PYRENEES HIGHWAY BRICK CISTERN
5558 PYRENEES HWY, ARARAT VIC 3374
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Statement of Significance
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PYRENEES HIGHWAY BRICK CISTERN - History
On 5 February 1872, P. Monaghan became the owner of SPI 17~3/PP2020 (see parish map attached). The current aerial views show an increase in vegetation when compared to the historical aerial from 1947 which is almost completely cleared of mature trees. Since the original subdivision, this lot has been combined with two much larger lots, creating a significant holding that is clearly used today for farming, mainly grazing. There has been the introduction of man-made dams, and the creek appears very minor and almost dry in the current aerial images. There is reference to Patrick Monaghan being a pioneer grazier, however if this is the same person as the original owner of this parcel, it is likely he had more significant holdings at the time in Doctor’s Creek and Stawell and that this creek-side parcel was for a specific purpose. There is no evidence from aerial images between 1947 and now, that this had a dwelling associated with the parcel nor is the original title grantee survey on the historical record.
This lot sits between Timothy Shea’s property to the south-east and ‘Durham Hill’, both parcels that were purchased in 1874. There is no historical record to show that this site was owned by Mr Shea, however the site is now in the Shea family. “Durham Hill” and Timothy Shea were both important in the development of the region.PYRENEES HIGHWAY BRICK CISTERN - Interpretation of Site
The site has an intact brick cistern filled with bottles and other household containers. The layer of bottles on the top are likely from the 21st century, however there are older bottles located beneath. Due to safety concerns, the cistern was not investigated beyond observation. The cistern is likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The brick scatter may indicate an outbuilding such as a privy nearby but the historical evidence is poor and the historic aerial does not show a dwelling in place in 1947. The vegetation at the site appears to be largely suckers from non-indigenous trees, further supporting some occupation at the site. The site is currently a grazing property, and the animals have access to this area, utilising the small, newer trees as forage. The site may be connected to “Durham Hill”, the adjoining property to the north-east and it’s prominent second owner, Timothy Shea. The SPI where the site is currently located is used as farming land with some mature vegetation. Land use, including farming may have impacted historical archaeological deposits, if any.
Heritage Inventory Description
PYRENEES HIGHWAY BRICK CISTERN - Heritage Inventory Description
The site is a brick cistern filled with bottles and other household containers. Around the cistern there are scattered bricks. The area is located in the south corner of a farming property with mature vegetation isolated to the boundary and creek lines.
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