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.
2023 Events Brochure
Soon the Events Brochure will be available indicating the exciting events for Members of the Murray Districts Historical Society throughout 2023 – and anyone else who just might be interested to become a new Member!
Recent History…
Vale Bertram Howard Worsley Johnston 1926 - 2022
(Article submitted by Mervyn Beacham)
7/3/1926 – 23/12/2022
World War Two Veteran
R.A.N. 6/5/1943 to 11/4/1946
Last posting, Able Seaman, HMAS Torrens
Better Known as Howard, was a resident of Pinjarra for 25 years.
Born in Claremont, WA with early childhood in Kulin WA, family moved to Riverton SA in 1928, Howard spent his adult years living and working between regional and rural South Australia and Western Australia. Howard returned to WA in 1998 to retire in Pinjarra
.
Howard was a keen volunteer at Hotham Valley Railway and later at Roger May Museum.
He was a member of the Murray Districts Historical Society, The Naval Historical Society (WA Chapter), The Naval Association of Australia and a member of the Returned and Services League (RSL), Perth.
Howard’s ancestry was well connected to the South West of the state with such families as Clifton, Hayward, Logue, Goodwin, Canler and Bell. The Johnston family arrived in WA 1841 per “Island Queen”.
Howard’s life was celebrated at the former St. John’s Church, Henry Street, Pinjarra 31/1/2023 and refreshments taken at Edenvale Heritage Tearooms.
“Stand Down, Able Seaman, Duty Done”
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.
