'Appy 'Ome Boarders

Freshwater Bay Mixed School, 66 Victoria Avenue, Claremont was built in 1862. In the 1880s became a boarding house for single men known as the 'Appy 'Ome. In 1883 the property was bought by the Police Department to serve as the quarters for the second constable in charge of Freshwater Bay. In 1975 opened as the Claremont Museum.

From the collection of photographs and albums donated to the museum by Raymond Sharkey's family.

Raymond John Sharkey was born in 1868 in New South Wales. He was an architect, surveyor and amateur photographer. Worked for a time in Esperance and the goldfields. Married Edith Florence Ray in Melbourne on 4th October 1899. They had four children Josephine, Peggy, Maida and Bruce. Lived at the 'Appy 'Ome as a bachelor. Moved to 'Wainomi' 3 Victoria Avenue, Claremont in 1903. While living in Claremont, worked as a draughtsman for the Public Works Department. Died of a heart attack at the Subiaco train station at the age 41 on 22nd September 1910.