Goldfields Road, Goomalling to Bullfinch

Child Places

• 16892 Goldfields Road, Wyalkatchem

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Exhibition Hall (Showground)

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Statement of Significance

Dowerin Exhibition Hall was first used in September 1939. Dowerin Show was a venue for various people to exhibit their skills. Flowers, food, garden vegetables and preserves, as well as needlework, were judged in the hall. Today the hall remains in use. It has been divided in two. In one part, the lower, there is a concrete floor - this section is a store room. The other part has a timber floor and is used for gymnastic classes throughout the year. The hall is an essential part of Dowerin Field Day as it is the site of most of the catering. It this has high social heritage value.

Physical Description

The Dowerin Exhibition Hall was constructed from cement bricks made in Dowerin. It is a plain unembellished building, sturdy and strongly built. Its tin roof is unlined, its windows are unglazed. The concrete bricks are similar in style to diamond cut stone and this style is the major feature of the building. The front facade is smooth and painted

History

The first Dowerin Agricultural Show was held in 1917 although the Methodist Church held an annual flower show from 1910. The first exhibition hall was timber, unlined and with unglazed windows, where the grass tennis courts now stand to the east of the current exhibition hall. After the timber hall was damaged in a storm the current cement brick building was constructed. The last Dowerin Agricultural Show was held in the 1960s, some years after the start of the Dowerin Field Days. The current exhibition hall has had a number of purposes since then and currently is the venue for the art exhibition over the time of the Field Days, while the lower part is used by the youth club.

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Namelcatchem Well

Condition

Namelcatchem well has been restored in 2006 but at this point the area is not visitor friendly.

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Statement of Significance

Namelcatchem Well was referred to on the first map of Dowerin and its surroundings. The well is south of Minnivale and was used to water those horse teams which transported wheat to the rail siding at Minnivale. It was in constant use for this purpose from ca 1911 to ca 1945. The well has both historic and social significance. Access to water was essential for rural W.A. for both man and beast. When horses were the main power and strength used by farmers, water was1 essential. Farmers would transport wheat 15 miles, a day's drive for a horse team, and they used the well after unloading. The well was built some time before 1865 making it the earliest European-built structure in the area so far identified

Physical Description

Large stone well which held sufficient water for 70 horses. Built before 1865 when it was repaired, possibly convict built; possibly built by an early grazier/pastoralist in the area.

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Dowerin Honour Rolls, Dowerin Town Hall

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CWA Hall

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Statement of Significance

The CWA rest room and meeting place was built as the result of community fund raising and thus gains social and historic significance. Country Women combined in the Association to support development of local facilities, educational, health and social activities for themselves and also for children. The building was a meeting place and remains one. It is and has been used by other community groups and was at one time an infant health centre. The building materials were manufactured locally thus adding to the social and historic significance the architect, W.G. Pickering, also designed the Road Board building (now the hair dressing saloon and previously the kindergarten and Pre-primary Centre).

Physical Description

A cement brick building, the CWA Hall opened in 1940 and continued in use into the 2000s. Cement bricks were made in the town and the building is in a good state of repair. After the closure of the day branch of the CWA in Dowerin the building passed to the shire of Dowerin. The building is currently the site of the Lil' Tigers Childcare Centre.

