28 Alexandra Road — Streets of East Freo

ARCHITECTURE

No 28 Alexandra Road is a single storey house constructed in rendered brick with a hipped and gable corrugated iron roof. It is a fine expression of the Federation Bungalow style. It is symmetrically composed with a full width return verandah. The verandah is supported on turned timber posts with valance boards. A half timbered gable is located centrally over the verandah to mark the entry. There is a central door and hopper light flanked by pairs of French double hung sash windows. The roofscape features tall rendered capped chimneys.

HISTORY

1918 Wanted, Furnished 4 roomed House. Fremantle convenient to tram, six months lease. Mackay, 28 Alexandra-rd., Fremantle. (reference)
1923 General wanted, no washing. Mrs. G. D. Holmes, Blackwood, Alexandra-rd., East Fremantle. (reference)
1924 The Late Mr. George D. Holmes. The many friends of the late Mr. George D. Holmes throughout Western Australia were shocked to hear of his death, which occurred on the 7th inst., in a private hospital at Perth, after an operation. Born at. Mandurah in 1969, he came to Fremantle at the age of 14, to complete his education. Mr. Holmes joined the Postal and Telegraph Department, and for many years was stationed at Cossack, which place at that time was the pearling centre of the North-West. He severed his connection with the department, and joined the firm of Holmes Bros. and Co., which firm, it will be remembered, were the largest butchers in the State. After disposal of their numerous businesses to Holmes Bros., Ltd., Mr. George D. Holmes was appointed manager of the Fremantle branch. Next, deceased became a member of the firm of Walker and Holmes, Fremantle, but for the last two years he had conducted a business on his own account as a shipping provider. Holmes and Holmes. Ltd., who have large pastoral interests in this State, also claim him as a shareholder. Mr. Holmes was a Freemason being a member of Beaconsfield Lodge, No. 14. W.A.C. Deceased leaves a widow and three sons, and was a brother of Messrs. W. J. Holmes, J. J. Holmes, M.L.C., and the late R. H., and Police Inspector T. Holmes. Deceased was well known throughout the whole State, and particularly in Fremantle, where his jovial figure will be sadly missed. There is no doubt that on account of his genial, hospitable, and generous disposition, he was one of the most popular and respected residents of the port. The very long funeral cortege moved from his late residence, “Blackwood,” Alexandra-road, East Fremantle… (reference)
1933 Exchange Ford Lorry, 1-ton model T, in good order, all new tyres, for Car or Utility, equal value. G. Playle, 28 Alexandra-rd., East Fremantle. (reference)
1933 Engagement. Dorothy, eldest daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. H. Playle, of 28 Alexandra-road, East Fremantle, to Roland Melbourne, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Fletcher, of Hamilton-road, Spearwood. (reference)
1934 Marriage of Alfred William, younger son of Mrs. Playle, of East Fremantle, and the late Mr. H. Playle, to Nancy Greenslade, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Moore, of North Fremantle. (reference)
1937 Elderly Woman Missing From East Fremantle. Thomas Edward Gammon, of 28 Alexander-road, East Fremantle, reported to the Fremantle police tonight that his mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Willison (72), who resides with him, had been missing since 2 p.m. At that time, she left home to go for a walk. (reference)
1939 Port “Joey” Has Been Caged For 41 Years. Mr. C. Wakely, of 28 Alexandra-road, East Fremantle, has had a Karella cockatoo in a cage for 41 years, and she is in perfect health and condition. Mr. Wakely can give proof of her age. ''Strange to say,” (writes Mr. Wakely) ''we were treated to the same surprise as was Mr. T. Bowes, of the Zoo. I always thought he was a male, but after 21 years she started to lay eggs, and then stopped talking. She has been laying eggs ever since, in the months of August, September, October and November. I have a collection of them from 1933 to 1938, the others were destroyed owing to change of residence. “I do not claim a record, as I am told they live to a great age.” (reference)
1946 P. H. Bennett (17), of Perth Modern School, is a son of Mrs S. L. Bennett, of 28 Alexandra Road, East Fremantle. He passed in nine Junior subjects and six at the Leaving. (reference)
1949 Birth on May 27, to Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bennett, of 28 Alexander(Alexandra?)-road, East Fremantle—a daughter (Susan Margaret). Both well. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dorothea Parker and staff of St. Helen's, East Fremantle. (reference)