Early Cottage

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Early Cottage
32 Collins Street
This early cottage has local significance for its historical associations from 1866 or earlier with a Hamilton tradesman, and for its architecture. It is typical and one of the best examples of the many small dwellings constructed in Hamilton in the 1850s and 1860s for the town's more humble citizens. The land, a double allotment and in a salubrious situation, was originally sold by the Crown at auction in 1861 to J Thomas, (Lot 11), who was a soft drink manufacturer and to William Stevenson (c1822-1865), (Lot 12), who was a chemist and a doctor. (i) From the early 1860s the owner of the cottage was John Cross, a storeman. (ii) By 1876 he was listed as an accountant. (iii) Like several other cottages from this period it was extended presumably to accommodate growing families and as a reflection of better times. It can be compared with Crathie, 6 Clarke Street, Tavistock, 17 Lonsdale Street and the cottage opposite at 29 Collins Street. This cottage is different because the large site allowed it to grow sideways. The double block also allowed for the establishment of a large and elaborate garden including fruit trees on one side of the house, a vegetable on the other and terraces at the rear which enjoyed an excellent view of the town. (iv)
Both sections of the cottage are typical for their period in scale, form, materials and details. The house is setback close to the street boundary, another indicator of its early date. A timber verandah unites the two sections. The cottage is significantly intact and is in excellent condition. It is a key building in the streetscape.

FOOTNOTES
i Township of Hamilton Parish Plan and Garden, D, Hamilton, pp 215 & 58.
ii Hamilton Rate Book 1866, No. 531 (house, NAV 22 pounds).
iii Ibid., 1876, No. 610.
iv Several notable elms along the rear boundary may have been removed.