W G Apps undertakers, 239 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Graeme Butler and Associates01/07/1989
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W G Apps undertakers, 239 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
01/07/1989
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105695
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
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Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2022:__________________________________________________Period: 1876-1899DATE: 1891;ASSOCIATIONS: Benjamin, Samuel and W G Apps;DESIGNER: Askew, D C;BUILDER: W Carnie.GRAEME BUTLER 1989, LITTLE BOURKE STREET PRECINCT CONSERVATION STUDYStatement of SignificanceShop and Residence, 239 Lonsdale StreetHistoryBuilt 1891Prior to constructing this building, the allotment was divided from CA18/82 in 1866 by Isaac Buchanan and William Bell, acting as trustees of Oliver Gourlay's estate.James McElvoy was the first owner, paying £450. He also leased premises on the allotment from 1859. Five years after acquisition, McElvoy sold to Thomas Hunter and Ann Hunter bought the lot under Torrens in 1877. 6 Mrs. Hunter owned a brick shop there in the early 1880s, prior to selling to Samuel Benjamin around 1885, 7 when it was a shop and three rooms. Mahlstedl's plans show a one-story brick shop there, in 1887 occupied by Mrs. Emily Currie, a fruiterer but by the 1894 rate listing it is given as three floors. The 1880 panorama also shows a single-storey verandahed building, next to a two- storey row (241-245). Between 1887 and 1894 the shop was rebuilt to possess three levels 8 and match in appearance the existing shops and residences owned by Benjamin on the west. Rate descriptions show a pronounced valuation change from £54 in 1891 to £160 in 1892. 9On behalf of Benjamin, two applications were made for three-storey buildings between 1887 and 1892: one involving an hotel, the other a shop and dwelling. George Jobbins designed the hotel and D.C. Askew designed this building. Given early occupation by a confectioner (Marie Murphy) and, by c1894, an undertaker (W.A. Apps), the `hotel' option seems least likely. Although, the conservative design is atypical of the more flamboyant Askew. This could also be because of the existing 241-5 design.The builder for the 1891 scheme was W Carnie of Northcote. 11Samuel Benjamin, aged 47 when this building was created, had come to Melbourne from Tasmania and commenced shoe manufacturing. His stock-market speculations went awry and he left for Britain and Europe where he recovered some of his wealth and returned to Tasmania to retire in 1894.1DescriptionA three-storey brick and stucco design in a restrained Italian Renaissance revival manner with Corinthian pilasters framing the first floor and elongated cornice brackets dividing the parapet entablature.External IntegrityNew shopfronts and canopy, with some damage to the stucco mouldings and new parapet wall, new signs, painted brick and stone, also blocked openings on west elevation.StreetscapePart of a 19th century commercial streetscape.SignificanceHistorically linked with the nearby Melbourne Hospital and architecturally closely related to the earlier 241-5 Lonsdale Street, the building is otherwise typical of 19th century commercial work.Contributes to precinct..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM.GRAEME BUTLER 1989, LITTLE BOURKE STREET PRECINCT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM.Google Maps 2022Street view shows 4 courses of quarry faced basalt footings down lane, face brick to lane (painted) with chimney and cornice visible, steps into side entry doorway, double-hung sash windows grouped along lane, ground level barred, with bullnose profile brick reveals..LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEX:Record 76357 Askew, W A; Benjamin, S Melbourne VIC Houses; Shops Carnie, W - Clark St Northcote 1891 03 26 4910, MCC registration no 4910 [Burchett Index]. Fee 2.10.0-three-storey shop and dwellingalso76331 Jobbins,-; Benjamin, S Melbourne VIC Hotels Secull & Abbott - 119 Gore St Fitzroy 1887 07 25 2903 MCC registration no 2903 [Burchett Index]. Fee 3.3.0three-storey hotel.VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-1335Premises on this allotment leased by James McElvoy 1859 who purchased it in 1866. In 1870s purchased by Thomas Hunter, brick shop on allotment in 1880s. Between 1887 & 1894 1 storey shop rebuilt to possess 3 levels. Occupants: Confectioner, Undertaker..MAHLSTEDT AND GEE 1888. STANDARD PLANS OF THE CITY OF MELBOURNESection 1, Map 7.MAHLSTEDT FIRE INSURANCE PLAN SERIES STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIASection 1, Map 71910 shown as 3 storey cnr of Tattersall Lane, with three window bays and entry onto lane..NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1892https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66174088No mention of City branch.1897The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930)Saturday 1 May 1897 - Page 5long articlehttps://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/144640861MODERN BURIAL. AN UP-TO-DATE ESTABLISHMENT.WM. GEO. APPS and SONS.Melbourne and Suburbs.The question of the ' burial ' of the dead is one that is dividing attention at the present time with the advisability of ' burning ' the remains of all that is flesh after the ' heavenly spark ' has forsaken its earthly tenement to return to its Creator.That was the idea