Phoebe Abbey's House

Condition

The place is in disrepair, but is capable of being conserved and adapted. The place is in fair condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

(refer below for expanded statement of significance) Phoebe Abbey’s House, a single storey stone and iron building constructed in vernacular style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • It is a rare example of an 1860s building which has survived in the town of Busselton; • It is an example of the expertise of early builders in the Swan River colony and the Busselton district; • It is associated with Christopher Weetman, an early master builder and the Abbey family, one of the early pioneering families in the district; • The building demonstrates physically the extent of the Busselton townsite in the 1860s; and, • The place has retained a high degree of integrity.

Physical Description

Phoebe Abbey’s House is a single storey, vernacular stone building with corrugated iron roof. Wall construction is limestone which has been lightly rendered and then marked out to resemble ashlar masonry. The gable roof extends down at the front and rear to form skillion roofed verandahs. Shingles are still visible on the underside of the front verandah. The building has short, brick rendered chimney stacks, with string courses. The front verandah is supported by stop chamfered timber posts and has a timber floor. The rear verandah has been enclosed. The original front, four panel door has been retained and on either side of the door are windows. Further to the west is a door which provides entry into the 1870s extension. Both the door and windows in the original c.1865 section have stone arches above the lintels, whereas the 1870s door has a timber lintel. The interior is divided into three rooms which lie side by side. Doorways lead either out onto either the front verandah or the rear verandah. The building is only one room deep. The doors are four panel, some of them have glazing to the two upper panels. The windows are double hung sashes and are probably not original. The walls are rendered. Timber mantle pieces remain in two of the rooms, although one has been removed from the fireplace and left lying on the floor. The ceiling in one of the rooms is mansard in form and is clad with pressed metal. The original c.1865 section of the building and the 1870s room are in poor condition. The building has retained a high degree of integrity and authenticity. The 1920s kitchen at the west end of the house is reached via the verandah. The timber framed building is covered with a hipped roof. This section of the building is in poor condition. A new, two storey brick building with iron roof has been built at the rear of the house (c.1985). The building is in fair condition. The 1920s kitchen and the c.1985 building are considered to be intrusive and have low significance.

