GARDEN GULLY HOUSE REMAINS
45 GARDEN GULLY ROAD, ARMSTRONG VIC 3377
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Statement of Significance
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GARDEN GULLY HOUSE REMAINS - History
Until E. Whitten Jnr took ownership of this lot in 1939, the site was marked out by earlier surveys as a recreational reserve. E. Whitten (unclear if this is Jnr or not) owned the sites on either side of the reserve from prior to 1906, as a survey for another land title application at this time shows the ownership pattern at that time. There is an adjoining site still present at the location where in a 1906 survey it is marked as a “dwelling”. Other surveys in this area mention old gold diggings and an old orchard on adjacent and adjoining lots to the subject site. This area appears to show more dense occupation and is unusual for the area. It is not possible to determine when the dwelling was constructed however E. Whitten was living “at an abode at Garden Gully” where he was a successful gold miner with a business partner in 1897 according to an edition of the Town and Country Journal. It is possible that E. Whitten was residing within an adjoining allotment at this time as the survey for the subject site is missing from the archive. Since the house fell into disrepair it has sat in place with likely very little change. This includes the landscaping and garden. The site is unoccupied and presumed owned by the adjoining larger farming property that has access to it via a shared driveway.GARDEN GULLY HOUSE REMAINS - Interpretation of Site
E. Whitten Jnr took ownership of the site in 1939 on May 11, it is unclear if this was due to the passing of Whitten Snr or that this was the date the formal title was granted for a site that was marked as a recreation area at the start of the 20th century. The site has remarkable features and appears to have been left relatively untouched, providing potential insight into the daily lives of miners and, later, farmers. The kitchen garden aspect of this site is unusual as is the density of dwelling activity around it, with a dwelling to rear indicating this may have been a hub of quarters near to more significant mining activities further into the land adjoining. Given the significance of the mining works that E. Whitten was undertaking and that he was involved in the operation with at least one other person, this site may provide insight into a rare style of living for the period. Although it is not possible to ascertain the exact date of construction, the site was likely built in the early part of the 20th century with the dwelling behind on an adjoining lot being earlier and potentially from the late 18th century. The site has sat in ruins for many years and has been cleared of much material, but the archaeological potential remains high.
Heritage Inventory Description
GARDEN GULLY HOUSE REMAINS - Heritage Inventory Description
This is a small semi-residential lot with two red brick chimneys and an intact early 30th century stove. The site also contains remnant vegetable gardens including garlic and pink peppercorn. There is evidence of more recent use of the stove.
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NORTH MELBOURNE POTTERYVictorian Heritage Inventory
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STONY CREEK SLIPWAYVictorian Heritage Inventory
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SEASONING WORKS SITE AND TERRACOTTA LUMBERWALLVictorian Heritage Inventory
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