March 2024

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.

 

VOLUNTEERS … would you like to become one too? 

We 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 available to members.  All visitors are welcome to browse our collections during our ‘open’ hours or by appointment. 

 

2024 – Easter is Early in 2024

          The Old Schoolmaster’s House at the Edenvale Precinct will be:

          CLOSED on Good Friday and

          OPEN on Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, subject to Volunteers being              available.

 

New Events in 2024

 

Coming Soon -

5-7 April 2024 – Fairbridge Festival – to be held at Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra

“FolkWorld Inc is thrilled to announce that Fairbridge Festival will return in full swing in 2024, with an exceptional new location.

 

The three-day event, proudly supported by the Shire of Murray, will be held at the Edenvale Heritage Precinct, Pinjarra, from 5-7 April 2024, marking the first change in location since the festival began in 1993.

 

FolkWorld Inc. General Manager Lloyd Sabin said that after an extensive search for a pilot venue, the Shire of Murray’s proposal to use Edenvale Heritage Precinct perfectly captured the essence of the festival.”

 

18 April – 19 May 2024 – National Trust Heritage Festival

“The Australian Heritage Festival is the country's largest community-driven celebration of heritage. For more than 40 years the National Trust has connected the nation through the Australian Heritage Festival celebrations.

 

From the city to the regions right across Australia, the festival an opportunity for the community to immerse themselves in the country’s rich and diverse heritage, offering unmatched access to special exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops, food fairs, ceremonies, demonstrations, dinners and more.

 

Returning in April and May with the theme Connections, the 2024 festival will celebrate the rich and diverse stories of our nation, strengthen cultural and historical ties and encourage the community to forge new bonds. It acknowledges our link to people, places and the past, and the enduring connections that will shape the future of heritage.”

 

Rear of Pinjarra Post Office circa 1949

(submitted by Merv Beacham)

Everything you could ask for, safe storage for PMG Cable Drums neatly outside the Public Toilet, Horse Trough nearby, two utility rooms one for the Telephonists and the other for the Linesmen and Technicians to have morning tea, Lunch and Afternoon tea in comfort. Alongside the rear of the Post Office was the parking area for the Telephonist’s mode of transport.

 

Once the self-dialling telephone system came, we lost the Telephonists, lunch rooms and the horse trough.  The cable drums were relocated to Roe avenue and Pinjarra road. The “Blue Rooms” as we knew them were relocated from the “wheatbelt” as war surplus and located in James Street to house the Exchange equipment.

 

Since then the Traffic Department came and went, a new public toilet was built and we gained a suspension bridge, some aboriginal totem poles and a couple of shelters and seating. In progress is a renewed Exchange Hotel.

Who said nothing happens in Pinjarra!?

 

Other projects, meetings and tours are advertised closer to the date in the Community Newspaper.

 

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:

  • Festivals and Events in Murray Districts
  • Fairbridge Festival & Fairbridge Farm School
  • Coolup Sports and Social
  • Alcoa
  • North Dandalup

 

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

 

 

Murray Districts Historical Society • Old Schoolmaster's House, Henry Street • Edenvale Precinct • Pinjarra Western Australia