History

The Dowerin branch of the CWA was formed in 1929 and acquired Town Lot 45 three years later. The block had initially been set aside for a Methodist Church Site, then re-gazetted as part of Reserve 14267 (Public Buildings) for twenty years ('Government Gazette' 13 August 1909, p.2695, 2 August 1912, p.3041 & 31 January 1913, p.252) There is evidence that a building belonging to the Methodist Church stood on the block for several years during the early twenties, but this was apparently moved about 1923. (DOLA File 5803/09) In 1932 the 'Public Buildings' reserve over the lot was cancelled in favour of Reserve 20884 for the purpose of 'Rest Room - Country Women's Association'. ('Government Gazette' 8 July 1932, p.955) This new reserve was immediately vested in the CWA and a Crown Grant in trust issued. (DOLA File 999/32) It was nearly six and a half years before the branch called tenders for the erection of a cement brick building on Lot 45 to be used as headquarters and rest room. According to the local newspaper, this was a facility which had long been wanted in Dowerin, but apparently no tender was accepted at that time. (The Dowerin Guardian 10 December 1938) Tenders were again called the following year when it was stated that plans and specifications could be seen at the residence of the branch secretary, Mrs R. Sargent. (The Dowerin Guardian 11 November 1939) A special committee was appointed to deal with all matters in connection with the building project, a committee consisting of Mesdames Place, Sargent, Harries and Erhardt and Miss Peggy Windsor. (The Dowerin Guardian 6 January 1940) Their architect was W. George Pickering and the successful tenderers were Messrs. Congdon and Hendry, a local firm engaged in making cement bricks and specialising in building baker's ovens, furnaces, chimneys and other cement or concrete work. (The Dowerin Guardian 3 & 24 February 1940) On 10 January 1940, a crowd of about forty people, presided over by the Rev. V.W. Deakin, witnessed the laying of the foundation stone by Mrs Place, the Branch President. (The Dowerin Guardian 27 January 1940) The building, of cement brick with plastered interior walls and plasterboard ceiling, was completed early in March. (The Dowerin Guardian 9 March 1940) It comprised a meeting room, rest room and kitchen, with the monogram of the Association embossed over the entrance porch. The interior was furnished with a library of books, a piano, pictures, cutlery and crockery etc. (The Dowerin Guardian 13 April 1940) A grand opening was staged on the afternoon of Wednesday, 3 April. Lunch was served to 150 people in the Dowerin Hall that day, and 200 attended the •'opening ceremony. After speeches from various dignitaries, the State president of the CWA, Mrs Leslie Craig, opened the doors with a silver key, formally declaring the building open. (The Dowerin Guardian 6 & 13 April 1940) In addition to its uses as a rest room and meeting place, the building was also used for a time as the local baby clinic.

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District Museum, Dowerin

Condition

The building is in a good condition and is presently being maintained as the district's local historical museum.

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Statement of Significance

Mr O'Shaugnessey was a business man and saddler who came to the tow n i n 191 0 built the house i n 1915 and lived in it until 1968.Beari ng in mind that the tow n was gazetted in 1907 and the first recorded roads board meeting was not until 1912 it may be conceded that O'Shaughnessey·was a pioneer of the district. The building is considered of importance by the local community having been bought from the O'Shaughnessey family by the Apex Club and vested in the shire i n 1974. I t serves an important function in the tow n as the district museum . The houses on each·side are of compatible architecture and these together with the trees and house gardens form a significant streetscape. The jarrah boarded dados and pressed metal lining employed inside add to the significance of this building.

Physical Description

The cottage is a small timber framed weatherboard clad structure with corrugated iron roof . It has a front verandah continuing around on the southern side. The plan form shows a front living room and kitchen on the right hand side of the central· passage and two bed rooms and a vestibule on the left of the passage . The rooms have a dado of vertical fixed jarrah boards with pressed metal lining above and the ceilings are al so of pressed metal lining . The O'Shaughnessy home is typical of those in the wheatbelt being of weatherboard and having a corrugated iron roof. Structurally, it is quite sound (it was classed as in “ very good condition" by the Public Works Department) and any recommended repairs are being carried out. It is still painted in the original colour: Kalgoorlie Cream

History

Assessment 1990 It was built by the owner Eugene O'Shaughnessy, in 1910 in conjunction with Sylvester Grace. O'Shaughnessy was one of Dowerin's earliest businessmen. He was a bootmaker and saddler and the business is still in the family. The house is being transferred to the Dowerin District Museum and is to be vested in the Dowerin Shire Council . A committee of local residents are in the process of recreating the home as it was to show how the town 's early residents lived.

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Statement of Significance

Aesthetic, historic and social heritage values may be ascribed to the buildings which form Dowerin's District Museum. Integrity of fabric which has been carefully maintained in the cottage is outstanding. The educational value of the cluster of buildings is high. The heritage significance of the District Museum is considerably enhanced by the community support it has received. The objects collected in the saddlery shop came from local businesses and show technology and scientific knowledge of the times to which they belong.

