Broomehill
The village of Broomehill owes its creation to the Great Southern Railway, [a] which was completed in 1889. The railway was constructed from Beverley to Albany. It is named after Sir Frederick Napier Broome (1842–96) who was then the Governor of Western Australia. Gold bearing quartz was discovered by the station master around Broomehill in 1889.
In the same year Patrick Garrity purchased two lots facing Jasper Street and built a galvanised iron hotel. By 1905 the hotel had been rebuilt in brick with more extensions added in 1908. Known as the Broomehill Hotel and later as the Imperial Hotel, the two storey tuck pointed building is now heritage listed.
The townsite was gazetted by the Western Australian Land Company in 1890, which was recognised by the state government in 1897. A group of settlers from the now extinct town of Eticup moved to the present site of Broomehill to help establish a township after the construction of the railway was completed.
These settlers included the Witham’s, the Walsh’s, and the Curnow’s. These three families worked hard to establish the early structures. A Victorian named Hamilton acquired 1,300 acres (526 ha) of land around the townsite in 1890, T.W. Powell also acquired 1,000 acres (405 ha) near the town from the Western Australian Land Company.
A branch of the Commercial Bank of Australia was opened in the town-site in 1891 and, in 1892, a police station and post office were also established. The Imperial Hotel was operating in the town by late 1892.
The Broomehill Agricultural Hall was opened by T. Norris, a settler of the area, in 1898. The population of the town was 72 (37 males and 35 females) in 1898. A local Progress association was formed in 1905 with C.J. Darcy taking the position of Chairman. Broomehill Football Club had been established in or before 1907, playing games against surrounding towns such as Katanning.
A cooperative was discussed in 1920 with insufficient capital being raised, in 1921 the cooperative commenced operations after having taken over the premises of Messrs E. Garrity and Company. The official spelling of Broomehill was changed from two words to one in 1959. From: Wikipedia
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JONES’ BUILDINGS
Clune Bros. General Store 1913
Located in the Jones’ Building, Broomehill
From Inherit – State Heritage Office
In 1894 Robert Henry Jones settled at Broomehill after arriving from England via Melbourne. He established a general store, which he later sold to Messrs. Drew, Robinson and Co. Ltd, of Albany.
The Jones’s Building, Broomehill, is a fine commercial application of Federation Free Classical style in a country town in Western Australia, enhanced by its largely intact early twentieth century interior detailing, in particular the bakery and baker’s oven.
The Jones’s Buildings is a landmark building on its corner site and has an impressive presence in the town. It was constructed in 1911, during a period of rapid growth and development as towns along the Great Southern railway line flourished during the agricultural expansion of 1900 to 1914.
The building is associated with storekeeper Robert Henry (Harry) Jones, who had the place constructed and occupied one of the shop premises, and with Richardson & Co, a prominent merchant business in the Central Great Southern district in the first half of the twentieth century.
The Jones’ Building today
From Shire of Broomehill-Tambellup
Built in 1911, this notable heritage listed building was main general store selling everything from flour to bullets. Mr R. Jones owned the complex which in its day included the General Store, Bakery, Butcher, and an office of the Union Bank. Mr Jones imported fine goods from Europe for his store and customers would come from a far to make purchases.
Henry Jones Building today has been lovingly renovated into a winery, café, restaurant, art and craft gallery and bed and breakfast. The Henry Jones Winery and Café is a must visit destination, a stunning heritage building that wears its history and period. Acting as a main social core of the Broomehill community, it is the perfect venue to learn about Broomehill’s past and future.
THOMAS CARTER
(Author & Ornithologist)
Having resided at Broome Hill for nearly nine years (6 April 1905 – 10 December, 1913) and also having revisited that locality and other districts in the south-west corner of Western Australia on several subsequent dates, including the year 1922, Tom Carter, one of the world’s foremost ornithologists obtained a good knowledge of the birds resident and breeding here, and also records of several stray visitants. Continue reading
Book: “Birds of Broomehill“
Written by Tom Carter, Sutton, Surrey, England, in 1923
Tom Carter – Obituary
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BROOME HILL TO ONGERUP
An interesting article from Perth’s Western Mail newspaper dated 10 November, 1914. It reports on the state of agriculture between Broome Hill and Ongerup during that time.
Read the story HERE
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MEMORIES OF BROOMEHILL
Do you have memories of Broomehill?
Perhaps some old photos hidden away in a box in the cupboard?
I would love to hear from you if you do! You can contact me, or send photos and information, at admin@lostkatanning.au
or use the form below. Start digging and help us preserve our local heritage, our local history, for future generations…
Visit the
BROOMEHILL MEMORIES Facebook Page HERE
Submit your information and photos below:
Broomehill.