Anzac Cottage

The cottage is a four-room,{{efn|Lounge room, two bedrooms, dining room/kitchen.Signs in the rooms at Anzac Cottage, 2016-02-13}} brick and tile building, designed by Alfred Levido, a Perth architect. It was designed in Federation Queen Anne style. The roof has two finialed gables.{{cite web|url=https://www.environment.gov.au/resource/our-house-histories-australian-homes-49|title=33 - Perth's Anzac Cottage|work=Our house: histories of Australian homes|publisher=Department of the Environment|author=David Dolan|year=2001|accessdate=2015-11-14}} A verandah extends across the entire width of the front.

The front rooms have triple bay windows. Above the front door are ornamental leadlight panels, the centre one of which includes the word "ANZAC".{{cite web|url=

http://www.weekendnotes.com/anzac-cottage-open-day/|title=ANZAC Cottage Open Day: A Man of Many Talents|author=John F|accessdate=2015-11-14}}{{cite web|url=http://www.warmemorials.net/memorials/perth/anzcott/anzcott.htm|title=Anzac Cottage|work=War Memorials of Western Australia|author=Rufus Cole|accessdate=2015-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075049/http://www.warmemorials.net/memorials/perth/anzcott/anzcott.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}} The building has pressed metal ceilings.

{{cite web|url=http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Your_Council/Parks_Facilities/Facilities_List/ANZAC_Cottage|title=ANZAC Cottage|publisher=City of Vincent|accessdate=2015-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014921/http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Your_Council/Parks_Facilities/Facilities_List/ANZAC_Cottage|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=dead}}

"Restoration" displays in the front room of the cottage, 2015-11-07 The two front rooms and the kitchen/dining room have fireplaces.Floor plan included with National Trust of Australia (WA) assessment form

The rear of the cottage has a verandah, with kitchen, bathroom and laundry, the locations of which have changed over the years.National Trust of Australia (WA) assessment form and attached floor plan, 1989. The original washhouse has been removed, but the concrete slab remains to show its location (about {{convert|6|m|abbr=on}} from the verandahMeasured using Google Maps' satellite view, 2015-11-07). The original outhouse is no longer there.Information on display in the back yard at Anzac Cottage, 2015-11-07

A flag pole stands in the front yard.[https://www.facebook.com/AnzacCottage/posts/953046784784853 Facebook post 2016-02-14, comments and replies]

In late 1915 the Mount Hawthorn Progress Association decided to build a house named Anzac Cottage, as both a memorial "to perpetuate the name of 'Anzac{{'-}}"{{cite book|title=Anzac Cottage: Souvenir of the monument erected at Mount Hawthorn, 1916|publisher=Mount Hawthorn Progress Association|year=1916|url=http://catalogue.slwa.wa.gov.au/record=b1350285~S1|accessdate=2015-11-14}} and to provide a home for a soldier wounded in the landing at Anzac Cove.{{cite book|last1=Stephens|first1=John|last2=Seal|first2=Graham|year=2015|publisher=Black Swan Press|title=Remembering the Wars: Commemoration in Western Australian Communities|pages=23–24|isbn=9780987567079}}{{citation|title=Western Australia's First Gallipoli Memorial |publisher=Vietnam Veteran's Association of Australia WA Branch |url=http://www.vvaawa.org.au/anzaccottage_files/ANZAC%20Cottage%20leaflet4%20copy.pdf |accessdate=2015-11-08 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228175205/http://vvaawa.org.au/anzaccottage_files/ANZAC%20Cottage%20leaflet4%20copy.pdf |archivedate=28 February 2016 }}

The land was donated by a local real estate agent, James Peet.{{citation |title=100 most influential: The business leaders who shaped WA – 1829-2013 |url=https://info.thewest.com.au/westadvertising/feature/20131129/downloads/feature.pdf |publisher=The West Australian |archiveurl=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20200127170436/https://info.thewest.com.au/westadvertising/feature/20131129/downloads/feature.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2020 |url-status=live |format=PDF |date=2013-11-29 |page=40 |access-date=5 February 2020 }} The {{convert|40|by|132|ft|abbr=on}}{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26971543|title=Anzac Cottage. Memorial Tablet Laying. Spirit of Patriotism.|newspaper=The West Australian|date=1916-02-14|page=8|accessdate=2015-11-14}} heavily timbered block was cleared by about 30 volunteers using hand tools on 29 January 1916.{{cite web|url=http://simplyaustralia.net/article-anzac-cottage.html|title=Anzac Cottage: Australia's First Great War Memorial|author=Graham Seal|publisher=Simply Australia|accessdate=2015-11-14}}

