FORMER HOUSE SITE, WYNDHOLM PARK, MINERS REST
171 GILLIES ROAD, MINERS REST
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Statement of Significance
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FORMER HOUSE SITE, WYNDHOLM PARK, MINERS REST - History
The place formed part of Thomas Waldie's Preemptive Right and the land and its surrounds have been put to pastoral/agricultural use since at least the 1850s. Tenant farmers were present on this estate, and possibly resident on this lot, from the mid 1850s until Waldie's death in 1885, when individual lots were sold off. It is considered that the earliest possible date for the potential archaeological remains relates to tenant farming in the 1850s, whereas the latest likely date for construction of a residence on this lot is on or around 1886. It is considered most likely this homestead was built by/for David and Jessie Ferguson around 1886, and occupied by David and Jessie until David's death, and afterwards by Jessie Ferguson, sometimes with a partner, until 1929, when she moved away and leased it out aged 86. Jessie Ferguson (nee Fisher) had an extensive history at Wyndholm, likely occupying other lots as tenant farmers for some years (with a former husband and other family members) prior to purchasing the lot in question c. 1886. Aerial photography confirmed the homestead and outbuildings were extant c. 1934 but had been demolished by c. 1961. Please see attached supporting documentation for a detailed place history.FORMER HOUSE SITE, WYNDHOLM PARK, MINERS REST - Interpretation of Site
On a balance of probabilities, the potential archaeological remains relate to a farming complex including a residence and outbuildings, that was likely present on the property and occupied from the mid-late nineteenth century to the mid twentieth century or so. It is most likely that the remains relate to occupation of the site from the 1880s onwards, although there is the possibility that there was a residence at this location from as early as the mid 1800s. Archaeological field investigation would be required to determine the likely age of the property and/or phases of occupation. Depending on when the farm complex was constructed, its history could relate to a number of tenant farmers who lived on Wyndholm Estate when it fell under the ownership of Thomas Waldie. More likely, the house and outbuildings were constructed in the 1880s, possibly by Morrison or if not shortly after by David and Jessie Ferguson, farmers. David Ferguson resided at the property until his death in 1897, while Jessie remained until moving away in 1929 and leasing it out, at the age of 86. Please see attached supporting documentation for a detailed analysis of the site as thus far known.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER HOUSE SITE, WYNDHOLM PARK, MINERS REST - Heritage Inventory Description
The site consists of the archaeological remains of a former homestead, yards and entrance / driveway located on a property currently used for grazing, that was formerly the Wyndholm Preemptive Right. Visible remains were identified during fieldwork undertaken as part of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan. The property sits within Thomas Waldie's Pastoral Run, 'Wyndholm' which was taken up sometime in the late 1830s / early 1840s. While the former homestead structure itself has been demolished, it is possible that subsurface historical archaeological features and deposits relating to the former homestead are present in a subsurface context. Currently, evidence of the former homestead is present in areas where ploughing has been avoided, in an area of raised ground considered by archaeologists in the field to likely be the product of demolition of structure/s that were once present at this location, and the remains of a volcanic boulder-lined former track/driveway. No detailed survey or subsurface testing has been undertaken at the site location. See attached supporting documentation for further description and photos.
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FINCHAM AND HOBDAY PIPE ORGANVictorian Heritage Register H2450
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STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES, GEELONGVictorian Heritage Register H2451
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NORTH MELBOURNE POTTERYVictorian Heritage Inventory
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