Description

This is a Free Point of Interest. No camping or overnight parking allowed. Old Monty and Edward rest in a very historically significant site in Gnowangerup, 'Eugenup.' You may pull into the site as long as you park well away from the driveway--this is a working property. The ruins nearby are from an original homestead built in the 1870s. The 'original' old Monty was Monty House Sr, brother to Dr Fredrick House, who you read about earlier on this trail. The ruins display a plaque from the 100 Year celebrations of Gnowangerup, showing that this was the site of regular worship services and several weddings in the early days of Gnowangerup. It is also the site of the very first man-built well in the district. Eventually this site had three water wells. Monty's son, Edward, took custodianship of this property following Monty. The Hon Edward House DFC.DFM.MLC was a pilot in the 450 squadron RAAF. He returned to farm Eugenup in 1945, after serving as a Fighter pilot in WWII, flying Spitfires. The red Massey Harris "Edward" is the same make and model that was purchased by Edward to replace the draft horses on the farm after returning from WWII. Edward served as a Gnowangerup Shire Councillor and then was elected to Parliament in 1965. His son, Monty Jr along with his wife Sally was the next generation to steward this property. Monty House Jr was also a member of Parliament, and the WA Minister for Agriculture. Today, Monty's son Paul and his wife Hannah are the custodians of 'Eugenup" and Old Monty represents their family history.