Dolapin Pool

Statement of Significance

The pool is important for its association with the development of the pastoral industry in the
region and with pioneering families.

Physical Description

One of a series of permanent pools in the Boyerine Creek which flows north from the
Moojebing/Marracoonda area into Norring Lake. From the north the most significant of the
pools are the Dolapin, Noomberring, Boyerine, Bintamilling, Ngeatalling and Round Pools.

It is located in the Boyerine Creek about 3.6 kms west of the Boyerine Bridge along Watson
Road. The Pool has largely silted over and probably was between 50 and 100 metres in
length in its original form. It is located about 150 metres west of the boundary of Location
1755 (this approximates the original location 149 taken up by E Quartermaine jnr) but was
slightly enlarged following surveying of land lots along the Boyerine Creek. An old
rainwater tank is situated on the south bank of the pool.

The corner in Watson Road adjacent to the Pool is called the Dolapin Bend. An old sheep dip
is located on the boundary of the Dolapin paddock as it is known.

History

The pool provided fresh water for early pastoralists, shepherds and their flocks of sheep.
They were also a source of water for sandalwood cutters and carters in the early days of
European settlement. The Quartermaine family had from the mid 1860's held huge pastoral
leases on the Boyerine Creek. Extending northwards from their base at Yowangup, some
65,000 acres were held in this manner up to William Andrews' holding around Norring Lake.
In 1868 Elijah Quartermaine (Junior) took the northern leases over in his own right and after
freeholding land at his home at Boyamine secured permanency at the creek pools by buying
40 acre blocks surrounding Boyerine Pool (1873), Ngeatalling Pool (1878) and Dolapin Pool
(1879).

Late in the CI9th with a great demand for farming land and closer settlement, the Dolapin
Pool block appeared to be re surveyed and became Kojonup Location 4755 containing 128
acres. This became part of the land selected by Robert Watson in the 1890's. Around 1900
the Watson family homestead was completed about 2.5 kms north west of the Boyerine
Siding. The early development of clearing and fencing was mainly along the very attractive
Boyerine Creek. The water then being fresh with many deep and permanent pools. In
addition the limey clay along the creek bed proved very productive. After a brief illness
Robert Watson died in 1902 and his widow and family carried on with farming at 'The
Brook' as their property was known and soon they became the first farmers of sheep in the
Boyerine area and sons Gilbert and Laurie developed their own properties. Following the
death of Mrs Watson in 1929 her daughter Lily and husband William Home took over 'The
Brook' farm.

Uses

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.