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Wanslea
The Grand United Ancient Order of Oddfellows in 1905 established an orphanage at 78-80 Railway Street Cottesloe to accommodate the orphaned children of deceased members. It was closed by 1940. The building was later known as 'Wanslea'.
Ruth Marchant James:
I.O.O.F. ORPHANS HOME AND WANSLEA
Wanslea was originally built as an orphans home by the Industrial [Independent?] Order of Odd Fellows, to care for the dependants of its Fellows. The foundation stone was laid by Lady Bedford in February 1905 and although the orphanage was officially opened in August that year, it did not receive its first inmates — four weeks old twins, until early in 1906.
The large brick structure set in four acres of cultivated land beside the railway line was run by a central board who relied mainly on donations to clothe and feed these unfortunate children. Some of the older orphans received their education from the neighbouring North Cottesloe State School and all household affairs were guided by the Home’s first Superintendent-Secretary, B. Hoddinott and the first appointed matron, S. Eakins.
By 1919 a new memorial wing costing £1,200 was opened by the Governor, Sir W. Ellison McCartney and it was noted in 1921 that one hundred and thirty children had been admitted and cared for. When the number of orphans requiring assistance dropped drastically to two, the Board realised that the whole venture was no longer practical. So the extensive property was sold in 1943 to the Government. Today the only reminder of the I.O.O.F. Home is an emblem in plaster at the gable end of the building consisting of a link of chains and three words: “Friendship, Love, Truth”.
WANSLEA
Wanslea was organised in 1943 by the remarkable Mrs. Florence Hummerston as a place of care for children whose parents were not able to fulfil their parental duties. There was no age limit and children were taken from infancy to sixteen years of age. Once an entire family of eight were accommodated. When Wanslea celebrated its 18th Anniversary in 1961 it was revealed that 4,000 children had been given a temporary home and loving care and attention.
Snap from the Heritage Council page.
Heritage Council
History
This home was originally built as an orphanage in c.1904/1905 on four acres of land granted by the government on Railway Street. It was built by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for dependents of its fellows. It is believed to have been designed by architect J. F. Allen in what was termed the 'Gothic style'. J. F. Allen, Mayor of East Fremantle also built Strelitz buildings. East Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle Trades Hall etc. Battye vol. 1, p 567.
According to Muhling the structure was built in 1904 of "freestone externally and brickwork internally". Marchant James states the foundation stone was laid by Lady Bedford in February 1905 and the building was officially opened in August that year. It did not receive its first children, four weeks old twins, unfil early 1906. A new memorial wing was added in 1919. When numbers dropped the property was sold to the government in 1943. Mrs Florence Hummerston then organised Wanslea as a home for the care of children of parents who needed help. In 1995 the Wanslea site is used by the Cancer Support Association, the Cottesloe Day Care Centre and Playgroup. Cottesloe Council has been negotiating to own it.
See also
R. P. Muhling, "Some Aspects of Architecture in Perth and Fremantle 1895-1905", elective dissertation for Bachelor of
Architecture, School of Architecture, University of WA, 1971.
Statement of Significance
An impressive and significant early institutional structure of social and architectural importance.
Physical Description
1995 Comment: IOOF Orphans Home. Historic, architectural and social significance.
"Wanslea". Formerly IOOF Orphanage. This is a large, impressive building in Federation Freestyle with red brick and contrasting stucco bands. The roof is tiled. The double-storey verandahs have been enclosed on the top floor, presenting an awkward appearance out of sympathy with the building as a whole. The front entrance is approached by a wide flight of steps. Gables are half-timbered with the one over the entrance containing an emblem of a link of chains and the words "Friendship, Love, Truth" as a reminder of the original lOOF orphanage.
Additional Comment: On the State Heritage Register. Since the mid-2000s the National Trust has undertaken substantial development and conservation works to the place.
Reason for Inclusion
1. The place is of higher-order local cultural heritage significance, being classified as Category 2 in the Town’s Municipal Inventory (MI).
2. The place is also heritage classified on the State Register of Heritage Places.
3. The place contributes to the character and amenity of the street, locality and overall district.
References and Links
James, Ruth Marchant 1977, Heritage of Pines: A History of Cottesloe, Town of Cottesloe Council, © Ruth Marchant James 1977.
James, Ruth Marchant 2007, Cottesloe: A Town of Distinction, Town of Cottesloe, © Ruth Marchant James 2007.
This page incorporates material from Garry Gillard's Freotopia website, that he started in 2014 and the contents of which he donated to Wikimedia Australia in 2024. The content was originally created on 7 October, 2023 and hosted at freotopia.org/buildings/wanslea.html (it was last updated on 7 October, 2023), and has been edited since it was imported here (see page history). The donated data is also preserved in the Internet Archive's collection.