Wake's Garage Group

Condition

MI notes condition is poor; Assessment (2006) notes condition as 'generally' good.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Wake's Garage has little aesthetic or architectural significance but high historical and social significance. With the large amounts of original machinery and equipment and records, the place is a time capsule of events and activities since it first opened it doors. There could be some scientific significance, with some of the machinery and equipment (some of which is still used) demonstrating the needs of automotive repairs.

Physical Description

A collection of iron and concrete block spaces with concrete and earth floors. The place is filled with machinery, motor parts, records and inventions. The architecture is unimportant; it is the contents and activities of the owners that gives the site its significance.

History

The site of Wake's Garage was originally used as stables and evidence of the stable floor still exists. Since 1938, the site has been Wake's Garage, the workshop still containing much original machinery and equipment. As well as the workshop there is also office space, with some records going back to the beginning of business.

Condition

Poor

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Katanning Brickworks

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The brickworks have historic and social significance, as brick making has always been an important industry and a source of much local employment. Many of the significant buildings in Katanning and surrounding areas have been constructed from the locally made bricks.

Physical Description

A collection of buildings and kilns associated with brick making in a series of gravelled surfaces. A new shed and office were constructed in March 1999

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Government School (fmr)

Condition

MI notes condition as fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The former school building was the first purpose-built government school for the district of Katanning and so has high social and historical significance. It was also one of the earliest permanent structures in the town still existing. Although it was only used for a relatively short time, it illustrates the growing population in Katanning after the railway was established, and the need to service the increasing number of children now being brought up in the area. It now plays an important role as the historical museum.

Physical Description

The original school building has undergone some modifications according to its changing needs. Its construction is brick walls and a corrugated iron roof. The external walls were not originally painted. There is a verandah on the northwest corner of the building, which was the main entry.

History

The first school classes were held in the former refreshment room at the railway station in 1890 under the supervision of Mary Bell. However, it was not long before a purpose-built school was needed. The land for the Katanning Government School was gazetted for such purposes on 10th August 1894. Tenders had already been called for the erection of the school building, the successful contractors being Messrs Beetham, Tilling and Harrison. The building was constructed of brick and jarrah, and made provision for the accommodation of forty scholars. However, even before its completion, there was some criticism in the newspapers of its size: In everything, excepting size, the building is suitable, but seeing that the present school-roll is over thirty, it might have been fairly expected that some provision would have been made for the natural and inevitable increase. [WA,27/08/1894,p.7] Although there were many delays with materials, etc., the building was completed well within the contracted time. The new schoolroom was described as: A lofty chamber 30ft x 20ft, well ventilated by five windows, three of which look up Clive-land and the railway, while each end of the room contains another considerably larger than these in front, all being provided with Venetian blinds. Two doors, one at each end of the rear wall, give entrance, and against the rear wall are also built two small rooms to be used as lavatories and cloak rooms, the entrance to them being from the same projecting porch roof at each corner of the building that the school doors open upon. A large tank indicates provision for a liberal water supply, while the external arrangements are complete in every detail. The whole is surrounded by a substantial fence of sawn timber and wire. An extra finish has been given to the interior by a coat of kalsomine, and altogether the school which provides ample accommodation for upwards of 60 pupils, is a distinct and useful addition to the public buildings of the town, and will be devoted to its intended use some time during the coming month. [WA, 26/9/1894, p.6] The school, was completed in September 1894, for a cost of £483 and £31.6s.8d. "Was paid in back rent and repair of damages." [Rikkers ] The first teacher was Ms Frances Williams, her class consisting of 15 boys and 18 girls. After about eight years the school could no longer cope with the increase in students and so the building was utilised as a kindergarten and also as a domestic science classroom. In 1969 it was converted to an historical museum.

Condition

Fair

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Methodist Church and Hall (fmr)

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The former Methodist Church has some social and historical significance, as it is an early example of religion in the community and a reminder of the many Methodists who settled in Katanning. The architectural integrity of the building has been hindered somewhat by the blocking off of the original entry, the additions to the rear and the removal of nearly all the original internal fittings and fixtures. The building was re-opened in 2001.

Physical Description

The building is in Gothic style with a gabled rood, pier buttresses and lancet arched windows. The exterior walls are tuck-pointed, red brick, cement rendered on the lower half and the roof is of corrugated iron. There are two additions to the rear, dating from 1919 and cl930. The interior fixtures such as the pews, altar and pulpit, were removed when the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches amalgamated.

History

The foundation stone of the church was laid in September 1905 by Wesley Maley MLC. It was opened and dedicated on Wednesday 6th December 1905, costing approximately £625 to build. The original interior wood carvings were done by local carpenter, E A Rogers, identified by his carved mouse insignia. The original church building was 41ft in length by 26 lAft wide, and had coloured cathedral glass windows. Eventually, as was the overall trend, the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches amalgamated to form the Uniting Church and the congregation moved into the Presbyterian Church. The building is now known as the Autumn Club and used as a senior citizens' club.

