Old Ongerup

Statement of Significance

This mudbrick structure has historic and social significance being an early rural residence and associated with the Elverds and later the Treasures who were well-known early settler families in Kojonup.

Physical Description

The old Ongerup house can be found amongst the outbuildings, barns and sheds on the Jones Homestead, 'Wembley Park'. Two of the rooms of the original three roomed house were built of clay fired brick and mud mortar. The third room was one of sundried white washed mudbrick. The house had a central brick chimney. The original hipped shingle roof was replaced with corrugated iron. The brick part of the house is now in ruins, with only the wall adjoining the mudbrick section remaining. The remaining room is shaded by huge fig trees, which are suckers from the roots of the original tree planted when the house was first built.

History

The old Ongerup house was first built during the 1860's by William Elverd who was the licencee of one of the early hotels of Kojonup (now known as the Commercial). His family resided in the house for a period before the Treasure family took over in the 1880's. Edward Treasure had come out as a convict eventually earning his freedom and later he served on the Kojonup Road Board. In 1886 Edward Treasure died and it is thought that his wife left the house. In 1893 the land was 're-selected' by Squatter Jones who was married to Matilda Treasure. He built up a large landholding in the district. Squatter Jones later divided his property amongst 4 sons, one of whom went on to build the newer farm house on the property in 1911. During the 1920's/30's the Old Ongerup property became known as Wembley Park. 'Squatter' Jones was an influential member of the Kojonup Community. He is known for devising a method for grubbing out the poisonous plants which caused many problems for agricultural development in the area. He also introduced the first car to the district in 1911 and was a Road Board member for many years.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - low Authenticity - medium Modifications: Changes to the roofing materials

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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