Camping out on a new block of land was common after WWII
No doubt some readers went camping over the holiday break. In 1914 the Evans and Osborne families enjoyed camping out on the block of land that the Osbornes had purchased at 62 Alexander Street, Collaroy.
If the camp structure looks relatively solid that is because it was the base that the Osbornes used for the next five years or so while they built their permanent home, La Vista. To the extent possible they used sandstone found on site for the foundations and retaining walls, and finished with a very attractive family home which they occupied for many years.
Living on your block of land while you built your home was very common in Warringah, particularly in the 15 years or so after the end of World War II. The usual approach was to build the garage first, fit it out for compact family living, and then build the house.
At first, Warringah Council was supportive of the approach. In 1943, during the war, it asked the Department of Local Government for an amendment of the relevant legislation to allow buildings of a temporary nature. Not everyone was in favour. The Newport Progress Association wrote to council concerned with the number of sub- standard sheds and garages being erected in Newport.
By the late 1940s the system was well-established. Council had developed a policy and required applicants who wished to build a garage to live in, to submit the plans for both the garage and the main dwelling first. If approved, they then needed to submit an application to build the garage and occupy it.
However, this supportive view did not last long. On 31 March, 1952, council decreed that they would no longer issue consents to live in a non-residential building such as a garage. Those already doing so were to be subjected to annual inspections to ensure that building of the main dwelling was progressing. By 1960, very few families lived in their garages.
Richard Michell is the vice-president of the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society and the secretary of Friends of Dee Why Lagoon. Visit mwphs.org.au and fodyl.au