CAMPBELL'S HOUSE ANCILLARY FEATURES
COX STREET PORT FAIRY, MOYNE SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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CAMPBELL'S HOUSE ANCILLARY FEATURES - History
During the late 1830s and early 1840s, sealers and whalers were operating from Griffith Island and a handful of settlers were occupying agricultural land in the area that was soon to become part of James Atkinson's Belfast Special Survey and the township of Port Fairy. While the exact number of settlers is not known, available information shows that occupancy preceding the survey included a farm operated by Alexander Campbell.
In 1841, Campbell is recorded as building a house for his sister on the western bank of the Moyne River at Port Fairy. The original house was apparently constructed of clad timber, comprising three rooms with a detached kitchen and "men's hut". In July 1843, a memorial was prepared providing Captain Campbell and Flora Mary Campbell with a lifelong lease of a portion of land within Port Fairy.
On the establishment of the town grid in 1846 some pre-existing buildings were modified or removed. This may have been one such structure. Records dating to the mid to late 1840s show that Captain Campbell owned a dwelling house situated on or near the corner of Gipps and Cox Streets, land which he had held for lease since 1843. There is no record of Campbell reconstructing his residence. It is likely that this represents features associated with Campbell's main residence, such as a detached kitchen or "mens hut".
CAMPBELL'S HOUSE ANCILLARY FEATURES - Interpretation of Site
Cox Road passes over the site. As this road was established sometime in the late 1840s, it is very likely that the structure was demolished around this time. The road appears to have been cut into the surrounding topography only slightly and so there is a possibility of sub-surface cultural remains.
CAMPBELL'S HOUSE ANCILLARY FEATURES - Archaeological Significance
This dwelling was constructed and demolished before the laying out of the town grid in the late 1840s. The terminus ante quem provides a good opportunity to examine the remains of one of the earliest buildings at Port Fairy. The size of the structure, internal partitions, as well as the contents of refuse and cess pits could contribute to our understanding of conditions for the first European settlers in terms of health, diet, lifestyle and material culture.
It is possible that post holes associated with the house, as well as ancillary structures such as fence lines and outhouses have survived. Refuse and cess pits may also be present under the tarmac.
CAMPBELL'S HOUSE ANCILLARY FEATURES - Historical Significance
The house was one of the earliest dwellings in Port Fairy and is associated with one of its settlers - Captain Campbell. Campbell was a prominent farmer and mariner engaged in early trade between Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales, various pastoral pursuits and whaling enterprises along the SW coast of Victoria . This includes entering into partnership with Griffiths and Connolly at their Griffiths Island whaling station. He was an influential pioneer in the settlement of Port Fairy, and Port Campbellis named after him .
Heritage Inventory Description
CAMPBELL'S HOUSE ANCILLARY FEATURES - Heritage Inventory Description
The site is located within the road corridor of Cox Street, approximately 40 metres west of the intersection with Gipps Street, Port Fairy.
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EMOHVictorian Heritage Register H0252
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FORMER ST ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND MANSEVictorian Heritage Register H0850
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GUNS AND EMPLACEMENTSVictorian Heritage Register H1504
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