Madden Homestead

Parent Place or Precinct

08797 Madden Homestead

Child Places

• 08798 Madden's Cottage
• 08797 Madden Homestead

Statement of Significance

The building is an excellent example of the construction and architectural styles of the period and is an important part of the district’s early building stock. The owner (Anthony Madden) was a prominent citizen of the district for many years.

Physical Description

Located 10kms south of the Arthur River township about 250 metres east of the Albany Highway. The old Wagin-Bowelling railway line is about 1km south of the homestead and it is about 2kms east of the East Arthur siding.

The large stone dwelling has five bedrooms and the economic circumstances following its construction (the Great Depression) caused the building to be labelled “Madden’s Madness”. The pine trees lining the entrance driveway were planted by Madden.

On the north side is another building, probably much older than the homestead.

History

Madden was the dominent public figure in the West Arthur Road Board during his almost continuous membership of the Board from 1909 to 1926 serving as Chairman for 15 of those years. Under his leadership, the Board survived the critical years of 1912 (when he became Chairman and the Board was in dire straits (1) and 1925 (district jealousies/inequities). (2)

Madden had been born in Dublin, Ireland in 1864 and came to Victoria with his parents as a young child. Joining the National Bank he was transferred to Albany as the accountant and later was promoted to Manager of the first branch of the bank at Northam. After a decade in this position, he accepted an offer to be Resident Magistrate at Toodyay and then Roebourne. In 1903 he resigned and took up farming at ‘The Mount’ (formerly Taylor’s ‘Mount Pleasant’ property). Later he acquired some further 3000 acres in the vicinity which included ‘Mareeba’ and built this new home in the early 1920’s. In addition to the Roads Board interests, Madden was also Chairman of the local branches of the Farmers and Settlers Association of WA and Liberal League respectively, as well as the Arthur River Race, Football and Cricket Clubs and was a Muster Mason. (3)

The property was taken over during the depression by the AMP Society who foreclosed on the owner and for a time it was managed by Jack Clugston and later George Lower. (4) It was bought by FS Dunkley in the early 1940’s and then sold to its present owners Clyde McDougall and Co. in 1958.

The property was known as ‘The Mia’ until changed to ‘Mareeba’ by Dunkley.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Some
Extent of original fabric: Most

Condition

Good

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.