Muchea Railway Precinct

Statement of Significance

The Muchea Railway Precinct is a site of considerable significance due to its early association with railways in the area, and the establishment of the townsite at Muchea. It has had many associations with settlers form Muchea and surrounding areas and travellers since 1893.

Physical Description

Site of railway station, living quarters, refreshment room with bar and living quarters. The station also housed the telephone exchange and post office, 'double peak' goods shed, stock yards. The 'head ganger* quarters were located west of the line. Three other houses were located in the station yard; one gangers quarters and 2 single mens quarters.

History

The survey of the railway line between Midland and Walkaway, was completed in Muchea in 1887, and the first section from Midland to Gingin opened on 9 April 1891. The siding located opposite Swan Location 105, which was the first block taken up in the area that was to become the Muchea townsite, in 1845, for George Fletcher Moore, was to have been named Muchela after that location. It is claimed that the 'L' was inadvertently missed out of the siding name board and it has been known as Muchea ever since. In June 1893, Surveyor, Harry F Johnston, suggested to Midland Railway Company that they should reserve areas around their-stations and sidings. Reserve 2336 on the west side of the line was declared on 20 July 1893. S. J. Haselmore was a railway inspector appointed by the Midland Railways Company. He was based at Muchea and Gingin, and his wife was the Postmistress and in charge of the railway station at Muchea, where they lived until the early 1900s. In 1899, after a response from Mr Farrell, the reserve was inspected with the view to subdivision, but there was insufficient demand to survey at that time. In 1904, the survey of Lots 1-19 took place and street names were proposed by the Muchea Progress Association, commemorating the pioneers of the area. The railway line was an essential link with markets in Perth, and was used for the transport of chaff, timber, wheat, vegetables, and dairy products. The Chittering Valley settlers (Harts, O'Neills, Morleys, Martins) carted chaff for transport to Kalgoorlie and the Perth metropolitan area. The orchards products of the Paynes and Harts were also transported to the siding. The railway also provided a passenger service, and was the focus of the settlers in the region. During World War Two, the railway transported personnel to and from Pearce. Many community meetings were held in the 'goods shed' until the Muchea Hall was built in 1922. In 1947, the post office facility transferred to the store. From 1955 to 1965, the last station master and owners were Jack and Joan Bagley. They offered food and beverages at the station at morning and afternoon tea times. Norm and Lucy Alone were the last proprietors of the refreshment rooms. In later years, the railway station building was the meeting place for the South Midlands Netball Association and the Muchea Netball Club.

Condition

Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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