Cook's Cottage

Statement of Significance

• This place has historical value as an excellent example of a farmhouse building constructed in the 1860s.
• The place has historic value for its association with the Rodgers family who made a valuable contribution to the development of agriculture in the district.
• The place has aesthetic value as a collection of weathered buildings in a landscaped setting.
• The place has research value for its demonstration of past building techniques which can be readily seen in this deteriorated condition.

Physical Description

Cook's Farmhouse, also known as Cook's Cottage, is situated on the eastern bank of the Leschenault Inlet. It was constructed in c.1862 by James Rodgers, a servant discharged from the ill-fated Australind settlement.

The homestead, which consists of two structures at right angles to each other forming an 'L' shape, is constructed with walls of wide, split timber slabs and rough timber battens nailed to each side and plastered with clay and whitewash. The roof is clad with corrugated iron sheets.

A section of the timber slab walls are in poor disrepair and collapsing. A section of roof has been removed from the rear of the farmhouse. Deterioration of the clay and whitewash render has caused sections of the wall to fall away to reveal the timber battened construction.

History

James Rodgers, a convict, arrived on the 'Ramilies' in 1854. After he received his Conditional Pardon in 1862, his employer, Ben Piggott helped him establish a farm on land called Cook’s Park on Cathedral Avenue, on the eastern side of Leschenault Inlet.

That year he married Margaret Keenan and they had ten sons. He is recorded as saying that ‘he and his old woman lived in a lean-to, then a tent’ before the homestead was built. It is believed that this was between 1863 and 1870.
The timber constructed house, situated well back from the estuary to avoid flooding in wet weather, eventually formed an ‘L’ shape, the result of additions to accommodate the growing family.

Rodgers and his family grew a wide range of produce including wheat, rye, potatoes and fruits, including oranges. He owned cattle, horses and a few pigs.

It is speculated that Cook’s Park was used as a staging post for travellers although no documentary evidence has been found to support this assertion.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/ High

Condition

Deteriorated

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.