Vineyard Site

Statement of Significance

The remnants of the vineyard are on the south side of current residence (cl950). A number of vines, cherry and other fruit trees remain in what was the centre of the vineyard which extended halfway to the road with the SE corner near a patch of gum trees where the site of the original well is located. The drying racks shed was located on the western end. On the northern edge (near the remnant vines and trees) stood a dehydrator. Trays of grapes were placed on 3 trolley frames and pushed into the dehydrator with the circulating air provided by a stationery engine. The vineyard was bulldozed in 1960.

Physical Description

The remnants of the vineyard are on the south side of current residence (cl950). A number of vines, cherry and other fruit trees remain in what was the centre of the vineyard which extended halfway to the road with the SE corner near a patch of gum trees where the site of the original well is located. The drying racks shed was located on the western end. On the northern edge (near the remnant vines and trees) stood a dehydrator. Trays of grapes were placed on 3 trolley frames and pushed into the dehydrator with the circulating air provided by a stationery engine. The vineyard was bulldozed in 1960.

History

In 1925 George Jefferies planted vines for the production of currants and sultanas. The vineyards expanded to 11 acres as well as a number of fine fruit trees. He grew beautiful cherries and nectarines and they were much sort after from the shops in Katanning. The fruit grew well but problems were encountered with sun drying and labour requirements and costs were high so finally the project was discontinued.

George Jefferies had arrived in 1897 from the Goldfields where he was unfortunate enough to contract typhoid fever, which was raging on the fields and claiming many lives. With the primitive medical equipment and treatment available, George very nearly lost his life. When he recovered he decided to try farming and returned to the Woodanilling
area, which he passed through 12 months before on his way to the fields from Albany.

After selecting his block he lived in a tent and secured his drinking water from
Haddleton's Yairibin Well. Soon after this he visited S.A. to see his parents and sweetheart. On his return he commenced building a house with the bush timber. He laid the bush logs horizontally instead of usual vertical fashion for the walls and thatched the roof with reeds from the creek.

In 1900 George Jefferies married Edith Day, who came over from S.A. The ceremony
was conducted by the Baptist minister, the Rev. William Kennedy, in his house for as yet the Katanning Baptist Church had not been completed. The house (located about 150 metres north west of the current dwelling was later superceded by a more substantial one
some 200 metres to the east.

While George Jefferies named his farm 'The Morrels' on account of the number of these trees in the vicinity, his neighbours called it 'Possum Trot' because of the prevalence of possums here.

Integrity/Authenticity

site only

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.