Bejoording Townsite Spring-Reserve - Site of

Parent Place or Precinct

02585 Bejoording Homestead Complex and Central Square

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has research value as it has potential to contain subsurface archaeological remains. The place is rare as the only known example within Western Australia of a settlement planned as an agricultural worker's village designed around a central square or common following the English model. The place is closely associated with the Syred family who were the first settlers in the area and their original homestead complex, Bejoording Homestead.

Physical Description

No evidence of the former buildings or spring remain. It is now a volunteer fire station set in bushland setting.

History

Bejoording was a gazetted town site in 1836 although no one lived there until 1859. It was a working man's village designed like an English hamlet where all plots had access to the central common and water supply. The first applicant for land was J Thomson in 1856. He married Sarah Syred, but didn't live there. Sarah's brother William Syred was the first Bejoording settler followed by other members of the Syred family, including his brother, Charles, who bought two lots in 1858. In 1859 'Squire' Philips and August Lee Steere, who both already has pastoral leases at Bejoording, bought lots for water rights. In 1865 Alfred martin arrived. John Cousins arrived in 1860 and the Ralph family in 1867. Each of the Syred, Cousins and Ralph families has ten children and by 1869 there were twenty children of school age in Bejoording. A school was established at lot 36. In 1997, DOLA approved the parkland reserve to be changed to emergency services by request from the Bejoording Progress Association for a shed and fire fighting unit.

Integrity/Authenticity

None

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Bejoording Homestead Complex and Central Square

Child Places

• 12234 Bejoording Townsite Spring-Reserve - Site of

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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• 12234 Bejoording Townsite Spring-Reserve - Site of

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its association with the early settlement in Bejoording and the Syred family who were early settlers and continue (2010) to farm the wider landholding. The homestead complex has aesthetic value as the built elements form a visually cohesive farm group in a treed setting. The place is a good representative example of rural settlement in the Avon Valley, demonstrating the characteristic development and expansion of a family farm in a remote rural townsite settlement from the late 1850's to the 1870's. The site has research value as it has potential to contain subsurface archaeological remains. The place has social value as the site of the Bejoording school in the 1870's, and as a visible reminder of the early history on the Toodyay area. The contribution of the place to the community's sense of place was demonstrated by community efforts to restore the place in the 1970's and maintain access in 2000. The place has aesthetic value as demonstrations of early construction methods, materials and form. The authenticity of the buildings on the site is high because of the high proportion of original remaining fabric.

Physical Description

Two single storey dwellings joined by a covered breezeway. Painted and rendered brick construction with hipped iron roofs. Timber framed sash windows and panelled and timber plank doors. Simple open verandah with diamond shaped timber fringe. Tall red brick chimneys. Remains of a bush timber smokeshed, part of the roof frame remains but very little of the iron covering. Part of the mudbrick kiln remains insitu. Additional mudbrick outbuildings also on the site.

History

Bejoording was declared a town site in 1836. Settlers' stock was watered there but no land was taken up until 1856 when notice was given of town lots for sale. Most of the first purchasers of the land were related by marriage. William Syred was the first Bejoording settler in 1859. He built a substantial mud bat house and blacksmith shop. He worked at his smithy for most of the year shoeing horses, making nails and mending wagon wheels and farm machinery. A school was established at the homestead complex in the 1860's and the Syred family employed ticket of leave men as teachers and farm labourers. In 1974 the Shire of Toodyay and the local community took over the management and restoration of Syred's Cottage as a historic site. The cottage is currently (2010) leased to the Shire of Toodyay and used as a meeting place for community groups. The stables were relocated to the site in 1977 from the Water's family property in Coondle. In 2000, the reserve was amended to enable public access to the site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Fair

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Toodyay War Memorial

Parent Place or Precinct

02560 Toodyay Court House (fmr) and former Convict Depot Archaeological Sites

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The memorial is of historic and social value to the Toodyay community as a visible reminder of the contribution made by the members of their community who had served overseas. The memorial is of aesthetic value as a simple design using few materials in a restrained landscaped setting combining to make a valuable contribution to the streetscape.

Physical Description

The memorial comprises a three tier base of rough hewn granite blocks surmounted by a polished granite die stone and polished granite obelisk. On both sides and at the rear of the obelisk are low stone walls. The obelisk and plaques on the walls are engraved with the names of the servicemen and women who served during World War One, World War Two and the Vietnam War. A plaque commemorates work undertaken at the memorial in 1988 as a Bicentennial Project. Twin flag poles are located on either side of the obelisk. The memorial is located within a well maintained landscape consisting of predominantly grass and mature trees. An area of paving bordered by red rose bushes is located to the rear of the memorial.

