Local Government
Denmark
Region
Great Southern
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
952 Crellin St Denmark
Location Details
Lot 1012, Reserve 33027
Other Name(s)
Kindergarten and Lions Building
Construction Date
Constructed from 1928
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 28 Jun 2011 | Exceptional Significance |
Exceptional Significance |
|
Statement of Significance
The building has aesthetic significance in that it is of traditional timber construction and it is sited in an attractive area of coastal karri forest, which is typical of the region. It has been relocated to its original position.
The building has historic significance due to its strong connection with the railway that ran to and through Denmark from its earliest days. Specifically, it holds strong memories of the Denmark – Nornalup line that ran from 1929 to 1957. The stationmaster’s role was of paramount importance in the successful running of the railway and the subsequent communication links between the township of Denmark and the remote settlements to its west. The Group Settlers especially found the railway vital in the transport of provisions and medical services.
Stationmasters became obsolete once the railway closed in 1957, but the building retained its historical significance when it became the Denmark Kindergarten in 1963 and played a key role in the early childhood education of many Denmark residents.
The building has representative significance in that it is one of many buildings in Denmark that has been relocated, not once but twice. The traditional timber construction, using the produce of the local area, is ideally suited to relocation and allows significant buildings in Denmark to retain their utility despite their age.
Physical Description
The house was a traditional stud-framed timber construction with a tiled roof. The building has been twice moved, and the roof has been replaced with Colorbond.
It was relocated in 2007 to its present site on the railway reserve by the river mouth.
History
The Stationmaster’s House was built in 1928, in preparation for the opening of the Denmark-Nornalup railway the following year. The railway itself was an extension of the line that already existed between Albany and Denmark, which was originally part of the timber-cutting industry pioneered by the Millar Brothers in the late 19th century.
The house was part of a complete railway station complex which consisted of the station building, the stationmaster’s house, barracks, three sets of lines, ashpit, turntable, stock yards and good sheds.
The station itself was just to the west of the Denmark River, at the mouth to Wilson Inlet. The line crossed the Denmark River via a newly- constructed timber bridge.
The House was surrounded by a pretty garden and it was located in an attractive forest setting.
The responsibilities of the Stationmaster were many. He had the duties to schedule the movements of trains and to record the goods that they carried, collected and dropped off. He needed to know the safety requirements, rules and regulations of the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) which was the government authority in charge of railway operations. One of the Stationmasters in Denmark, JE Sanderson, who was employed there from August 1946 to January 1951, was the father of the Governor of Western Australia, Lieut-General John Sanderson (2000-05).
The house was originally located on Lot 1085 (2) Hollings Road. It was relocated to Lot 1792, on the corner of Ocean Beach Road and South Coast Highway in 1963 and adapted for use as the Denmark Kindergarten. It was later replaced near its original site at the Denmark River mouth on the railway reserve. It is presently (2010) used by community groups.
The Shire of Denmark adopted the Denmark Railway Station No. 3 Reserve Heritage Precinct Concept Plan at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 27 May 2014 (Res. No: 240518) to guide the development and use of the Reserve into the future.
Integrity/Authenticity
Integrity: Most
Condition
Good
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| B McGuinness;"100 years of chalk dust: Denmark 1896-1996". | Cinnamon Coloureds-Denmark WA | 1996 | |
| R McGuinness;"Elleker-Denmark_Nornalup; the railway extended west but never met".". | Cinnamon Coloureds-Denmark WA | 2007 | |
| B McGuinness; "The Rainbow Arch: celebrating 50 years of Kindergarten in Denmark 1957-2007". | Cinnamon Coloureds-Denmark | 2008 |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Rail: Housing or Quarters |
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other Community Hall\Centre |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | TILE | Ceramic Tile |
| Wall | TIMBER | Other Timber |
Creation Date
22 Feb 2012Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
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.