Dwelling

History/Notes
The dwelling at 8 Stephen Street was built in 1915-16 for John Samuel Spencer (1875-1946) and his wife, Elsie Rose (nee) Middleton) Spencer. A carpenter, it is likely that the dwelling was constructed by J.S. Spencer.

J.S. Spencer was born in Vaughan, Victoria, in 1875 to Crystal Thomas and Mary Ann Spencer. He had moved to 55 Skene Street, Newtown by 1902, presumably because his father had taken up a position as Railway Superintendent. J.S. Spencer started his working life as a farrier. On 19 January 1902, he enlisted for service in the South African (Boer) War. Following his return, he married Elsie Middleton in 1908. They lived in McKillop Street. It seems from this time when Spencer took up carpentry. As a Boer War veteran, he retained involvement in parade services and the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers Club during World War 1. By 1912-13, John and Elsie Spencer were resident in a dwelling in StephenStreet owned by H.S. Johnston, builder.

The timber dwelling at 8 Stephen Street is a very early example of the Bungalow style, the composition of the gabled roof forms being more common in the 1920s. There is a principal gabled roof that traverses the site and two minor gables at the front. In the front corner, the main roof extends to form a return verandah, supported by square timber posts (the corner comprising a pier clad in weatherboards below) and adorned with a timber balustrade.There are original rectangular, flat-roofed window bays with timber framed casement windows and leadlighted highlights. The corner windows under the verandah, gable infill (including the lancet ventilators) and the chimney are also original.

References:
Victorian Births, Deaths & Marriages Indexes, Dept. of Justice.
Newtown Rate Books, 1912-13, 1915-16, 1916-17, 1925, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.
J.S. Spencer, Attestation Paper, South African War, 19 January 1902, National Archives of Australia online.
Geelong Advertiser, 11 October 1909, p.4, 20 May 1918.
J.S. Spencer at http://www.ancientfaces.com/person/john-samuel- spencer/139611475

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House