History

The war memorial was constructed in 1921 to commemorate those from the district who had served during World War One. Following a ballot amongst the subscribers of the Toodyay District Soldiers Memorial a decision was made to erect an obelisk rather than build an operating theatre in the local hospital. The funds for the obelisk were raised by public subscription. Perth stone masons Wilson and Gray designed and built the obelisk and an opening ceremony was held on 18 December 1921. The ceremony was attended by the Governor Sir Francis Newdegate, the Premier Sir James Mitchell and Lady Mitchell and Major General Sir Talbot Hobbs. In 1929, the memorial was upgraded with additional plaques, and trees were planted in the park. The significance of the obelisk to the members of the local RSL was demonstrated in 1931, when members of the local RSL erected a cyclone fence around the obelisk prior to the Anzac service in to protect its significance as a sacred shrine during the service. In 1971, the park underwent improvements with plantings of additional trees and lawn. In 1983, maintenance of the gardens was improved with the installation of automatic reticulation. In 1988, commonwealth funding was received as part of the Bicentennial celebrations and the memorial was upgraded. These improvements consisted of the construction of the platform and low walls around the obelisk from local stone. Improvements were undertaken in 2004 with funds from the state government. Additional plaques commemorating those who had served during World War Two and the Vietnam War were erected at the memorial. These additions were likely to have been part of the 1988 Bicentennial Project. In 1996 the Toodyay war Memorial was included in the State Wide War Memorial survey.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

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Newcastle Gaol, Lock-up and Stables Group, Toodyay

Parent Place or Precinct

26408 Toodyay Townsite

Archaeology

Considerable archaeological potential

Condition

Newcastle Gaol, Lock-up and Stables Group, Toodyay is structurally sound, and in fair to good condition following extensive renovation of the Gaol in 1961-62 and 1981-84, Stables in 1975 and Lock-Up in 2002.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as it is a fine example of convict built architecture, characterised by its simplicity of form, materials, texture and colour and contributed to the aesthetic quality of the streetscape of Clinton Street. The place is representative of the activities associated with the early settlement and development of Toodyay. The place has held a significant role in the Toodyay community, originally as a lock-up and police station and presently (2010) as a museum. The place has historic value for its close association with the Colonial Clerk of Works, Richard Roach Jewell. The place has aesthetic value as it forms part of a civic precinct which contributes to the townscape of Toodyay.

Physical Description

Single storey stone structure with red brick dressings and quoining. Shingled hipped roof with prominent flashings. There is an additional range to the rear of the front structure which houses the former cells. A further ancillary accommodation block and a high stone wall complete the courtyard layout of the gaol.

History

The Newcastle Gaol Museum is part of the old gaol and police station complex. The gaol was Toodyay's third lock-up. Plans were drawn up by Colonial Clerk of Works, Richard Roach Jewell in 1862. The construction, by convict labour, took several years to complete. With the gaol being operational by 1865. The complex comprised two rooms used as warders' quarters, a room used as the visiting Magistrates' Court Room, a kitchen and a store room, located off the central exercise yard, and eight cells, one of which was larger than the others. Jewell's plan shows a timber lined security cell which also has an iron bar for leg irons. In 1879 a decision was made to upgrade the building to serve as a common lock-up for the Avon Valley. It continued as a lock-up and Police Headquarters until around 1900. The building was rented as a dwelling until World War II after which time it fell into disrepair. in the early 1960's the building was developed as the State's first regional museum. A revamp of the building was begun in 2004 to deal with a rising damp problem. The refurbished museum was reopened in March 2010.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium-High Authenticity: Medium-High

Condition

Good

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Toodyay Court House (fmr) and former Convict Depot Archaeological Sites

Parent Place or Precinct

26408 Toodyay Townsite

Child Places

• 14373 Toodyay War Memorial

Condition

The condition of the various elements within Toodyay Court House (fmr) and former Convict Depot Archaeological Sites varies. Overall the place is in good condition. The Convict Depot survives only as archaeological features, deposits and foundations. These are highly intact as archaeological sites.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 14373 Toodyay War Memorial

Statement of Significance

The site has historic value for its associations with the beginnings of the depot at Toodyay and the provision of law and order. The former courthouse has aesthetic value as it is a fine example of the architecture of George Temple Poole, and complements another example of his work in the Toodyay Post Office. The place has social value for its role as the centre of civic administration and has associations with community leaders. The place is a landmark which makes a significant contribution to the townscape.

