Cowaramup Community - Our History
Cowaramup originated as a result of the Group Settlement Scheme, with the first group of six men arriving to take up permanent residence in April 1922. Their job was to clear sites for the Tin Humpies (or houses) and erect them before the arrival of another fourteen settlers.
Prior to this time it was a rest spot for travellers, who would arrive on horseback or in buggies, carts or wagons to give their horses a breather and a drink.
The peak population and most intense settlement years were between 1924 to 1932. It was a traumatic experience for the Settlers, as they had all expected to occupy neat and well built cottages surrounded by established farmlands and herds of animals. Instead, 25 acres of virgin bush needed trees pulled down and, both collectively and individually, the families braved the strange situations and handled the trials and isolation with courage.
The railway was cleared and constructed during late 1922 and early 1923 and there was a huge upsurge in the sleeper cutting industry during this period.
In 1926 a newly formed Progress Associated cleared a sportsground and an Agricultural Show was held in 1927. A Group camp area was gazetted as a Town area with blocks delineated and church sites chosen and in 1930, the Association organised for the Public Hall to be built.
|
