Hillside Station Homestead

Values

□ Rare circular roof to aid in protection against cyclones

□ Associations with Withnell family

Physical Description

‘Hillside Station lease was taken up by George and John Gregory Withnell in 1880. It was often referred to as ‘Shaw River station’ in early writings. Hillside Homestead is situated on the western side of the Shaw River. A small stone house was built and additions in later years have been added. The homestead complex consists of various buildings.’

‘Photographs show dome shaped roofs which were effective against cyclones, and wide timber verandah’s supported by timber posts.’

History

‘During the 1860’s there was a shortage of pastoral land in Western Australia, and this led to the subsequent settlement of the Pilbara region. In 1861 Francis Gregory headed an expedition into the Pilbara region and discovered 3 major rivers, the De Gray, Yule and Mullagine, thus encouraging settlement and within 2 years pastoral leases were taken up.’

‘Harry Wells found gold at Pilbarra Creek. ‘Pilbarra’ is an Aboriginal name for a small mullet which is found in creeks in the Northwest. This name was first used by Harry Wells to mark his claim. Later the whole region was called Pilbarra, which was later spelled Pilbara. In 1891, Alfred Eley discovered tin in Western Shaw and in 1899 the Moolyella field, 21 kms east of Marble Bar was established. These discoveries added to the fortunes of the district. In 1893 the townsite of Marble Bar was gazetted. It was named after the immense bar of Jasperite which crosses the Coongan River, 5kms from the town, at the Marble Bar pool. The district of Marble Bar enjoyed a period of economic prosperity due to mining and pastoral activities which slowed from 1912 and 1960.’’

‘Hillside leases, like many other on the Pilbara, were owned before 1900 by members of the Withnell family. It was bought in 1901 from Messrs G and J Withnell by Messrs Anderson and Wilding, who soon became sole proprietor,’

‘It was later owned for many years by a well-known Perth Surgeon, Dr T Gillespie, who spent several months there each year.’

‘At one time the vegetable garden covered 2 acres and vegetables were sold to the settlers in the mining towns.’

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.