Physical Description

Single storey brick structure with corrugated iron hipped roof. Main projecting bay characterised by a series of three full-height arched windows with painted dressings incorporating a feature keystone voussoir. The building sits upon a rendered plinth which emphasises the change in topography across the site. Main entrance is via steps up to a colonnaded verandah. Timber sash windows with 9-paned top window above single pane window. Additions to rear with temporary offices and ancillary accommodation.

History

This building was constructed in 1896, opening in January 1897. It replaced the original courthouse on the site which was built in 1867 to the design of Richard Roach Jewell. The site was also previously used as a convict hiring depot, one of three established in the colony after convicts were introduced in 1850. In 1902 the last Resident Magistrate was withdrawn and the building was vacated. Many of the records which were stored in the building in the ensuing years were destroyed. The old warders' quarters were demolished in about 1931. In the process of the Road Board renovating the place in the 1950's the adjacent old hospital was demolished. The building has been used as the local government administrative centre since then with some additions taking place to facilitate the development of that function.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium-Low Authenticity: Medium-Low

Condition

Good

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Butterly House

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building has historic value through its association with the settlement and development of the town of Toodyay. The place has social value through its association with early settlers, the Monger family and the Western Australian Bank. The social value of the place to the community of Toodyay is demonstrated by its acquisition by the Shire of Toodyay and its subsequent restoration and use by the community. The building has aesthetic value as it makes a valuable contribution to the Stirling Terrace streetscape.

Physical Description

Red brick single storey dwelling with iron roof with double hip to rear and single hip to the front. The building is surrounded by an iron bullnose verandah supported on timber posts with Colonial style timber panels. The front elevation presents a symmetrical facade with centrally placed door and flanking French windows. Brick work is laid in Flemish and English bonds with tuck pointing.

History

J.G.C. Carr bought the property in 1860. Later, John Henry Monger built the house in which his son, Charles Samuel monger, lived. In 1889 the Western Australian Bank occupied the building for use as a banking premises. This was the first bank in the town of Toodyay. In 1898, the bank moved into a newly built premises and Charles Monger resumed residency. In about 1910 Mr. & Mrs. (nee Emma Monger) Augustus Butterly bought the property and carried out extensive remodelling of the place. Butterly family members left the house in about 1980 and the Toodyay Shire acquired it. It is currently (2010) leased to the Butterly Cottages Association Inc.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

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Hasell's Cottage (ruin)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value as one of four remaining structures of the original Toodyay township and for its association with George Hasell, a prominent builder in the region. The brick kiln is a rare and unusual example of its type and period in Western Australia. The cottage has aesthetic value as it demonstrates artistic excellence through the quality of the masonry and for its contribution to the streetscape.

Physical Description

Single storey stone brick and former dwelling, now in ruins. No roof, windows or doors and supported by internal metal bracing bolted through the main elevations. holes in elevations may be evidence of previous stabilisation works. Stonework has been re-pointed in places. The original cottage was extended to the rear, the brick quoining marking the point of the original rear elevation. Windows and door openings have red brick dressings set in a rounded arch. Remnants of a red brick chimney.

History

'Hasell's Cottage' is the ruin of a Victorian Tudor style cottage built by George Henry Hasell in two stages. This is a two room, single-storey building made of a mixture of convict depot bricks, Hasell's own bricks and cut stone. It was constructed around the end of 1854. The building was roofed with corrugated iron and was one of the first buildings in the district to use this roofing material. A brick kiln located about 100 metres from the cottage was constructed by Hasell around 1855. In 1865 a single-storey extension with a cellar was added by Hasell. Hasell was a prominent builder of the district and was responsible for a number of buildings now recognised for their heritage value. Hasell was an Irish convict convicted of cattle stealing. He was given his Ticket Of Leave the day after he arrived in the Swan River Colony and was sent to the Toodyay Convict Depot to work on its construction. He was granted his conditional pardon in 1854 when he married and built this dwelling. Members of the family remained in the house until 1900.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Poor-Ruins

