Deepdale Station

Statement of Significance

Deepdale Station (ruin), a single storey stone homestead with associated single room stone cook house, has aesthetic, historical and representative cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the place has close associations with Jim Woolhouse and the Woolhouse family, early pastoralists in the Shire who initially ran sheep, horses, and donkeys. They bred horses for the British Army in India from the 1893-1910. the place has association with the development of the pastoral industry in the Pilbara district and demonstrates the evolution of a pastoral settlement since 1880. the place has association with the use of Aboriginal workforces in early pastoral settlements in the Pilbara district.

Physical Description

Ruin of a single-storey stone homestead built from Robe River stone with clay mortar, along with a small single-room stone cookhouse. A fenced grave site is located nearby, containing a stone and concrete monument to Kenneth Dirk Sharp (1958–1975). Interior walls were finished with mud and lime plaster.

History

Constructed for Jim Woolhouse who held the lease until 1893. He ran the property with his brother George and George’s wife Annie. Jim married Susan Thompson in 1892, and they had one daughter, Gladys. Jim died in 1904 from injuries sustained during the Boer War. The station ran sheep, horses, and donkeys. Sheds, yards, and outbuildings are no longer extant, although some blackheart fence posts from the late nineteenth century remain. An Aboriginal workforce of approximately 60 people was employed at the Station by the Woolhouse’s. From 1893 to 1910, the property was managed by various members of the Woolhouse family. The station bred horses for the British Army in India. From 1920-21 Deepdale was in the ownership of Arther Lockyer. The station is reported to have been running cattle in this period. From 1925 to 1949 Deepdale ceased to be a station in its own right, and became part of Yarraloola, owned by AGP & KD Paterson, DMP Herbert and Mackenzie. The homestead was little used, and most of the associated buildings were removed or deteriorated beyond repair, with the exception of the cook house. From 1949, Ashley Paterson mustered cattle on the run, and he was joined from 1952 by Bruce Patterson. In 1960, Bruce moved into the homestead at Deepdale. He lived there with his wife and daughters until 1966. The homestead remained vacant until 1970, when Bron Sharp and family moved in. It is not known when the place was vacated. However, a grave located on the site, dated to 1975, and associated with a member of the Sharp family, indicates continuing occupation of the site until at least 1975. A fire in December 2002 left the homestead derelict.

Archaeology

There is potential for archaeological deposits within and around the homestead. These may yield information relating to the evolution of pastoral industry practices from the late 19th century to 20th century, including the lifeways of Aboriginal station workers. The building remnants may provide research value related to building techniques from the late 19th century, including use of locally available materials.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate. The homestead has a high degree of original fabric but has lost its roof, windows, doors, veranda, and general interior finishes.

Condition

Poor - ruin

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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