Riverdale Shearing Shed

Statement of Significance

The Riverdale Shearing Shed has historical and social significance in its association with the Piesse and Matthews family. It has rarity value as the only extant and working shearing shed in the district, the first with an overhead shaft in the Great Southern, and as a result has been a pivotal part of the local community and its economic development.

Physical Description

The Riverdale Shearing Shed is set close to the Balgarup River. Now with four stands, it was originally a large eight stand shed with the necessary accompanying stock yards. The shed is timber framed clad with corrugated iron laid vertically. It is essentially a gabled building at its core with skillion wings on both sides. Further additions have been made to enlarge the building.

The drive from Riverdale Road to the shearing shed takes the visitor past the remnants of old houses, old shearers quarters, machinery shed and old cattle yards. Many of the old houses were destroyed by fire. Inside the shed are many natural timber posts and timber floors.

History

The Piesse family, owners of the shearing shed, came to the district prior to the turn of the century. The shed, on the 17, 000 acre property, is said to be the first shearing shed built with an overhead shaft in the Great Southern Region. It was built c1900-1905 by 'Fred' Matthews, father of Syd, of Katanning. The design is similar to that on the other Piesse property, 'Braeside', in Katanning. As this was the only shearing shed in the district, it was used as a depot for all the properties in the area to bring their sheep to be shorn. The Piesse family have lived in a series of homes, including a War Service Lean home, since the 1940's.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High
Authenticity - High
All of the original fabric remains intact, however there have been improvements and additions.

Condition

Fair

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.