Mr Bert Northam. the Headmaster, and relocated to Museum Park.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Extensive repairs and renovating took place in 1949. Modifications: Plumbing and lighting

Condition

Poor- according tot he present occupants

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Sinclair House

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

This is a small 'tin' house. showing the simplicity of living style in the early part of this century. It is currently used as a tourist and commercial outlet and forms part of the Museum Park complex.

Physical Description

This building is a portion of an 8-roomed house purchased from Hughes by Frank Dunn. It was at one time owned by Gibson and was located on Lot 1. E Loc 4 or No 3 William St. In 1923 Frank Dunn sold 4 rooms to Laurie Sinclair. who transported them by jinker to a site on the east side of Dempster Street. adjacent to the present Retravision Store. There they became the basis of the home of the Sinclair family and the late Roy and Ethel Jones (nee Sinclair). The ceiling material consisted of a thin coloured linoleum type face with hessian backing. Apparently it was available by the roll and was often used. The timber frame was stringy bark with the studs mortised into the top and bottom plates. This suggests that the frames were shipped in pre-fabricated form. The house rested on paperbark stumps. The corrugated iron cladding was used horizontally. The house was built in its present form in 1920. A kitchen/bathroom and extra bedroom were added. The interior is lined with pine panels. The house is currently situated in the Museum Park in Dempster Street.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: All

Condition

Very Good

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Railway Water Supply

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

Dam: The dam is located at the foot of bare granite rock on Dempster Head. A silt trap is situated at the foot of the rock. Steel gates prevent the entry of large debris. A large overflow drain lead down the hill past Dempsters' Lime Kiln to the camping ground now Port Authority Park. The catchment is contoured and constructed of slabs of granite cemented together and to the rock. A system of buttresses provided additional strength. The area was fenced to exclude wandering stock.

History

This railway dam, completed in 1922, was to service steam trains during the construction and operation of the Esperance Salmon Gums Railway. Members of such families as Doust. Dunn. Eggling. McCarthY, Stowe and Sinclair were employed on the project. The dam was used by the railways until the late 1950s when diesel locos were introduced. Leakage was a continual problem. A tar like substance (Flintcote) was used to fill cracks but to no avail. When the pipeline to the railway station was pulled up. a major source of leakage was revealed - an illegal connection opposite what is now the service station comer of Andrew and Dempster Street. Some illegal swimming took place but the sea was more inviting.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: 90%

Condition

Good

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Esperance Police Station, Quarters & Courthouse

Uses

Creation Date

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Bijou Theatre

Condition

Bijou Theatre is generally in good condition. The original building and later additions appear to have been well constructed and well maintained. A section of ceiling has fallen down in the back stage area, possibly caused by water damage. The ceiling and roof coverings in this area require attention to prevent further collapse and water entering the building. In addition the sub floor structure in the theatre space requires attention due to reported sagging of the floor.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

The Bijou Theatre was built over a period of only 31 days. The size of the original building was 93 ft x 32 ft, height 22 ft, auditorium 55 ft x 32 ft with stage 17 ft x 30 ft. The floor was pine. Two backdrop scenes were painted by H Gough, one of West Beach and the "Grace Darling" entering the harbour and the other scene of a drawing room. Patrons were seated on wooden stools and chairs. Illumination was by six large kerosene lamps. Today the Bijou retains the original facade but it now bas raked seating, consisting of 160 padded fold up seats. A rear balcony accommodates stage lighting and sound operations. A bar/kiosk bar been built inside the small entrance foyer. Steps either side lead up to the auditorium.

History

The theatre was the main source of entertainment for the people of Esperance for more than 30 years after construction. It was erected by E J McCarthy & Co for the Adelaide and Esperance Land Company and opened by Mayor Thomas Edwards. The first Esperance Show was held in the Bijou in 1897. Prior to this building becoming the centre of entertainment gatherings were held in a local warehouse. From the beginning the venue hosted balls. concerts. variety shows. meetings. plays. flower shows. court sessions. etc. The building was the headquarters of the RAOB (Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffalos Lodge) for some years. Films were shown for many years up to the late I 960s. The Esperance Repertory Club started in 1965 and bought the theatre from the RAOB Lodge. The group later become the Esperance Theatre Guild and to date still maintains the building's tradition as a prominent entertainment venue.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Roof and walls. Modifications: Raked seating, bar/kiosk, dressing rooms, kitchen and toilets installed by Esperance Theatre guild.