Condition

Fair

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Uniting Church, Katanning

Condition

Generally in good condition

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The former Presbyterian Church also represents the former Methodist congregation, which was established in Katanning at the same time. The Uniting Church therefore has social and historical significance, especially in light of the fact that little authentic evidence remains from the Methodist Church building. The church building has some architectural and aesthetic significance with its unique spire, which forms part of the skyline of the town.

Physical Description

A brick and corrugated iron building of Federation Gothic design. It has a prominent zinc clad spire protruding from a battlement campanile. Additions have been made to the north-east side of the original church building. The front has three trefoil head windows within a lancet opening and quatrefoil window within the arch. The additions are intrusive.

History

The Rev. George Brewster of Albany gave the first Presbyterian service in 1900. The interest stimulated by this first service resulted in a local committee being formed, the main purpose of which was to establish a minister in the district. In November 1900 Rev. A K Ross became the first Presbyterian minister to be posted in Katanning. The early days of the Presbyterian congregation were not without their problems. A scattered and constantly moving population, lack of suitable building in which to conduct services, and want of experience of Australia and Australians were only a few of the difficulties. [Thomas, p. 91] Owing to poor health, Rev. Ross resigned from the charge in 1904, but he had begun the work of having a church built. His successor, Pastor A Lusted continued on with this work and "lost no time in raising the superstructure on the foundations already well and truly laid" [Thomas, p. 91] Mr F W Burwell of Fremantle prepared plans for the church, and the contractor was Alex Thomson. The contract price was £567 10s, and added to the cost of the land the whole project cost nearly £700. The bricks were all made locally and the roof of the church spire was skilfully performed by plumber, Charles Mitchell. Pastor Lusted left in June 1906 and his replacement, Rev. John Smith who was to see the foundation stone being laid and the church open in October 1906. During the ceremony, attended by the Right Rev. H C Matthews and two hundred people, the secretary, John Barley, placed a sealed bottle containing newspapers and documents in a cavity in the memorial stone. In the 1960s the church and hall were in need of repairs, additions and alterations. The church was rewired when SEC power was connected to the town. The original timber fence was removed and replaced by a low brick fence constructed by Bob Coventry. A new notice board was purchased, repairs were done to the front outside wall (also by Bob Coventry), the hall windows were weatherproofed and some kitchen cupboards installed. In addition, Messrs Leach and McFarland repaired the leadlight windows, which had been damaged, and the Presbyterian Ladies Guild organised for new carpet to be laid in the church. The possible amalgamation of the Katanning Presbyterian and Methodist Churches was first discussed in the early 1960s. In 1972 it was a reality and the two churches combined to form the United Parish of Katanning and Districts. After a trial period it was decided by the Council to use and develop the Presbyterian Church and buildings and to sell the Methodist Church (now known as the Autumn Club).

Condition

Good

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Radio Station

Condition

MI notes condition is fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The radio station has a high level of historic, social and scientific significance, being the first and only station established in Katanning and still operating as such. The advent of a local radio station was an important contributor to the social, cultural and recreational life of Katanning and the surrounding regions. Broadcasting operations ceased in 1996.

Physical Description

No broadcasting is carried out from the house. House is now rented.

History

Because Katanning was one of the wealthiest country districts in Western Australia, it was chosen by WA Broadcasters Limited as the site for the commercial station 6WB. On September 1936, the station began broadcasting from its own station building on land purchased from the Beeck family, not far from the Quartermaine property "Yowangup". In addition to the station buildings, two 130ft oregon masts were also erected. The station first began broadcasting two-hourly stretches three times a day. The first manager was Norman Green, and his assistant was Gil Buckeridge. In February 1973, C W Sirl commenced work at the station as assistant engineer, eventually being promoted to engineer-in-charge - a position he held until his death in 1971. For national relay, 6WB was serviced by 6WA, which was located 40 miles from Katanning.

Condition

Fair

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Coblinine River Road Bridge

Uses

Creation Date

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Mosque

Uses

Creation Date

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Piesse's Winery (fmr), Katanning

Statement of Significance

Piesse's Winery (fmr), Katanning includes a ruined Winery (1897) and Distllery Tower (1910). The place is significant for its connection to F Piesse. The Distillery is a rare example of a brick tower in the Federation Gothic style, and the Winery ruin demonstrates the the development of viticulture and butter produce. The ruins have archaeological potential.

Physical Description

Piesse's Winery (fmr), Katanning comprise a two story English bond red face brick Distillery Tower with a crenellated roofline constructed in 1910 in the Federation Gothic style, and an adjoining Winery Ruin constructed in 1897

History

The Winery was built in 1897 and became an award-winning WA winery. The Distillery Tower was added in 1910. The place was adandoned in 1923 but reopened in 1935 as a butter factory. The place was abandoned in 1942.