Physical Description

Dowerin District Museum consists of a shop, a shed and weatherboard and iron cottage, the latter built in 1915. Interior walls and ceilings of pressed tin, together with timber floors and a timber dado in the hall and breezeway of the cottage combine to give the effect of a contemporary vernacular style.

History

The cottage was lived in and owned by the O 'Shaughnessy family from 1915 to 1974 and has been restored by the Shire with the help of a local community group who have furnished it. The house remains intact and the furnishings, which have been carefully chosen, enhance the notion of 'authenticity'. Behind the cottage is a reconstructed saddlery and shed containing blacksmiths and saddlery tools. These, too, are the result of significant community endeavour. Dowerin Town Lot 48 was declared open for sale at an upset price of £20-0-0 in June 1908. ('Government Gazette' 12 June 1908, p.1598) It was first offered at auction at the Northam Land Agent's office on 14 April 1910 ('Government Gazette' 18 March 1910, p.750), then made available for leasing at an annual rental of £1-0-0 in October 1912. ('Government Gazette' 23 October 1912, p.4148) It was granted to Thomas Brown Lee for £20-0-0 in November 1912. (DOLA - Crown Grant 535/146) Lee sold it to Eugene Raphael O'Shaughnessy on 16 April 1913. (DOLA - Certificate of Title 535/146) Eugene O'Shaughnessy, better known to Dowerin residents as 'Shock', had arrived in the town in 1910 and set himself up as a saddler and harness maker. (The Dowerin Guardian 9 July 1953) By November 1912 he was leasing a new shop erected by the Dowerin Trading Co. (The Doiverin Guardian 1 November 1912) By all accounts he was a prominent sportsman, at one time secretary of the Dowerin Football Club, and an immensely popular figure in the district. He is said to have built the weatherboard and iron cottage on Lot 48 (the present Dowerin District Museum), in 1915. (Early rate books, if retained by the Shire of Dowerin, may assist in confirming this date.) The building featured pressed metal walls and ceilings throughout. O'Shaughnessy brought his bride, Mrs Maeyolande O'Shaughnessy, to reside in the cottage in 1915 and it was there that they raised three sons and two daughters. (Central Districts Herald Tribune 17 October 1968, p.l) Mr O'Shaughnessy died in 1953, and ownership of the property passed to his widow. (DOLA - CT 535/146) She continued to reside in the cottage, and lived there for 53 years until her death in September 1968. (DOLA - CT 1166/480) The church was her main interest, and she was the Anglican Sunday School superintendent and secretary of the mission at Dowerin for 30 years. (Central Districts Herald Tribune 17 October 1968, p.l) The property passed to the children in equal shares in 1969. In 1973, public meetings were held in Dowerin to discuss the feasibility of establishing a district museum. {Central Districts Herald Tribune 3 May 1973, p.16) The former O'Shaughnessy family home, unoccupied for four years, was suggested as an ideal building to preserve and restore as a local museum, and a District Museum Committee was formed. (The West Australian 25 October 1973, p.53) Finance was provided by the Dowerin-Goomalling Apex Club for the purchase of the property which was transferred to the Shire of Dowerin in June 1974. (DOLA - CT 1166/480) Although the building was officially opened by Mr J.L. Bannister, Director of the W.A. Museum, on 6 October 1978, restoration work was not completed until March 1980 with the reconstruction of the back verandah roof. {The Country Museum No.25, September 1978, p.4 and Western Farmer 27 March 1980, p.74) The cottage has since been furnished in a style reminiscent of an early 1920s home. {Countryman 18 August 1988, p.65)

Integrity/Authenticity

The cottage was lived in and owned by the O'Shaughnessy family from 1915 to 1974 and has been restored by the shire with the help of a local community group who have furnished it. The house remains intact and the furnishings, which have been carefully chosen, enhance the notion of 'authenticity'. Behind the cottage is a reconstructed saddlery and shed consisting of the original saddlery shopfront with reconstructed sides and rear and containing blacksmiths and saddlery tools. These, too, are the result of significant community endeavour.

