Historical information
51 FOREST STREET Bendigo
The house was under construction in 1860 and completed by the next rate assessment. George Wright likely purchased the land and house from John Melerson, demolished the original building, and constructed a new one.
"Old Law" memorials can provide details on the date of transfer and purchase price. Notable alterations occurred in 1871 and 1917, inferred from £10 rate increases, though the specific improvements are speculative.Additional rate increases in 1864 and between 1921–1931 matched general valuation rises in the area.
Thomas Hawkey lived at the address from at least 1866, with family events recorded there through the 1870s. His financial success later enabled him to build another house in 1882. Other owners and tenants, such as William Weeks Barker, could be further researched through probate papers for more details about the property.
55 FOREST STREET Bendigo
The house was likely built around 1864 for George Vibert, as indicated by rate book records showing payments starting in 1863 and increasing in 1865, suggesting construction just before that date. The survey was conducted to support the building's classification as a heritage site and includes correspondence verifying construction dates and historical significance.
The property is a six-roomed brick cottage from circa 1864.Notable features include arched door and window openings, French windows, and a timber front verandah (though the original trim is missing).The roof is constructed with massive King posts and Butt purlins, considered architecturally interesting. Most windows, woodwork, floors, and two mantlepieces are original.Structural changes have been minimal, limited to the extension and enclosure of the back verandah.
Physical description
3084.45c 51 Forest Street Bendigo Heritage Research Report and Certificate of Title (1993). 113 Forest Street Letter to the Bendigo Council in 1992 from the National Trust Bendigo (Apply to the Society for Details).
3084.45e This letter refers to the historical and architectural survey of the heritage-listed building at 55 Forest Street, Bendigo, prepared for the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Contact BHS for more details.