Archaeology

Archaeological potential to examine development of structure and organisation of space

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The former Piesse Winery is significant to the commercial history of the Katanning region, with the wines made at the vineyard receiving many awards and accolades. The winery is also significant architecturally for its unique design. There is also a high social value associated with the winery, in that it was owned and operated by the very well-known pioneering Piesse family. It also provided much seasonal employment in the local community.

Physical Description

The only remaining structure is the brick distillery in Federation Warehouse style, the design of which is reminiscent of a battlement tower with its castellated parapets. The semicircular openings have triple-header course arches. Several fires have destroyed much of the rest of the vineyard. A few vines have been planted. They are not being grown for wine production - aesthetic value at the moment.

History

The Piesse family had established vineyards on their property as early as the 1890s. It was not until 1902 that the family employed a winemaker. This was Carl Bungert, who was selected by A. Piesse who was visiting South Australia. The original winery was erected in 1904 using bricks from the Piesse brickworks. A brick distillery with a basement cellar was added in 1910 and this is the only remaining structure. The tower housed four water tanks. The wine was very successful and not only was supplied to surrounding districts, but was also sold overseas. Wine was exhibited at the Perth Agricultural Society's Show and in 1904 it was awarded the Ferguson Challenge Cup. In 1908 the winery received a gold medal at the Franco-British Exhibition in London. Although the wine was to win many other awards, the death of F H Piesse in 1912 and eventful family mismanagement caused the Piesse family to sell off much of its property in the early 1920s. The wine cellar casks and tools were sold to New Norcia and to South Australia. It is believed that the vines contracted a disease not uncommon to wine producing vines. The family had a number of circumstances to contend with after the death of FH Piesse and it appeared they lost interest in the affairs of the business. The situation may have been beyond their control at the time. In 2004 the Historical Society of Katanning decided to sell the Winery. It was bought by A and M.E. Fritz, decendants of the Piesse family.

Condition

Fair

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Rockwell Agricultural Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

17676 Old School Sites - Katanning

Condition

MI notes condition is good.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Rockwell is one of the last remaining structures in the Badgebup community and is of high significance due to its prior uses as a school, meeting place etc.

Physical Description

Storage room added in the 1990's and was used for the storage of tennis club equipment Engine room built in 1950's. A wooden construction with a concrete floor. This structure has been partially removed with the floor remaining.

History

In 1907 and proposed by F H Flugge and J C Warren, Rockwell Hall was built as an Agricultural Hall and also used as a schoolroom. F H Flugge and J C Warren continued to be secretary treasurer of the hall committee for 25 years. The builder L F Kleeman whose tender was £177-10/6. Mr Charles Elliot made the bricks in Mr Flugge's paddock at a charge of 30/- per 1,000 with 25,000 to be made. Residents of the district carted water and firewood to the site where the bricks were made and burnt. The hall was officially opened by 'Wesley Maley the Local Member of Parliament on November 20th 1907 and became the social centre of the community being utilised for dances (Red Cross Ball), concerts, wedding receptions, churches, polling booth, school, and meetings (tennis and cricket clubs), other various bodies, eg. Farmers and Settlers Association. The Rockwell school opened on 27th April 1908 with Lillian Davenport as the teacher. Due to falling numbers of students by 1916 the school opened for only half the week sharing the teacher with Coblinine. The school closed on 11th May 1917 not to reopen again until 19th February 1926 under the name "Coblinine East". It then closed for the last time in 1933. Students of the school planted sugar gum trees at the front of the hall. Tennis courts and a cricket pitch were also on the site and used by the locals. Cricket started in 1909 on ground just north of the hall - pitch was made with bricks left over from the building and covered with matting for each game. West of the hall just up the hill was the first public building in the area, a timber and iron Presbyterian Church. There is no evidence of this remaining and is assumed to have been eaten by white ants. It is expected that other denominations conducted services in the hall. A regiment of the Light Horse Brigade was formed there in 1917. The stone Supper-Room (still standing) and a corrugated iron dressing room (no longer standing) were added in 1921 and were built by the local Flugge brothers. It was opened with a lavish fancy dress party. As far as is known only one person has died at the hall. She was Molly Longmire (nee Flugge), living at Riverside, who collapsed and died at the farewell party in 1944 which the district were throwing for her and husband Malcolm at Rockwell. By 1940 the community had started to decline and joined with the close by Badgebup farmers. The name of Rockwell has been continued with both the CWA Branch and the Farmers Federation Branch. They are still known as the Badgebup Rockwell members. Current owners Nick & Cecily Richardson have since commenced alterations to the hall for residency purposes.

Condition

Good

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