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Digging Up Gnowangerup's History

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25.01.2022 Until late 2014 Broomehill (just down the road from Gnowangerup) also boasted timber lined gaol cells in their old police station. These were demolished, but I am assured that those beautiful jarrah linings were recovered for other purposes. Does anyone know someone lucky enough to own a piece of furniture from this building?

23.01.2022 This is a re-post from November for the benefit of our expanded audience: During our visit to Gnowangerup we were lucky enough to view the new museum at the Ngowanjerindj Cultural Heritage Centre, run by the Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation. The museum brings together the history of Noongar people in Gnowangerup and highlights the ongoing strength of the community and its connections to country. The displays relate to cultural heritage and important mythological sites, fi...rst hand experiences of mission life as well as experiences of institutionalised racism and paternalistic government policies. It is imperative that we study and understand history because it tells us how we arrived at this point in time. It reminds us that European settlement in Australia, the expropriation of land, and successive government agencies have had ongoing and significant impacts that are still being felt today. At this stage the museum is open by appointment. Arrangements can be made through: Robbie Minniter - [email protected] or 0439 982 008 or through the Shire of Gnowangerup Yvette Wheatcroft - [email protected] or (08) 9827 1007 We encourage everyone to go and take a look.

20.01.2022 Gnowangerup is in possession of a rare type of historical building. There are only 10 other places in the southwest of WA that can claim to have timber lined gaol cells. Take a look at the map to see the locations.

19.01.2022 One of the most interesting features of the Gnowangerup Police Station are the dual jarrah lined cells. We are currently undertaking research to establish just how rare these cells might be. Apart from Albany does anyone know of other examples of timber lined gaol cells?

18.01.2022 Some examples of graffiti within the timber lined gaol cells. The photos have been adjusted to more clearly show the writing against the background. Most of the dates relate to the 50s & 60s.

18.01.2022 The old Gnowangerup Police Station is more than 100 years old but of course there is a much deeper heritage that extends back tens of thousands of years. During our visit to Gnowangerup we were lucky enough to view the new museum at the Ngowanjerindj Cultural Heritage Centre, run by the Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation. The museum brings together the history of Noongar people in Gnowangerup and highlights the ongoing strength of the community and its connections to the... country. The displays relate to cultural heritage and important mythological sites, first hand experiences of mission life as well as experiences of institutionalised racism and paternalistic government policies. It is imperative that we study and understand history because it tells us how we arrived at this point in time. It reminds us that European settlement in Australia, the expropriation of land, and successive government agencies have had ongoing and significant impacts that are still being felt today. At this stage the museum is open by appointment. Arrangements can be made through: Robbie Minniter - [email protected] or 0439 982 008 or through the Shire of Gnowangerup Yvette Wheatcroft - [email protected] or (08) 9827 1007 We encourage everyone to go and take a look.

18.01.2022 Here is a look at the timber lined gaol cells at Ravensthorpe. Thanks to Richenda Goldfinch for the photos.

17.01.2022 As a result of the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 many Australian towns were more multicultural in 1900 than in 1950. The proprietor of the Gnowangerup Fruit and Confectionary Store (advertised here in 1925) Mr G. H. Lee may well have been a Chinese immigrant. Are there any old time Gnowangerup residents who remember stories of a Chinese residents or a market garden in the area?

16.01.2022 Here is a link to an article about our experience at Gnowagnerup written up in the Australian Society for Historical Archaeology. We are on page 7. http://www.asha.org.au//newsle/ASHANewsletter45-1_2015.pdf

16.01.2022 Thanks to everyone for their assistance with Sandra's search for family in Gnowangerup. With your help we have been able to unite family across the country within 24hrs. Here are photos of Walter, Catherine and their children. Walter and Catherine ran a sheep farm called Telyarup. Does anyone have any photos or stories from that farm?

15.01.2022 Should The Old Gnowangerup Police Station Be Demolished by Mark Ongerup PS Bang, bang, bang! Hi my name is Emma, I have been locked in this cold, woody place for several years for shooting a man in the head. I was only ten, when I was sent to this cold dark place. I was very, very, very shocked that I was away from my family. Click, click, click, I have been waiting for this day to come to be free. No one came to let me out. I was curled up lying on the cold hard rough woo...d floor with tears running down my face. I found an old bullet cap under my bed with Ned Kelly's name on it. I threw it at the police officer's door. He heard the bang, he started shooting at the door. I saw bullets fly out of the door. It was super funny, I was laughing my head off. The officer came out and looked at me. He came storming over to me and said "did you throw that bullet cap?" "No" I muttered. I cracked up laughing. He would never let me out now! I'm still in this cell. It so cold I want to be out of this cell. When morning came it was the day I had been waiting for, I'm going to be free. The police officer came over and unlocked the cell. I said I have never seen a nicer day. I run over to my family. I missed them so much. Even though my memories are bad I hope they never knock down. This place holds too much history for many people which should be remembered. Think about if I hadn't been in there when I was ten the archaeologist would never find my name on the wall. See more

15.01.2022 Following from our successful archaeological excavation at the old Police Station Waru Consulting ran a creative writing competition for students at Gnowangerup and Ongerup public schools. The only rule was that it had to in some way involve the Police Station and could be set in the past, present or future. We had an outstanding response and the winners will be published here over the next few days.