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Toodyay Fire Station

Parent Place or Precinct

04128 Stirling Terrace Streetscape Group

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as one of two single bay Stripped Classical fire stations built during the Western Australian Fire Brigades Board 1930s building campaign. The place has aesthetic value as a modest building employing a restrained use of the Inter-War stripped classical style and is an integral part of the Stirling Terrace streetscape which is an important historic streetscape. The place has historic value as its construction was a direct result of the Bush Fires Act 1937 and was one of eighteen new fire stations built by the Western Australian Fire Brigades Board during an intensive building campaign between 1933 and 1938. The place has historic value for its association with architect Ken Duncan, who was a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade and was responsible for the design of 71 fire stations around Western Australia. The place has social value for its association with the Toodyay Fire Brigade and the Volunteer Fire Brigade who have had a pivotal role in the protection and maintenance of the region and, as a result, are highly valued by the Toodyay community.

Physical Description

An Art Deco styled single storey building, rendered in part and brick to lower lever, all painted. An extension to the side is in the same style. A simple stepped parapet. The main fire engine access projects slightly from main structure. Corrugated iron extensions to rear with subsequent small extensions. There are timber casement windows and a chimney. Grooved Art Deco inspired pattern to the upper section of main elevation. The pitched iron roof is partially obscured by the parapet.

History

The Fire Brigade had operated from various premises until the construction of this building in 1939. It is notable for its Art Deco facade. The fire station was vacated with the building of a new premises next to the Community Centre.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Fair-Good

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Toodyay Post Office and Residence

Parent Place or Precinct

04128 Stirling Terrace Streetscape Group

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value as it represents the development of postal services to the district during a time of expansion of rural centres. The place has aesthetic value as a fine example of Public Works Architecture from the late 19th century and the civic architecture of George Temple Poole. The place also makes a significant contribution to the streetscape of Toodyay. The place has social value as a venue for social interaction and contributes to the community sense of place.

Physical Description

Red brick construction with low pitched hipped corrugated iron roof, The return frontage is symmetrical in form, the corner dominated by an arched entrance, verandah at the upper storey with timbered balustrade. The roof form of this section of the building continues the rhythm of the main roofing structure albeit at a lower level. Timber framed sash windows with multi-paned upper sashes. Scrolled sills to lower level windows. Single and double storey extensions to the rear.

History

Postal services were available in the Toodyay area from 1842 in various locations until this building was constructed in 1897. After new buildings were constructed in York, a deputation of Toodyay citizens approached Premier Forrest in 1895, and asked for a new courthouse and Town Hall, a grant for the Mechanics Institute and the immediate building of a new post office. The Public Works Department subsequently selected sites for the new public buildings in Toodyay and the post office was constructed.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

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Connors Mill (fmr), Toodyay

Parent Place or Precinct

04128 Stirling Terrace Streetscape Group

Condition

Connor's Mill is in fair to good condition. The exterior walls show evidence of damage and repairs at various times, but they are stable and the place is maintained.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Mill has aesthetic value as an excellent and representative example of an industrial building in the Victorian Georgian style. It is a rare example of a three-storey brick and stone mill of the mid to late nineteenth century. The place also contributes to the streetscape as a substantial landmark in the town. The Mill has historic value for its role in the establishment of the town and its provision of a service to the surrounding farming community. The place has social value as it provides evidence of the importance of convicts in the development of the colony having being built by convict expiree George hassel for the owner, expiree Daniel Connor. The social value of the Mill is demonstrated through its restoration in the 1970's and its current promotional role in the community.

Physical Description

Three storey brick and stone structure with corrugated iron hipped roof. The building presents a symmetrical facade with brick dressings to the ground floor window and door openings and brick quoining to the external edges of the wall. The grain chute is still attached to the central first floor opening and 'Connor's Mill' has been painted between the first and second level windows. A centrally placed cupola is positioned on the roof.

