Original Woodbine Homestead - Site of

Statement of Significance

The site represents a way of life and significant associations with Henry Seymour, the first settler in Miling

History

The area which now comprises Miling was originally part of a pastoral leasehold by James Clinch of Berkshire Valley in 1888. After the Midland Railway Company selected it's grant, the area around Duckling mining Spring was not claimed. Among the first settlers to that area, in 1907, were the Mitchell Brothers, Henry Seymour and Mason and Betts. In 1907, Henry Seymour took up his selection, which he later named Woodbine, after a packet of cigarettes! He ws the first settler to the area then known as Duckling Mining. Perth born, he came to the Moora district in the 1890's, working as a brickmaker, sandalwood cutter and road worker. In 1909, the first home on the property was a gimlet structure with hessian walls, which served while the "homestead" was constructed. In 1910, H Seymour and AH Richardson mapped a route between Miling and Coomberdale witht he idea of a road going through to the railway. When Pithara siding was established, the Miling farmers for the most part carted to Pithara until they requested a closer siding anf Duckling (Marne) was established on the Wongan Mullewa line. The place was on a track between Pithara and Round Hill and became a regular stopping place for many travellers, drovers and settlers picking up and delivering goods. Seymour assisted many new settlers in the area. In 1915, the 'Woodbine' homestead became the unofficial post office, thereby establishing the first regular mail service to the area. The phone exchange was set up in 1921. The exchange and post office transferrred to Parkes Store in Miling town when the Miling railway siding opened in 1925. In 1923, when the school at the reserve was opened, Seymour's provided a room for the school teacher's accommodation. The first shearing shed and sheep dip in the area were established at 'Woodbine'. The shearing shed utilised the house and had a three stand overhead plant installed. It operated as a depot shed for many years from 1929. In 1927, a new 'Woodbine' homestead was constructed ont he property on Loc M 1660. The first sheep sale in Miling was held at 'Woodbine' in 1937, followed by annual sales st the railway siding yards. Henry Seymour became known as the "Father of Miling".

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Historic Themes

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