History

Assessment 2005 Original Owner: Christopher Weetman Architect/Designer: Christopher Weetman Builder: Christopher Weetman Construction date: C1865 Alterations/Additions 1870'2, 1920's SUMMARY: Phoebe Abbey’s House was constructed in several stages between c.1865, 1870s, 1920s and c.1985. The original c.1865 section was constructed by Christopher Weetman, a master bricklayer and mason who arrived in the colony in 1855 with his wife and three children. He is thought to have constructed several buildings in the Sussex district. After his death in 1867, his eldest daughter Ellen, who had married John Abbey in 1870, inherited Weetman’s Farm. An additional room was added onto the original section, probably shortly after Ellen’s marriage. The property, originally referred to as ‘One Mile Farm’ was then inherited by John and Ellen’s eldest son Christopher. He married Phoebe Mewett in 1927 and the couple had two children. The kitchen was possibly added at this time. Christopher died in 1937 and Phoebe continued to live in the house until her death in the 1980s. The house was then sold by Phoebe’s children to the Powells. The new owners constructed a new two storey building behind the original cottage in c.1985. Phoebe Abbey’s House was placed on the Shire of Busselton’s Municipal Inventory, which was adopted by Busselton Council, on 20/6/1996. The Powells sold the building to a developer’s syndicate in 2004. In April 2005, the cottage lies vacant and open to squatters and vandalism. HISTORY The Busselton district was initially settled in the 1830s by the Bussell brothers and other settlers from Augusta. The present town of Busselton grew up around the point where settlers came ashore, and the main road, Queen Street, which led to the Bussell’s property. The town was officially gazetted in 1847. The early settlers carried out a lively trade with American whaling ships and soon a commercial and government infrastructure, such as shops, hotels, churches, schools and a courthouse became established. St Mary's Anglican Church, constructed in 1845, was the first church constructed in the district. Over the years the district expanded and Busselton became the economic centre for the area. The Municipality of Busselton was declared in 1871 and a mayor was elected. Christopher Weetman, accompanied by his wife Judith and their two daughters (Ellen and Jane), arrived in Western Australia in 1855. He was a master bricklayer and mason and was soon employed in constructing dwellings in the Sussex area. He constructed several buildings in the Busselton district including Newton House (built for Thomas Abbey) and St. Joseph’s Church, Busselton..1 At this stage it is not known when Weetman acquired the land on which Phoebe Abbey’s House sits. Weetman employed two ticket of leave men, in the Sussex district in 1863 and 1866 and it is possible that during these two periods that he used the men to assist with the construction of his house. Weetman’s career was unfortunately cut short when he drowned at Blackwood Bridge on 23 September 1867. His widow was registered as residing in Busselton during the 1870s. The farm passed into the Abbey family’s hands through the marriage of Ellen Weetman to John Abbey. Thomas and Mary Abbey arrived in Western Australia in 1841. They moved to the Vasse district with their eldest son David and were employed by J.G. Bussell. Later they rented land on the Locke brothers’ estate at Wonnerup. In 1844, twin boys (John and Nathaniel) were born to the couple while they were at Wonnerup. The boys were apparently the first twins to be born in the district. Thomas Abbey later acquired land in the Vasse district and established a farm on which Newtown House sits. John Abbey married Ellen Weetman in July 1870 and took over the Weetman farm which was referred to as One Mile Farm (as it was 1 mile from Busselton’s Post Office). It is possible that the single room addition on the west side of the original two room cottage was added in the early 1870s shortly after Ellen’s marriage to John. A description of the farm in 1885 describes the cottage as having a verandah on three sides with a long garden and vinery at the rear. A barn and rick yard with cows, poultry and pigeons were at one side of the house.4 John and Ellen had seven children, two sons and five daughters, born between 1872 and 1887. The couple’s eldest son Christopher inherited the farm on his father’s death in 1933 (Ellen died in 1913). Christopher Abbey married Phoebe Mewett in 1927 when he was 48. The couple had two children. The kitchen at the west end of the house may have been added at this time. Christopher Abbey died in 1937. The house was occupied by Phoebe Abbey until her death and then passed out of the Abbey family’s hands in the 1980s when it was purchased by G. & R. Powell. The Powells built a two storey, brick addition at the rear of the house after they purchased the place. In 2004, Phoebe Abbey’s House was bought by a syndicate of developers.

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Statement of Significance

Phoebe Abbey’s House, a limestone, shingle and iron roofed farmhouse in the Victorian Georgian style, has cultural heritage significance as a surviving farmhouse in the urban area, a good and complex example of the type and has historic value for its associations with the Abbeys who were early Colonial arrivals and farmers in the district. - It is a rare example of an 1860s building which has survived in the town of Busselton; - It is an example of the expertise of early builders in the Swan River colony and the Busselton district; - It is associated with Christopher Weetman, an early master builder and the Abbey family, one of the early pioneering families in the district; - The building demonstrates physically the extent of the Busselton townsite in the 1860s; and - The place has retained a high Murray, F. Bush April 2005).

Physical Description

A Victorian Georgian limestone, shingle and iron roofed farmhouse and accretions. Phoebe Abbey’s House is a single storey limestone and shingle roofed cottage with an iron roof laid over it. It has a gabled roof and appears to have been built in a number of stages. There are twentieth century additions to the rear. A full width verandah extends across the front of the house. The setting has been stripped in recent times.

History

The Abbeys were early farmers in the Vasse district. Nathaniel Abbey built the place in the 1870s. The Abbeys were Irish immigrants who arrived in the Colony in the early 1840s. Thomas Abbey arrive in the Colony and worked for John Bussell at Vasse and later leased land at Wonnerup, then settled near Broadwater.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: Though unoccupied at the time of the inspection, the intent of the place remains obvious so that the place retains a moderate to high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place has been extended, altered and improved on a number of occasions, but there is a good deal of authentic underlying fabric. Moderate-High Degree/-

Condition

Fair- The place is in disrepair, but is capable of being conserved and adapted. The place is in fair condition.

