| Harrick's
Cottage is of cultural significance as a rare surviving
example of a pole constructed, tent shaped dwelling and
is an example of an Irish immigrant settler's hut dating
from the early 1860s. The pole and scantling tent structure
built in 1861-62 forms the central part of the timber and
weatherboard cottage complex added in 1886. It is of interest
in demonstrating early vernacular building techniques commonly
adopted by Irish farmers in the gold rush and post goldrush
period in Victoria. The weatherboard and iron hipped roof
cottage and skillion addition of c1886 is typical of the
majority of Georgian style farmhouses and cottages which
found widespread application in Australia as a result of
immigration from Ireland and other parts of Britain (Criteria
B.2 and D.2). Harrick's Cottage is of cultural significance
because of its links with the sub-division and agricultural
settlement of the Keilor region and for its association
with James Harrick, a Councillor of long standing on the
Keilor Shire Council from 1898 to 1910.
(Source: National Estate Register) |
