By Cathy Jones
‘Taragala’ 38 Abbotsford Road Homebush is located on parts Lots 1 & 2 Section 8 of the ‘Village of Homebush Estate’, a subdivision of the larger Underwood Estate. Both this house and 40 Abbotsford Rd were built by their owner Sydney Garratt.
Ownership of the land was acquired by John Maclean Arnott, biscuit manufacturer in April 1914. In October 1914, the land transferred to James Fitzgerald, overseer of works at Strathfield Council. The park located at the rear of 40 Abbotsford Rd is Fitzgerald Park, named after James Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald transferred the land to Sydney Garratt, a builder in August 1915. Garratt lodged applications to build two houses on parts lots 1 & 2 which were approved subject to subdivision. Each house was built in brick with slate roofs containing more than five rooms at estimated construction cost of £400. The builders were Garratt & Hokin, Rochester Street, Homebush.
This house was likely built after 40 Abbotsford Road was constructed. Garratt took out a mortgage in 1918, which likely funded the construction. The house first appears in 1920 Sands Directory, pointing to a construction in late 1918 or 1919.
Garrett transferred ownership of 38 Abbotsford Road to Ernest Edward Chaseling, traffic inspector of railways in February 1924. However, Chaseling is noted in Sands Directory 1920 as occupant of this house which was called ‘Taragala’. It is likely it was rented to Chaseling before he became the owner.
The house was originally 22 Abbotsford Road but renumbered in 1954.
In November 1945, ownership of the house transferred to Muriel Sheill, wife of George Shiell, retired bank officer.
It was next sold in January 1958 to Francesco Alvaro, Francesco Stillitano and Giuseppe Stillitano, iron worker and labourer for £1517 and in August 1962 from Francesco Stillitano to Guiseppe Stillitano for £2750 pounds.
In February 1965, the house was sold to Ulick King, warranty officer, and his wife Joan King for £7000.
References
Fox & Associates, Strathfield Heritage Study, 1986
NSW Land Titles, Certificate of Titles v.2845 f.152 and v.2464 f.27
Strathfield Council Building Register Vol. 1
Department of the Valuer General NSW – Valuation List – Valuation District of Strathfield
Notice of Land Transfer under Local Government Act 1919