The following week, on 5 February, materials were brought to the site. Seventy drays and 150 men proceeded in a {{convert|1/2|mi|m|order=flip|adj=mid|-long}} convoy from James Street to the Mount Hawthorn building site. The procession was led by Emily Roberts,{{efn|Emily Roberts {{nee|Huxley}} was the wife of Charles McDonald Roberts. As was the custom at the time, most contemporary reports refer to her by her husband's name or initial(s), e.g. Mrs C Roberts or Mrs Charles Roberts. She won the title "Soldiers' Queen" in a fund-raising Queen Carnival, and was subsequently well-known for her ongoing charitable work and assistance to returned soldiers.{{cite journal|url=http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/files/3f9b20e0-683d-4a04-97be-a46b00ca5abc/Local_History_News_Quarterly_Vol_5_no_2.pdf|title=Who was Mrs C Roberts 'The Soldiers’ Queen'?|journal=Local History News: The News Quarterly|date=April 2015|accessdate=2015-11-14|pages=7–8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015231/http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/files/3f9b20e0-683d-4a04-97be-a46b00ca5abc/Local_History_News_Quarterly_Vol_5_no_2.pdf|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url= http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article44981421|title=Soldiers' Queen. Death of Mrs C. Roberts|newspaper=The West Australian|date=1944-10-11|page=7|accessdate=2015-11-14}}}} the "Soldiers' Queen", in her motor car."The People", display at Anzac Cottage, 2016-02-14 On arrival at the building site, Roberts ceremonially turned the first sod before the men began the foundation work, completing them the next day.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article148342119|title=Anzac Cottage. Homes for Wounded Soldiers|newspaper=Westralian Worker|date=1916-02-11|page=2|accessdate=2015-11-14}}

Construction day, Saturday 12 February, began at 3:30{{nbsp}}am with the ringing of a bell to summon the builders. By 4{{nbsp}}am there were 50 men on site ready to begin, and by 8{{nbsp}}am over there were over 100 men working on the house. The number rose to 200 by early afternoon. Meals were provided to the workers from a temporary canteen set up for the purpose. During the afternoon a memorial plaque was affixed to one of the gateway pillars by Lady Clara Barron, the wife of Governor Harry Barron.{{efn|The original plaque was replaced in 2002 by one laid by Lorraine Sanderson, wife of Governor John Sanderson.Plaque on the gate pillar, 2015-11-07}} At 5{{nbsp}}pm Roberts raised the Australian flag, into which the letters "ANZAC" had been sewn. By the end of the day "the outside of the buildings was almost completed", the lawn turf was laid and the fence had been erected. The remainder of the construction work, including the interior, was completed over the next two weeks.{{cite journal|url=http://professionalhistorianswa.org.au/newsletter-november-2014|title=My Grandfather's House - The ANZAC Cottage Story|journal=Professional Historians Association (WA) Newsletter|author=Anne Chapple|pages=9–11|accessdate=2015-11-14}}{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article80887959|title=Anzac Cottage|newspaper=The Daily News|date=1916-02-29|page=8|accessdate=2015-11-14}}

The building of the cottage was a notable public event. The delivery procession was watched by thousands, and met at the building site by a crowd of hundreds.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26970947|title=Anzac Cottage. Making a Start. Material on the Spot.|newspaper=The West Australian|date=1916-02-07|page=8|accessdate=2015-11-15}} The main construction attracted a crowd of 4,000 onlookers, the local streets were decorated with flags and streamers, and the Police Band provided music. A souvenir booklet was printed to mark the occasion, with descriptions of the events and the cottage, photographs, and the names of many of those involved.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37439842|title=News and Notes|newspaper=Western Mail|date=1916-04-21|page=32|accessdate=2015-11-14}}

On 15 April 1916 the cottage was officially opened for public inspection by Premier John Scaddan and his wife.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article148342839|title=Mt. Hawthorn Notes. (By "Advance".) Anzac Opening.|newspaper=Westralian Worker|date=1916-04-21|page=2|accessdate=2015-11-14}} The following day the property was handed over to Private John Porter{{efn|Some sources list alternative names (including spelling): Cuthburt John Porter, Cuthbert John Porter, Cuthbert Porter, John Cuthbert Porter."Porter Family History" display in the front room of the cottage, 2015-11-07}} and his wife Annie. Porter was a member of the 11th Battalion of the First Australian Imperial Force, and one of those in the landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915. He was wounded on the first day; the injury subsequently causing him to return to Australia in July 1915 as an invalid."Private Porter", display at Anzac Cottage, 2016-02-14

