Yarling Brook Farm

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates associations of significance in the Stud breeding arena. The place is a fine and rare example of development in the early 1950s in the region. The place also demonstrates associations with occupations and pioneers of the district, demonstrating ways of life.

Physical Description

Brick and tile construction was owner built on a subcontract basis by C Russell. The brickwork was done by Stan Ellis, the plumbing works by E Gannaway from Corrigin, and the carpentry by Davies and a partner. The garage was built some years later by the same builders as the homestead at Malyalling. The dairy building - pre WW 2. The milking shed was built by Charlie and Phyllis Rose. Weatherboard produce store shed - oldest in Wickepin, relocated from Wogolin Road, where the police station is now.

History

Clarence and Arthur Russell (brothers) were originally at Birdwhistle Soak, south east of Wickepin before they went to Wogolin and then Wickepin. Clarence (Clarrie) Russell took up 900 acres on a World War One Soldier Settlement Scheme, and founded his Peppin Merino Stud in 1925, registering the Stud in 1930, at the Malyalling property. Since 1929 the stud has been a consistent exhibitor and winner at the Perth Royal Agricultural Show. In 1958 C Russell had the unique honour of winning the entire 5 top awards in one year at the Perth Show. He also had the distinction of being unbeaten during a ten year period, for the Elder Smith Trophy for the best team of two merino ewes and rams in Western Australia, a distinguished honour. W J Russell, C Russell's brother, also developed a successful Peppin Merino stud in the neighbouring Shire of Corrigin at Bilbarin, called "Wanderin". In 1949 Clarrie and his son Colin went into parnership. In 1951 Clarrie Russell purchased this property from Duracks, and constructed the home which was a real showpiece on the edge of Wickepin town. Many wedding photographs were taken in the garden during the 1950s and 60s. In 1963 Clarrie Russell sold the Yarling Brook Stud to Hadden Rig, and retired to Perth. Haddon Rig is a registered stud in Warren in New South Wales, and it purchased Yarling Brook Farm to establish a stud flock for Western Australian conditions. Haddon Rig was one of the leading studs in the Commonwealth, having been established in 1882 by Sir James Richard. The sale to Haddon Rig did not include the main soldier settlement property (Malyalling?) which stayed in the ownership of Colin Russell. In 1970 Colin (WC and AM) Russell purchased the Yarling Brook Farm back from Haddon Rig. The dairy buildings were originally leased by Ebsary's when Duracks owned the property. Charlie Rose ran the dairy and delivered milk until 1939. Another dairy in town was run by Spackman until the early 1930s. In 1950 the local dairy was closed and milk was arranged to be supplied from Perth.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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