Heritage site marker 97 Scarborough Beach road

97 Scarborough Beach Road is believed to have been constructed as part of the self help building program that was popular in the immediate post war period, particularly in Scarborough., Doubleview and North Beach, whereby self helpers bought their block, then lived in sheds with a toilet and shower at the back of the block, and gradually built the house, maybe over three or four years.

The program was available to both civilians and ex servicemen, although the later were more successful in accessing building materials and involved cooperative groups of neighbours who combined their efforts to help build each others homes. The self helpers were known to be energetic and resourceful often using a range of materials as they became available. Concrete blocks were often a popular building material due to the meagre supply of clay bricks during the post war period.