48 Record Street (circa 1900s)

This villa residence was probably constructed by local builder Leslie Thompson Steele as an investment property during the early-mid 1900s.

A Fitzroy Town Board rating roll for 1907-08 lists Leslie's wife, Margaret, as the ratepayer for Lots 153, 158 & 159 of Fitzroy Subdivision - a rateable value of £1189 likely indicates that the present villas at number 52 (Lots 158 & 159) & number 48 (Lot 153) Record Street were constructed by this date.

The following year, 48 Record Street was purchased by Mrs Mary Fantham, with the 1908-09 rating roll noting Fantham as the ratepayer for Lot 153, with the rateable value being £295.

Fantham initially appears to have lived in the house, but soon moved to Berhampore, Wellington, with the house rented thereafter. 

A permit was granted by the Borough Council to Mrs Fantham on 30 August 1915 for 'additions' to a residence on Section 153 Record Street - the estimated construction cost was £25.