Whitby Falls Hostel

Statement of Significance

Although some elements have been removed of the original homestead and new ones added, the hostel has a high level of social and historic significance being a once important homestead and now the only remaining institution of its type in the State. The sheds remain as examples of structures built by the inmates and used in the daily running of the property.
The place is representative of the changing attitudes and practices relating to mental health care from 1897 to 2006.
The place is significant through improvements in farm production diversification, and continuous association with farming history in the region.

Physical Description

A Series of brick buildings situated below the hills and Whitby Falls- a prominent landmark for the district. Manjedal Brook flows through the property. There are remains of the original orchards.

History

In 1846, Cockburn Sound Location 23 was surveyed and became the key centre for activity. Originally known as "Mundajill", it was renamed "Whitby Falls Estate" in 1848 by Henry Mead who purchased the property. Mead built a two-storey house (demolished 1971). In 1876, Mead sold Whitby to John Wellard (farmer and grazier of Serpentine Farm - see SJ12-15). During his years at Whitby, Wellard was appointed Justice of the Peace and elected Chairman of the Murray Road Board. In 1878 Wellard began supplying meat to the Jarrahdale Timber Co.
In 1885, Wellard died and, Like Lowlands, Alexander Richardson took over, but in 1886 his business partner, William Paterson, took over the Whitby Estate. Paterson was also a local magistrate and a political figure.
In 1897, the homestead was sold by Paterson to the Government for use as a lunatic asylum. In 1900, the land was officially gazetted for use as an asylum. [Government Gazette, 25/5/1900, p1782, File 500/914]. The cool room, egg room and hen houses were built by the inmates in the 1930's.
In 1976, the original hostel (residence) was demolished. The hostel was and remains largely self-sustaining from the animals and food produced on the property.

Integrity/Authenticity

MODIFICATIONS: Original residence demolished.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.