What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Moving into 100-plus year old house comes with history and treasure trove

Early next year I’ll be moving into my new home, right in the middle of Geraldton.

Now, for me, this is quite an event.

For many of you, the moving experience is nothing new. In fact, I’m sure there are those of you that have done it quite often.

But not me. After close to 25 years, I’ve opted for a change, buying a renovated property with a fascinating history.

Located in Beachlands, my new abode has been part of Geraldton for well over 100 years.

Built soon after Federation, this place — not far from my beloved Recreation Ground — reeks of old Australiana and is very different to my modern 4x2 beachside bungalow.

The other day, during my last inspection with my realtor, she passed on an old, dusty travel case to me.

“I’ve been asked to give this to you from the seller — it’s full of odds and ends from the house they wanted you to have,” she said.

Later that evening, I decided to open the case.

And what I found was truly incredible.

Amongst old copies of The West Australian, dating back to the 1940s and numerous magazine cuttings, were lots and lots of photographs.

Many of these were wedding and group photos of the one family.

Further investigation of the case’s contents revealed that this was the Phillips family, who lived in the house for a better part of the 20th century.

There were quite a few handwritten letters too, a portrait of a young man, Wallase Phillips in a sailor’s uniform, dated 1939, along with a well-preserved booklet detailing the coronation of King George VI.

This was, indeed, a treasure trove.

As I very carefully worked my way through the contents, I came across a large manila folder.

I opened the folder and under several layers of tissue paper I found a very old photo in somewhat disrepair.

The photo was more like a sepia-coloured painting of a young woman from the mid-1900s.

The picture was faded and cracked in several places, screaming out to be rejuvenated.

And that’s exactly what I would like to happen.

How lucky am I to come into possession of something so special.

I’m really looking forward to moving into my new place — it’s going to be a real adventure.

I hope the dogs like it.

Peter Fiorenza hosts Sports Shed Saturday from 9am to noon on Radio MAMA