Main Street Historic Walk – Site 39

From 1925 this was the residence of Dr William Rigby, the district's first doctor. Then in 1933/4 it became the residence of Dr Mandelstamm until leased to Dr E.B. Tunbridge until 1948.

In 1949 it was owned by Dr John Barrett till 1965. From 1969 to 1971 the residence was leased by Allan Hillier. Then Laurie and Irene Craven purchased the land and lived in the house for some time until they decided to build a shopping complex on the front of the land in 1985. This includes the Margaret River Fudge Factory and Rugs of the Forest. The Rugs of the Forest has ceased and in it's place is The Margaret River Pancho Bar. The doctor's house was renovated into a restaurant called Prideaus was built including accommodation units.


If you would like to learn more about the local history of Margaret River, visit The Old Settlement Museum down the river.

The Bramley school, the group settlement building, the blacksmith workshop and the other buildings offer an insight into the history of early life in the district and the families that once lived and worked the land.The Old Settlement

For opening hours and more information about The Old Settlement and the Margaret River Historical Society visit mrdhs.com.au



References

Reference map of Margaret River with site numbers

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