FORMER NOLAN HOUSE SITE
MOYSTON-GREAT WESTERN ROAD GREAT WESTERN, ARARAT RURAL CITY
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Statement of Significance
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FORMER NOLAN HOUSE SITE - History
SiteCard data copied on 21/06/2024:On 2 July 1906, Catherine Nolan became the owner of SPI 79~15/PP2020 (see parish map attached), being the original title grantee. The attached survey of the site, completed in 1905 shows that the dwelling and outbuildings as well as a fenced garden were in place by this time. As they are referred to as “Nolan’s House and Garden” it is likely that the Nolan family built the home in the 19th century. The aerial image from 1947 shows considerably more mature vegetation that is currently present at the site on the recent aerial view. The dwelling was clearly already in ruins by the 1947 aerial image. The farm has evolved since the mid-20th century and is now part of a much larger holding. There was a reference to the site possibly being an outbuilding to “Westgate” within the Heritage Victoria feedback notes, however this is considered unlikely to be related to this property due to the distance from Westgate and the lack of historical association between that homestead and the Nolan family. The farm is now considerable and highly maintained. There is evidence that vehicles have been driven to the location of the ruins, likely to show visitors or perhaps to check on the structure. These do not appear to be the original access tracks to the property.FORMER NOLAN HOUSE SITE - Interpretation of Site
On 2 July 1906, Catherine Nolan became the sole proprietor of the site. As the house, outbuildings and garden were shown on the attached land survey at the time of the original grant application, it is likely that the house was built in the 19th century. This theory is bolstered by the fact that Catherine Nolan was in her mid-70s when she applied for title and passed away 6 years later. Due to this, the dwelling may be significantly older than other homesteads or houses in the region. It is unclear if she had any children and, given the house was in ruins by the 1947 aerial imagery, it is possible that no one lived in the site after the death of Catherine Nolan. This might be for several reasons but could be due to the relatively poor method of construction and small size of the home, with very haphazard stone placement and use of mud mortar. It is this construction methodology that is more unique about this property. Given the focus over the years on preserving and investigating buildings with higher quality construction, there is a lot we might learn from this particular site and how people with less wealth and status may have lived day to day and how they constructed their homes. The survey from 1905 provides a clear site plan and shows that there has been significant loss at the site through collapse and decay. It is still possible to learn from this site and it has significant archaeological potential. Land use, including subsequent farming activities may have impacted historical archaeological deposits, if any.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER NOLAN HOUSE SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
The site is a large farming property almost entirely cleared of vegetation. There are a few man-made dams on the site, and it is clear the agricultural uses include cropping and grazing. The dwelling ruins are near the north-east boundary of the site and contain building foundations, partial walls, and outbuildings. The construction is unusual and likely local stone with mud mortar.
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