Higham's Buildings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Higham's Buildings |
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Higham's Buildings in 1933
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Federation Free Classical style |
| Address | 101 High Street |
| Town or city | Fremantle |
| Country | Western Australia |
| Completed | 1890 |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Part of | West End, Fremantle (25225) |
| Reference no. | 927 |
Higham's Buildings is a special old building found at 101 High Street in Fremantle, Western Australia. It sits right on the corner of Market Street. This building is part of the historic Fremantle West End Heritage area. It was built a long time ago, around the late 1800s, when there was a big "gold boom" in Western Australia. Many other business buildings were also built in Fremantle during this exciting time.
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About Higham's Buildings
Higham's Buildings has two floors. It was built in 1890. The building's style is called Federation Free Classical. This means it looks grand and uses ideas from old Greek and Roman buildings.
The outside of the building is covered in a smooth finish. It connects to shops that go all the way along Market Street. There is a fancy, decorated part at the top, facing High Street. This part is called a pediment and it has the building's name on it. The front of the building also has decorative columns, which divide it into different sections.
History of the Building
Before Higham's Buildings, there was a store and a home on this spot. These were owned by a woman named Mary Higham in the 1850s and 1860s.
The Higham Family Connection
The "new" Higham's Buildings were built in the 1890s. More parts were added in the 1900s. The building stayed in the Higham family for a very long time, until 1974.
The building was first built for Edward Higham. He was an important person in Fremantle. He helped start the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, which is a group for local businesses. Later, he became a member of the Western Australian Legislative Council. This council helps make laws for Western Australia. Edward Higham represented the Fremantle area in the council.
What Happened Inside
In 1902, a small fire started in the building, but it was put out quickly. Later, in 1904, a tearoom opened inside, where people could relax and have drinks. A pharmacy, which is a shop that sells medicines, also opened in the building in 1912.
There was even a theatre called the Palladium Theatre. It used to be in the eastern part of the building complex.
Protecting its History
Higham's Buildings is considered a very important historical place.
Heritage Listings
- In 1974, the building was officially recognized by the National Trust of Australia. This group helps protect important places.
- In 1978, it was added to the Register of the National Estate. This is a list of places that are important to Australia's history and nature.
- It is also listed on the State Register of Heritage Places, meaning it's protected by the state government.
