Architecture
Federation Georgian Bungalow
No. 83 (previously was no. 175) Duke Street is a single-storey house constructed in brick with a hipped ‘M’ format corrugated iron roof. It is a simple expression of the Federation Bungalow style. The facade features a full-width skillion roofed verandah on timber posts with post brackets. There are additions to the rear.
Correspondence with Ruth Assodani <assodaniruth@gmail.com> Dec 2025:
“My grandfather and grandmother Arthur and Beryl May lived at 83 Duke St as its original owners. They lived there until their deaths in the 1990's. Arthur was the son of well known Fremantle jeweller Charles May and worked there.
Their 2 daughters Joyce and Veronica were born here in the early 1920 's.
Arthur had one of the first cars in East Fremantle and went duck shooting and boxing in his spare time.
There was a wash-house in the back and chook yard and a garden with grapes and a mulberry and Arthur used to make his own mulberry wine.
There was a small sitting room with a fire where Grasstree timber was burnt and musical evenings, including 78 records. There was a verandah in the front where the girls used to sleep in the summer.
History
1929 My Little Message. To All Boys and Girls. New Members. ...Joyce May, 175 Duke-street East Fremantle… (reference)
1935 Fremantle East, 13C Marmion-st., facing trotting grounds, 3 rooms, conveniences. 10/6 week. Key 175 Duke-st. (reference)
1953 Motor, Vehicles, etc. Bedford 1935 panel Van, £230. Sat. only. 175 Duke-st., Scarborough. BL1599. (reference)
RESIDENTS
1921 - 1990’s: Arthur and Beryl May
