Poplars
2000 Hamilton Highway MURGHEBOLUC, GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE
Statement of Significance
What is Significant?
The Poplars farmhouse situated on Allotment G, Section 3, Parish of Murgheboluc, stands on land settled by Edward Harvey in the 1850s, originally comprising 160 acres on the Murgheboluc flats. Edward and his wife Rose (nee English) had four sons: James, Edward, Richard and Frederick. Each pursued an interest in agriculture, both locally and within the broader district. James Harvey (1848-1913) took over the family farm after the death of Edward (senior) in 1868. James was a Shire of Bannockburn Councillor for 46 years, and President on 12 occasions. He died in 1913 and according to his Will and Probate papers, had accumulated more than 1460 acres. He bequeathed the Poplars farmhouse to his unmarried daughters, Rachel Alice and Rose Isabel, who resided at the property until the mid twentieth century. James' sons, William and Richard, farmed Poplars in partnership following their fathers death and further increased the family's holdings within the Murgheboluc district. Williams son, James Elliot Harvey, bread Merino sheep and established a Merino stud in 1954. James Elliot also served in local government and was a Councillor for 28 years and President of Bannockburn Shire. James constructed a late twentieth century farmhouse on the Poplar property, now occupied by his son. Graeme Harvey continues to farm Poplars, operating a successful Merino stud and maintaining a tangible connection to the land first selected by Edward Harvey over 150 years ago. The original Poplars farmhouse is single-storey and now asymmetrical in plan following a late nineteenth century addition at the eastern end. The house is surrounded by extensive plantings of Schinus molle (Peppercorn Trees), including a distinctive grove at the south-west corner of the house. The farmhouse remains in the Harvey family and is presently occupied by tenants. The farmhouse remains substantially intact and retains a good degree of integrity.
How is it Significant?
The Poplars farmhouse at 2000 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical and architectural significance to the Golden Plains Shire.
Why is it Significant?
The Poplars farmhouse, 2000 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc is of historical significance because it is representative of the modest alluvial plain farms established in the Shire from the 1850s, a pattern of freehold settlement in contrast to the broad-acre occupation of the land by squatters. It has particular significance as the home of the Harvey Family, members of which were Councillors and Presidents of the Bannockburn Shire and long-term residents of the Murgheboluc district. The farmhouse is of architectural significance as a representative example of the modest and conservative dwellings which accommodated several generations of the one family.
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