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Busselton Hospital Nurses Quarters

Condition

The place is in fair to good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Busselton Hospital Nurses Quarters has cultural heritage significance for being part of Busselton’s historic architectural fabric that contributes to its streetscape setting and for its part in healthcare in the Busselton district over a sustained period of time.

Physical Description

The place is an adapted residence. The building fronts onto to West Street and presents a broad frontage, with a centrally located front entrance door flanked by double hung windows. It has a pitched hipped roof covered with Marseilles pattern autumn blend tiles and a replacement full width return verandah. A hipped roofed building with a return verandah and four sets of chimney articulate the roofscape.

History

The house was originally built for Dr. N. L Hungerford, Resident Medical Officer at Busselton. In 1904 it was sold to Mr Roberts of Capel who named it “Ullesthorpe’. In 1915, after selling ‘Fairlawn’, Mr Richard Gale purchased the property and renamed it ‘Windhae’ (pronounced Windy). Sir James Mitchell later purchased the property. It was then purchased by the Government to be used as the Nurses’ Quarters for the Busselton Hospital, which was previously situated across the road in West Street. Extensive alterations and additions were made.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: Although built as a single residence the place served for many years as nurses’ accommodation. The place retains a moderate degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: It appears that both roof and verandahs have been replaced and additions made to the rear of the building. The place would appear to retain a moderate degree of authenticity. Moderate Degree/Moderate Degree

Condition

Fair-Good

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Silver Chain Administration Offices

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Silver Chain Administration Offices, a Federation Italianate style brick, stucco and tiled villa, has cultural heritage significance as a good example of the style. The place has been associated with a number of prominent Busselton families and with community services.

Physical Description

Federation Italianate style. A single storey symmetrically planned villa in the Federation Italianate style. It has a full width front verandah, and a front elevation composed with a centrally located door, flanked by two bay windows. It is constructed in brick and has stucco trim to architraves and sills. The roof is articulated with two large gables. The full width verandah has a lower pitched roof. The brickwork has been painted obscuring the richness of detail.

History

Built for Eleanor Guerin after she left Pigeon Grove, the place later passed to Mrs. M. Peake and Ms Wilma Taylor. It was later used as the maternity hospital office and is now in use by the Silver Chain. Since 1996, much of the front garden has been removed for car parking.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place is no longer used as a house and retains a moderate degree of integrity. AuthenticityNotes: Theplacehasbeenre-roofedandthebrickworkpainted,butmuchoriginaldetailremains. The place retains a moderate degree of authenticity. Moderate Degree/Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

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Sussex Masonic Lodge and Hall

Values

· The place is a fine and intact example of a building in the Inter-War Free Classical style, and is a good example of Masonic architecture
· The place has been in continuous use as the meeting place for the Masons since its construction.
· The place is a landmark in the Queen Street townscape

Physical Description

The Sussex Masonic Lodge is a brick, stone, stucco and iron roofed lodge and associated lodge hall in the Inter-War Free Classical style, located to the front of a starkly open site. The lodge has a hipped iron roof and a tall gable as its central feature. The entrance and the hall are recessed, and the entrance has a pedimented porch carried on pairs of classically derived columns. The masons compass and divider symbol is set above the porch in bas-relief. The footing of the Lodge is in stone and the walls are of stretcher bond brickwork. The eastern elevation has a large rose window with a Star of St David set in its centre, which is made of stucco. There is a canopy over the window, which is bracketed off the wall with consoles. A foundation stone is set below this window.

History

Freemasonry evolved from the early trade guilds of construction workers, in particular those engaged in the construction of places of worship such as cathedrals, churches, temples and monasteries. Often itinerant, such workers were not bound to any one place, and were termed ‘free masons’. The term ‘lodge’ evolves from a masons” tool shed or workshop that was erected on the site of major projects. Lodges were also places where workers would eat and relax, and where disputes could be resolved. Freemasonry developed across Europe from as early as the 14th century, although the original secrets of Freemasonry were most likely trade secrets, an array of ritual and ornament was gradually introduced. Freemasonry in Western Australia dates from the 1840s. On 1 September 1841, a group of prominent Western Australian Freemasons, including Governor John Hutt and Colonial Secretary Peter Brown, sought a charter from the Grand Lodge of England granting them the right to establish a Lodge in Western Australia, based in Perth.

