Original Showground (Site of)

Statement of Significance

The site has important historical associations as the first agricultural showgrounds in the district and as the focus for annual gatherings of the local and broader rural community from 1885 to 1904, however it has been fully redeveloped and does not retain any physical evidence of its former use. Aesthetic Value NA Historic Value This site is of some historic value as the first Agricultural Showgrounds of the District. Research Value NA Social Value As the site of the former Central Southern Districts Agricultural Society and Nelson Agricultural (and Pastoral) Society showgrounds, it had high social value, as this was the biggest event on the district calendar, which drew almost every local family plus visitors from Perth and surrounding Districts.

Physical Description

Since 1905, the site has been subdivided and redeveloped for residential and industrial/commercial purposes. No physical evidence of its former use remains.

History

The role of the Agricultural Society was established early in the history of the town, with the first meeting held in early 1885, at which time it was known as the Central Southern Districts Agricultural Society. The first President of the Society was James George Lee Steere (later Sir). In July of that year it was reported that: "The Government have allowed the usual annual grant to the Society and have also granted the use of two town allotments [Lots 29 and 30] in a very accessible and central position. The contract for the showyards and sheds was also settled and it was decided to hold the show on Thursday the 10th of December. It is further proposed to hold races on the following days and a club is being formed for that purpose.” Events arranged to coincide with the first show included an athletic sports day, dinners, the inaugural Agricultural Ball, and the race day. In 1888 the grounds were described as follows: “The grounds, which are second only to those of Guildford, are enclosed by a close jarrah slab fence, seven feet high, inside which are the stalls and a covered shed for exhibits of produce. …..it is in a thriving condition, an enlargement of the grounds now being contemplated…” The main entrance was where Blackwood Hydraulics (previously Wesfarmers) building now stands, and the back entrance was opposite the St Brigid’s Catholic Church and Sisters of Mercy Convent. The annual Agricultural Society Show developed as a highlight of the community’s social calendar, with other events taking advantage of the influx of, sometimes high profile, visitors – as illustrated by the following extract from an 1893 newspaper report: “Bridgetown has been more or less en fête since Monday, when the people from the surrounding districts began to gather in anticipation of the show. On Tuesday Mr. Waiter, R.M., gave a most enjoyable fancy dress ball at Scott's Hotel, to which a large number of guests were invited. Sir James and Lady Steere were present, and between sixty and seventy other ladies and gentleman, many of whom appeared in brilliant and diversified fancy costumes …. Minor festivities have been occurring since of a popular kind …. The Premier [Sir John Forrest], Mr. Venn and Mr. Marmion arrived this morning from Perth, and attended the show.” The name of the organisation was changed to the Nelson Agricultural (and Pastoral) Society in 1893 and was later changed to Bridgetown Agricultural Society Inc. in 1916. On 1 December 1898, the first official reception and opening of the Bridgetown Railway coincided with the annual agricultural show held on the original site. In this week it was also announced that 20 acres of the Bridgetown Commonage land on the northern townsite boundary, would be given to the Nelson Agricultural Society to create a new agricultural grounds (current), so as to free up the prime land on Steere Street for further development of the townsite. However, it was not until 1905 that it was announced that the new showgrounds had been developed and opened.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low From 1905 the original showgrounds became town lots for residential and commercial use. Low The site does not retain any physical evidence of its former use.

Condition

N/A

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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