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St Barnabas Anglican Church (fmr)

Condition

Anderson Hall has been restored to its original finish of weatherboard. Its relocation to the Dowerin District High School sees it regularly used as the music and drama room. Restoration mid 1995, relocation 1999 .

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Statement of Significance

The building i s significant as the first public building i n Dowerin, arriving on a camel jinker in the year following the gazetting of the town i n 1907. It is also significant as being one of a number of similar churches brough t from the goldfield s following the decline or abandonment of mining tow ns. The interior of the main hall is of interest for its jarrah board lining.

Physical Description

The hall is set in the centre of a large tow n lot of bare earth wit h some stands of mature trees. The building i s a small timbe r frame structure clad with flat asbestos sheet - the original weather boards having been replaced around 1 960 - with a steeply pitched gable roof on an east west axis. At the easter n end of the hall is a room under a lean-to roof. The room contains bench cupboards and a sink . At the western end of the hall is a small porch wit h a gable roof pitched to match the main gable. The interior of the main hall has jarrah boarding lining the wall s and the vaulted ceiling. The window heads are fashioned to the shape of Gothic arches as is the entrance door head on the south face of the porch. The church is thought to have been brought to Dowerin from the goldfields town of Kanowna on camel jinkers in about 1908. Postcards showing its interior and exterior ·were available i n 1910 so it arrived prior to this date. It was the first public building in Dowerin and used for a meeting place for Lodge etc. I n the early days the minister came from Goomalling on his horse which was stabled in a shad at the rea r of the church. The minister stayed in the vestry attached to the church while he held services and visited parishioners. The building was used as a kindergarten in 1930s. In 1968 the Anglican congregation bought the former Catholic Church and moved. The old St. Barnabas was used by Brownies and G i r l Guides. I n 1974 an independent committee was set up to rai se funds and a building was purchased and vested in the shire for use of the child ren of Dowerin . Since then it has been in continuous use by Brownies, Guides and later Cu bs and Scouts . Also as a baby sitting centre each yea r during the Annual Field Days. )

History

Assessment 1990

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Statement of Significance

Anderson Hall is representative of small timber buildings which once were scattered through rural areas. The conservation plan identifies this kind of building as under threat from demolition, and suggests that, today, it also has a rarity value. Historic significance may be ascribed to its long use as an Anglican Church, which reflects the social and ethnic background of many Dowerin settlers. Social significance may also be ascribed to the building as it has been maintained by a community group and is still used by local groups.

Physical Description

Timber clad hall which was the first church built in Dowerin and was originally a weatherboard structure. A conservation plan has already been written for this building.

History

This building was formerly St Barnabas' Anglican Church. Dowerin Town Lots 52 & 53 were reserved for an Anglican church on 4 September 1908. (Govt. Gazette p.2481) The building was constructed on Lot 53 by the Northam Back Blocks Mission in April/May 1909. Originally weatherboard, the timber for the church was probably precut in Northam, then railed or carted to Dowerin for assembly on site. Named St Barnabas' Church because the festival of that apostle was to occur during the following week, it was opened and consecrated by Bishop Riley, the Bishop of Perth, on the afternoon of Sunday, 6 June 1909. (The Northam Advertiser 9 June 1909) The front porch was destroyed by a 'willy willy' in 1923, but was restored during February/March 1924 through the generosity of one of the church members. (The Weekly Gazette 7 March 1924) The original weatherboards were replaced with asbestos cladding around 1960. The building did duty as a church for 58 years, the last service being held there on 11 June 1967. (The West Australian 10 June 1967, p. 11) In 1974 an independent committee was set up to raise funds and the building was purchased by the Shire for the use of the children of Dowerin. (DOLA – CT 1451/842). The building was vested in the Shire on 20 May 1975 and was administered by Trustees. It was in continuous use by Brownies, Guides, Cubs and Scouts from then until . It is also used as a baby sitting centre each year during the Annual Field Days. It was restored in the mid 1990s with weatherboard cladding and moved to Dowerin District High School where it functions as a music and drama centre and is used by local groups, notably the Wheatbelt Warblers choir.

