Wickepin

The town of Wickepin is 38 kilometres east of Narrogin and around 213 kilometres south east of Perth. It is an important Great Southern agricultural centre. Wickepin owes its existence to the eastern extension of the Narrogin railway line. Initially, the town's proposed name was Yarling as it was to be close to Yarling Well. However, when the time came to proclaim the district in 1891, the name Wickepin was preferred and thus adopted

Wickepin - Welcome Sign

On the road into town from the north, next to the pipeline, is this welcome sign. Facey Country. This is named after early settler Albert Facey. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN001

Wickepin - Facey Homestead

Albert Facey's homestead. This was built on his farm at Norman's Lake but the Facey family were forced out in 1934 due to the depression (see also Mindarie locality and Lime Kilns re Mr Facey). The Read family lived in this until 1967. In 1999 owners, the White family, donated the building to the Shire of Wickepin and it was relocated into the centre of town in 2000. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN002

Wickepin - Heritage Trail Bridge

Part of the Heritage Walkway which runs a loop from near the rail lines. Over the bridge you can see the old Road Board Office and Hall building. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN003

Wickepin - Old Road Board and Hall

Here is the old Road Board Office and Hall building. This was built in 1909 and is believed to be the first brick building to be erected in Wickepin. When the Road Board moved out it was then used as a Masonic Lodge. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN004

Wickepin - New Road Board and Hall

This is the new Road Board and Hall which was built in 1919. The front section is an extension added in 1939 and further extensions were added to the sides in 1963. The hall is on Johnson Street, one street back from the main street. Popular uses were dances, weddings, pictures, balls and sporting functions. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN005

Wickepin - Wogolin Road

A view down Wickepin's main street, Wogolin Road. Some old and wide verandahs provide a bit of shade in the summer months. In the foreground is the Community Centre. Beyond that the newsagency and further along you can glimpse the hotel. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN006

Wickepin - Hotel

The Wickepin Hotel was constructed circa 1910. This is quite a big building but it seems the hotel only occupies the end closest in picture now. I looked inside and they had a huge roaring fire going. Other sections of the hotel building are used by various businesses. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN007

Wickepin - Rural Supplies

No Australian country town would be complete without a rural supplier and here is Ewen Rural Supplies which sell just about everything. The Ampol petrol pump doesn't look very functional or maybe it's just closed and locked up today. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN008

Wickepin - Newsagency

Closing time for the newsagency this Saturday afternoon. A bitterly cold wind blows down the street. The proprietor is out at the front, cleaning up. This business also includes the local milk bar. It's on Wogolin Road. This building was erected in 1912 as a group of four shops. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN009

Wickepin - Community Centre

The Community Resource Centre building on Wogolin Road which hosts four self-contained shops, one of which is an ANZ Bank agency. The building was erected in 1912 and is of the same period and similar design to the newsagency group. Both buildings could have easily been constructed at the same time by the same team. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN010

Wickepin - Post Office

Post Office Wickepin 6370. This is at 26 Wogolin Road and was built in 1912. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN011

Wickepin - Uniting Church

A rather curious design which perhaps has not stood the test of time well. The Wickepin Uniting Church was built in 1962 and the Foundation Stone was laid by L. J. Hosken on 21st July of that year. This is on Henry Street and was formerly a Methodist Church. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN012

Wickepin - Uniting Church Hall

Adjacent to the Uniting Church is this small iron building which is probably used by the church. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN013

Wickepin - Primary School

The Wickepin primary school was established in 1911. Unmistakable school architecture which has endured for decades. The school is as neat as a pin, very well maintained, and the grounds are meticulously tended. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN014

Wickepin - Houses

A couple of typical Wickepin houses sit on the corner of a couple of back-streets. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN015

Wickepin - Railway Station

The Wickepin station opened in 1909 for passengers, bringing in supplies and shipping out local produce. Passenger services ceased in 1960. The last station master left in 1981. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN016

Wickepin - Rail Yard

Looking along the rail tracks through the rail yard. The station building is visible up in the distance. The lines are still used seasonally for grain haulage but not for anything else as far as I know. June 2013. Photos Ref: WKPN017

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