Watheroo Railway Station

Statement of Significance

The place represent s a pivotal element in the development of the railways and Watheroo.

Physical Description

Railway Station, Quarters and Dining Room: The railway station is a 16 inch think standard red brick construction with rendered brick quoins and reveal linings with splayed soldier course brick arches over. The roof is standard galvanised corrugated iron with gable ends having gable post and beam support. The platform verandah is roofed with CGI having shaped vertical valance boards and construction drawings indicated stop chamfered beams, rails and posts.
Platform: The platform is important as the Midland Railway Company station buildings are believed to be the first designs in WA to include extensive platform verandahs.
Considerable Construction has taken place adjoining the street side of the station but the platform elevation has remained intact. c.1940's detached office; Face red brick construction with a gable roof which was originally corrugated galvanised iron but has been replace with full length sheets of corrugated colourbond sheeting. A verandah cover the platform and south sides of the building. the platform side has two sets of double doors.

History

In 1886, the railway from Midland to Walkaway was instigated when the government signed a contract with the Waddington Syndicate, which was a land agreement for the railway line construction. By 1890, financial problems resulted in the float of the Midland Railway Company of Western Australia, which was given more time to raise funds to complete the railway line. Small sections of the line opened as early as 1891 and the entire line opened on 1st November 1894.
The station opened in 1894, as the Watheroo Springs Station, but in 1895, the "Springs" was dropped from the name. The station development was vital to the subsequent development of the surrounding region. The station was constructed in conjunction with the railway line. Of the original nine stations along the line, only Gingin and Watheroo still remain and Watheroo is more substantial than the Gingin station. It was a depot station where coal and water supplies were provided and the crews were changed. The station became a change crew station, with crew quarters and a depot for loco maintenance. Fettlers were located at Watheroo for railway maintenance and length runners. the stationmaster was also the post master.
The York Brothers were the first people in Watheroo who were not railway workers. The sons of John York of Gingin who was subsequently the executor of Marah Mission, the brothers were kangaroo shooters until 1900, when they took over the refreshment room and railway station. The three brothers; George, Murray and Walter, and sisters ran the place until 1907, the station, in conjunction with farming activities, building stone houses on their various properties. In 1907, the station was made an allowance post office and Mr W Thomasett was in charge in his capacity of Night Stationmaster. In 1916, Billy Brennand took over the post office and ran the road mail service until the early 1930'.
During World War II, special trains were run for the army base near Mingenew..

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or Redeemable
Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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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.