13 Gray St
13 Gray St HAMILTON, Southern Grampians Shire
Church Hill Precinct Hamilton
Statement of Significance
SIGNIFICANCE: Almost certainly designed by Frank Hammond this was the long term home of Mrs Martha Thomson who was connected with Thomsons' Stores. The garden especially the Araucaria heterophylla, Norfolk Island Pine, is significant.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Residence
13 Gray Street
This building, originally listed as 11 Gray Street, has local significance as a good example of an Edwardian house, built about 1904, which is still well within the Victorian stylistic tradition. The architect was almost certainly Frank Hammond, town clerk, engineer and architect. It is also significant for its historical associations with Mrs Martha Thomson, widow. ([i]) Martha in 1894 became the widow of John Thomson, brother of William, and one of the partners in Thomsons' Iron Store at 138 Gray Street, the family business which since 1863 has been one of Hamilton's leading retail merchants. John was a councillor from 892-94 and he and his wife were leading figures in the town's Temperance Movement. Martha continued to work for the Temperance Movement until her death in 1932. Her brother, James Brake, who had been managing the Thomson firm'sHorsham branch, took over Thomson business. ([ii]) The house was owned by Martha Graham in the 1930s. ([iii])
The architecture of the house though fine is old-fashioned for its time considering the avant garde work done by some Melbourne architects in Hamilton at the turn of the century. The house remains significantly intact and in excellent condition. The garden contains important remnants of the original plantings especially the Araucaria heterophylla, Norfolk Island Pine which relates to others in the street. Early drainage plans indicate a glass house and enclosed fish pond at the north-west corner of the garden.
[i] Hamilton Rate Book 1904 No 381 (House NAV 80 pounds).
[ii] Garden, D, Hamilton, pp 121-122.
[iii] HSA DP 593 (1937-1964)
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MECHANICS INSTITUTE
Victorian Heritage Register H2171 -
HAMILTON BOTANIC GARDENS
Victorian Heritage Register H2185
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HAMILTON GAS HOLDER
Victorian Heritage Register H1086
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