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.
Who was John Peter Bancells?
Recently had a request via the Murray Districts Historical Society’s Webpage from a descendent from the Eastern States enquiring the whereabouts of the property he spent his last days on at Wagerup. Easy, description 100 acres near Wagerup Railway Station and has a brook flowing through it bearing his surname. Well three blocks fitted that description. Off to Landgate at Midland, supplied what I knew. We will be in contact. True to their word by email 2 copies of one document and nothing of the second document I required. Phone call fixed that. Turns out the property has been incorporated in the Alcoa Refinery land acquisition.
Finally met the descendants at the Murray Library and handed over the family research and documents, as they were on their way down to meet Debra Tyler, who kindly offered to show them around the locality.
John Peter Bancells arrived on the “John Panter” 14/8/1853 with Bishop Salvado’s party as a gardener, after 3 years decided greener pastures awaited him. Used his Spanish heritage and knowledge of correct pruning procedures set about making a name for himself by resurrecting the colonial vines that had been mispruned. In the 1880’s took up land at Wagerup, Wellington 422 until he passed away 31/5/1897 and his body was transferred by train to Pinjarra for burial. Next mystery, where was he buried? This is the interesting part of historical research, you never get all the answers at once.
(Article submitted by Mervyn Beacham)
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:
- 1834 Massacre – Pinjarra
- Alcoa
- North Dandalup
- Rose Garden Edenvale – this display from mid-October
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.
You can also Like us on Facebook here.