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.
A Point of Interest …
Who was Richard Andrews – Born 1826?
Born about 1826 and, at the time of death, nudging 21 years of age.
Richard was a Parkhurst Boy, a juvenile immigrant who had served a custodial sentence on the Isle of Wight for a minor offence. The thinking of the day was to send these lads to the Colonies for a new start in life on the land. His original calling in life was to be a tailor. He arrived at the Swan River Colony, October 1843 via the “Shepherd” and was assigned to Mr Cornish and Mr Clewlow at the Murray.
On the 12th of April 1847 a Lad named Richard Andrews (one of the Parkhurst boys), was sent to Mr. Oakley’s establishment at Pinjarra with a cart drawn by two Bullocks, the property of Messrs Oakley and Clewlow, for a cask of Molasses, being, we are assured, perfectly sober.
About two miles above Mr. Tate's house is the far-famed Pinjarra, a most excellent farm of Mr. Oakley's, who also keeps a comfortable inn and store there conveniently near the ford on the Murray River as there were no bridges at that time. McLarty’s and Oakley were set up to catch the passing traffic.
About 3 O’clock, when he got to a place named Tate’s Brook, the cart was upset, and one of the wheels and the side of the cart were found on his head and shoulders. An enquiry was held by the Resident Magistrate, when the surgeon of the district stated that the poor lad’s neck was dislocated. He had borne the highest character for honesty and integrity, and is deeply lamented by his employers.
Article submitted by Merv Beacham
Excerpts from:
Inquirer Newspaper Perth page 3. 14/4/1847 per TROVE NLA.
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Oakley-2166
Trove.com Various newspaper articles.
Metropolitan Cemetery Board records. https://portal.mcb.wa.gov.au/name-search/ns-detail/?id=cc406f27-9c1d-ec11-b6e7-00224814c3d1
Coming Event – Diary Notes:
Pinjarra Festival – 3rd & 4th June 2023 (10am - 4pm daily)
The Shire of Murray’s biggest public event of the year, the Pinjarra Festival is back for 2023.
To be held once again on the beautiful grounds of the iconic Edenvale Heritage Precinct
10am – 4pm daily on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th of June during the WA Day long weekend.
On that weekend the Murray Districts Historical Society will also be open from 10am – 4pm so come along and enjoy soaking up the history displayed at the Old School Master’s House near the Heritage Rose Garden and St John’s Church.
Waldeck Reunion - 28 October 2023
Old Yacht Club
Victor Adam Park - Halls Head Parade, Mandurah
11am to 3 pm
Book with Eventbrite.com.au/e/waldeck-reunion-tickets
Recommend attending the event as the Waldecks have an incredible connection with the descendants of the Swan River Colony immigrants. Norma King started the pin wheel family tree then it got modified. I hope to supply a different format set of trees by splitting up in the descendants of each of the children as my computer cannot handle the whole tree at once, 8 generations equal 476 A4 pages portrait format or 346 landscape format.
(Article submitted by Mervyn Beacham)
Note: There is more to read on our Local History
so do come along to the Murray Districts Historical Society and see what is available.
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 displays:
- ANZAC Display
- Coolup Farms and Families
- Coolup Sports and Social
- 1834 Massacre – Pinjarra
- Alcoa
- North Dandalup
Note: There is more to read on our Local History
so do come along to the Murray Districts Historical Society and see what is available.
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 displays:
- Coolup Farms and Families
- Coolup Sports and Social
- 1834 Massacre – Pinjarra
- Alcoa
- North Dandalup
Also please note that there are 4 only books left for sale regarding
“A History of the Adam Family of Pinjarra” – by Ronald Richards
These books are available at the Old Schoolmaster’s House,
Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra.
If you have any information on Lucy Hines and would like to share it, please contact:
Merv Beacham 0417 986 838 or cloud.ix@bigpond.com
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.
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, 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.
