House Site

Statement of Significance

The building is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families. The building is a fine example of the style, construction methods and use of building materials in this period.

Physical Description

The homestead is situated about 2kms north of Woodanilling and about 50 metres west of Burt
Road.

The structure is long and narrow with a steep pitched hipped roof and the mud bat building is remarkable for its absence of a chimney and scarcity of windows only being one along the entire back (west) wall. The front of the house has remnants of a bush timbered frame leanto verandah - grapevines now adorn this and the northern end.

History

George Ward settled west of the town in 1897. Ward built a mud batt house on Location 322 of 160 acres and later acquired other land nearby. He married Miss Bail who had a son, Oliver, and in 1908 a son, Eric, was born in the old Woodanilling Hotel.

Oliver who took the surname Ward, married Louise Quartermaine and built a house a mile north of the town where he lived until his death at the age of 80 in 1977. Oliver 'Pop' Ward spent his days as an odd job man after starting work in Trirnming's vineyard. A fine axeman, he cut tens of thousands of jam posts as well as chopping down and clearing other trees for various farmers.

He became Woodanilling's carrier and his black Ford truck purchased in 1930 became a familiar sight for many years. Later in his life, during the 40's and 50's he trapped many thousands of rabbits, selling the skins. After the death of Louise during the Second War, he married 'Cissy' (Cecilia Nondong) who died in 1965.

In 1940 boxing tournaments were held in the Wagin Town Hall. Three Woodanilling fighters - L. Quartermaine, R. Cleasby and O. Ward were matched against the Wagin boxers, R. Gell, Vic King and Ron McCracken. Ward was the only Woodanilling winner, and two months later he was back in action in Wagin to defeat Cecil Holland.
A tragedy occurred near Boyerine in 1939 when two young Ward boys had an argument at their father's clearing camp on Brinkworth's property. During the scuffle over some tobacco, the 15 year old Frank Ward fatally stabbed his older brother Joseph with a butchers knife. Considerable public interest was generated in the trial of the young lad, at which he was acquitted.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Most
Modifications: Few

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.