Glentromie Farm Group

Statement of Significance

Glentromie Farm Group was associated with Donald Macpherson, a former indentured servant who became a successful pastoralist, horsebreeder, and local politican. Buildings within the group exhibit the excellent skill of ticket of leave craftsmen.

Physical Description

Glentromie Farm Group is a substantial mid-nineteenth century pastoral station, comprising a Homestead (including a detached Kitchn wing and detached 7 room cottage with cellar wing), a Stables, Shearing Shed, Barn, and Two-Roomed Men's Cottage, a Stone Well and archaeological sites of five Married Worker's Cottages, Blacksmith's Shop, Slaughter House, Cart Shed and Harness Room, and the ruins of a Flour Mill, as well as artefact scatters dating to the nineteenth century.

History

Glentromie was established by Donald Macpherson, a Scotsman who arrived in WA in April 1836 as an indentured servant. After become free of his indenture in 1845, Macpherson was granted a pastoral lease, where in the 1850, he established Glentromie Farm Group.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

The Glentromie precinct is of exceptional significance. It has significant associations with Donald Mac Pherson, Walter Padbury, Davidson, and the Nixon family. It has links with the earliest settlement in the Victoria Plains, and shows the development since that time. It shows a number of ways of life associated with the property which are no longer practised. The property has associations with the broader community for the social, recreational, sporting and religious events that have taken place for generations.

Physical Description

The homestead was originally roofed with she oak shingles, which was replaced with corrugated iron, and then with tiles (c1950s?). The weight of the tiles forced the walls out. In c1995, the walls were reinforced with steel, and the roof was reclad with zincalume sheeting. The original hand sawn floorboards are still evident in the kitchen and dining room.

History

In 1842, D Macpherson took up the lease for Murra Murra which became Glentromie. Donald Macpherson had come to the Colony as an indentured servant for Captain John Scully who established a pastoral property at Bolgart. Macpherson first applied for a pastoral rights in 1845 and was refused. However in July that year he successfully selected 12000 acres which included Murra Murra, Badji Badji and Noondagoonda (Priest's Place) Donald was in partnership with Ewen Macintosh, and his bothers John and Duncan Macpherson. The polo field is believed to be the first cleared land on Glentromie and was used for polo. Bricks used in the buildings on Glentromie were fired on site. Macpherson worked to establish a model farming institution. Substantial two storey brick stables housed 27 horses which were bred as remounts for the British Army in India. From 1857, Macpherson was an unpaid postmaster and the mail terminus for the monthly mailrun from Gingin. Glentromie was a mail centre of the district from 1867. Between 1858 and 1884, Donald Macpherson employed 26 ticket of leave men. Included in those 26 men were two brick makers between 1869 and 1870, and 3 carpenters between 1873 and 1875. In 1871, Donald Macpherson was the inaugural Chairman and Treasurer of the Victoria Plains Road Board. Road Board meetings held at Glentromie from 1872 to 1876. The first horse racing event in the Victoria Plains was held at Berkshire Valley in 1878. The following year, a grand horseracing day and banquet was held at Glentromie, which subsequently became an annual event. In 1886, Macpherson resigned from the Road Board. After his death in 1887, it was revealed that Glentromie was heavily mortgaged and had to be sold. At the auction in 1888, Walter Padbury and Loton bid against Bishop Salvado at the auction, and they acquired the property for £11,200. The new manager was Charles K. Davidson who married Padbury's niece, Amelia Payne, and came from Victoria to take charge. He had a keen interest in horses, and later also served on the Road Board. The proposed railway through Waddington and Glentromie land resulted in objections from the new Glentromie owner, Padbury , and the railway was rerouted to the west. After Moora town began developing, in 1895, an Anglican clergyman visited Glentromie to conduct services in the 'big' room. Burial services were also conducted at the burial ground near by. That continued for many years, until the 1950s. In 1902, Davidson initiated Easter cricket matches at Glentromie. Glentromie was a social centre of the district, and the annual Marbro school picnics, concerts and social gatherings were held there. In 1930, D. W. Edgar owned Glentromie. During World War Two, the polo ground was an emergency airstrip for aircraft training from Pearce Air Base. After the war, 12,000 acres of Glentromie sold by Edgar to the Rehabilitation Committee for Soldier Settlement. Four farms of 3,000 acres each were taken up by Childs, Bickford, Mackie and Overington. In 1958, the Nixon family purchased the Glentromie property, and in 1997, it is still in that family's ownership.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Mostly Intact Authenticity: Medium - High degree

Condition

Good

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Summer Hill Group

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

Vernacular construction using local materials. The precinct demonstrates a way of life for an agricultural way of life for a working class immigrant in the 1850s. It has close associations with John Halligan. The place reveals information which contributes to an understanding of human occupation; paved riverbed, fence, timber constructions, mud bricks. The place was a staging post, venue for the Agricultural Show, and a meeting place.