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Bay View

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historical significance for it's association with Captain Fred Douglas, who was known for rescuing 450 survivors of a shipwreck and for it's later uses as an aboriginal mission. The place has aesthetic significance for "city house" design. It has

Physical Description

This two-storeyed stone building has large wooden verandah balconies on both sides. The bay windows were brought from England. The style of the building is very English in that it is more like a city house in Melbourne and less likely to be found in a Western Australian country town. The stone for the house was cut by Captain Fred Douglas (first owner) and his brother Jim. To the rear of the house are old boarding rooms which are not in keeping with the rest of the house.

History

The first owner. Captain Fred Douglas. put up a flagpole made from the mast of the Schooner 'Agnes' of which he had been part owner before it ran aground at Bremer Bay in 1892. It was carrying poles for the telegraph line. Captain Douglas is known for rescuing 450 survivors from the Rodondo. In the garden he grew fruit trees and there was an underground well for vegetables. There was a large mulberry tree. The property was sold several times. Among the owners were Giles. Bow 1931. Jenkins 1932-36. McMahons. McGinns (Mrs McGinns father was Mr F J Daw). Elliott. and then it was used as a mission for Aboriginal girls (the old boarding rooms are still at the rear). It is now a private residence once more.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Most

Condition

Very Good

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Dempster Homestead (fmr), Esperance

Condition

The condition of the house is generally good due to resorations undertaken since the 1960s.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Architecturally very simple: effective and attractive use of local available materials. Built by the Dempster brothers, the pioneers of the area, it is the first building in Esperance and is therefore unique.

Physical Description

Stone walls and iron roof

History

Built approx 1864 Architect/builder not known. Built under the direction of the Dempster Brothers, presumably by their workmen. Original building of the first Esperance settlement.

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Physical Description

The former Dempster Homestead is a plain and unpretentious building which effectively used local materials. It is constructed of white limestone of random size rocks, with a plaster mix of seashells now blended together. The roof may have been shingle until iron became available. Yate tree saplings were used for roof timbers. A verandah was added later the roof of which has since been modified.

History

The Dempster homestead is on the site of Andrew Dempster's 1867 lease of 100,000 acres at Esperance Bay. In 1870 John and Alexander Forrest surveyed a 40 acre homestead site for Andrew Dempster. A small, wattle and daub house (no windows) preceded the present house. The Dempster Homestead is said to be the first building in Esperance built by pioneers of the area. It is an excellent example of a homestead of this period, using locally available building materials. It was lived in by the manager. Mr G Bostock and his wife from 1879-1898. A room was allowed to be used as a school room for children (about 6 in all). The Dempster children were sent to Adelaide. The Dempsters sold out in 1909 after the death of Andrew. William wanted the house but there was a family dispute. It was at one time a holiday centre. It lost its dignity until it was bought and restored by the Wordsworths.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Exterior Intact Modifications: Change in the end of the verandah.

Condition

Very Good

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Convent (fmr)

Condition

Ellen Gude, Shire of Esperance, advised: "replaced by a new building approved some time before I came here. I have asked previous building surveyors if they know what happened to it but so far no luck."

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

This is a double storey, timber framed building. It bas a steep pitched roof with a dormer window facing the front of the building. The roof is corrugated iron. The lower part of the walls are timber boards, while the upper part is fibreboard.

History

The building may have originally been used as a convent on the goldfields, possibly at Mount Margaret Mission. It was transported to Esperance in the 1940s and was used as a residence by the supervisor of the Mount Margaret Mission, Mr Schenk. At times children from the mission spent their holidays with his family. In the 1960s a Roman Catholic priest, Fr Kevin Glover acquired the residence for supervisors of a Seafarers' Centre. For a short time, until finance for a recreation hall for the seamen could be obtained, the supervisors probably entertained the seamen in their home. In 1971, with finance from the Lotteries Commission, community fund raising and working bees, the recreation ball was completed and the facility was then apparently named the Esperance Centre for Seamen. Although many people regard the house as the Seamens' Centre, it was always a private residence. The Seafarer's Centre was the hall at the rear.

Condition

Good

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Esperance Customs & Goods Shed (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

00824 Esperance Railway Precinct

Statement of Significance

The former railway goods shed, which now operates at the Esperance Museum, is important as a reminder of the history of Esperance as the port and town.

Physical Description

Railway Goods Shed (fmr), Esperance is a single-storey, timber framed and corrugated galvanised iron clad building, comprising four gabled pavilions, set within landscaped parklands.

