Interim heritage listing for Mahogany Inn

13/6/03
One of the few remaining wayside inns on the old Perth to York Road, the Mahogany Inn, has been interim listed in the State Government's State Register of Heritage Places.
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said the listing recognised the social and architectural qualities associated with the site.
"Mahogany Inn is an excellent example of a wayside inn and a simple Victorian Georgian building," Dr Edwards said.
"The place was important in the development of York and the agricultural region of Avon Valley in the first half of the 19th century as a resting point for travellers who relied upon it for the provision of food and accommodation.
"The place is associated with Stephen Parker, who owned it from 1864 to around 1900.
"Parker established the prominent law firm Parker and Parker in Perth in 1868 and was an important political figure in State Parliament. He was knighted for his services to the State.
"It was also owned by the Byfield family, who were one of the district's earliest European settlers and the Craven family, who became well known during the First World War for the parties they held for soldiers.
"Mahogany Inn is located on the site of the Mahogany Creek military station. The station was established in the early days of the colony to accommodate soldiers who were posted to protect white settlers from Aboriginal attack.
"As such it is an important reminder that the settlement of Western Australia was not a peaceful one and that the original inhabitants were willing to fight for their lands."
Dr Edwards said wayside inns were common along the main routes of the Swan River colony during its first 50 years of settlement, but were later replaced by hotels or became less important with the construction of railway lines.
"In the 1940s the inn became a popular holiday destination for the people of Perth," she said.
"Mahogany Inn represents a phase in the State's history when the hills region of Perth was considered to be a healthy holiday destination for people living in the metropolitan area and many would take the train to the hills to stay overnight at the inn.
"It is still in use today."
Minister's Office - 9220 5050