A house was built in 1927/8 for T. Birch, a railway fettler, who later rented the site to school headmaster Stan Holten 1928/9. In 1930/1 it was rented to butter factory factory manager Howard Coate and then in 1933/4 W.Rigg a railway fireman.
The site was bought by Chas West in 1941/2 and converted into a restaurant and tearooms managed by Mrs Smith, later Mrs Millar and Lucy Watts and then Daisy Cullum. In 1960 it became a residence for Reg Pierce and Barbara Taylor and Jack Newell, a truck driver from the Adelaide Timber Company. The building was demolished in 1969 and it now forms part of the Settlers Tavern.
If you would like to learn more about the local history of Margaret River, visit The Old Settlement Museum down the river.
The old school, the group settlement house, the blacksmith workshop, and many other buildings with household items, tools and machinery offer an insight into the history of early life in the district and the families that once lived and worked the land.
For opening hours and information, visit mrdhs.com.au
References
Margaret River Town 1894-1984 by Mavis Wise
Margaret River Stories by Guy Jennings, ISBN 9780646575346
A History of the Catholic Community of Margaret River District by Merilyn Hutton
Margaret River & District Historical Society photo collection
John Alferink from my recollections of the town after being in the area for over 68 years, John Alferink 2021