Nunagin Homestead - Site of

Statement of Significance

The site represents significant associations with the develo0pment of the land since European occupation, demonstrates associations with pastoralists and pioneering early settlers. It represents associations with pioneering identities in the Bruce Rock region and a way of life which is no longer practised.

History

In 1863, the land was part of a pastoral lease taken up by JH Monger and R Hardy of York. It was worked as an outstation from the home station at Cuttening Station (Kellerberrin). The lease changed ownership a number of times during which time the Foss brothers sank the first well in 1874. By 1890, W & H Collins of York held the lease and it was fenced for sheep, land was cleared and wheat was grown. Grain was carted from Nunagin and Tampia (in the Narembeen Shire) to Golden Valley. For some period, Andrew Barr and his family lived in the homestead. They cut sandalwood, grew vegetables and erected a stone house. Their eight child, a son, was the first white child born in the Bruce Rock District in 1899. Bible readings were held at their home on months alternating with the Heals at Cumminin. Barrs left in 1904. In 1907, Alfred Butcher from Kelmscott waws the last leaseholder to have the property. He drove 600 sheep from Meckering. He held lease over 60,000 acres with 100 acres freehold over Noonegin River. When the lease was resumed in June 1909, Butcher acquired the homestead block. Hubert got the homestead block at Eujinyin. In 1910, two of Butcher's nephews, Harry and Walter Butcher took over the south west portion of the land. Harry had sunk many dams for the government and the settlers in the years before WWI. Tracks from Kellerberrin and Doodlakine converged at Noonagin Well and settlers and travellers would meet and camp overnight. A Butcher often brought mail from Doodlakine and the settlers picked it up from the homestead when getting water or stores. After a church service at Butcher's one day, discussions led to the formation of the Nunagin Progress Association. The inaugural chairman was WJ Butler and the Secretary Walter Butcher. Butler's house is at Bruce Rock- it was a popular social centre in the district before the town of Bruce Rock.

Condition

Site only

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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