Mandalup

Statement of Significance

Mandalup is significant for its historic and social values as a working farm. Aesthetic Value Mandalup has aesthetic value for its original two storey jarrah and tin shed and its idyllic rural setting beside the Blackwood River. Historic Value Mandalup has historic value for its remaining original shed, remnant materials of house and foundry, and for its historic context within the development of the orcharding and pastoralism activities within the district. Research Value NA Social Value Mandalup was of social value as a working orchard, providing employment for fruit pickers. Its social value remains for the shearing teams that continue to work and camp seasonally at the shed.

Physical Description

The original house at Mandalup was situated near the remaining two-storey slab (shearing) shed, where some remnant timber and roof iron remains on the ground. A later built garage of little significance remains standing nearby. Toward the river, approximately 150m to the north of the shed, lay the remains of a small foundry. The shed has an original two storey portion, with the lower, rear portion housing the stable and chaff processing area. A separate verandah awning facing south houses machinery while to the north is a later semi-enclosed extension of timber frame and corrugated iron walls. The shed is now used predominantly for shearing, with the shearing board at the lower front of the shed, adjoining the outside pens. The skirting table sits adjacent in the single storey extension to the north, and the wool baling machine sits on the top floor, with the fleeces being thrown up by hand. A new two storey house of iron frame and timber cladding was built around the 1970’s and is situated uphill of the shed.

History

Blackwood Bend Farm (R10) was originally taken up by Police Constable George Meares c.1892. Mandalup Farm was formed as a subdivision of Blackwood Bend Farm c.1917-1922, for George’s eldest son, Walter Goldsmith Meares (Snr). The original house at Mandalup was situated near the remaining two-storey slab (shearing) shed, with the tennis court opposite. The unmilled lengths of timber roof framing in the top storey of the shed were also used to hang and dry animal skins. The top floor of the shed was originally used for fruit (predominantly apples) sorting and packing, which made packing into the truck easier as the truck was backed up to the top floor opening. (See photo above). Presumably the farm was also used for farming stock in those early years, as an old butcher’s shed once stood near the foundry. The farm is still used for grazing stock.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium Although the farm no longer produces fruit for market, Mandalup remains a productive farm with a farm homestead. High Despite a change in predominant use over the years and the extension of the shed to the north, the original portion of the shed is of high authenticity.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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