Dwelling

History/Notes
The house at 301 Shannon Avenue was built by F. Stock in 1925 for David Creighton, agent. He lived there with his wife, Annie, until his death in 1945. Mrs Creighton continued occupation and ownership of the property until her death in 1970. At this time, the property was described having ' a six-roomed weather-board dwelling more than 50 years old.'

David John Creighton was born in 1879 at Heidelberg, the son of William and Jane (nee Anderson) Creighton. He married Miss Annie McPherson in 1910. David Creighton was an agent for McKay Sunray and later McKay Massey Harris Pty Ltd agricultural machinery. On his death in 1945, the Alexander and Yea Standard gave the following obituary:

Referring to the death of Mr. David John Creighton, of Geelong, the Geelong Advertiser writes: 'Mr. David John Creighton, of Shannon Avenue, Newtown, whose death occurred in a private hospital, was widely known throughout farming communities, notably in Victoria, but also in Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland. He was associated with H.V. McKay Massey Harris Pty. Ltd. for 28 years until he retired about seven years ago owing to ill health. He had an expert knowledge of everything pertaining to agricultural machinery,and a long and practical experience of the problems of the man on the land. His advice was widely sought. He was a popular figure at Royal Shows, and many district agricultural shows. He took a prominent part in connection with the formation of farmers' classes, and organised machinery demonstrations, particularly at the Dookie Agricultural College. For many years he was attached to the Geelong deport of H.V. McKay-Massey Harris. His widow survives him.'

The single storey, timber weatherboard, dwelling demonstrates a number of original interwar Californian Bungalow design qualities as shown in the stepped gabled roof forms (the minor gable at the front comprising a verandah), corrugated profile sheet metal roof cladding, broad eaves, timber framed windows, brick verandah piers and balustrading with concrete cappings, front double door entrance opening, and the shingling in the gable infill. On the south side is a skillion addition, with the main gabled roof and the side (southern) gabled wing having been extended. There are other alterations and additions (including an attic) at the rear. However, the original
design of the dwelling is clearly discernible from Shannon Avenue. Towards the rear of the dwelling on the south side is an early gabled outbuilding. At the front is an introduced fence having brick piers and high plinths, and bays of capped timber palings.

References:
Victorian Births, Deaths & Marriages Indexes, Dept. of Justice.
Newtown Rate Books, 1925-1950, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.
Newtown Building Permit, 1925, City of Greater Geelong.
A. Creighton, Probate Administration files, 1970, VPRS 28/P5 Unit 972 PROV.
Camperdown Chronicle, 4 March 1909.
Alexander & Year Standard, 12 October 1945.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House