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.
Do You Know That?
Today the Edenvale Heritage Precinct, opposite Cantwell Park and central to the heritage end of George Street, is occupied by the Heritage Tea Rooms and by community groups who share the history of the precinct and heritage buildings with visitors and showcase their arts and crafts across a variety of mediums.
But do you know that Edenvale was once a ‘town farm’ and over a period of almost 100 years was home to 3 generations of the McLarty family. Edward McLarty, son of John and Mary Ann who had settled at Blythewood, married Mary Jane Campbell in March 1873 and moved to land he had purchased in central Pinjarra. He built Liveringa as their first home together and 6 of their 7 children were born there. The name Liveringa is of Aboriginal origin and was the name of the McLarty sheep and cattle station in the West Kimberley region near the Fitzroy River.
Edward’s youngest child, Duncan Ross, was born in 1891, by which time the family had moved into their grand new residence, Edenvale. Edenvale, which consisted of 12 rooms, was built facing George Street. A large working farm was now operating on the land to the rear of the House and on the land over the road which is now Murray Street. The farm included a large shearing shed, a dairy, storage for hay and sheep and cattle yards.
Duncan Ross, later Sir Ross McLarty, Premier of WA, continued to live at Edenvale after his marriage to Violet Herron and raised his own 3 sons on the property. These 3 boys, Peter, Ted and Bill, were also resident at Edenvale / Liveringa for periods of their adult lives.
After the property passed out of the hands of the McLarty family in the late 1970’s, the Pinjarra community worked hard to retain it. Edenvale remains an important physical and social link with Pinjarra’s past and provides a resource to help residents and visitors understand the history of the surrounding area.
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.
