7 Mile Site ("Sevvy" to later settlers)

Parent Place or Precinct

12125 Mandogalup Townsite

Statement of Significance

Historic Value: The place has historic value as the stopping place for the light rail travelling between Jandakot and Wellard, and was regularly used by local dairy farmers as a depot for bringing their milk and cream to be picked up by the train. The place is associated with the development of the region through the Peel Estate Agricultural Scheme.

Level of Significance: Historic Site.

Physical Description

Documentary evidence indicates the former stopping place known as Seven Mile is located on the western side of Mandogalup Road, opposite the intersection with Anketell Road. This area is currently occupied by the Mandogalup Community Hall and Fire Station.

History

During the 1920s development of the Peel Estate, a light railway line was constructed from Jandakot, running southwards to the swampy area of Mandogalup, which was to be the first area drained. Mandogalup was first known as the Six Mile, then as the Seven Mile, the mileage being reckoned as the distance by rail from Jandakot. Later the line was extended across the Hope Valley Road, and the Seven Mile was named Mandogalup. The line followed the course of Johnson Road almost due south to the Nine Mile, where Johnson Road meets Thomas Road, then to the Eleven Mile, finishing at the Thirteen Mile, subsequently called Wellard. At the Nine Mile, a branch line ran parallel to Thomas Road as far as Berriga Brook, mainly for the benefit of firewood cutters.
In April 1921, a number of Group Settlers and ex-servicemen had applied for land at the Six and Seven Mile, and were living in tents near the Mandogalup lakes. At this time, the Six Mile stop was used to transport water and supplies to those living in the settlers’ camps.
Approximately half a mile past the settler’s camp at the Six Mile was the Mandogalup School and Teacher’s Quarters, being the first building erected on the Peel Estate, and the prototype of most of those constructed in the following years. By the end of 1921, most of the settlers had built their homes, comprising small unlined weatherboard cottages of four rooms.
Once dairy farming was established in the area, many farmers brought their milk and cream to the Seven Mile, where it was picked up by the train.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Low
Authenticity: Low

Condition

Site Only

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.