Capel River Road Bridge

Values

The place is the main entry point into the Capel townsite and has landmark value as a high timber bridge in a river setting.

The site as a crossing point since the 1840s was instrumental in the development of the Capel townsite in this location and has broader associations with the development f the Capel area.

The site has been a crossing point of the river since the 1840s with the first permanent bridge constructed by convicts in 1872.

The place is the most significant road bridge in the Shire.

Physical Description

The bridge is located on the main road into Capel, close to the centre of town. The road bridge is a long-curved timber structure situated over the Capel River, at the northeast entrance to the town. The place has well maintained grassed areas along the riverbank, accessed by concrete ramps. Its form and picturesque setting create a significant landmark along Capel Drive, signalling the northern entry to the town. The sub structure appears relatively intact and consists of about 10 bays, each supported by three timber posts, reinforced in places with concrete collars at ground level, and tied with horizontal whalers and cross bracing. Cut timber corbels support uncut log stringers that in turn support the decking and road above. The road surface and protective railings are replacement fabric.

History

‘The existing bridge was constructed in close proximity (20 metres east) to the site of the first Capel Bridge which was constructed (by convicts) in 1872. Before a bridge was built across the Capel River, a crossing point used from about 1840, was known as ‘Bunbury Ford’. The road over the bridge near Coolingup Reserve created a junction which was a meeting place, and the planned town subsequently developed. The second bridge constructed in 1913, and opened on 2 October 1913, was situated immediately west of the bridge it was replacing. By the 1930s with the increasing use of motor vehicles and the general increase in traffic as the Capel surrounding areas developed, the width of the bridge was becoming a problem. Plans for a new bridge were drawn up in 1936, but possibly due to the depressed economic conditions at the time, it did not proceed. After a heavy wet winter in 1946, it became necessary to consider replacing the bridge, especially with the increased motor vehicle traffic. Plans (Plan MRD 1675) were prepared and approved in July 1946. The bridge construction was completed in 1948 at a cost of £5500. At that time the bridge was the only timber constructed bridge in the southern hemisphere built on two planes. In 1983 repairs were undertaken on 17 piles. In 1988, reinforced concrete was used to strengthen the abutments and a steel and concrete overlay and widening of the deck to 8.2 metres.’

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The bridge and sites have associations with the early, and subsequent, development of Capel, and the use of convict labour. The existing bridge demonstrates the importance of the place, and the continued use and upgrade of the access across the Capel River into Capel town..

Physical Description

c.1872 bridge-site of: Described as a single lane bridge of 20 x 15 ft spans bridging the entire valley with no approach embankments. Remains indicate piles of only 250-300 ml diameter. 1912 bridge: some remains: PWD plan 16743, 24/10/1912. Described as a ten span (2 x 18ft spans & 8 x 20 ft spans) single lane timber bridge, 199 feet long with earth filled approaches each end. 3 piles per pier. 19' 4" wide overall and 18 ' between kerbs. It was a standard timber bridge construction. Earth filled approaches with some timbers are still in place. 1948 Existing bridge: It was constructed on a horizontal curve with a 500 feet radius and super elevation grade of 1 in 32. The bridge has 4 piles per pier and eleven 20 ft spans. The bridge is 23 ft wide between kerbs in addition there is a 5ft footpath on the east side. 1983 Repair work to 17 piles. 1988 reinforced concrete overlay , widening and strengthening of the abutments. Deck increased to 8.2 metres with a 1.5 wide cantilevered footpath.

History

Historical theme: TRANSPORT The existing bridge was constructed in close proximity (20 metres east) to the site of the first Capel Bridge which was constructed (by convicts) in 1872. Before a bridge was built across the Capel River, a crossing point used from about 1840, was known as 'Bunbury Ford'. The road over the bridge near the Coolingup Reserve created a junction which was a meeting place, and the planned town subsequently developed. The second bridge constructed in 1913, and opened on 2 October 1913, was situated immediately west ol the bridge it was replacing. By the 1930s with the increasing use of motor vehicles and the general increase in traffic as the Capel and surrounding areas developed, the width of the bridge was becoming a problem, plans for a new bridge were drawn up in 1936, but possibly due to the depressed economic conditions at the time, it did not proceed. After a heavy wet winter in 1946, it became necessary to consider replacing the bridge, especially with the increased motor vehicle traffic. Plans (Plan MRD 1675) were prepared and approved in July 1946. The bridge construction was completed in 1948 at a cost of £5500. At that time the bridge was the only timber constructed curved bridge in the southern hemisphere built on two planes. In 1983 repairs were undertaken on 17 piles. In 1988, reinforced concrete was used to strengthen the abutments and a steel and concrete overlay and widening of the deck to 8.2 metres. MRWA Bridge 236

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree

Condition

Good

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Moriarty's Timber Mill

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with Moriarty and early milling activities in the Capel River area.

History

William Moriarty arrived in the Colony on the 'Island Queen' survey party in 1840. A former glove maker, he was running a small pub in Australind before the floods wiped it out in 1842. In 1843, he married Ann Wear who died in a typhus epidemic in 1851/52, childless. He married Julia Wild the same year. He had applied for grants on Locations 64 and 65 on the coast, and employed TOLs to do the drains and heavy work. In 1867, Moriarty was a party to the escape of poet, the Fenian John Boyle O'Reilly, at the time when Julia was expecting their 9th child. Later Moriarty ran the Post Office at his Ludlow dwelling.

Condition

Site

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Ardenvale

Condition

Partial demolition and development of a new extension. Council issued a demolition permit 5/9/05 after consultation with RHA.

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place has considerable significance as the social centre of the Capel River district during the 1920's, and for it's associaitions with the school teacher. The homestead has a sense of place for the Wittfoht family descendants for the ceremonies and events that have taken place.The Wittfoht family are of significance as early settlers in the Capel River area, and the continuity of the family ownership is an uncommon occurence. The home is a fine example of the period, and is important for the associaitons with Eales and Cohen architects, and it retains a high degree of integrity and authenticity.

Physical Description

The home is located on 224 acres of undulating river country each side of the Capel River. The red faced brick construction comprises four rooms and a central hallway. the corrugated iron roof is relatively complex for the four rooms,a dn features three prominent gables and basic hipped gambrel roof. A verandah wraps two sides and the front of the place, returning into the dinign room, and is a continuation of the main roof at break pitch. The front facade is symmetrical with dining room projectin gon the side. The front has a stained glass leadlight door with sidelights which is flanked either side by a set of bay windows. The dining room features a bay window on the side elevation. The kitchen, vestibule and bathroom and back verandahs are entered from the back door which is the same as the front door. The roof line of the additions is of the same style as the 1922 home. Each room has a fireplace, rustic timber work is evident throughout, and the place is intact.

History

The property was taken up by William and Catherine Wiitfoht in 1897, after German born William had worked in the Broken Hill mines. After camping on the river bank with their two daughters, they built a slab and clay plaster cottage with four rooms and the luxury of glass windows. Their other three daughters were born there. The property was developed as an orchard and they grew potatoes and ran chickens. A mill site was on the brook on the proeprty about the turn of the century. During WWI, anti-German sentiment resulted in Mr Wittfoht being removed from the Capel Roads Board (Councillor). The existing home was built for William and Catherine in Wittfoht in 1922. It was the venue of the Capel river community for social meetings of the local tennis club and Fruit Growers Association. The main room of the house was the dining room, and main social and meeting room, measuring 28 feet by 15 feet. During the 1930's the school teachers for the Capel River School boarded at the Wittfoht's, as the school was opposite their property on the Goodwood Rd, and the tennis courts only a short distance away on the Capel side. 18 to 20 teachers were boarded over the years, with Miss Duel being the first one after the school was relocated from School Hill in 1926. The Wittfoht's had five daughters, and in 1927, 1928 and 1936, family weddings took place at the home. Also in the early 1980's and 1990's. The current owner, Ian Sharpe, is the grandson of Mr & Mrs Wittfoht, being the son of Tessie. The bridge over the river at the property was constructed in 1918, by the Payne brothers from timber cut by by Vin Farley. In 1927, a home was built on the other side of the river for Ida Wittfoht and her new husband Tom Scott after they were married in 1928. In more recent years, the local pony club has run one day events, camp draughting and harness combined driving events, on the property.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Statement of Significance

