MURRAY DISTRICTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Located at the Old Schoolmaster's House, Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra.
Our volunteers are there to greet you on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm, or by appointment.
The aim of the Historical Society is to research, collect, maintain and share stories of the Murray District that stretches from North Dandalup to Coolup, from West Murray to Dwellingup – and including the vibrant town of Pinjarra. We have a well maintained local history library, interesting displays and a large collection of photographs, documents, and display books.
We also have a strong membership of enthusiastic people and are always looking for additional members to join us.
If you have a love of history, in particular of the Murray District, or if you have information to share, please visit us. And if you like what you see, consider becoming a member of our group. Our general meetings with a guest speaker are open to visitors. Other events, including bus trips, are usually restricted to members. All visitors are welcome to browse our collections during our ‘open’ hours or by appointment.
Located at the Old Schoolmaster's House, Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra.
Our volunteers are there to greet you on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am – 3 pm, or by appointment.
Please Note the Old Schoolmaster’s House will officially be:
- CLOSED on Monday 14th December 2020
- OPEN again on Friday 22nd January 2021
- Visits By Appointment can still be arranged during the closed dates.
Contact persons: Val King 0458 673 608 or
Anne Cubitt 0422 516 283
Merv Beacham 0417 986 838
The aim of the Historical Society is to research, collect, maintain and share stories of the Murray District that stretches from North Dandalup to Coolup, from West Murray to Dwellingup – and including the vibrant town of Pinjarra. We have a well maintained local history library, interesting displays and a large collection of photographs, documents, and display books.
We also have a strong membership of enthusiastic people and are always looking for additional members to join us. If you have a love of history, in particular of the Murray District, or if you have information to share, please visit us. And if you like what you see, consider becoming a member of our group. Our general meetings with a guest speaker are open to visitors. Other events, including bus trips, are usually restricted to members. All visitors are welcome to browse our collections during our ‘open’ hours or by appointment.
DIARY - What we have been up to during November?
Saturday 21st November 2020
The Murray District Historical Society celebrated the end of the year with a day bus tour to the coast (including Lake Clifton and Lake McLarty).
The excursion visited the Herron Homestead (c.1866) for morning tea before a short drive to Cape Bouvard Winery for lunch. The bus stopped at the thrombolites and Historic lime kiln site in Yalgorup National Park, and Birchmont (the Birch family homestead c.1862) on the way home.
The tour was enjoyed by all who were able to come along and if you too would like to become a Member and be part of the next tour, please contact the Murray Districts Historical Society, Anne Cubitt – Secretary mdhspinjarra@outlook.com
Do You Know That?
Glebe Land was created next to St John’s Church in 1866 for the Rector’s private use. This land stretched from the current boat ramp on Henry Street to the Church itself. The Church of England rector at this time (1861 – 1878) was Rev. James Stuart Price.
It appears this photo was taken some time during the 1950’s – note Edenvale and the Bridge in the foreground and St John’s Church and graveyard beside the bridge. As you follow the river through the glebe land you will notice the rectory which was originally located on this site, approached by Canon Road.
The glebe land was first cleared in 1866. Citrus and olive trees were planted, along with ornamental trees to make the location feel more ‘English’. Finally a rectory was constructed on this site in 1873, on higher ground to avoid the fairly regular floods. In times of flooding, the rectory became an isolated island. The original rectory was demolished in 1953 and was replaced with a timber framed, asbestos clad home featuring five rooms, a kitchen and dinette. The second rectory was demolished sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s. The only remnant of these rectories is the mound on which the buildings stood. (see Heritage Trail)
The third rectory was built on the north side of Henry Street at the intersection of Murray Street – now the location of the Pinjarra War Memorial – and this building was demolished in 2016. The current and fourth rectory is located in Henry Street next to the Anglican Parish Centre which now includes the Church of St Francis of Assisi.
Follow our monthly articles in the Community Newspaper for more information about the history of Pinjarra and the heritage buildings of the Murray District. And we always welcome any stories or photos you are willing to share with us.
Visit us to view our current photographic display: Stories of West Murray.
Did you know that the stretch of Murray River – including the north and south banks – from Ravenswood to the estuary was known for many years as West Murray? The name Yunderup was universally adopted as late as the 1970’s.
Do you have an interest in the history of Pinjarra and the Murray Districts?
If you would like to become one of our volunteers, please advise Jill on 0408 846 567 or by email alanjill37@hotmail.com
And we welcome new members.
For information about the Murray Districts Historical Society, its membership and its activities, please contact
Anne Cubitt – Secretary mdhspinjarra@outlook.com
For assistance with research or general questions about local history, contact Merv Beacham on 0417 986 838,
Penny Hoffman on 0407 422 771 or Val King on 0458 673 608
For more photos and stories of the rich history of the Murray, look at our Website murrayhistory.org.au/home or visit us at the Old Schoolmaster’s House within the Edenvale Heritage Precinct.
Murray Districts Historical Society wishes you all
a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
We are grateful to all of our Sponsors, Supporters and our Volunteers
and we look forward to All Visitors during 2021.