Bowgada Townsite

Statement of Significance

The Bowgada Townsite has considerable historic significance as a former settlement in the Perenjori District. It's demise is evidence of the centralisation of services and the effect of improved transport and communications of small rural settlements. The place is held in high esteem by local residents <rtto recall the town in its heyday.

Physical Description

Located north of Perenjori and immediately to the east of the Wubin-Mullewa Highway and the railway line, the site of the Bowgada Townsite is marked by a small timber sign. All that remains of the town are the ruins of a house, a shed, some foundations, tanks and several established trees. The house is of impressed concrete block construction and has no roof. To the rear is a timber framed corrugated iron clad garage/shed while immediately to the north are the foundations of Maurice's Store including a ramp.

History

Settlement at Bowgada commenced from c1910. Jim Campbell and his eldest son Harry were the first to settle in the area and others soon followed, especially after roads were cleared. After " a drawn out struggle with the Education Department a small school was established at Bowgada and in 1924 Jim Chomley's Store and Post Office opened. The store, later known as Maurice's Store, a timber and iron building with a residence to the rear, burnt down c1932.
An Agricultural Society was formed in 1926 which assisted in securing a free grant for land for a sports oval and tennis court. A Hall was built using voluntary labour where many social activities were held. The Perenjori Co-operative Co. opened a branch in 1928, however business slumped when the Depression hit and the store was sold for £700 in 1936 to Mr Stephen Maurice and his wife Lily. The weatherboard building, which also accommodated the Dalgetty Agency, the post office, and the telephone exchange, was later purchased by Gilbert Allen and his sister Mrs Matthews. It was subsequently sold to Mrs Dorothy Flavel who lived in a house north of the store which" was later relocated to another location.
The school closed on 31 October 1941 for amalgamation with the Morawa School. The post office at Bowgada closed in 1974 and the stock yards were dismantled the following year. (Sources: Cannon, E.S., "Golden Opportunities", pp. 103-7, Ros Cunningham & Sears, M., "Bowgada History Booklet")

Condition

Poor

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.