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Cullimbin Well and Surrounds

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Statement of Significance

Wells were significant sites in the Dowerin Shire before the widespread use of motor vehicles. It appears from research so far completed that Cullimbin Well on C.E.Dempster's Pastoral Lease was located near cross-roads of tracks from the north, west and south. It may have been a watering spot for people moving from Pilbara Goldfields to the Yilgarn. Although full documentary evidence of this use, and of the use to which the cleared and walled patches of ground has not yet been found, evidence from early maps point to the location as being historically significant.

Physical Description

Cullimbin Well is a timber lined well, now protected with a sheet metal top, surrounded by decaying railway sleepers. It was probably constructed in the early 1890s by pastoralist C.E.Dempster as part of a chain ofpermanent water supplies. The Well is alleged to be 50 feet deep (10 m) and is currently in a poor state of repair. The construction details make an interesting contrast with those noted in the Namalcatchem Well. Cullimbin Well is built in sandy soil and requires lining. The current timber lining is not believed to be original as it replaced the first bush timbers. In this reserve are three cleared patches of ground surrounded by low mud and stone walls. It is believed that these spaces and walls are contemporary with the well or were built only slightly later. There purpose is unknown.

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Bridge over Collimbin Brook

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Tin Dog Creek (104 Mile) Road Bridge, Dowerin

Physical Description

Bridge 0639 is a timber hybrid bridge with a bitumen seal that is 81 years old. There are no archaeological sites located within close proximity of the bridge. The bridge crosses over Tin Dog Creek and is situated along Northam Cranbrook Road between the towns of York and Northam. The bridge is 12.20m in length with a deck surface area of 105.65m2. There is no asbestos in the structure of the bridge.

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Uniting (Methodist) Church & Hall

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Statement of Significance

The Uniting (Methodist) Church Dowerin shares the social and historic significance that all churches built for small remote communities in the wheatbelt have. They stand as reminders that spiritual matters were not forgotten even in the hardest times. Methodism was significant in the wheatbelt. The first church in the area, built at Dowerin Lakes in 1908 was Methodist. The church was opened on 9 March 1924 and is still in use. It reflects the fact that Methodism closely followed the development of the wheatbelt. The 1920's was a decade of expansion and construction, halted only by the onset of the great depression. A new porch, vestry and hall were built in the 1950's, another decade of prosperity, optimism and expansion in Dowerin.

Physical Description

A simple brick building consisting of a nave, altar table, porch and vestry in good condition, the Dowerin Uniting (Methodist) Church is well built and well maintained. It forms part of a precinct as the church is linked to its hall by a covered way from the church porch. White details on this covered way picks up a decorative theme on supporting pillars and windows. The church windows are particularly fine, both in shape, which is traditional, and function. The church interior is plain. The church interior is plain. The floor is carpeted. The walls are painted There is a dropped false ceiling, presumably to deal with summer heat. A brick manse stands beside the church, adding to the pleasing design of the precinct.

History

This building is situated on Dowerin Town Lot 64 (Reserve 12299) However, the first Methodist Church, the earliest church in the Dowerin district, was built at 'Dowerin Lakes', sometimes referred to as 'Old Dowerin'. The Rev. A.K. Harris applied for the land on 17 July 1907 (Early church records published in The Dowerin Guardian 30 November 1929), resulting in Dowerin Agricultural Area Lot 115 being reserved for the purpose in October 1907. ('Government Gazette' 18 October 1907, p.3404) The church erected on that land is thought to have been built by April 1908. Nevertheless, in June 1909, the Methodist Church also applied for land within Dowerin townsite at the railhead. (DOLA File 5803/09) Initially Dowerin Town Lot 45 was set aside for a Methodist Church ('Government Gazette' 13 August 1909, p.2695), then in 1912 that was exchanged for Lots 22 and 23 in Stacy Street. ('Government Gazette' 2 August 1912, p.3041) In 1921 the Church applied for Lot 64 in lieu of Lots 22 and 23 and the reserve was regazetted accordingly. (Government Gazette' 26 August 1921, p.1485) The lots on either side were added to the reserve in 1923 and 1931. (DOLA File 5803/09 and 'Government Gazette' 3 August 1923, p.1433 & 27 March 1931, p.931) The movement for a brick church on Dowerin Lot 64 was apparently initiated by one of the visiting clergy, Reverend N. Hicks of Merredin, in 1922. A visit by Reverend S.J. Barclay in June 1923 is said to have 'advanced arrangements', and the arrival of a resident Methodist minister, Reverend Long, the following month would have given further impetus to the project. In late September that year, the successful tender of Mr. D.G. Carter, a building contractor from Wyalkatchem, was announced. The reason given for the long delay was the difficulty of selecting suitable plans. The new church was formally opened by visiting ministers on Sunday, 9 March 1924. (The Northam Advertiser 30 June, 14 July & 29 September 1923 and 1 March 1924)

