About: Sue Carter
Posts by Sue Carter:
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Tappers Homestead, Bibra Lake, Western Australia.,
29 Jun 2012 in DayOfArch2012&Historical Archaeology
Today I am working on some of the history of the site. Research can take many forms and for this project I am utilizing historic records that are known for the area. These include registered maps, known local Aboriginal sites, notes taken from books relating to Bibra Lake and its Pioneering families as well as personal photographs from descendants.
Research for Tappers Homestead
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Rescuing Local Heritage, Western Australia.,
29 Jun 2012 in Day of Archaeology&DayOfArch2012&Historical Archaeology
The Bibra Lake area of Western Australia, formally known as Walliabup Lake, was first provided as land for pioneer settlers in 1843. The first settler to the area, in that same year, was Benedict von Bibra, a Fremantle carpenter, after whom the lake is now named. In the following years other settlers chose to make the lush area their home. Land around Bibra Lake was utilized for market gardening and later dairy cows in order to supply Fremantle and Perth with fresh produce and milk. It also attracted many pioneers for picnics and recreation, as well as having an established tea rooms.
One of the founding families were the Tappers, prominent in Fremantle and associated with the maritime industry. After one of her sons died at sea, Mary-Ann Tapper was determined that her youngest son, Daniel, would not face the same fate and saved to purchase land at Bibra Lake. Her plan succeeded and the family established themselves with land at its south. Starting out as market gardeners, Daniel eventually included dairy cows in order to supplement the families living. Eventually the site of their homestead became the center of the local community with a petrol pump, telephone exchange and post office.
