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HOUSE (ELIN)

Location

61 STATION STREET, FAIRFIELD, DAREBIN CITY

File Number

Darebin Database #182

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/2]
City of Darebin Heritage
[2/2]
City of Darebin Heritage

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.

Group