Dowerin and Districts Museum

Dowerin MuseumThe stories of number 16 Cottrell Street and its inhabitants are rich accounts of life in Wheatbelt WA during the first half of the 20th century offering a unique and compelling vision of family and business life at that time.

The building itself is a very authentic weatherboard and iron-roofed cottage, constructed in 1915 by Eugene O'Shaughnessy, the local Saddler and Harness Maker.

Eugene O’Shaughnessy completed his saddlery apprenticeship in Pingelly and came to Dowerin in 1910, taking over the local saddlery business from Mr Gangell.

At that stage it was run from a canvas covered shed but in 1912 the Dowerin Trading Company built two shops and the saddlery business moved into one. The front of that shop is now on the museum premises and the building it fronts houses displays about the saddlery and other businesses from Dowerin town.

In 1915 Eugene married Mae Yolande Holyoake in Pingelly and after a honeymoon in Busselton they moved into their newly built home in October of that year.

Here they raised 5 children: Sheilagh, Tom, Pat, Jim and Carmel, and Mrs O’Shaughnessy lived on here until her death.

There was a proposal to form a museum in town, Apex donated the money to purchase the property and local people donated a range of items to create the unique display you see today.

Bookings are by arrangement through the Dowerin Community Resource Centre on 9631 1662 or the Shire Administration Offices on 9631 1202. Or you can take a virtual tour through the Museum, room by room by clicking on the related tabs under the Museum heading.

Dowerin Museum Brochure

Admission Fees

  • $5 per adult
  • Gold Coin per child

Useful links

Kitchen
Lounge Room
Sadderly Shop
Dowerin and Minivale Bakeries
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