15.01.2022 Boom, Crash Bang By Sophie Thompson, Year 3 I stand there trying to think about the past from the Old Gnowangerup Jail. The disrespectful, mean and no good people are destroying the memories from the old times. I heard lots of stories about the old jail- how they got to jail and what it was like in jail. I see the old, small and dusty jail cells with the details about the past prisoners when they were in jail. My eye catches one in particular, he was in jail on Christmas nig...ht and he was only 18. I find it astonishing that someone so young would be in here. What could he have done? I feel like we should encourage people to come and look at the history that the archaeologists found. From the used, small bullet shells to the dusty, chipped cutlery. Most of all, I feel like people should come and see the letters from Constable J. Jones, the old police officer. He sent letters to family members and other stations telling them about life in Gnowangerup. To knock the jail down would deny visitors from learning. If we keep it, we could provide an opportunity for a job here. Somebody could run tours through the old jail and the money that we make could go to looking after it. I feel like I've lost respect in the people who are making the decision to knock it down. All they see is money getting wasted but I see stories, memories and the past. I wipe a tear from my cheek, turn and walk home slowly remembering.

07.01.2022 More information about Ravensthorpe and its history here https://www.facebook.com/ravensthorpehistory

04.01.2022 Digging Up Gnowangerup's History is growing and will be digging up even more history. https://www.facebook.com/Wonky-Heritage-796485763819113/

04.01.2022 The Great Gnowangerup Escape By Damon Gnowangerup School On a lovely winter’s day in 1912, I (my name is Billy) was signing up for cadets. There was only one reason for this; to steal a gun and hold up Hill and Co. However, I needed to be picked. Luckily, only a few people signed up so I got in without a hitch. Now was the tricky part; to steal the gun. When we have cadets we usually get called out of class, but today was different. We needed to go there for a whole day to...Continue reading

04.01.2022 The way we approach heritage is currently undergoing transformation in Australia. In undertaking background research for the old Gnowangerup police station it has become apparent that memberships of historical societies around Western Australia are dwindling and their museums are closed or underutilised. Despite this scenario the public still wants to engage with and contribute to their heritage. This Facebook page and the community involvement during the archaeological exca...vations in Gnowangerup highlight one new and exciting way in which we can approach heritage. Other new approaches to heritage include shifting museums into our phones and other devices. Historical audio tours, location based information and augmented reality experiences are just the beginning. Apps that give people the ability for people to collect and share information and stories of places important to them are even more exciting. There will also be changes in the way we calculate and assess heritage value. Previously, technical attributes often outweigh other qualities such as individual stories, both historical and contemporary. It is other people’s stories that help us make sense of our community and our lives, and surely that is one of the main roles of heritage. We are particularly interested in what you think. What does heritage mean to you?

02.01.2022 Submitted by Phil Cox

02.01.2022 Kimberley Duncan, Ongerup Pre-Primary Should the Old Gnowangerup Jail be Demolished? Crash! Bang! Crash! as the shovel hits the ground. The archaeologists dig and dig.... "I found a piece of colourful glass and it is purple and it is pretty. Now I found a piece of rusty pottery. I found a lot of things and more. I will be rich !" the archaeologist cried. "We can make a job," the archaeologist said. "Yeah. Don't knock it down. We can make a job for someone," said another archaeologist. "That might not be a bad idea to do," the archaeologist replied. "We could invite some schools over here so they can learn what jai l used to be like," the archaeologist said. The sun starts to go down. "I'm tired!" the archaeologist yawns. He packs his shovel, brushes and buckets away. It's been a long day but he knows he'll find more things tomorrow.

02.01.2022 Check out the brand new ASHA (Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology) website. Read all about our Old Police Station project plus many more fascinating articles on their News page! http://www.asha.org.au//gnowangerup-s-old-police-station-w

01.01.2022 We have had a request for information from a fan of Digging Up Gnowangerup's History. Sandra is currently researching the Smith family. Walter Glen Smith and Catherine (Kate) Smith (nee Adams) owned a sheep station in Gnowangerup post WW1. They had 5 children: Joan , Douglas, Walter Glen Jnr, John, & Kenneth. Sandra is looking for information, photos and stories on the family. Any help would be greatly appreciated.