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St Barnabas Anglican Church

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Statement of Significance

St. Barnabas Church has been home to two different groups of worshippers. Built by the Roman Catholic Church, it was used by them until 1967 when the Anglican Community bought the building. As such it has social heritage value for each group.

Physical Description

The building is constructed from cement bricks made in the town and is a striking example of vernacular church design in a local building material. It is a small building, longer than it is wide, with a steeply pitched roof. Its design is typical of many churches in country areas.

History

Dowerin Town Lot 163 (Reserve 17657) was reserved as a site for a Catholic Church in 1921. ('Government Gazette' 11 February 1921, p.220) Records of the Department of Lands and Surveys indicate that the church was built by the Catholics in 1939, a statement confirmed by a local newspaper item, published in June of that year, reporting that work was 'progressing favourably with the construction of the new Roman Catholic Church'. (DOLA File 5717/08 and The Doiverm Guardian 3 June 1939 - Note: Exhaustive archival and newspaper searching has failed to reveal the identity of either the architect or the builder, or details of any opening ceremony. It may be worthwhile to consult Catholic parish records retained locally.) When the Catholics decided to build a new church in Dowerin, their old church was purchased by the Anglican community. The last service in the old St Barnabas' Anglican Church (now known as Anderson Hall) was held on 11 June 1967, and the Anglicans moved into the former Catholic Church three days later, transferring the name St Barnabas' to their new property. Bishop Rosier was present at services held there on 25 June 1967. (Central Districts Herald Tribune 8 & 22 June 1967) Earlier, the Parish Priest, Wyalkatchem, had applied to transfer the Catholic church reserve to the Anglican community at Dowerin, but it was only after considerable delay that this transfer was approved by the Department of Lands and Surveys in December 1968. The purpose of Reserve 17657 was finally changed from 'Church Site (R.C.)' to 'Church Site (C. of E.)' in April 1969, when a Crown Grant issued to the Perth Diocesan Trustees to be held in trust for an Anglican church site. (DOLA File 5717/08)

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Masonic Hall

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Statement of Significance

Opened in 1929, Dowerin Masonic Hall was one of the last halls built during the 1920's which was a decade of expansion for freemasonry in Western Australia. It is still in use. Halls are significant buildings in rural Western Australia as they are not only meeting places, but because most are constructed to satisfy a particular group in the community, they are evidence of social priorities and beliefs. Freemasonry, a male-only society, enjoyed a social significance which was enhanced by its exclusiveness and its ritual. This particular significance is probably waning, never the less the Lodge is still in use, its members working together for social and charitable ends. As such it has significant social heritage value.

Physical Description

Built along an east-west axis, Dowerin Masonic Lodge is equipped with a stage and a platform which follows the perimeter of the hall. The jarrah floor is carpeted with an inlaid timber design in its centre. The major architectural feature is a suspended ceiling designed to improve air-flow and acoustics. The hall's furnishings are original and some would be called 'antiques',. The hall and furnishings are well maintained.

