MURRAY DISTRICTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Located at the Old Schoolmaster's House, Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra.
Opening hours from 11am to 3pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Bus Tour – Guildford Heritage Precinct – held on 4th July 2018:
On 4th July a group of enthusiastic members and friends travelled by bus, with our loyal driver Jerome, to Guildford where they were hosted by the Swan Guildford Historical Society and taken on a very informative tour of the historic points of interest within the Guildford Historical Precinct. The weather was not as pleasant as it could have been but did not dampen the spirits of all who attended as an enjoyable time was had by all concluding with a delightful lunch at the Historical Guildford Village Tearooms. Photos have been posted on the MDHS Facebook page for those who missed out.
There was so much to enjoy as we toured the Guildford Heritage Precinct and the personal commentary on the bus as we explored some of the historic points of interest was much appreciated. We were welcomed by the Swan Guildford Historical Society with an enjoyable morning tea. Knowledgeable guides escorted us through Guildford's Heritage Precinct where we also viewed the Colonial Gaol and Taylor's Cottage, home to Edward Taylor in the 1880's and we heard his story as he went from convict to free man to father 13.
Excerpt of Guildford history:
"Guildford is one of three towns established in 1829, when Western Australia was settled, and its plan was based on the model of an English country town. The area is enclosed on a peninsular, formed by the Swan and Helena Rivers and was named by Captain James Stirling after his father-in-law's electorate in Surrey, England.
As the furthest navigable point on the Swan River, Guildford became an inland port, providing the main link between Perth and the country districts. In 1851 it became a convict ticket-of-leave hiring depot and steamboats made their debut in 1857. Guildford became a thriving market town and commercial centre. The town was declared a municipality in 1871 and granted its own crest of anchor, sheaf and grapes.
Guildford's status changed dramatically with the establishment of the railways in the 1880s. River transport declined rapidly and with the rise of Midland Junction in the 1890s, Guildford's commercial importance eroded.
Many of the stately Sugar Gum trees that still line the streets of Guildford were planted in the late 1890s, in part as a celebration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1897."
DIARY NOTES:
for All interested persons and All Members
A most interesting programme of coming events includes:
AUGUST
¨ Wednesday 22nd - 7pm—9pm
@ Murray Library
AGM with Guest Speaker: John Viska:
‘Colonial Kitchen Gardens’
If you would like to join us please contact Dawn Hodgkinson by phone 0438 979 200 or email Dawn on led.zep@live.com.au
In the meantime, look at our Website http://www.murrayhistory.org.au/home
Do you have an interest in the history of Pinjarra and the Murray Districts?
We are always looking for more volunteers to assist with the opening hours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm and with our various projects.
If you would like to become one of our volunteers, please advise Jill on 0408 846 567 or by email alanjill37@hotmail.com
For information about the Murray Districts Historical Society, its membership and its activities,
please visit us at Edenvale during opening hours or contact our secretary Dawn Hodgkinson by email: led.zep@live.com.au
In the meantime, look at our Website murrayhistory.org.au/home for more information.
Do you have an interest in the history of Pinjarra and the Murray Districts?
We are always looking for more volunteers to assist with the opening hours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm and with our various projects.
If you would like to become one of our volunteers, please advise
Jill on 0408 846 567 or by email alanjill37@hotmail.com
For information about the Murray Districts Historical Society, its membership and its activities, please visit us at Edenvale during opening hours or contact Dawn Hodgkinson, Secretary by email led.zep@live.com.au