Built during World War II to accommodate thousands of United States servicemen, the houses later found a second life in the nation's capital, where many still stand today.
Tocumwal played an important role during World War II as the site of a major Allied air base.
Former local Peter Sutton, who researches the area's history, said the base was established during a period of growing concern about Australia's security.
“In 1942, Japan had bombed Pearl Harbour in December 1941 and had captured Singapore, landing also in New Guinea to our north,” he said.
“Australia was threatened, and defence planners had set the famous Brisbane Line, but Japan could occupy northern Australia above Brisbane.
Against this background, the United States established McIntyre Airfield at Tocumwal as a heavy bomber base.
“My late grandfather Walter, who farmed at Strathmerton and Mywee, was often irritated as low-flying aircraft would fly over and upset the livestock,” Mr Sutton said.
“As the year progressed, the military situation eased, and the Americans shifted to Townsville, with the Royal Australian Air Force assuming control of the base now identified as RAAF Station Tocumwal.”
Establishing the base required a large workforce, with more than 7000 US servicemen involved. About 200 houses were built to accommodate military personnel.
Mr Sutton said the houses were “fascinating” for several reasons.
“They were established as barracks-type accommodations, and the houses were themselves shell structures,” he said.
“They were designed as houses, and laid out to create the appearance of a town, rather than as a military facility. This was for defensive reasons to minimise the chance of air attacks.”
Following World War II, Canberra experienced rapid growth and faced a significant housing shortage. To help meet demand, the Commonwealth relocated many of the former Tocumwal houses to the national capital.
A significant number of the houses were transported to Canberra by road to the suburbs of Ainslie and O’Connor.
Mr Sutton said several university staff lived in the homes, including Professor Charles Manning Clark, one of Australia’s foremost historians who occasionally held classes there.
“They were reconfigured and featured three or four bedrooms, a large lounge room and dining room accessed by double glass doors. They became known as the Tocumwal houses,” he said.
“The houses were built from weatherboard and fibre construction with high-pitched roofs and wide verandahs.
“These houses have now been recognised and are officially listed on the ACT Heritage Register.
“For those interested in a more detailed history, I recommend a visit to the excellent Tocumwal Aviation Museum.”
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