Sarah Ann Gibbs Tree

Author

Shire of West Arthur

Place Number

18827

Location

Darkan

Location Details

Darkan Railway Reserve

Local Government

West Arthur

Region

Wheatbelt

Construction Date

Constructed from 2000, Constructed from 1906

Demolition Year

1990

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Municipal Inventory Adopted 27 Mar 1997 Category 4

Statement of Significance

The Sarah Ann Gibbs Tree is an important representation of the pioneering women of the district.

Physical Description

A pine tree was planted on the Railway Reserve on the northern side of the Railway Station in 1906 by Mrs Sarah Ann Gibbs the wife of pioneer settler William Gibbs. A plaque was erected on the tree in 1947 and it read: “This tree was planted in 1906 by Mrs. Sarah Ann Gibbs, wife of pioneer settler William Gibbs. Born near Brunswick in 1854. Mrs. Gibbs lived at Boolading Farm for over 70 years and died on 30th July 1946 at the age of 92 years. Erected in memory of a pioneer country woman by the Darkan Branch, CWA.” The Pine tree was deemed unsafe by the Shire Council and was felled in 1990 and a 1m stump left in the ground. The stump was later removed. Members of the community considered the tree so important that it was replaced with a young pine tree that was transplanted from the Boolading Siding in 2001. A second plaque was attached to the stump of the felled tree and it read: “This plaque marks the site of the Sarah Ann Gibbs tree removed 1990. Another pioneer tree and several native trees have been planted nearby to replace this tree.” These plaques are both currently stored in the Shire strong room.

History

The following excerpt was taken from the Collie Mail circa 1947: “On a pine tree at the entrance of the Darkan Railway Station a memorial tablet to the late Mrs. Sarah Ann Gibbs was recently unveiled. Mrs. Gibbs who died l8 months ago lived in the Darkan district for over 70 years. The unveiling ceremony was organised by the Darkan CWA and the branch president Mrs. J.H.Spencer presided. Branch members, together with many relatives and friends of the late Mrs. Gibbs were present. The memorial tablet was unveiled by the West Arthur Road Board chairman Mr. Don Johnston.”

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: A new tree has been planted to replace the original tree which was deemed unsafe. Extent of original fabric: None

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Council Minutes. p 330 Shire of West Arthur 21 June 1990
Council Minutes Shire of West Arthur 2001

Other Keywords

Original tree was planted in 1906 and removed in 1990,
replacement tree was planted in 2000.

Place Type

Tree

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Original Use PARK\RESERVE Park\Reserve

Creation Date

02 Feb 2010

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

01 Jan 2017

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.