AVONDALE SCENE

Subcollections
Overview

Colour print of Avondale winery buildings in West Toodyay, originally owned by Bull and Stevens, taken from a distance across paddocks.

Historical information

In 1859, there were 30 acres of vines in the Toodyay district. On 12 January 1861, sub-Lot 9 was allotted to Thomas Goggins, an Enrolled Pensioner Guard. He and his family left for Adelaide in 1862. By 1864, W Bull in partnership with A Stevens had established Avondale on Sub Lot 9. Viticulture became a prosperous industry in the Toodyay Valley, with the most successful vignerons being Bull and Stevens.
In 1885, more land, and 40 acres of vines in 1891. In that year, they produced 5000 gallons of wine, a ton of dessert raisins and 4-5 tons of pudding raisins, although demand still exceeded supply. Stimulated by the gold rushes, they planted another 15 acres of vines in 1892 and built a 60 x 22 ft storeroom. They also grew peaches, apples, oranges and lemons. The place was the showplace of the district where distinguished visitors were escorted, and school concerts and children’s parties took place.'
In 1893, the first Vine and Fruit growers Association in the colony was formed in Toodyay. Talk of a co-operative winery was opposed by Bull & Stevens who left the Association and formed the Deepdale Farmers and Fruit growers Association. In 1899, Bull & Stevens purchased all the local grapes to make 10,000 gallons of wine and produced 3000 oranges. When a statewide association was formed in 1900, W Bull was one of the committee members.
(ref: inHerit - State Heritage Office)

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-37-2001.1281
Item type
Width
8.5000 cm
Height or length
12 cm
Inscriptions and markings

On back of photo, in blue biro: "Bull & Stephens [sic]".

Contextual Information

See also Shire of Toodyay photos 2001.1264 & 2001.1275 for similar views.

Statement of significance

Bull and Stevens, Grapes, Winery

Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Shire of Toodyay

Shire of Toodyay

Organisation Details
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