History

The Dowerin Masonic Hall stands on Town Lots 16 and 17. These were originally granted to Ernest Charles Robert of Goomalling in 1910, transferred to Annie Sophia Williams of Dowerin in 1911, to Frederick Nicholas Pentreath of Dowerin in 1926, and to George Allanson (storekeeper), John Albert Maisey (farmer) and William Thomas Norris (agent and farmer), all of Dowerin, as joint tenants on 13 June 1928. (DOLA - Crown Grant 476/91 and CTs 476/91 & 926/136) Presumably these three were acting on behalf of the Dowerin Masonic Lodge as arrangements for the construction of the Masonic Hall thereon began soon afterwards. The contractor for this brick building was Mr D.G. Carter of Wyalkatchem. Construction was commenced in January 1929 and the hall was opened on Thursday 9 May 1929. (The Dowerin Guardian 26 January, 2 & 9 February and 4 Roy Alexander Richards replaced Norris as a joint tenant in 1940, and the property was vested in 'The Trustees of Dowerin Lodge No. 137' in 1958. (DOLA - CTs 926/136,1071/183 & 1967/164) May 1929)

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Manse

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St Therese's Church

Condition

good

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Dowerin War Memorial, Centenary Park

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Statement of Significance

Each of the World Wars affected Dowerin in a number of ways and the memorials to the men who enlisted are worthy reminders of the fact that Dowerin, too, felt the pull of world events. These memorials have significant social heritage values. The number of young men whose names appear on them is surprisingly high, especially for the First World War. The First World War shield, now hanging in Minnivale Hall has significant aesthetic value (see photograph). The carving is particularly fine.

Physical Description

Dowerin War Memorial is a small obelisk with the names of more than 80 soldiers around the base. Minnivale Memorials are 2 wooden shields of which that for the First World War is magnificently carved and has names on metal plates. The Second World War shield is plainer - names have been inscribed in gold lettering. The shields were originally housed in the Minnivale Hall, but after its demolition the shields were removed to the Minnivale church where they are displayed on the back wall.

History

The Dowerin War Memorial was unveiled on ANZAC Day 1936 by Mr. Latham M.L.A. who gave a brief address. Rev. Arblaster, the local Anglican priest, officiated. The Dowerin sub-branch of the R.S.L. worked to ensure its construction.

Integrity/Authenticity

The plaques listing the names of the fallen were originally marble but has been replaced by brass plaques.

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Rabbit Proof Fence No. 2

Parent Place or Precinct

05022 Rabbit Proof Fence No 2 and No 3

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Statement of Significance

Rabbit Proof Fence No. 2 originally went from Point Anne to north of Cue where it turned east to join Rabbit Proof Fence No. 1 at Gum Creek, but not all of it remains in place. It is one of three long fences in the state designed to control the rabbit plague which could wreak enormous havoc in agricultural areas. The fences failed in their purpose although much time and money was expended to make them work. They stand as a monument to human intention to control a pest which was a national problem. The fence No. 2 has historic and scientific heritage values, as it indicates the widely held fear of the rabbit invasion and the limited and desperate ideas used to control the pest.

Physical Description

The Rabbit Proof Fence No. 2 runs north/south through the eastern third of the shire. Built 1907 - 1908 much of the fence remains in good condition. Original gates may no longer exist but are recalled in names on the various roads. Mileposts mark distance from the south coast.

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W Fraser's House and Tree

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Statement of Significance

The Fraser house and tree have considerable historic significance as the structure shows building materials used at various times in the wheatbelt, ideas of space and utility then current, and an appreciation of landscape as the house was located to have a fine outlook over a lake. Interpretation of the fabric of this cottage would be useful to those people interested in the development of the wheatbelt as the cottage grew in stages which presumably coincided with family size and increasing prosperity. Even as it stands, in a semi-ruined state, the Fraser property is redolent of the past.

Physical Description

The house he built is in a poor state of repair. The most remarkable thing about it is the number of building materials utilised He began with a mud brick construction (the bricks presumably were made on the property), moved to weatherboard, and completed the house with a kiln baked brick extension. The house faced a lake, trees were planted for shade and a verandah, now lost, was erected along the front. It is an example of vernacular architecture which shows change and development.

History

William Fraser arrived in Dowerin Shire in 1898 taking up a heavily timbered block of land which was well watered He marked one tree with a blaze in order to find his way to his property and this tree remains.

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Dowerin Memorial Swimming Pool

Condition

sound

Uses

Creation Date

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Dowerin Police Station & Courthouse

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

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