205 Canning Highway — Streets of East Freo

ARCHITECTURE

No 205 Canning Highway is a single storey house constructed in tuck pointed brick and rendered brick with a hipped tiled roof. It is good expression of the Federation Bungalow style. The front elevation was symmetrically planned with a full width hip roofed verandah. There is an addition to the west resulting in an asymmetrical elevation. The verandah is set on stop chamfered timber posts with brackets. There is a central door flanked by casement windows. The roofscape features a rendered chimney. Render bands run across the facade.

"This property is very unique as it had been built purposefully as a general practice surgery and Dr’s residence. In its 100 yr old history only 4 medical practitioners have worked and lived here. Dr. Stubbe built the dwelling and was the local medical practitioner for 10 years here. He was followed by Dr. Uther Baker (2 of his 4 children were born here). Dr Baker practiced here for 30 years. He retired from being a general Practitioner and worked for the Red Cross. He was 102 years old when he died. Then Dr. Lindsay Redgrave a surgeon at Fremantle Hospital, worked in this practice as a GP from 1961 to 1973, where he died on the job. He was also the Town’s sporting Dr and medical officer. Dr. David Nelson commenced working and living here in 1974 and continues to practice here as a General Practitioner. (2 of his 3 sons were born here)." (Correspondence with Suzi Nelson 2019)

HISTORY

1910 Birth on May 26, at Canning-road, East Fremantle, the wife of B. R. Gardiner—a daughter. (reference)
1910 For Sale, Draught Horse, £60 cash. Apply A. Robinson, Woodside, East Fremantle tram terminus. (reference)
1920 Funeral. The Friends of the late Mr. David John Gruer, master carrier, of Fremantle, are respectfully invited to follow his remains to the place of interment, the Church of England Cemetery, Karrakatta. The Funeral will leave his late residence, corner of Canning-road and Allen-street, East Fremantle... (reference)
1926 Marriage on January 21, at St. Columba's Church, Cottesloe, by the Rev. E. W. Hogben, Dr. H. Stubbe, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Stubbe, of CauIfield, Victoria, to Olga, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. O. Liddell, of Cottesloe, Western Australia. At home 205 Canning-road, East Fremantle, on March 2 and 3. (reference)
1932 Birth on July 22, at St. Helen's Hospital, to Dr. and Mrs. F. H. Uther Baker, of East Fremantle—a son. (reference)
1934 A Garden Fete. A Garden fete, in aid of the funds of the Missions to Seamen Institute, Fremantle, was held last Saturday afternoon at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Uther Baker, Canning-road, East Fremantle. The grounds were decorated for the occasion with flags and pennants and music was provided by the R.A.G.A. Orchestra... (reference)
1936 Fremantle Bridge Party. On Friday afternoon, at her home in Canning-road, East Fremantle, Mrs. Uther Baker entertained a number of guests at bridge, with the object of raising funds for St. John's Church, Fremantle. Tables were arranged in the lounge and dining-room, which were decorated with bowls of roses and poppies. Mrs. Baker received in a knitted suit in brown tones. Prizes were won by Mesdames Nicholas, Hamilton and Wadham... (reference)
1936 Birth on January 12, to Dr. and Mrs. F. H. Uther Baker, of "Lelant," Canning-road, East Fremantle—a daughter. Both well. (reference)
1936 Diphtheria Immunisation. Attack by Anti-Vivisectionists. "Marvellous success" was attributed to the Fremantle districts diphtheria immunisation clinic by the chairman… when commenting last night on the medical officers' report for the first complete month, adopted by the committee controlling the scheme. In congratulating the medical officers (Drs. C. R. Dunkley and F. Uther Baker) on the success of their conscientious work… (reference)

1961-1973 Dr Lindsay Redgrave married his second wife, a theatre nurse, Leah. He was a surgeon at Fremantle Hospital and worked in this practice as a GP from 1961 to 1973 where he died on the job. One of his sons was a professor of physiology at UWA. Dr Redgrave was the Town’s sporting Dr and medical officer.