Driftway P&O House

DESCRIPTION

NameDriftway P&O HouseTypeResidenceGeolocation^[1] Last edited by: Will Chittick

DescriptionOn 22nd September 1851 the Private Town of Peterborough was laid out with streets named after D’Arcy Wentworth’s family including his daughters Mary and Sophia, and his sons-in-law, Towns, Addison and Darley; and a cemetery on the south arm of the harbour.

By the mid 1850's, a schoolhouse was in use, two hotels, a store and by 1860 postal services, a local police presence, a flourmill and a Literary and Debating Society added. The stone courthouse in Mary Street was built in the late 1870's, replacing the earlier watch house constructed in the same street in 1861. The harbour was predicted to become a busy shipping centre on the south coast with a jetty erected in 1858. Even by this date, the seaside village emerged as well-known for its scenic character, which increased in the 1890's with the arrival of the railway station at Dunmore.

From the late 19th century through to the 20th century, Inter-War era and into the latter part of the 20th century, Shellharbour was a popular holiday location with a variety of accommodation types from guesthouses, to weekenders and camping on the former cemetery. Shellharbour has become a busy seaside centre and remains a popular tourist destination in the summer months, retaining its traditional holiday atmosphere.

Reputedly remained in same family that constructed the house until about c2000.

‘As the giant P&O liners steamed into Australian harbours in the 1930's, their pothole windows, streamlined prows and massive curved funnels were echoed on the shore by a fleet of modernistic new buildings. Following international trends, these crisply defined new buildings stood out dramatically from their more conventional neighbours’ [Stapleton 1997 p81]. The style sought to reflect increasing efficiency of industry, widening communication links, and technological inventions such as radios, telephones, electricity, cinema, aeroplanes and giant ocean liners.

Modernism developed in Australia after the 1930's Depression. Use of geometrical and Art Deco motifs represent the first wave of European modernism. Interiors reflect the desire for efficiency and super hygiene to wipe away the past of the Depression and the Great War. Doors fitted flush into walls, windows with smooth reveals and no skirting or architraves to collect dust. Popular in seaside locations.

Driftway P&O House, Wilson Street, Shellharbour Village, c.2000.

Heritage Information

Heritage NSW LinkShellharbour Heritage Inventory Sheet Last edited by: Erin Tierney

CONNECTIONS

CollectionPlacesLocalityShellharbour Village

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Driftway P&O House