Caron Townsite

Child Places

• 14146 Schoolmaster's House
• 04562 Caron Coal Stage
• 04562 Caron Coal Stage

Statement of Significance

The Caron Townsite has some historic significance for its important role in rail transportation through the district. The place provided for an essential watering point on the route which resulted in its rise in importance and population and subsequent decline when diesel engines emerged.

Physical Description

The townsite of Caron is located approximately 17 kilometres south of Perenjori on the west side of the Wubin-Mullewa Road. Remnants of the town include the former schoolmaster's house and a number of railway relics such as the coal stage, railway catchment dam to the south of the town, and a large tank stand.

History

Recognising the need to provide rail transport to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, the Government introduced legislation for the Wongan Hills-Mullewa line in 1910. The railway line route was surveyed in 1912 and work on its construction commenced in 1913. The railway lines being built by government railway crews from Wongan Hills northwards and Mullewa southwards met in September 1913 about 1.5 kilometres south of Perenjori in Sandy Cleland's - Flat. The small town of Caron emerged as the main railway centre because of its good natural water catchment area. Subsequently a dam was built at Caron which was sealed in 1915 and 1921. Train crews were changed at Caron instead of at Buntine where water was not readily available. The tank stand at Caron, which could hold 40-50,000 gallons, was built by Francis Garth Butler in C1914 to provide water for the steam trains. The refreshment room and bar at Caron were built in 1936, but were destroyed by fire in 1949. In addition to the coal shute, there was also an engine turntable, railway barracks, and four railway cottages, one of which was for the stationmaster. In 1957 diesel engines commenced operating on the railway line wliich had a big impact on the small town as water and coal were no longer required. Since then the town has slowly declined. (Sources: John Butler & Cannon, E.S., "Golden Opportunities", pp.66,73-6)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

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.