that was prominent in our mind when, casually meeting the St. Kilda representative of Apps and Sons on a flying trip to Fitzroy, we ventured to solicit his opinion on cremation. ' Cremation, ' he remarked, 'is purely a matter of sentiment. If you make cremation compulsory you will find plenty of objections, and the same if you make it optional. It will be a matter of usage.' And how will it affect your business ?' ..' Not in the least. People have to be conveyed to the cemetery, and the same effect would follow the establishment of crematoriums. But the undertaking business is a business to be reckoned with ?'I suppose so,' was the response, `if you have time to spare, I will show you the extent of ours.' And from this arises the description that follows.Some time in the 50's— about '55 — Mr. W. G. Apps took up his residence at the junction of Moor and Fitzroy streets, Fitzroy, and formed the nucleus of what has since resulted in one of the most prominent of the 'leading but melancholy ' professions that exist in Victoria. For it must be remembered that the 'Guild of Under takers ' is no mean one amongst its contemporaries of the Mother Country; and is credited with a coat-of-arms, by royal patent, that many with aristocratic fancies would be pleased to appropriate.When Mr. Apps, senior, first established his business on the spot indicated his whole habitation (including office, stable, and workshop) embraced but a quarter allotment — 33 x 66 — now the stables alone take in a quarter of an acre of ground! This is but one of the changes of time; there are many others.The firm of Apps and Sons has many ramification?. In Horne Street, Elsternwick ; Lonsdale- street, Melbourne ; High-street, St. Kilda , Robe-street, St. Kilda; and the corner of Moor and Fitzroy streets, Fitzroy. This latter is the head centre, the office and pivot on which the wheel turns presided over by Mr. E. Apps, a worthy son of an excellent father. Introduced by his younger brother as a representative of the great army of enquirers, he expresses his willingness to assist in the solution of the mental question we have propounded to our selves — what is the extent of such a business as undertaking? Mr. Apps does not advance any pre tensions to thought reading, but he evidently has our query before him as he directs attention to a range of drawers that flank his table on the left. Here are displayed samples of the extent to which the interment of our loved ones has reached, as a fine art. Numerous designs in brass, polished to a high state of brilliancy as accessories to the caskets of oak and kauri are displayed in rich profusion; and Mr. Apps points to replicas of the ornaments that were placed on the caskets of the late Sir James and Lady Patterson. Mr. Apps casually remarks that the firm actually possesses, in this particular line, half of the stock of Melbourne, and then places on the office table some of the most beautiful samples of the silver smith's art it has been our good fortune to meet with in any capacity. They are more fit for the show-case of a silversmith than the show-room of an undertaker, but that detracts in no way from their beauty as works of art ; and as tributes of affection to the departed they are none the less applicable. Mr. Apps imports all his own material and those are evident proofs of his good taste. On plain caskets of blue velvet or virgin white, the silver and brass mountings are essentially appropriate ate to those whose means permits of the outlay ; and it says much for the enterprise of the firm that it is pre means. After a view of such elabo-pared to supply the same effects on a similar scale and at considerably less expense to those of more limited rate specimens of workmanship, the ordinary trimmings and plates seem minor quantities; but the completeness of detail is observable throughout, and also a duo and commend able attention to all classes. The show room is as near a thing of beauty as can be understood in such company. As one looks in astonishment at the display of polished oak and kauri, cedar and blackwood with silver and gold mountings, and their fellows of silver and velvet of all hues, the truth of the remark passed by our guide that the stock represents thousands of pounds can be well understood; as also the following remark, that Mr. Apps could supply with facility 20 to 25 ' oak funerals'—the prizes of the trade— weekly, and then not he stuck ! This, in itself, is proof of the trade done.Attention is drawn to the ' patent casket coffin,' carrying Royal letters, of which Mr. Apps is the sole patentee and inventor, which is specially adapted for such events as are of frequent occurrence in the Australian colonies— where friends are separated by long distances from the departed— and are intended to act as substitutes for embalming. The coffin is so constructed as to enable health dangers - to be averted. In the lid of the coffin a plate gloss insertion is made to cover the face of the deceased. This, in its turn, is covered with a shutter in which a mirror is placed. The use of this is obvious, affording as it does a reflection of the features of the loved one (without its gruesome accompaniments) to the one summoned from a distance. In this department is associated all the accompaniments of embalming, so that either is open to mourners. The arrangements for embalming are most complete and according to the latest discoveries of modern science. Mr. Apps has … imported something new in funeral