History

The goods shed was construted in 1895 as a bonded store and goods shed. It was enlarged in 1896, 1902 and 1980s. The shed was linked by rail to the town jetty, where goods were imported and exported, and also inland to the goldfields.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The combined buildings remain today as one of the very few original tnrn of the century buildings remaining in Esperance and reflect greatly the architecture of the period. Many old local residents. who patronised the goods shed/ticket office during the days of steam and diesel train travel wish to sec this fond memory perpetuated.

Physical Description

The place is a single storey, double volume, timber framed and CGI clad building. It comprises four gabled pavilions each adjoining the other and within these take the form of open span bays. Three of the original bays are not separated by walls. The building has been added on to at various stages. Associated with the building are railway tracks and platforms on the south-east side, and track along the north-west frontage. There is a recent (c. 2000) extension to the north-east.

History

When gold was discovered in various goldfields towns between 18n and 189~ many ships from the Eastern States and overseas began to call at the port. bringing thousands of goldseekers making their way north. As more people began to settle permanently in Esperance some public buildings were urgently required, including a Jetty and Bond Store in 1895. The goods shed commenced in 1896 and eventually enveloped the bonded store. A B Wright's tender of D.259.9.0 was accepted in July 1896 (for extensions).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Very Much Modifications: Asbestos roof; undercover display area extension.

Condition

Good

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Esperance Railway Precinct

Child Places

• 24432 Station Master's Office/ Railway Ticket Office
• 23840 Railway Waiting Room
• 00830 Esperance Customs & Goods Shed (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Esperance Railway Precinct is an important reminder of the history of Esperance as a port and town.

Physical Description

Esperance Railway Precinct is a group of railway and port related structures which includes: the Bonded Store and Goods Shed built in 1895 (enlarged in 1896, c.1902 and 1980s); Station Building (1926); relocated timber and iron Waiting Room (c.1946); six-ton fixed crane; mobile crane; and railway tracks, in a landscaped parkland.

History

The Esperance Railway Precinct was established during the early twentieth century to enable th town, and many neighbouring agricultural and mining regions, to important and export goods, and to transport people.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Railway Waiting Room

Parent Place or Precinct

00824 Esperance Railway Precinct

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

This building has a place in the history of Esperance in that it played a vital part in providing shelter for rail passengers. The structure. although basic. has an appeal and charm. It is well suited to its site, next to the Station Master's Office. It provided a community facility and travellers in transit had some basic comfort. The railway was significant when it finally linked the goldfields to Esperance. for trade and for holiday makers.

Physical Description

This small rectangular one-roomed structure has no door fitted or glass in the windows. The roof overhangs the eaves in the front Decorative scalloped timber work is evident on each end of the eaves. It is located adjacent to the Station Master's Office (now Jerrabulla Aboriginal Art and Craft Shop) and a short distance from the Museum. The rounded roof and overhang of the front eaves gives this building charm and appeal.

Condition

Fair

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Station Master's Office/ Railway Ticket Office

Parent Place or Precinct

00824 Esperance Railway Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building was the Station Master's Office and booking office for rail passengers, thus linking the town with the goldfields. Aesthetically the building is one of significance due to its Slyle of architecture. It has social heritage value, being linked to how people and goods were moved. This building has character and appeal.

Physical Description

The building is situated on Dempster Street and adjacent to the museum and park. It features a pitched roof with wide overhanging eaves on all sides. The original copper grill ticket window is intact. The ticket window features sill scotia. There is an open fireplace and timber mantlepiece.

Condition

Very Good

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Esperance RSL Building, Norfolk Island Pine Trees and War Memorial

Child Places

• 00825 R.S.L. Building / RSL Headquarters
• 05054 Norfolk Pine Trees

Physical Description

Comprises a single storey building of granite construction with an iron roof in the Federation Arts and Crafts style, Norfolk Island Pines (Araucaria hetrophylla), and an obelisk style War Memorial of stone and masonry construction.

History

The RSL building was the first purpose built school at Esperance (1896) and then served as Roads Board Offices/ Municipal Chambers from 1897 to 1966, and library from 1966 to 1970; Norfolk Island Pines were planted in 1896-97; the War Memorial was erected c.1922 and relocated to a different site within the same reserve in 1974.

Condition

Esperance RSL Building is generally in good condition. The building has been well maintained and retains a large number of original features. There is some cracking evident within the external granite walls and the external joinery requires maintenance; however, these items could be readily addressed with an ongoing programme of repair works. Esperance War Memorial is in good condition and is well maintained.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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