Kunmallup Orchard

Statement of Significance

The site is significant due to its association with the horticultural industry in the district and with pioneering families.

Physical Description

The main orchard was situated west of the Kunmallup Well (and homestead) on sloping ground. Most of this orchard contains heavy red soil with some evidence of seepage on the north west corner.

Only remnant trees now remain - mulberry trees in the north - west corner, a massive pomegranate tree due west of the homestead, a line of fig trees which marks the southern boundary of the orchard (which apparently in early times had an internal fence). A huge olive tree is on the eastern side closer to the homestead. To the north of the homestead are some remnant almond trees.

History

The age of the orchard is not known but it appears to have been established around the 1880's. Early in the C20 Jack Merritt who lived north of Kunmallup (on the property since owned for many years by the Mader family) leased the orchard. It is said that Merritt used the fruit for whisky brewing. The apples and grapes were picked hard and green and large amounts of sugar were added to assist the process and make it drinkable. It was an extremely potent brew and the noongars were particularly partial to it as they also were Bill Perfect's tobacco. Plugs of tobacco were nailed to the bottom of the vats to assist in the fermentation process.

Merritt had bought two large wooden vats from Perth in which to brew the whisky.
Around the vats he built an enclosed bough shed with only a small opening in it. In practice however, most of the whisky was brewed in several old 100 gallon galvanis tanks and then transferred to the vats for storage.

Young Gus Cavanagh was working for Merritt at the time and one day as they sat down to their midday meal, they were interrupted by the arrival of the police. They destroyed all Merritt's whisky bar one bucketful which they left for his personal use saying "there you are and no more". The police confiscated the vats and were puzzled how Merritt had got them through the small opening into the bough shed.

The orchard is connected with the history of Kunmallup, one of the earliest settlement sites in the Shire. At least three graves are located on the SW corner of the orchard. It is also said that a youngster died of snake bite poison after being bitten while picking mulberries.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.