Condition

The place appears to be in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Sussex Masonic Lodge and Hall, a brick, stone, stucco and iron roofed lodge and lodge hall in the Inter-War Free Classical style, has cultural heritage significance as a fine and intact example of an Inter-War Free Classical style building and a good piece of Masonic architecture. It is also important as the meeting place for the Masons who have traditionally played a significant role in the community.

Physical Description

Brick and iron roofed Masonic Lodge, Hall and ancillary rooms. The hall has a starkly open setting. Sussex Masonic Lodge is a brick, stone, stucco and iron roofed lodge and lodge hall in the Inter-War Free Classical style. The lodge element thrust forward on the lot, with a hipped iron roof and a tall gable as its central feature. The entrance and hall are recessed and the entrance is emphasised by a pedimented porch carried on pairs of classically derived columns. The masons compass and divider symbol is set above the porch in bas relief. The footing is stone and the wall laid in stretcher bond brickwork. The large rose window in the lodge’s eastern elevation has a canopy over it, bracketed off the wall with consoles. A Star of St. David is set in its centre and the whole of this arrangement is made of stucco. Finally there is a foundation stone set under the window.

History

The designer of the Masonic lodge and hall has not been determined. However, the building is recorded as having been built by Robert Donald and Son in 1934. Modifications to the exterior of the place appear to have been minimal.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree Integrity Notes: The place continues to function for its intended purpose and retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place appears little changed and retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Wonnerup Townsite Precinct

Child Places

• 02953 The 'Island' Farmhouse
• 00424 Wonnerup Precinct
• 05355 Pigeon Grove Homestead
• 02945 Wonnerup Jetty Site
• 03368 Wonnerup Townsite Precinct

Condition

The place is in good condition except for the Blacksmith's shop.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

03368 Wonnerup Townsite Precinct

Child Places

• 02953 The 'Island' Farmhouse
• 00424 Wonnerup Precinct
• 05355 Pigeon Grove Homestead
• 02945 Wonnerup Jetty Site
• 03368 Wonnerup Townsite Precinct

Statement of Significance

The Wonnerup Precinct has cultural heritage significance as one of the earliest settlements in the district and was closely associated with early French and American explorers to the area. There were also links with three generations of the Layman family, the Molloy family and Robert Heppingstone, all of who featured prominently in local Busselton history. In the social context, the site remains to be a nostalgic reminder of the original town and therefore can function as a valuable teaching site. The relationship between Aborigines and European settlers were also marked by an important incident, the spearing of George Layman in 1841 following a dispute. The dissatisfaction felt by the indigenous people caused presumably by the ‘dominance’ of the Europeans therefore came to the fore. During that time, many of the former served in roles of servant hood to the latter.

Physical Description

The Wonnerup Precinct comprises an historic area with and without built features. The built features include two farmhouses, a Blacksmith’s Shop, stables, School Room, Teacher’s House, Memorial Gates, Warden’s Cottage, Tea Rooms, Albergeldie Cottage and the landscape. Wonnerup House consists of the main farmhouse, the kitchen and the barn and byre. During its early days, the townsite consisted of timber mills, hotels, schools, halls, barracks and a prison. Clipper ships would dock at the mouth of the Wonnerup Estuary and the jetty.

History

The precinct received French and possibly American whalers during the period between 1800 and 1840. It was known for its timber milling and exports. Export of agricultural products was a secondary source of the region’s economic wealth. The precinct consists of two major areas, the Homestead and the School Room Precincts. Calculated planning and orchestrated landscaping have charted out a visual relationship between the homestead at Lockeville and the Homestead Precinct at Wonnerup. The former Ballarat railway embankment located between them and the inter-lying estuarine flats acts as a visual connector between the two precincts. The townsite was established around 1840 and was home to the first railway line in WA to Yoganup. It was a major transport link for the WA Timber Company based at ‘Lockeville’.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate Degree/High Degree Integrity Notes: The place retains a moderate degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The remaining fabric retains a high degree of authenticity despite various modifications carried out over time.

Condition

Good-The place is in good condition except for the Blacksmith’s shop.

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