furnishings …read, and our request to view them is acceded to.As his own importer, Mr. Apps has exceptional advantages, and he appears to have availed- himself of them to the full as concerns his own particular requirements. A pall fit for the funeral car of a prince of the blood (ie black and white plush) is as gorgeous as such a sombre article can be. Wore it anything else the richness of the material and the excellence of the workmanship would throw one into * ecstasies. As an accessory of a state funeral, one can imagine it in all its impressive and symbolical presence. Another pall of violet velvet and gold fringe, with similar holds for the bearers, is also a new importation; and when the price is named the extent of the profession is still more readily understood. With a view to prevent all chance of contagion, it is explained that all these and other furnishings are specially treated and kept in carefully medicated compartments. So great is the desire to avoid the faintest chance of contagion that — unless particularly desired— no hat bands are used by the drivers of hearse or mourning coaches, the old-time badges of grief being re placed by cockades. And Mr. Apps mentions as an item of news, that the old stylo of ' weepers ' is only affected by certain sects.All funeral furnishing departments — and we use the plural advisedly— are in close conjunction, and fifteen minutes after the receipt of an order, by telephone or otherwise, so complete are the arrangements that a casket fit for the highest in the land or their less fortunate brothers or sisters can be supplied. In our every-day, common humanity sort of life, the race is to the swift by present day reading and in the home of the future, the* same rule would appear to obtain. Outside these departments are the preliminary preparations ; and that Mr. Apps is fully prepared for every emergency is evidenced by the presence of thousands of feet of wainscot and pollard oak and Kauri, cedar and blackwood, for the better class of work, with the inferior woods for the less ostentatious demands and an unlimited supply of lead inner caskets. Our Jewish brethren do not go in for ornamentation — the plainest of caskets is their choice— but the best of wood is required, and for this particular sect special preparations are made and the best of stocks selected. To accompany all this an extensive running plant is palpably necessary. In the stables are 14 horses of jet black hue, three hearses, eight mourning coaches, three covered wagons and a floral car, with four sets of ostrich plumes (black and white) and six set of head plumes for horses of similar hues, all complete. All the accessories are of the best and up to date, from the harness to the feed room — a greater portion of the latter being utilised for stowing oak and Kauri. Three cabinet makers and three coffin makers are employed at the head establishment in Fitzroy; and a proportionate strength in the branches. It is a remarkably complete establishment of its own particular description ; and a plain proof ' that the surroundings of death can be made that pleasant to mourners as to detract one half from their grief.The pain of death is half assuaged by the knowledge that those we leave behind will experience a pleasure at our departure, H can be. read both ways. We must not omit to chronicle the fact, but little known, that to Mr. G. Apps belongs the honour of performing the first embalming case in Victoria. For embalming he holds a diploma from Professor Rivers of the United States of America. It was performed at Mr. Apps' private mortuary, and was witnessed by several prominent medical men who warmly testified to the complete success of the operation. In connection with ti e business, Mr. Apps has also established a private mortuary, to which the remains of persons dying at hospitals can be conveyed for interment, thus obviating funerals from public institutions. This convenience is largely availed of.See also 1896 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/582799811913 advert. Fitzroy, St Kilda, City and new premises at Heidelberghttps://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60657483`...Coffins forwarded to any part on receipt of telegram or letter.N.B.-We keep a special groom and horse stall for the convenience of our customers awaiting their orders. Horses fed, etc., no charge extra.1915https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/242361901UNDERTAKER'S PREMISESMISTAKEN FOR WINE CAFEAccording to evidence given at the City Court today Martin Wilson entered the shop of Mr W. G. Apps, undertaker, of Lonsdale street, last night..."Wilson's conduct, it wasstated in evidence that he had mistaken the undertaker's shop for an adjacent wine café...Wilson was fined 40/, in default 14 days' imprisonment for having used insulting: words, and 20/-, in default sevendays for having: resisted the police.1935W. G. Apps & Sons Undertakers PTY. LTD.Were appointed undertakers to the St. Kilda Hebrew Congregation under the supervision of the late Rev. Blaubaum, also the Chevro Kadisha, withwhich is associated the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation. CITY Branch, 239 Lonsdale St., C.l.…..DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALL1904,239 Apps, W. G., undrtkr-Maslen, W., mgr1915239 Apps, W. G., undrtkr-Renton, Mrs M., mgr.
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105695 | 1 JPEG : 279 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |