Cowan Homestead

Statement of Significance

The place is a significant example of post World War Two development. It demonstrates significant associations with Italian POWs , and the Cowan family.

Physical Description

Local and other stone was used to construct this substantial home. Italian POWs used their stonemason expertise in the construction. The clay tiled roof is of massive proportions.

History

Walkinshaw Cowan was the private secretary to Governor Hutt of the Swan River Colony in c1830. In 1848 he was appointed to the position of Native Protector of York, he was later a Magistrate in York. Cowan had twelve children , one of whom was Clarence Walkinshaw, who was in charge of aboriginal prisoners at Rottnest during World War One. After sandalwood cutting and finishing his law degree, he worked as a Solicitor in Bruce Rock, travelling to Corrigin and Narembeen in the course of his professional duties. In 1923, he took up land at Mt Walker and Wogarl. His youngest brother Jim (James William Halley) spent holidays from Muresk at Clarence's property in Wogarl. Jim graduated in the inaugural class from Muresk in 1930, and began wheat farming. After Clarence died in 1933, Jim took over the Mt Walker farm assisted by his sister and Mother. After marrying in 1940, the original homestead burnt down, and they lived in a mud brick workman's hut (still there?? Loc 219). During the depression a block north of Loc 219 was taken up, known as the "between the wells" it was the site of the Cowan home which was constructed during World War Two by Italian prisoners of war who had been man powered to the district to assist on farms. Some of the rock was quarried from the Glenelg water tank excavations. Twelve children were raised on the farm. The eldest son, Halley is the Narembeen Shire President, and the third eldest, Hendy Cowan, entered politics as a Member for Merredin and became the Leader of the National (now Country) Party in 1978.
Mt Walker was the site of Roe's 9th camp during his explorations eastwards beyond York. In 1918 the first survey of the Mt Walker area was undertaken, and in July 1923 the first selection was available. The first settler was George Le Feuvre and his brother Wally at a site called "Why Worry Rocks" . They walked over 50 miles from Narembeen with their stores. They located water supplies in the area that enabled other settlers to settle in the district. By 1926 and 27 more settlers were arriving, and the school was established. The Depression and World War Two created hardships in the district, but the many nationalities in the district have been united in their community.
In 1948 a number of blocks in the area were taken up by the Cowan family after farmers had abandoned or sold out. Included among those was Le Feuvre's block.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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