The title deed to the property was held by the Mount Hawthorn Progress Association as trustees, with the returned soldier and his family and descendants having the right to live there, but not to sell it."Excerpt from the Agreement Between Mount Hawthorn Progress Association and Private Cuthbert John Porter", display at Anzac Cottage, 2016-02-14

Porter and his wife lived in the cottage until their deaths in the 1960s. Some of his descendants lived in the cottage until the 1970s or early 1980s.

During the 1970s and 1980s ownership of the property and responsibility for its maintenance was disputed. The Porters' children had moved elsewhere{{citation|url=http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/files/cf406450-8fa6-4f87-9445-a54700988d67/VIN001000136_14PPDL_MTHAWTHORN.pdf|title=Anzac Cottage, 38 Kalgoorlie Street|work=Places of Interest|publisher=City of Vincent|date=2015-10-20|accessdate=2015-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023805/http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/files/cf406450-8fa6-4f87-9445-a54700988d67/VIN001000136_14PPDL_MTHAWTHORN.pdf|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=dead}} and the nominal owner, the Mount Hawthorn Progress Association was no longer operating. After legal disputes as to its ownership, the cottage was eventually taken over by the state government.{{citation|url=http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au/R?func=dbin-jump-full&local_base=gen01-era02&object_id=152454 |title=Folklore, History and Myth at an Anzac Memorial |author=Graham Seal |year=2010 |publisher=Curtin University |page=11 |accessdate=2015-11-14 }} By this time the building was in poor condition.

In the early 1990s, the cottage was given to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, Western Australia Branch (VVAA WA),{{efn|In 1989 the government had offered it to the Returned and Services League of Australia, who declined it.}} who coordinated the restoration of the building to its original condition, with support from local community groups and funding from Lotterywest. A sleepout extension and bath, both non-original, were removed. The front verandah, extensively damaged by weather and termites, was replaced. Sections of the roof and brick work was repaired. The cottage was reopened in April 1997. In April 2002 a rededication ceremony was held, at which Lorraine Sanderson (the wife of Governor John Sanderson) laid a new memorial plaque to replace the original laid by Lady Barron.

In 2006 the cottage was donated to the Town of Vincent, who leased it back to the VVAA WA for a peppercorn rent. The VVAA used it as their headquarters and a museum,{{cite web|url=https://www.weekendnotes.com/anzac-cottage-history-museum/|title=ANZAC Cottage History Museum|publisher=OatLoabs|work=Weekend Notes|date=2018-03-22|access-date=2018-09-22}} occasionally open to the public.

In 2021 Anzac Cottage was transferred from the City of Vincent to the National Trust of Western Australia,{{cite web|url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/news/national-trust-celebrates-anzac-cottage-transfer/|title=National Trust celebrates Anzac Cottage transfer|publisher=National Trust|date=2021-05-26|access-date=2022-09-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/anzac-cottage-perth/|title=ANZAC Cottage|publisher=National Trust|access-date=2022-09-27}} who run guided tours of the building.{{cite web|url=https://nationaltrustwa.rezdy.com/492638/anzac-cottage-talk-and-tour|title=ANZAC Cottage Talk and Tour|publisher=National Trust of Western Australia|access-date=2022-09-27}}

A flagpole was erected in the front yard of the cottage before its official opening in April 1916. It was donated by Mrs Helmes, in memory of her nephew killed at Anzac.{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article80896427|title=The Anzac Monument|newspaper=The Daily News|date=1916-04-11|page=1|accessdate=2016-02-14}} A plaque was attached to the flagpole, commemorating Private Leslie Arthur Wilkinson, who died at Anzac Cove.{{cite web|url=https://www.nabo.com.au/whats-on/event/anzac-cottage-open-day-2015|title=ANZAC Cottage Open Day 2015|publisher=Nabo|accessdate=2015-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117023100/https://www.nabo.com.au/whats-on/event/anzac-cottage-open-day-2015|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/DPS-CHAT/2014-02/1393330750|title=Re: [DPS-CHAT] Service personnel|author=Frank Duggan|date=2014-02-25|publisher=RootsWeb|work=DPS-CHAT-L Archives|accessdate=2015-11-15}}{{cite web|url=http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/DPS-CHAT/2013-06/1372579583|title=Re: [DPS-CHAT] WWI - Gallipoli - Died or injured WA Vaterans pre1921|date=2013-06-30|publisher=RootsWeb|work=DPS-CHAT-L Archives|author=Anne Chapple|accessdate=2015-11-14}}[https://www.facebook.com/AnzacCottage/photos/a.456919794397557.1073741827.247991878623684/826297887459744 Facebook photo of original plaque, and comment, 2015-05-28]

