BROAD AXE
c. 1860A long slim blade with a modern curved wooden handle attached.
This broad axe was used by the Buckingham family to cut timber. The curved handle allowed the user to evenly cut along the side of logs. The timber would have been used to build their homes, barns and fences.
''In 1861 commenced building at Roleystone as there was only a small stone hut on the place, built walls with pug and bat bricks, split and trim up all the timber for the rafters, battens,plates and frames.'' From Memories of Thomas Buckingham Junior, 1910, aged 71.
The Buckingham family arrived in Western Australia in 1850 aboard the Sophia. The family first leased land as Gingin before moving to Canning Location 32 (Roleystone) in 1856 and moving there permanently in 1860. The family started out farming but also engaged in cutting timber to supplement their income. In the 1870s members of the family established clay pits and brick kilns and helped to build important local buildings including St Mary's in the Valley Church. Over the generations the family has been involved in the development of Kelmscott by working as teachers, builders, brick makers and serving on the local council.
Details
Details
This object is part of a collection of items associated with a person or family, in this case the Buckingham familywho have played a significant role in the economic, community or social development of the City of Armadale.
