Hassell Homestead

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Statement of Significance

"The Homestead, associated farm buildings and brick kiln at Kendenup have a high degree of cultural significance. It is one of the few complete farm complexes in the region which, through a series of buildings, demonstrates the evolution and expansion of colonial farming activities and reflects the success of a prominent family of the district". The Hassell Family, with patriarch John Hassell, contributed greatly to the development of a successful wool producing farm "Kendenup" until it was sold in 1920. The farm was bought by C J De Garis who attempted a close settlement scheme, subdividing the estate into farm blocks of ten to sixty acres, with provision for a townsite with community services. The venture was not successful, and finally collapsed in 1923, owing to a combination of insufficient financial backing, small demand for the products and bad management. The property was sold. The Hassell property was also associated with a brief gold mining venture in 1874 when the Standard Gold Mining Company set up operations on Kendenup about a mile south of the Hassell homestead. Only ten tons of ore from the mine were crushed before it closed down 1876 without any significant yields recorded. The HCWA has recognised the heritage value of the Hassell Homestead by entering it on the WA Heritage Register. Kalgan Hall has been also extensively evaluated by the National Trust.

History

The Hassell Family, with patriarch John Hassell, contributed greatly to the development of a successful wool producing farm "Kendenup" until it was sold in 1920. The farm was bought by C J De Garis who attempted a close settlement scheme, subdividing the estate into farm blocks of ten to sixty acres, with provision for a townsite with community services. The venture was not successful, and finally collapsed in 1923, owing to a combination of insufficient financial backing, small demand for the products and bad management. The property was sold. The Hassell property was also associated with a brief gold mining venture in 1874 when the Standard Gold Mining Company set up operations on Kendenup about a mile south of the Hassell homestead. Only ten tons of ore from the mine were crushed before it closed down 1876 without any significant yields recorded.

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Police Station and Gaol Complex (fmr)

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Statement of Significance

The police station complex is significant as it is a very good example of convict style architecture. It has been recognised as having heritage significance by the Australian Heritage Council and was placed on the Interim Register of the National Estate in 1990.

History

Built in 1867, it was opened in 1868 with PC Daniel I'Connell in charge, The families of the policemen also lived at the station. A lockup was added to the stables in 1887. The station filled a vital public role, not only as a focus of law and order, but also as a telegraph office and a stopping place for the mail coaches travelling between Perth and Albany. It was also an administrative centre and courthouse visited by the Resident Magistrate. The police station was closed in 1908 and had various uses until transformed in the Museum by the Historical Society in 1968 with complete restoration taking place between 1985-87. It has been recognised as having heritage significance by the Australian Heritage Council and was placed on the Interim Register of the National Estate in 1990.

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Mount Barker Railway Station (fmr)

Condition

Mount Barker Railway Station is in good condition, albeit with some signs of wear and tear. A major restoration project during 1997/1998 resulted in the reinstatement and repair of much of the railway station’s original fabric whilst also undertaking site works to ensure the long-term conservation of the place. Mount Barker Fruit Inspection & Dehydration Shed (fmr) is in fair condition. There is evidence of structural subsidence on the west side, extensive termite damage, deteriorated asbestos cement fabric on the roofs, and weathered timbers. On the interior, vandalism is evident.

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Statement of Significance

The station is an important part of the townscape. being close to other historical buildings in the town. A proposal to restore the building was raised in 1993/94. a conservation plan was drawn up for the Heritage Council in March 1994. and funding for the proposed restoration was made available by Landcorp, the Plantagenet Shire and the Lotteries Commission through its Heritage Program. The building is classified by the National Trust. By 1996 the restoration project has not progressed further, and the proposed scheme has been the subject of much debate and negotiating.

History

At the time of construction in 1923 the Railway Station was regarded as a most imposing and up to date structure. The terracotta roof tiles and the roof timbers and other timber work were of special note. The internal bricks for the building were made locally at the Kendenup Brickworks, part of the De Garis close settlement experiment. The new station, built in 1923. provided excellent facilities for passengers travelling on the Great Southern Line. The refreshment rooms were used by travellers and local people alike.

Condition

Good

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St Werburgh's Chapel and Cemetery

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Statement of Significance

St Werburgh's Chapel has been recognised by a number of heritage agencies. It has been placed on the Heritage Council of WA's Permanent Register; it has National Trust classification (since 1969); the Shire of Plantagenet has imposed heritage protection provisions under their Town Planning Scheme No 11 Clause 5.8; and it was placed on the Register of National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission in 1978.

Physical Description

The chapel is a fine example of Victorian Rural Gothic Architecture. The building is believed to be the only surviving church in Western Australia originally built on private property by the landowner.

History

The landowner was a prominent member of one of the pioneer families in the Mt Barker district, the Egerton Warburtons. The Chapel was important as an early place of worship in an isolated community. It was built between 1872-1874 for George Egerton-Warburton. Some sources indicate that the walls were built by Samuel Swift while the woodwork was done by David Brow and Thomas Rodgers. Egerton-Warburton completed the plastering himself. The chapel was consecrated on 21 June 1874 by Bishop Hale of Perth. In 1878 the vestry was built, and in 1880 the bellcote was added to the vestry. The Chapel remained as the only place of worship in the Mt Barker region until 1900. The cemetery is still used today and is maintained by the Parish Council of All Saints Anglican Church in Mt Barker. Responsibility for St Werburgh's is shared between the Shire Council and the Parish of All Saints Church. Access is kept open by Shire maintenance of the roads. Services are held every fifth Sunday in the months that have five weeks but the Chapel is also used for celebrating Holy Communion. Baptisms and Marriages.

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St Werburgh's Farm Buildings

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Round House, Mount Barker

Condition

Round House, Mount Barker is in fair condition overall although leaking from the roof has destroyed introduced ceiling fabric and is causing damp to affect other fabric. The building has not been occupied for about three years and there has been no maintenance during this period. The wide overhanging eaves have protected much of the external fabric such as windows, doors and wall cladding, although the metal balustrading requires treatment and repainting.

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