FORMER MOUNT COTTRELL MARKET GARDEN SITE
1670-1880 MOUNT COTTRELL ROAD MOUNT COTTRELL, MELTON SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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FORMER MOUNT COTTRELL MARKET GARDEN SITE - History
The first European to own this parcel of land was George Sherwin. In 1848 or 1849 James Pinkerton purchased the land and used it predominantly for sheep farming. Pinkerton sold to William Clark (Big Clark), who was also a sheep farmer, in c.1862. Local oral history suggests that during the 1830s Italian market gardeners used the site. The area is also part o fthe home paddock from the Pinkerton owned property. It is now on land owned by Western Water.
FORMER MOUNT COTTRELL MARKET GARDEN SITE - Historical Significance
The site represents the activities of early pastoral and agricultural peoples in Victoria. It reflects aspects of subsistence practices and domestic and commercial activities during a period of sustained economic hardship for a minority ethinic group (the Italians - if it can be proved the Italians worked the site). For this reason, as an early example of Italian activity, the site holds medium historical significance.
FORMER MOUNT COTTRELL MARKET GARDEN SITE - Interpretation of Site
This rich alluvial flood plain has probably supported a variety of crops since the mid 1800s. It is likely that Pinkerton ploughed and sowed crops here. However, the only visible remains relate to the 1920s and later and appear to be associated with medium to large scale market gardening and irrigation infrasturcture.
FORMER MOUNT COTTRELL MARKET GARDEN SITE - Archaeological Significance
The site is of medium significance as a 1920s market garden and subsistence farming venture conducted by European people (in this case Italians). The site also holds some significance as it represents a fairly large scale venture that was initiated and operated during the 1920-1930 depression. In addition , the area holds potential to reveal information concerning Pinkerton's earlier occupation of land, c. 1850 - 1860s.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER MOUNT COTTRELL MARKET GARDEN SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
Updated description: Located on a river terrace flood plain, this is a market garden site with existing peppercorn and fig trees, box thorn and other remnant vegetation. Against the escarpment there is a corrugated iron shed with a cement floor. Directly to the west there are associated small scale structures. European occupation debris is evidence throughout. No artefacts appear to predate 1920.
[Reassessed for the Outer Western Metro Site Reassessment Project - Melton & Wyndham, March 2010]
Previous description: Extensive area of remnant fencing, exotic trees (fig, peppercorn, stone fruits, grape vines, boxthorn, etc.) and European occupation debris (nails, corrugated iron, concrete trough, ceramics, etc.). Also tracks up the escarpment formed with dry-stone retaining walls. These are believed to be associated with James Pinkerton's 1870s Yalloak homestead (see SP14)
Heritage Inventory Significance: Associated with the "Yalloak" run of James Pinkerton - pioneer of 1848. May relate to farm buildings of that period. Also occupied for market garden during 1940s.
Informants: Mrs Noel Feathers - descendent, Recorded by: Gary Vines Date Recorded: 02SEP1991
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FORMER MOUNT COTTRELL MARKET GARDEN SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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FORMER YALOCK HOMESTEADVictorian Heritage Inventory
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Werribee RiverNational Trust
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