FORMER MACLEOD STATION MASTER’S RESIDENCE

The Former Macleod Station Master’s Residence has potential to contain archaeological deposits and features dating between 1911–1916. The date of construction is greater than 75 years of age. Further, the potential for archaeological remains to be present is moderate to high, owing to the limited ground disturbance post demolition of the feature and potential to uncover subsurface deposits related to the Station Master and his family during the early 20th century (see Table 1).

The Former Macleod Station Master’s Residence has an intrinsic link with the development of the rail system in Victoria. The workers played a fundamental role in the operation of early 20th century suburban railways, and the potential remains of this structure could reveal insight into the living and working conditions of the Station Master and their family during this time. The Station Master would have been instrumental in the transfer of injured soldiers to Mont Park hospital during the First World War. Additionally, the role was intrinsic to connecting the people within the burgeoning suburb of Macleod to Melbourne and other suburbs along the Hurstbridge Line. The role of the Station Master is unique, and vital to the movement of passengers and trains on the train line. Moreover, the extended period of time Station Master Smith held the position may be reflected in a distinct artefactual signature at the site, in the form of refuse deposits.

The Former Macleod Station Master’s Residence meets two of the themes within the Heritage Council of Victoria Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (2010): (3) Connecting Victorians by Transport and Communications: (3.3) Linking Victorians by Rail, and (6) Building Towns, Cities and the Garden State: (6.3) Shaping the Suburbs. 

The archaeological potential of the Former Macleod Station Reserve Residence relates specifically to the theme of ‘Connecting Victorians by Transport and Communications: Linking Victorians by Rail’ (3.3). Archaeological deposits and structures associated with the residence can provide evidence of the lives of people working directly with the rail line in the early 20th century and can potentially inform on the history of Victorian rail development. 

The construction of a Station Master’s residence directly reflects the growing area and the need for a Station Master to service the station, directly relating to the theme ‘Building Towns, Cities and the Garden State: Shaping the Suburbs’ (6.3). The departmental residence would have been a unique and identifiable symbol of the rail station and the Station Master, and their family, who occupied the dwelling.