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MOIR George

“MONGUP" PEAR TREE

By Alma D. Moir

In 1858, Thomas Barrett sold Mongup to George Moir, who spent his lifetime there.
He developed the property to some degree, his interest being sheep, mainly. Some cropping was done.
The wheat produced was used several ways. There was a mill powered by horses and some of the meal and flour produced was used by George's family, the remainder sold.
Seed wheat was stored for the following season and some sold.
Old records show that in 1861 George Moir sold a waggon load of seed wheat to his cousin, William Graham.
Just how long Thomas Barrett was at Mongup before George Moir purchased the farm is not known.
Either of the two men planted fruit trees apple, pear, nectarine and peach.

IRENE BAIL (nee NICHOLAS)  Late 1940S
IN FRONT OF THE OLD PEAR TREE            #1
 


 

   "MONGUP HOMETEAD" 2016        #2
In 1936, Mr. K. Nicholas bought Mongup from the estate of E. B. Moir. Growing on the property were two pear trees, one a very big tree, and two nectarine trees.
One of these nectarine trees died. The other tree appeared to die also, but the following year grew again from the stump, eventually bearing large yellow-fleshed fruit.
"Mongup" was renowned for its peaches which, in the early days were large, white-fleshed.
The pear tree, like Topsy, continued to grow. Seventy-one years ago it was a big, heavy bearing tree.
Mr. Nicholas had the tree identified. the variety being Vicker of Wakefield'. Over the years the only set-back the tree has had has been storm damage. The old tree has continued to grow and bear fruit year after year.
Now as branches die, Mr. Nicholas prunes them back.
A few day's ago pears were picked, one weighing three and half pounds! The average weight of the fruit is two pounds.
The pear tree seems to have been popular with our early pioneers. There was a very big tree at "Forrest Hill", the property of Andrew Muir: since sold and now known as Pardellup Prison Farm. At
"Merryup" the old Sounness property at Mt. Barker, there were some old pear trees.
In all cases the fruit is harvested in Autumn.
One day the old "Mongup" pear tree will die and then perhaps the C.S.I.R.O. may take samples of the wood and the approximate age of the tree will be known.

  SKETCH OF "MONGUP" BY PETER ROHAN         #3
 

Peter Rohan: “There are many fruit trees left on the property including a pear tree, "Vicar of Wakefield" variety, which has borne fruit to the weight of 3 lbs. each.
Nearby is a permanent fresh water spring which was used by Aboriginies long before white men came.
After 1916 the son Edmund Berch Moir took over.”

Note: The pear tree variety is actually Vicar of Winkfield, not to be confused with the 18th century novel The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith.

 
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

 

References:                 Article:       Alma D. Moir

                                  Image:     1      Zoe Bail
                                                  2      Adam Covell
                                                  3     Peter Rohan (c1979)
                                                   

 

Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2024