Physical Description

Dwelling: Originally a three roomed dwelling of mud brick using mud from near by clay pits. Some evidence remains of wooden spikes in the brick joints (to hold the mud overlay in place) The walls are high, and some windows are over two metres from ground level, suggesting the place may have had a loft. Halligan designed small high windows for ventilation, in an innovative way to stop hay combusting. The original walls have been faced with stone and mud externally, and additional wings of rooms were added pre 1900 . Two hand carved fireplaces (pre 1900 addition) with handmade bricks in the chimneys remain in place, as does a low funnelled ventilation window, original floorboards, doors, and pressed metal ceilings in two rooms. The place has been extensively renovated. House garden includes a 'Quatre Raison' rosebush, pine tree, pomegranate trees and olive tree. Stables, tackroom. carriage room & fodder storage: Two storey building of stone, mud, large timber beams, gimlet and corrugated iron. The tackroom and stables have carved gimlet construction of the eight horse stalls, and to hold the saddlery and bridles. Old saddlery is still in place. The stable floors are stone cobbled. A chaff cutter and elevator remain in place at one end, it was used to transport the fodder to an overhead storage place from where it was dropped down chutes into the stables. The chaff cutter was originally driven by a horse, later a tractor. Grain storage & piaaerv: Small two storey building of stone, local timber and corrugated iron. One end has narrow grain storage bays. Grooved doorways allowed for boards to be inserted as the grain level rose. The other end is claimed to be a piggery. A loft overhead with exterior doors. Shearing shed, smithy & carriage room: Stone, mud, local timber and corrugated iron building. The smithy's anvil is still in place as ais all the shearing equipment (still used), and bays etc. Cattle barn: Two storey stone, mud, local timber and corrugated iron building. The understorey was used to feedlot cattle. Stick & stone fence. Local found stones form the base of the fence into which vertical sticks were inserted. Two strands of wire run horizontal along each side of the fence supporting the vertical sticks. Orchard: Remains of a large orchard are still evident. Several lemon trees and fig trees are still alive. Wells: Below ground stone sided wells approximately 4 metres wide by 4 metres deep. Other: Stone creek bank and river crossing, clay pit, above ground stone wall water storage tanks, wooden caravan on jinker, and roads from the stables to the house, and to the Marbro School.

History

John Halligan, a working class Irish Immigrant, established 'Summer Hill' on the first 40 acres, after initially settling in the Toodyay area. He was the most 'notable' of the Marbro settlers. He developed a significant property with a number of substantial buildings, crafted from found materials, and assisted by ticket of leave labour. Halligan contributed to community development, and held positions in the progress association, farmers and settlers association, Victoria Plains farmers Association, and was involved in the Victoria Plains Agricultural Show. The Show was held at 'Summer Hill' for many years with ploughing competitions and beer tents. For a short period, 'Summer Hills' was a staging post for the twice weekly mail run. The farm formed a considerable almost self sufficient complex. The cattle were fattened in the cattle barn, the shearing shed is now one of the oldest working sheds. The stick and stone fence served to keep the sheep from the dingoes at night. John Halligan died in 1925 owning property in excess of 7,000 acres, (including 'Summer Hill', Marbro, Skibberene, Dummpinjerry, and extensive pastoral leases) and left a very complex will. His wife and daughters subsequently inherited the place and his son John managed the property which subsequently ran at a loss and had to be sold to cover the debts. In 1932, the Saleebas purchased the property. Tennis courts were also used by people when they holidayed at the Waddington Hotel. Mrs May Lefroy (nee Saleeba??) lived there in the 1930s and 1940s. Before the Sinclairs moved in a few years ago, the place had been vacant for twenty years, and required considerable works to make it habitable.

Integrity/Authenticity

Dwelling: Integrity: Irredeemable Authenticity: Low degree Stables, tackroom. carriage room & fodder storage: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree Grain storage & piggery: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree Shearing shed, smithy & carriage room: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree Cattle barn: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree Stick & stone fence: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree Orchard: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree Wells: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree Other: Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Dwelling: Good Stables, tackroom. carriage room & fodder storage: Good Grain storage & piggery: Fair Shearing shed, smithy & carriage room: Good Cattle barn: Good Stick & stone fence. Good Orchard: Good Wells: Good Other: Good

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Benedictine Winery (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

02968 Wyening Mission Group (fmr)

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

The place is of exceptional significance for the associations with the Benedictine Monks and the wine industry. The winery is of exceptional significance for the associations with Bishop Torres, and the lay wine makers Valenz and Schwartzbach. The winery has significant associations with viticulture at Wyening and the distribution of wine to Catholic Churches throughout the state. The architecture has influences of Spanish and rural vernacular and is a singular example of its type. The winery demonstrates technical innovation in the use of the site to facilitate the wine making process. It is one of a few commercial wineries in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia and one of only two vineyards in Australia that are owned by religious organisations.

Physical Description

Random rubble stone wall construction with a corrugated iron roof. It was built from granite quarried in the surrounding fields.

