Raywood

Statement of Significance

Raywood is one of only two remaining Midland Railway farmhouses that were established prior to World War I (the other is 'The Parsonage') and for this reason has high local historic significance, being associated with the Midland Railway settlement scheme and the establishment of agriculture in the district.

Physical Description

Small timber framed house clad with fibro sheeting and weatherboard to lower walls. A dutch gable roof with gablets spreads over surrounding verandahs. The verandahs are partly enclosed to the east elevation. Windows are timber framed, large pane in bottom, four small panes to top. Verandahs supported on timber posts to north elevation.

History

Raywood was one of the Midland railway Farms, a brief history of the Midland Railway and settlement scheme follows. Midland Railway Farms History provided by A. Doley and H. Bothe The Midland Railway between in Midland and Walkaway was proposed for construction in 1883. In return for constructing the 3' 6" gauge line the Midland Railway Company would receive 12,000 acres for each mile of line constructed. The land was to be within 40 miles of the railway line, and half the frontage to be reserved for the government. Construction was to begin from the north and south, and the contractor was to 'introduce into the colony within seven years 5,000 adults of European extraction for each of which he would receive a grant of 50 acres. By June 1887 the company had spent all it's cash and work was suspended until 1890. A new company was floated in England, and by 1891, 60 miles of the northern section and 39 miles of the southern section was completed. By 1893 the company was again unable to meet it's commitments. The railway was completed by the government issuing bonds and taking a mortgage over some 2,400,000 acres of the company's selected land. By 1901 the company was attracting many complaints for its poor service and lack of maintenance of track and rolling stock. Despite its many problems it continued to serve the communities along its route. An attempt was made to encourage settlement in the period 1912-14 by the company by it's 'ready-made farm' scheme. The advertising was commenced in the London Times on 24th of May 1912 and the land chosen was east of the Coorow town site. There were 14 farms, each farm was of about 400 to 600 acres and consisted of 100 acres of cleared land, a four roomed timber framed weather-board house with water supply and a shed and some fencing. The properties were sold at an average price of £2/11/0 per acre. The ready made farm scheme was successful in establishing many new farms in the district. The company however was in decline and in 1964 it was purchased by the WA Government.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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