Ardenvale, a single storey brick and iron residence designed in the Inter War Arts and Crafts style has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • the place is associated with the development of the agricultural industry in the Capel area; • the place is a fine example of a Inter War Arts and Crafts building and has a high degree of integrity and authenticity; • the place is an example of the work of Eales and Cohen who operated a successful architectural firm in Western Australia during the first quarter of the twentieth century; and, • the place demonstrates the development of a farm house from small beginnings to a more substantial home once the farm became established and productive. AESTHETIC VALUE Ardenvale is an excellent example of the Inter War Arts and Crafts style. Elements of this style which are found at Ardenvale include: the presence of both hip and gable roof forms, stucco work to the chimney stacks, battered gable ends and projecting bay windows. HISTORIC VALUE The Wittfoht family are an example of the type of new settlers who moved into the Capel district at the end of the nineteenth century, purchased land and established an orchard. When settlers first established their farm they often constructed a fairly modest building which would later be replaced by either a more permanent structure or a grander home. The first homes were then used for other purposes, or often they became derelict and were demolished . Ardenvale is unusual in that the original house has survived through its incorporation into the later house. Ardenvale was the work of Eales and Cohen who were a prominent Perth architectural firm. SOCIAL VALUE Ardenvale is valued by the people of Capel as it is an example of a late nineteenth century farm which was established by an immigrant family and who later developed a thriving farm. The importance of the place to the community is demonstrated by its inclusion in the Shire of Capel’s Municipal Inventory. RARITY -------- CONDITION The building is in fair to good condition and appears to have been well maintained. AUTHENTICITY The building has retained a high degree of integrity.

Physical Description

Ardenvale is a single storey brick and iron residence designed in the Inter War Arts and Crafts style. The house sits on high ground in a rural setting with a mature garden on the southern and eastern sides and an orchard to the north. A large shed and several outbuildings are located to the west of the house. The complex roof forms dominate the house giving it its characteristic Arts and Crafts style. The southern (or front) side of the building is dominated by two battened gables, with a skillion roofed verandah extending across the front. The verandah also wraps around the western side and a portion of the eastern side. The northern end of the eastern verandah terminates at a projecting brick wing which echoes the battened gables on the southern side. This wing features a bay window. The verandah has stop chamfered posts and a simple timber valance. The front and eastern verandah floor is brick paved and the verandah posts have been placed in metal stirrups. The verandah at the rear (northern side) has retained the original wooden floor. Pebble dash chimney stacks are located on the western and eastern sides of the roof and have retained their terracotta pots. The main, hipped roof with gambrel ends, rises above the gables. The house is planned around a central passage with four rooms opening off the passage, two on each side. The passage leads directly to a sun room which leads into the kitchen on the western side. These two rooms were formerly the original house constructed on the property. A door on the western side of the kitchen leads into the laundry. All of these rooms are timber framed and clad with asbestos cement sheeting. The kitchen has retained its original fireplace, with high mantlepiece and Metters stove. The two front rooms have bay windows with french doors leading out to the verandah. The main entrance has a half timber door with a glazed upper section. Half side lights are located on either side of the door. The glazed sections feature coloured leaded glass in a stylised rose design. The two bedrooms have fireplaces with built in cupboards fitted on either side. Fireplaces are also located in the living and dining rooms. Two rows of shelves have been fitted above the fireplace in the dining room. The interior features original plaster work and timber joinery. On the western side of the house two bedrooms and a bathroom have been created by enclosing the side verandah with timber framed walls clad with asbestos cement sheeting. The windows in this section are aluminium. The building is in a fair to good condition, although the 1967 Meckering earthquake caused some damage to the brickwork on the eastern projecting bay. The 1922 section of the house has retained its original form, despite the enclosure of the western verandah. The fabric has retained a high degree of authenticity. To the west of the house is a large zincalum shed which is used by the present owners for timber storage and as a workshop. Beyond this shed is another weatherboard shed with a gable roof clad with corrugated iron.