History

The first land at Wyening was taken up by Bishop Salvado in 1856. The first building was constructed from Bishop Salvado's on site sketches in 1892. After Salvado's death in 1900, his successor, Abbott Torres made significant changes and at Wyening the focus changed from pastoral to agricultural with more land allocated for vines and crops. Torres' desire to establish a winery at Wyening was ambitious. The first vines were planted in 1906. The 'grape vintage' was picked by students, Brothers and locals from the new colleges at New Norcia , at the time. The construction of the winery took place between 1914 and 1916. The cellar was built into the hillside to achieve cool moderate temperatures and also to take advantage of the force of gravity in processing the grapes from the crushing hoppers to the wine casks. By 1916, 80 acres of vines were planted. A lay wine maker, Valenz was employed, and the workers cottage was constructed for him. Wine was produced for many years. The wine was for public sale, and altar wine was made for the Catholic Churches throughout the state. Wine making declined in the depression years when there was no farm manager and the quality of the wines deteriorated. In 1949, the employment of wine maker August Schwarzbach led to the revitalisation of the place, and the renovation of the buildings. The last Wyening vintage was bottled in 1973 before the winery closed.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyening Mission Group (fmr)

Child Places

• 02617 Wyening Mission House
• 02618 Benedictine Winery (fmr)

Condition

good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Child Places

• 02617 Wyening Mission House
• 02618 Benedictine Winery (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The mission precinct is of exceptional significance for the associations with Bishop Salvado and Torres, the Benedictine community, the New Norcia Aboriginal community, and the wine maker Schwartzbach. The precinct has significant associations with pastoral activity, viticulture, and the organisation and lifestyle of the Benedictine Monks, and the early settlement of the Victoria Plains. The architecture has influences of Spanish and rural vernacular and is a singular example of its type demonstrating the development of the precinct between 1892 and the 1950s.

Physical Description

Managers House (1917) Rendered brick and concrete block construction with a corrugated iron roof. Workers Cottage (1920s), Walkabout Cottage (1950s) Timber framed and corrugated iron clad buildings with corrugated iron roofs.

History

The first land at Wyening was taken up by Bishop Salvado in 1856. The outpost of Wyening was established as one of the network of pastoral stations to provide the Benedictine New Norcia settlement with food and income. The first building was constructed from Bishop Salvado's on site sketches. Barns and stables were built adjacent to the house. After Salvado's death in 1900, his successor, Abbott Torres made significant changes at New Norcia, and at Wyening, the focus changed from pastoral to agricultural with more land allocated for vines and crops. The managers house was built to accommodate the lay farm manager. Torres' desire to establish a winery at Wyening was ambitious, and culminated in the construction of the winery between 1914 and 1916. A lay wine maker, Valenz was employed, and the workers cottage was constructed for him. Wine was produced for many years but activity declined in the depression years when there was no farm manager and the quality of the wines deteriorated. In 1949, the employment of wine maker August Schwarzbach led to the revitalisation of the place, and the renovation of the buildings. In 1969, the Benedictine community negotiated a land swap deal and exchanged Wyening farm for land nearer New Norcia, bringing the property into private ownership. The last Wyening vintage was bottled in 1973.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Wyening Mission House

Parent Place or Precinct

02968 Wyening Mission Group (fmr)

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Statement of Significance

The mission is of exceptional significance for the associations with the v New Norcia Benedictine Community , and in demonstrating a way of life associated with their order, which is no longer practised. It is representative of a rural lifestyle and architecture influenced by Spanish and rural vernacular architecture and is a singular example of its type.

Physical Description

Rendered mud brick construction on stone foundations, with a corrugated iron roof. The bricks were made on site, and the stones gathered from the surrounding area. All other fittings were carted from new Norcia. The building plan has a cross shaped corridor with the chapel at one end and the kitchen, rectory at the other end, opening onto a total of eight rooms, surrounded by a verandah.

History

Rendered mud brick construction on stone foundations, with a corrugated iron roof. The bricks were made on site, and the stones gathered from the surrounding area. All other fittings were carted from new Norcia. The building plan has a cross shaped corridor with the chapel at one end and the kitchen, rectory at the other end, opening onto a total of eight rooms, surrounded by a verandah. Torres' desire to establish a winery at Wyening was ambitious, and culminated in the construction of the winery between 1914 and 1916. A lay wine maker, Valenz was employed, and the workers cottage was constructed for him. Wine was produced for many years but activity declined in the depression years when there was no farm manager and the quality of the wines deteriorated. In 1949, the employment of wine maker August Schwarzbach led to the revitalisation of the place, and the renovation of the buildings. The brothers organised many concerts which were enjoyed by the surrounding settlers. In 1969, the Benedictine community negotiated a land swap deal and exchanged Wyening farm for land nearer New Norcia, bringing the property into private ownership. The last Wyening vintage was bottled in 1973.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or redeemable Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update