In 2015 the wooden flagpole was found to be irreparably damaged by termites. A new metal flagpole was installed to replace it.[https://www.facebook.com/AnzacCottage/photos/a.456919794397557.1073741827.247991878623684/902897009799831 Facebook photo of flagpole, comments and subsequent replies, 2015-11-05][https://www.facebook.com/AnzacCottage/posts/904235589665973 Facebook post, comments and replies, 2015-11-09] The new pole has a new plaque, with the same wording as the original.New plaque on the metal flagpole, 2016-02-13

Anzac Cottage is classified by the National Trust of Australia, listed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia on the State Register of Heritage Places{{cite web|url=http://inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/Public/Inventory/Details/b38118cb-d4da-45a2-bc78-d32b5cab95c5|title=Anzac Cottage (place number 03344)|publisher=Heritage Council State: Heritage Office|date=2015-10-22|access-date=2018-09-22}} and included on the Register of the National Estate.{{cite web|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;place_id=18394|title=Anzac Cottage, 38 Kalgoorlie St, Mount Hawthorn, WA, Australia (Place ID 18394)|publisher=Department of the Environment|accessdate=2015-11-15}} It is included in the City of Vincent Municipal Heritage Inventory.{{cite web|url=http://www.vincentheritage.com.au/inventory.php?id=103|title=Municipal Heritage Inventory Database|publisher=City of Vincent|accessdate=2015-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032532/http://www.vincentheritage.com.au/inventory.php?id=103|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=dead}}

Anzac Cottage is host to several commemorative ceremonies, such as those on Anzac Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and Remembrance Day. Notable amongst these are:

• Every year Porter raised the flag on Anzac Day at 4:30{{nbsp}}am, the time of the first landing.{{cite web|url=http://www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/history/publications/memories-memorabilia-recognising-and-preserving-australias-wartime-heritage-5|title=Memories & Memorabilia: Recognising and Preserving Australia's Wartime Heritage: Chapter 6: Memorial halls and other buildings|publisher=Department of Veterans' Affairs|accessdate=2015-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117020543/http://www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/history/publications/memories-memorabilia-recognising-and-preserving-australias-wartime-heritage-5|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=dead}}
• Since 1996, a "sunset service" has been held each Anzac Day at the cottage, the last such service in Australia each year.

The Mount Hawthorn cottage inspired other similar ventures, such as the Anzac Cottage in Claremont, Western Australia, built by the Ugly Men's Association in 1917.{{cite web|url=http://inherit.stateheritage.wa.gov.au/Public/Inventory/Details/91621952-5927-4055-805a-98a5948f8c42|title=ANZAC Cottage, Claremont (place number 08094)|publisher=Heritage Council State: Heritage Office|date=2015-10-22|accessdate=2015-11-14}}{{cite web|url=http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/60268-anzac-cottage|title=ANZAC Cottage|publisher=Monument Australia|accessdate=2015-11-14}}

The Queensland War Council built several dozen "Anzac cottages" for widows and orphans of Queensland soldiers who died during the war.{{cite web|url=http://eheritage.metadata.net/record/QLD-602064|title=Strathearn|publisher=The University of Queensland|work= Australian e-Heritage Portal|accessdate=2015-11-15}}

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{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Anzac Cottage}}

• {{facebook|AnzacCottage|Anzac Cottage}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014921/http://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/Your_Council/Parks_Facilities/Facilities_List/ANZAC_Cottage Anzac Cottage] at City of Vincent
• [http://worldwaronelink.com.au/projects/anzac-cottage Anzac Cottage] at WWI Link (an online register of research projects taking place across Australia during the centenary of WWI)
• [https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/anzac-cottage-perth/ Anzac Cottage] at National Trust of Western Australia

Category:ANZAC (Australia)

Category:World War I memorials in Australia

Category:State Register of Heritage Places in the City of Vincent

Category:Historic house museums in Western Australia

Category:National Trust of Western Australia