HOUSE (ELIN)
61 STATION STREET, FAIRFIELD, DAREBIN CITY
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
"Elin" at 61 Station Street, Fairfield, built for James Morrissey in 1901.
How is it significant?
"Elin" at 61 Station Street, Fairfield is of local historic and aesthetic significance to Darebin City.
Why is it significant?
It is historically significant (Criterion A) as an early example of the Federation Style having its roots in the English Queen Anne mode that emerged during the 1890s in Melbourne. Whilst the earlier and contemporary work of Ussher and Kemp is of greater distinction, "Elin" has merit as a very early example of the archetypal Federation villa form with comer verandah, terminating pavilions and prominent diagonal axis. Christopher Cowper's better known work at the Grace Park Estate in Camberwell undertaken during the period 1908-1912 is comparable but later. Perhaps the curious keyhole shaped window and the projecting gable ended porch to the verandah are evidence of this comparatively early date given that the "classic" lines of the Federation villa were still emerging. The house is significant also for its connection with Clifford Bertram Ward Radford of the Salvation Army and whose service during World War 2 in Borneo was exemplary. Together with his wife Elizabeth, he served the Fairfield community in the traditional manner of a Salvationist and is remembered with his family today in this capacity by the local community.
It is aesthetically significant (Criterion E) for the reasons noted and for its planned relationship with the since demolished mirror image villa at no. 59 which it faced. Finally, this aesthetic significance is underscored by the surviving relationship of "Elin" with other comparatively prestigious contemporary villas in Station Street between Heidelberg Road and the railway line. Collectively, these houses which include nos. 31"Maristowe", 34-36 "Coryule" and 43, help establish the identity of Fairfield and the Fairfield commercial centre by imparting aesthetic value to this principal thoroughfare.
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HOUSE (ELIN) - Physical Description 1
A picturesque Post Federation period timber framed villa with comer verandah terminated by projecting gable ended wings. Square edged weatherboards have a shingled frieze and the gable ends overhang the window bays in a manner characteristic of the period. Emphasis is placed on the entry by means of a projecting gable ended porch to the verandah and by an unusual keyhole shaped lead lit window with radiating mullions and papyrus motif The verandah posts are turned and there is a scalloped frieze rail with ladder frieze. The picturesque terra cotta tiled roofhas ridge cresting and a Dutch gable form with fixed timber vents, the tall chimneys being banded with splayed caps, possibly truncated. The rear and north side is utilitarian and there is a presumed post war upper level room and a rear detached bungalow approximately 10 years old.
Inside, ornamental plaster cornices and roses have been partly replaced as have some of the fireplace surrounds, the original surviving examples showing Arts and Crafts influence. The vestibule is separated from the passage by a ladder frame screen and there are lead lit windows facing the rear verandah, now built in. The principal windows are casements with multi-paned upper lights having muffled and tinted glass.
HOUSE (ELIN) - Integrity
Condition: Sound, some movement following reblocking.
Integrity: High, presumed rough cast panels to the gable ends have been replaced with sheeting, chimneys possibly truncated. Mature trees in the garden included palms and a Monterey (?) pine at the rear.HOUSE (ELIN) - Historical Australian Themes
4. Building settlements, towns and cities (Fairfield).
Heritage Study and Grading
Darebin - Darebin Heritage Review
Author: Andrew Ward
Year: 2000
Grading:
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CHANDLER HIGHWAY BRIDGEVictorian Heritage Register H2354
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FAIRFIELD HOSPITAL (FORMER)Victorian Heritage Register H1878
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FAIRFIELD PARK AMPHITHEATRE COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H2412
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