History

Daniel Connor was a hawker dealing in stock who had come from Ireland in 1853. After marrying he took up 50 acres at Jane Brook and following the gazetting of the Toodyay town lots, he bought lot 9.He also bought other lots including lot 6 which he subdivided, built shops and cottages on the lots and rented out. He gained control over a number of large estates by lending money or providing credit to the owners. Connor built his steam mill, the third in the district, next to his home and store. Farmers indebted to Connor for stores were obliged to take their gristing to his mill and the other steam mills' business declined. In 1871,he was one of the inaugural Toodyay Road Board members and in 1873 Connor was member of the Board of Education. In 1874 Connor bought 'Hawthornden' in addition to a number of other substantial properties in the area. This made him the largest landholder in the district at this time. In the late 1870s Connor's mill and one of the other mills in Toodyay won awards for flour at the Melbourne Exhibition, refuting claims of inferior Western Australian flour. In 1889 Connor built several substantial brick houses in the newly released area of North Toodyay. From 1893 to 1896 he was Chairman of the Road Board and remained on the board until his death in 1898. In 1894 Connor was influential in sighting the Toodyay Bridge. The steam mill operated until about 1918 when it was used for a short time as an electric power generation station (the first of its type). It was burnt out but in 1922 the Toodyay Road Board commenced generating electric power. This continued until about 1955 when the State Electricity Commission connected Toodyay to the state grid system. The building remained vacant until 1975 when it was renovated for use as a tourist bureau and museum. In 1998 the tourist bureau was relocated and the mill became a museum. Renovations and installation of exhibitions to update the historical display started in 2007 with the refurbished mill reopening in March 2010.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Good

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Roman Catholic Church Group, Toodyay

Child Places

• 24525 St Aloysius Convent of Mercy classrooms and boys boarders domitory (fmr)
• 24459 St Aloysius Convent of mercy classrooms and girls dormitory (fmr)
• 24403 St Aloysius Convent of Mercy (fmr)

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 24525 St Aloysius Convent of Mercy classrooms and boys boarders domitory (fmr)
• 24459 St Aloysius Convent of mercy classrooms and girls dormitory (fmr)
• 24403 St Aloysius Convent of Mercy (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The Roman Catholic Church Group has historic value as it demonstrates the contribution of the church to the care and welfare of the Toodyay and wider community. It has significant associations with clergymen and people of the catholic faith between 1863 and 1963. The precinct has aesthetic value as the group of buildings demonstrate a range of building styles and materials that together make a positive contribution specifically to the Stirling Terrace streetscape and to the townscape in general.

Physical Description

Comprises of St Aloysius Convent of Mercy (fmr), St Aloysius Convent of Mercy Classrooms and Boys Boarding House, St Aloysius Convent of Mercy Classrooms and Girls Boarding House, Dr. Growse's House (fmr), The Old Presbytery and St John the Baptist Church.

History

Several buildings make up this Catholic Precinct built as classrooms and accommodation for the Sisters of Mercy and girl and boy boarders. The first building was erected in 1903 with further buildings added between 1905 and 1929. The sisters were assisted by substantial endowments from Daniel Connor and the Connor family. On 11 October 1987, the Avondown Centre for Catholic Education was blessed by the Archbishop of Perth. Although the Sisters of Mercy have now left Toodyay, there are brothers of the Franciscan order in residence at Avondown. See individual building listings for more information.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

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St Aloysius Convent of Mercy (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

04125 Roman Catholic Church Group, Toodyay

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its significant associations with the Sisters of Mercy, generations of students and Catholic education. The building has aesthetic value as a fine example of the period and is an integral part of the catholic precinct and the townscape of Toodyay.

Physical Description

Imposing two storey redbrick structure with red iron roof. Rendered bands extend around the building. Rendered sills. Central projecting bay with gable and main entrance with later additional canopy to the entrance. Gabled wings to each end with half timbering creating a symmetrical facade. Brickwork laid in English garden wall bond with tuck pointing. Sash windows. Two storey panelled side extension and a covered walkway adjoining the building to the church.

History

The Sisters of Mercy came from Perth to open a school in 1884. They bought a bungalow in town from William Leeder but later built there convent at this current site. Thi building is part of the complex built by the Sisters of Mercy to provide accommodation and a school. The buildings were funded almost entirely from bequests from the Connor family. Reverend M. Gibney D.D.R., the Lord Bishop of Perth, lain the foundation stone of this building in 1903.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Good

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St Aloysius Convent of Mercy classrooms and boys boarders domitory (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

04125 Roman Catholic Church Group, Toodyay

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its significant associations with the Sisters of Mercy, generations of students and catholic education. The building has aesthetic value as a fine example of the period and is an integral part of the catholic precinct and the townscape of Toodyay.

Physical Description

Two storey brick building, red tiled roof with decorative ridge tiles. Double storey verandahs with timber panels. Rendered string courses at sill and lintel heights. Series of French windows to the ground floor with fanlights above. Leaded light window. Feature window on side elevation comprising three large sash windows, the central opening being wider than the two flanking openings, all set under a deep rendered lintel. Brickwork to the building laid in English garden wall bond.

