House

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.

Physical Description

The homestead is located on the southern edge of Newstead Rd, about 2km from the Great Southern Highway.

The house faces north having a bullnosed verandah on this aspect. The house has a double hipped galvanised iron roof. The walls of plastered brick with crimped iron ceilings. At the rear (south side) the timber framed, galvanised iron clad skillion verandah is enclosed.

History

In 1892 Robert Elijah and Luke Bell took up land about 2km south of Round Pool on which they built the 'Muckross' homestead.

Elijah Bell could be considered the "Father of the Woodanilling Roads Board". In February 1902 a public meeting was convened due to the neglect of local roads. Bell successfully moved for the formation of a new Road Board to be called the Woodanilling Road Board District and his plan for the proposed boundaries was endorsed. On 6 April 1902, the largest crowd ever assembled at Woodanilling, gathered for the opening of the hall. To coincide with this event a cricket match, picnic and dance in the evening were organised. Elijah Bell in proposing the toast to Parliament spoke for all those present, when he drew attention to the wants of Woodanilling. Bell focused on the need for a school, a Post Office and a separate Road Board for Woodanilling. Initially supported by Alex Prosser and later by J. Mouritz, Bell eventally succeeded in persuading the Katanning Roads Board and the Government for independence for WoodaniUling with the original boundaries proposal being amended to exclude Moojebing townsite. Despite all these efforts Bell was unsuccessful in his attempt to win a seat on the new board but did later service 1911-22, ^BO- SS with two periods as Chairman.

Elijah Bell had Woodanilling's first hotel built by Clair Stewart in 1900 on Lot 115. Elijah and his sister Sarah, lived in the hotel for a number of years before they leased it. By 1908, the original hotel was thought to be unsuitable and new premises were built alongside the existing building. The new hotel was built using bricks made at 'Bellevue' with the old kiln still visible today.

Elijah Bell, partner with Luke in Bell Bros, was a batchelor and on his retirement a clearing sale was held at 'Bellevue'. Frank, the third son of Luke and Elizabeth Bell inherited the family property 'Bellevue' on his father's death in 1948 but it was sold after a few years to R Coombes, then to Beeck and finally to the current owners.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Most
Modifications: Numerous

Condition

Fair

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.