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 dwelling is situated on Radio (Jam) Hill about 1.5kms north of the town site which it overlooks. The front portion of the house is built of stone with a combination of hipped and gable corrugated iron roof. This was relatively steeply pitched. It is gable fronted with a bullnosed verandah in the 1900's federation style with typical paired double hung windows on the front (south) and a single double hung window under the verandah and on the west wall. Two brick double fire place chimneys were in the original portion which had a central passage leading to two rooms either side.
At the rear of the gable roof stone section is a mud brick (rendered with mortar) addition with another chimney at the rear. Out buildings (shed and toilet) also of mud brick, are set well away from the house and in poor condition. Similar style mud brick buildings are built near Burt Road amongst the present homes and sheds.

History

Guiding the district throughout its formative years was the Roads Board secretary, L.L.H. (Ernie) Pittelkow, who had been bom in South Australia of Polish parents. In December 1906, Pittelkow replaced the Rev. Gilmour who resigned after six months as secretary of the new board. In those days the position of secretary and supervisor was not a sufficient salary so Pittelkow took over the Woodamlling Hotel from his aunt (Mrs Nelson) in December 1911. Here he advertised "tea and light refreshments served on balcony when required as well as dining room". Pittelkow and his wife, Mary, later moved to their new house. Mary (a sister to Richard, Elijah and Luke Bell) was renowned for her work as a school teacher at Katanning and Marracoonda. Pittelkow remained with the Roads Board for a total of 19 years (1906 - 1912 and 1915 - 1927) and was highly regarded. He left Woodanilling to take up a position with the Main Roads Board as an assistant engineer. His farm was acquired by the Land Settlement for soldiers for 950 pounds. Besides his farming activities, Pittelkow also became the first motorised mail delivery man (on his belt driven BSA motorbike to which was attached a wicker work sidecar) from Woodanilling doing the western run. Described as a wonderful organiser who never omitted the smallest detail, the loss of the Pittelkows from the district was one that was sorely felt. Pittelkow was a man of many talents. In 1905 he, with Hogan, excavated the large Moojebing Government Dam. In 1907 he was a Woodanilling delegate at the formation of the Katanning Districts Football Association.

During WW1 he was president of the Patriotic Committee, Secretary of the Hospital Building Committee and first Secretary of the Woodamlling Co-operative. Pitdekow also helped with the running of the silent movies after the opening of the new hall in 1923. That year he was a member of the victorious Woodanilling Cricket Team.

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Historic Themes

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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.