History

Assessment 2003 Construction 1922 Alterations/additions: 1950s Architect: Eales & Cohen HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Wellington Loc. 934 was taken up by William and Catherine Wittfoht in 1897, after William had made his fortune on the goldfields at Broken Hill. (William was the grandfather of the current owner, Ian Sharpe.) A small clay and slab cottage was constructed by the family at the turn of the twentieth century, and this was located at the rear of the existing 1922 residence. William Wittfoht was an orchardist, with extensive farms in three different locations along the river flats. His crops included apples, stonefruit and oranges. He is also said to have had a substantial potato crop. William became a prominent member of the community and even served as a Councillor on the Capel Roads Board. William and Catherine had five daughters, four of whom later became teachers. In 1922, a new substantial house was constructed for William and Catherine Wittfoht to the design of Perth architects Eales and Cohen. The new house incorporated two large bedrooms, a central hall way, a lounge room and substantial dining room, which later became the focus for community meetings such as the local tennis club and the Fruit Growers Association. It was also used as a ballroom. Family history has it that the original house was rebuilt at the rear of the 1922 house and is now the kitchen. It is also said that the 1922 house was locked up for much of the time, and was only used for special occasions such as when the family were expecting visitors. Catherine Wittfoht died in the late 1940s and up until her death the family continued to reside in the original house (now the kitchen). The family employed orchard workers and they had their own dining area off from the kitchen and their own bathroom facilities (now demolished). During the 1930s, the Wittfohts also began to accommodate the teachers of the Capel River School as boarders, and it is said that they provided accommodation for 18 to 20 teachers over the years. In the 1950s, some modifications were undertaken to the house, mainly in the kitchen and bathroom areas. It appears that sometime during the 1950s, a portion of the front and western side verandahs were enclosed to create additional bedrooms and bathrooms for the family. In 1964, the residence was connected to the mains power supply. In 1996, plans were made for the renovation of the 1922 residence and the construction of additions; however, these works did not eventuate. It is also at approximately this time that an art gallery and craft shop was constructed near the house. The gallery is frequently visited by tourists and the natural amphitheatre and stage to the rear of this building is used for concerts. The main focus of the farm in the twentieth century became dairying. However, the deregulation of the dairy industry in 1999 meant that the Sharpe family did not have enough acreage to sustain the herd now required. Ardenvale was placed on the Shire of Capel’s Municipal Inventory in September 1999. In 2003, the place functions as a farm, workshop, art gallery and craft shop. HISTORY In November 1829, Lieutenant Preston and Surgeon Collie reported favourably on the country between Cockburn Sound and Geographe Bay, and in 1830, Governor Stirling and surveyor Roe headed another exploration party in the area. Port Leschenault was settled as a military station site, and Stirling described the boundaries of the Wellington location in which the Shire of Capel is situated. In May 1830, Stirling led the Bussells, Molloys (their labourers the Ludlows), Turners and several young men including nineteen year old George Layman, to the mouth of the Blackwood River and established Augusta. By 1834, the Colony was floundering, and immigrant numbers were declining. The Augusta settlers moved northwards to Vasse. In 1836, Lieutenant Bunbury set out to explore the land in the Vasse area and discovered the Capel River. Development continued and by the end of 1840, the Government Surveyor Henry Ommanney had mapped the land between Leschenault and Vasse. Meanwhile in England, The Western Australian Land Company was formed by Thomas Peel, with 12 directors, including the Governor’s brother, William Hutt, and Marshall Waller Clifton. The first group of immigrants included: George Payne, Samuel Rose, Charles Properjohn and their families. By 1842, other arrivals at Peel Estate included: William Jenkin Roberts, Abraham Hurst, William Ramsay, Rueben Gardiner, James McCourt, John Delaporte, and their respective families, the government gazette announced that land would be auctioned in the Wellington district. Child established Minninup, closely followed by Rose at Doungup, Roberts leased some of Stirling’s holdings, and McCourt established Fatfield. The settlers prospered and their offspring moved away from home and established their own farms in the district. A new wave of immigrants arrived towards the end of the nineteenth century. Many of the new immigrants were disillusioned miners or miners who had made their fortunes in mining industry. They purchased land in Capel, grubbed out the trees and many of them planted fruit trees, vines or developed a dairy herd. The Capel Roads Board was formed in May 1907. In 1926, William Wittfoht lent the Board £400 for the construction of a Roads Board Office.

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Capel River School (1)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site represents the first formal education facilities in Capel River.

History

In c1908, the temporary school at Ironstone Hill consisted of a tent structure over timber frame. However it was soon unserviceable and needed upgrading. In 1911, the Capel River School was built and opened. It was located approximately 10 miles from Capel townsite. It replaced the part time school which was operating at Yates place. (Ref No 130) It operated until 1926 when the school house was relocated some 3 miles closer to Capel. (see Ref No 133)

Condition

Site

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Capel River School (2)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with the continued development of education facilities in the Capel river area.

History

In 1926, the Capel River School was re-erected at a new site only 7 miles from Capel on the Goodwood Rd. In 1954, the Capel River School amalgamated with Capel and the school closed.

Condition

Site

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Capel River Tennis Courts

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is significant for the associations with the social and recreational activities of the Capel River settlers.

Physical Description

Remains of bitumen over the anthill surface. Net posts still in place.

History

In 1927, the recreation ground and tennis courts were built in Capel River in close proximity to the newly relocated Capel River School (2nd site).

Condition

Remnants

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Ironstone Gully Falls

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is of significance as a social place of the early Capel River settlers.

History

A plaque at the site reads that the 'Capel River Reserve was set aside for settlers in 1903. The last sports meeting was held there in 1919.

Condition

Site

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Patterson's Packing Shed

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site represents the orchard industries which developed in the Capel River area.

Physical Description

Concrete slab is all that remains of the timber framed and corrugated iron clad sheds.

History

Locals worked there between 1937 and 1977. In 1977 the apple packing operation was transferred to Donnybrook as it was not viable in Capel. Granny Smith apples were packed for export.

Condition

Remnants

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Tom Hutton's Place

Condition

good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site and place have significant associations with the Hutton family, and the home is a fine representative example of the period.

Physical Description

No inspection

History

Walter Hutton's uncle Tom and his wife Eliza's baby daughter May died in June 1899, and was buried near the original house. Two olive trees mark the grave. Mrs Kate Hutton who lived at the property with her husband, was one of the five Wittfoht daughters. William John and Catherine Wittfoht settled on the Capel River in 1897. (Ref No 14)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

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Boronia Bridge

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Physical Description

The site is significant as an upstream crossing of the Capel River in the Capel River area.

History

The Boronia Bridge was close to Tucker's orchard, which had formerly been owned by Paul Hole. In c.1900 the river flooded and washed the bridge away on the south side. In 1901, the Capel Progress Association urged the Department of Lands to build a bridge over Boronia Gully. The gully was so named because of the Boronia growing there. In c.1920, stacked timber at the bridge caught fire and caused a bush fire.

Condition

Site

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Yates school house

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site has associations with the Yates family and early education in the Capel River area.

History

In c.1896, Jim and Ethel Yates arrived in Capel after farming in South Australia. They took up land on both sides of the river. In 1904, a part time school, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, opened at Jim Yates residence with Mrs Ethel Yates the teacher.

Condition

Site

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