The Old Police Station was built by convict labour in 1868, and consolidates much of Mount Barker’s heritage in one convenient location.
Surrounded by magnificent lawns and gardens, the Plantagenet Historical Society opened the Cottage as a museum in 1968, furnishing it with artifacts donated by residents of the Shire. In 1971 the Pioneer Room was built to display more artefacts and in 1985 and 1987 the cottage and stables were restored.
At the Museum there are sheds full of old machinery with restored wagons also on display. A house built in the 1870’s from hand-split wooden slabs has been erected nearby.
A complete apple packing shed has been assembled in honour of the industry while a Whitchapel buggy sits resplendent in the stable. His and hers wooden ‘thunderboxes’ are adorned with creepers and beautiful blue wrens hop from blooming flowers.
Occupied until 1908, before a new police station was built next door, the Court House office was added in 1919. The stables had a portion divided off for the lock-up in the 1880’s. The Napier Creek one-teacher school was moved to the museum in 1994 and also has its history displayed on the walls.
Police duties included having a change of horses ready for the mail coach which operated from Albany to Perth. They also patrolled as far as Esperance on horseback and other duties included census, weather reporting and mail deliveries.
In 1997 the second Police Station and Court Room were acquired.
The museum is run by volunteers and for a small fee you can have a good look around, so if you have the time, it is well worth a look!!
~Log removal tool and pencil required~
Collect the numbers and complete http://coord.info/GC4CYJ5