Garard's Thatched Dwelling - ruin

Statement of Significance

The thatched place demonstrates a way of life no longer practised. It represents significant associations with the depression period of Western Australian history, and the settlement of the North Burngup region. The later place represents associations with the telephone communication system in the area, and is typical of post war development in the wheatbelt.

Physical Description

Thatched bush timber dwelling: 1934
Bush timber structure constructed without the use of nails or wire. The structure is thatched with tee tree on the walls and roof, and an interior lining was made of "cresco" super bags with an initial "white wash" consisting of a mixture of sour milk and "super". It was later painted with kalsomine. The tee tree roof thatch was 5 feet thick (very cool) and on a steep gable. The floor was crushed ant nests. The structure is still discernible although the walls and roof are falling in.

Existing dwelling: 1945
The place has surrounding verandahs at a break pitch. The corrugated iron roof is high pitched in a gambrel style. The cement bricks were hand made one at a time with a brick mould.

History

The property had previously been occupied by an old soldier from Narrogin before the Garards took over the property. Robinson, the old soldier, pegged an opal mine in the district, before he walked off the property during the Great Depression, and was later a flower seller in Perth city. When the Garards arrived at the property a 22 rifle was resting on the gate post. The Garard's settled in North Burngup in c1933. They established their farm dwelling in close proximity to the North Burngup Government Dam. This dwelling was built during the Great Depression, at about the same time that the sustenance workers were cleaning the dam. Theland was virgin country, and it is a testimony to the strength and determination of the settlers of the period to survive the depression, clear their land and construct a dwelling. The Garard family lived in the thatched dwelling until 1945 when a new home was constructed in close proximity. After hand building this place, they moved in on VE day, 15 September 1945. This place represents the first permanent home on the land. It is typical of the period. The phone exchange was a vital communication which was often located in farm houses and operated by the woman in the house. The exchange provided a communication link and important social contact for the otherwise isolated women on farms. The farm is still lived in by the Garard family.

Integrity/Authenticity

Thatched bush timber dwelling:
Integrity: Redeemable
Authenticity: High Degree

Existing dwelling:
Integrity: Intact/Redeemable
Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Thatched bush timber dwelling: Poor Existing dwelling: Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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.