Cottage

What is Significant?

The cottage at 51 Forest Road South, Lara, has significance for its associations with the pioneers of Lara, the Spalding family, and particularly with Alfred John Spalding (1858-1935). A.J. Spalding was Lara's second wheelwright, carrying on business in a stone blacksmith shop built by John Spalding (A.J. Spalding's father) in 1877 that was located between the two Spalding family cottages in Forest Road South (it has subsequently been demolished). The cottage was built in 1879 upon the marriage of A.J. Spalding to Mary Ann Danns, although it remained under the ownership of John Spalding until his death in 1893. It was from this time when A.J. Spalding was sole owner. Although the cottage has been altered, the significant associations with John, Alfred and other members of the pioneering and entrepreneurial Spalding family are embodied in the surviving original fabric. This includes the double gabled roof forms at the front, hipped profile to the post-supported front verandah, rendered limestone wall construction, rendered chimneys, corrugated profile sheet metal roof cladding, central front doorway and flanking window openings and timber framed double hung windows. The dwelling appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street. The mature peppercorn trees form part of the character of the place. The cottage is also one of a small number of surviving Victorian vernacular styled dwellings in the Lara area, all of which have experienced alterations.

Why is it Significant?

The cottage at 51 Forest Road South, Lara, is historically significant at a LOCAL level.

How is it Significant?

The cottage at 51 Forest South, Lara, is historically significant for its associations with the Spalding family, pioneers of Lara who settled there in 1854 (Criteria A & H). John Spalding (c.1832-1893), storekeeper, lime merchant and farmer, established the first store at Lara in 1855. He was also one of the pioneers of the burgeoning 19th century lime burning trade, with his son, James, carrying on the successful family business known as the Lara Lime Works from c.1874-75. John Spalding also opened the first store in Lara in 1855 and he was the first postmaster from 1858. This cottage was built in 1879 for John Spalding's son, Alfred John Spalding, upon his marriage to Mary Ann Danns in 1879. A.J. Spalding was Lara's second wheelwright, carrying on his business in the stone blacksmith's shop built between his and his father's cottages in 1877. A.J. Spalding carried on John Spalding's stores after the death of his father in 1893. He had also relocated to is father's property, "Limella" cottage, by 1902, and by 1914 he appears to have been involved in the family's Lara Lime Works business.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence