Murray Vale

Statement of Significance

Murray Vale is a good example of an early symmetrical farm homestead which
has had several additions to meet the changing needs of the occupiers.
Despite alterations, the façade is still readable as a simplified form of Georgian
architecture in weatherboard.
Murray Vale is associated with early European settlement of the East Coolup
area.
Murray Vale is associated with the Pollard and Herron families, significant
farming families in the development of the Shire of Murray.

Physical Description

Murray Vale is a weatherboard and iron homestead, located near the banks of
the Murray River. It has had repeated additions, with the most recent probably
dating to the 1960s.

History

In 1854, Thomas and John Pollard each took up ten-acre blocks by the river at
Coolup, adjacent to the Ford. These were Murray Locations 44 and 45. Coolup
Road now passes between the blocks, and the present bridge is just upstream
from the ford. John’s block was to the north of the present road, and Thomas’
to the south.
John Pollard built a timber slab house near the river, and this burnt down in
March 1864. A second house was built further up the slope on top of the bank
to avoid further flooding. It seems unlikely any trace of this building now
remains.
When James Herron and Thomas Pollard merged their farming activities, mid-
1870s, a three-roomed house, presumed to be the core of Murray Vale, was
constructed on the southern block at East Coolup.
It seems probable the Herron family used Murray Vale as one of their two
residences, and after the deaths of James and Isabella Herron, the property
was managed by Rachel Herron until her tragic death in 1886. By then, the
small original block had been extended including grazing areas west and south
of the river. Subsequently, the property was occupied by Bella Herron until the
building of Avondale in 1893.
The Pollard family retained ownership of Murray Vale until 1902 when it was
sold to Harrie Davies, who had served in the Boer War. Davies was known
locally for his motoring enthusiasm, and is said to have owned the first car in
Coolup, a Ford Model T.
Physical evidence suggests the street façade of the property may have been
extensively renovated during Davies’ occupancy. It is also during this period
the name Murray Vale appears to have been attached to the property (see, for
example, Sunday Times, 26 September 1915).
Subsequent additions have taken place c.1920s-30s, and 1960s, although
there may also be a 1940s extension. It is likely rooms were added to meet the
family needs of the occupiers.
Further renovations have taken place in the 21st century, including the cladding
of the rear of the building in corrugated metal.

Integrity/Authenticity

Authenticity: Fair

Condition

Good

Uses

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.