History

The Sisters of Mercy came from Perth to open a school in 1884. they bought a bungalow in town from W.G. Leeder but later built their convent at this current site. This building is part of the complex built by the Sisters of Mercy to provide accommodation and a school. The buildings were funded almost entirely from bequests from the Connor family. This building was used as the boys' dormitory.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Good

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St Aloysius Convent of mercy classrooms and girls dormitory (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

04125 Roman Catholic Church Group, Toodyay

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its significant associations with the Sisters of Mercy, generations of students and catholic education. The building has aesthetic value as a fine example of the period and is an integral part of the catholic precinct and the townscape of Toodyay.

Physical Description

Single storey brick building, red iron roof, undercroft to eastern section. Brick laid in stretcher bond. Rendered bands extend around the structure. Hipped roof with gablet.

History

The Sisters of Mercy came from Perth to open a school in 1884. They bought a bungalow in town from W.G. Leeder but later built their convent at this current site. This building is part of the complex built by the Sisters of mercy to provide accommodation and a school. The buildings were funded almost entirely from bequests from the Connor family. This building was used as the girls' dormitory and annually for the Convent Ball.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Good

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Toodyay Public Library

Parent Place or Precinct

04128 Stirling Terrace Streetscape Group

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Toodyay Public Library has historic value as a principal public building with a long association with the development of Toodyay, its cultural and administrative institutions and prominent citizens. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape. It provides opportunity for the understanding of previous building practices and materials. The place has social value as it demonstrates a 19th century way of life and has a continuity of public use.

Physical Description

Single storey structure with double height parapeted entrance. The brick construction is rendered and painted and has a corrugated iron roof which forms a gable at the front. The gable is concealed behind the large semi-circular rendered parapet. The original hall building had adzed scissor trusses and a shingle roof. The 1886 extensions comprised a wing each side of the front creating a symmetrical facade. They were of brick rendered construction with a corrugated iron roof with a low level undecorated horizontal parapet. Rendered facade with face brick side elevations. Timber framed sash windows and panelled doors with fanlights. Decorative string course and door moulding to main section. Brick extensions to rear.

History

The Mechanics Institutes established in rural towns and villages were a means of providing instruction for tradesmen, many of whom had not received an education as children and were established in Perth and Fremantle as early as 1851. The Newcastle Mechanics Institute was formed at the inaugural meeting in July 1866 in which Rev Harper was elected president. A building committee was formed and land for the Institute Hall was donated by Charles Monger. Subscriptions were sought throughout the town and a donor list was displayed in the town, ladies raised funds at bazaars and during the show and Races and by April 1867 the bricks had been made but there was insufficient funds to pay for the labour. In 1871 during a tea meeting at the Freemasons Hotel organised by Innes, Young men's Reading Club with James Drummond chairing the meeting was formed. It was said to be the biggest social event ever held in Toodyay. the club later amalgamated with the Mechanics Institute and the club's library was installed in the hall. W.G. Leeder was active in the Mechanics' Institute and instrumental in the extensions which took place in 1886, adding two reading rooms. The library was expanded and renovated in 2010.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

Excellent

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Donegan's Cottage

Parent Place or Precinct

12178 Recreation Ground, Grandstand & Pavilion, Toodyay

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has historic value for its associations with the developers of the site Barnard Drummond Clarkson and Charles Ellery and with the first occupant of the cottage John Donegan. The building has historic value as a demonstration of development in Toodyay in the late 1880's. The cottage is rare as one of only a few early 'worker's cottage' residences remaining in Toodyay that has been occupied continuously by one family, the Donegans. The restoration of the cottage by the community in the 1990's demonstrates its social value. The building has aesthetic value for its landmark quality, and as a demonstration of a simple vernacular worker's cottage.

Physical Description

Single storey simple mud brick cottage with iron hipped roof and open verandah around the building. Timber framed casement windows.

History

Barnard Drummond Clarkson (1836-1909) was associated with the beginnings of Toodyay in 1886 when he loaned the land, this site, to the cricket club. The cricketers and footballers formed and athletics club and purchased the cricket ground. In 1887 Clarkson surveyed land around the recreation ground into one acre blocks and sold them at twenty pounds each. In 1888, Charles George Ellery (1854-1937), the boot-maker, erected three cottages on the lots and established fruit trees and gardens around them. They were the first three houses built on the north side of the river. The subject property was occupied by James Donegan, a local mail and goods carrier. Family members lived in the house until 1993. The cottage was restored in 1997-8.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Good

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