ARCHITECTURE
Federation Bungalow with Austerity Influences cottage
No. 57 (previously was no. 131) Duke Street is a single-storey cottage constructed in timber framing, jarrah weatherboard and fibro cladding. The place has a hipped corrugated iron roof. It is a simple expression of the Inter-War Bungalow style. The front elevation is symmetrically planned with a central door flanked by windows. The facade features a full-width skillion roofed verandah on posts with a St Andrew’s cross balustrade. One of the windows has been altered to become French doors. A long set of concrete steps leads up to the verandah.
The place is consistent with the pattern of development in Plympton and plays an important role in the pattern of development of a working class suburb.
HISTORY
William Gates and his family lived here from 1936-1992 and Members of the Gates family (parents and sister Emma) lived at number 55 Duke Street (next door) until 1950.
1933 William Ernest James Gates (b.1900 - d 1988) married Sarah McLaren.
1934 A car driven by Laurence Penwarden, Hammer struck down William Gates, of 131 Duke-street, East Fremantle, at 10 o'clock on Thursday night, near Goldsbrough, Mort and Co.'s Woolstores at Fremantle. Gates was detained in the Fremantle Hospital suffering from concussion, shock and a cut forehead. (reference)
1948 Engaged. Eileen Joyce, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Gates, of 57 Duke-street, East Fremantle, to James Albert Smith. (reference)
1950 Death on May 3, at her residence, 55 Duke-street, East Fremantle, Emma Gates, daughter of the late J. W. and M. L. Gates and loving sister of Florence (Mrs. MacKenzie), Violet (Mrs. V. M.Jennings), and William. (reference)
1951 Alfred John McLaren (son of the late John McLaren (England) and Mrs W. E.Gates), a Private in the AIF was killed in action, Borneo, June 28, 1945. (reference)
1951 Eileen Joyce, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Gates, married James Albert Smith at St. John's Church, Fremantle. (reference)
RESIDENTS
1936 - 1988: Gates, William E.
1988-1992: Sarah Sophia Gates
