Kirkwoods

Statement of Significance

The place represents associations with the pioneering Kirkwood family, and the early development of the Corrigin district. The place is a representive example of a period of Corrigin's development.

Physical Description

The place is constructed of hand made cement bricks and a terracotta tile roof. The ten room house is surrounded by a verandah with a low brick wall around the perimeter, and three cement rendered steps leading up to the verandah on the north, east and west sides. The verandah roof is supported by cement rendered pillars in an obelisk shape. Ceramic tiles inlaid in the verandah pillars feature plain & floral designs. The door and window frames are jarrah throughout, with leadlight stained glass featuring in the external doors and front windows. The internal moulded plaster ceilings have a rose and grape motif detail. The grounds of the homestead were designed and planted with Bangalow and Date Palms which are still in existance. In the 1960s, some verandahs were enclosed and an additional kitchen was constructed.

History

William Sommers Kirkwood was a carpenter who came to Corrigin in 1910, after spending some years in Perth, working at his trade (constructed Fremantle Town Hall staircase among other projects), prior to taking up land in Corrigin. He settled in Gnerkadilling with his wife Emelia May, and their nine children. Prior to the construction of the homestead, the family lived in a mud brick house on the property. The Yowing Springs property also had an anthill tennis court which was the venue for the community's social tennis fixture. The family also operated the local telephone exchange, providing an essential link between the otherwise isolated farms in the district. Kirkwood was involved in carpentery and building around the Corrigin district, notabley the former Gnerkadilling Hall (Gorge Rock Hall). He was a Corrigin Roads Board member from 1915 to 1930, and has a Corrigin street named in his commemoration.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.