Pages

Leonora, WA: In The Eastern Goldfields

Leonora, which lies 230km north of Kalgoorlie in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, is in the traditional lands of the Wongatha people. 

The area was named in 1869, by explorer and Government surveyor John (later Sir) Forrest. 

The Wongatha People

The Wongatha people are comprised of the eight Aboriginal Australian peoples of the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia.

According to Jared Diamond's book “Guns, Germs and Steel - The Fates of Human Societies”, 40,000 years ago, Native Australian societies enjoyed a big start over societies of Europe and other continents. 

Native Australians developed some of the earliest stone tools with ground edges, the earliest hafted stone tools (stone ax with handles), and by far the earliest watercraft, in the world. Some of the oldest known painting on rock surfaces comes from Australia. Anatomically modern humans may have settled Australia before they settled western Europe.

Until about 13, 000 years ago, most people across the world were living more or less as hunter-gatherer societies, in small mobile groups.

Hunting and gathering of food sources usually demands very large areas of land; it has been estimated that people who depend on such methods generally require 18 to 1,300 square km (7 to 500 square miles) of land per capita, depending on the environmental conditions.
Aboriginal men Men hunted larger mammals and birds such as kangaroo, wallaby and emu
Fire-stick farming was another strategy for food production and land management, usually during the cold-time. 

Aboriginal women mostly collected the seeds for eating, and young girls would learn how to collect and process the seeds and about the spiritual importance of the foods. Other important information learned were the reading of animal tracks and the use of digging sticks.

Different Aboriginal groups and languages use a variety of words to express the idea of the Dreamtime, which is the foundational concept for the Aboriginal religious belief system. The Dreamtime, believed to exist in the distant past, was a time of extraordinary happenings and creation, when mythical beings created the natural world and made the rules for ritual practices and behaviour. These ideas and beliefs were passed down the generations through oral tradition.

Wongatha, a Western Desert language is still spoken today and native speakers are generally able to understand the various closely related dialects.

1616

In October 1616, Dirk Hartog in the Eendracht, a Dutch East India Company ship, became the first European to set foot on the western shores of Australia.
Australia's oldest European maritime relic is a Dutch pewter dish that was nailed to a timber post 400 years ago on remote Dirk Hartog Island in Shark Bay.
TERRA DEL ZUR. An early Dutch mop of Australia dating from between 1629 (the year of the wreck of Pelsort's Batavia) and 1636, probably drown by Blaeu who studied navigation and geography under Galileo in Florence. Australia is given the half Portuguese and half Spanish name of Terra del Zur-the Land of the South. The map was published not many years after Dirck Hartog's voyage in the Éendraght.Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954)

1829

Perth was founded by Captain James Stirling as the capital of the Swan River Colony in 1829.
Captain (later Sir) James Stirling was the first Governor of the Colony of Western Australia, from 30 December 1828 until 2 January 1839
As Australian Aboriginal people were isolated from the rest of humanity for at least 50,000 years and lived in dispersed groups, infectious diseases were probably not very problematic. 

However, Europeans, who had developed agriculture and domesticated animals, had been exposed to various zoonotic diseases and developed immunity to them over thousands of years. These diseases travelled with them had terrible impacts on Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal people mostly believed that these diseases developed from sorcery and other supernatural causes.

1850s

From 1850, convicts began to arrive in Western Australia and began to build roads, other buildings and infrastructure.

1860s

In 1869, John Forrest an Australian explorer camped near Leonora-Gwalia during a search for the lost German explorer and scientist Ludwig Leichhardt, who had disappeared twenty years earlier. Forrest called the area "unpromising" country. It can still be a challenging and harsh environment.

Forrest, however, named the nearby 420-metre high hill, Mount Leonora, after his six-year-old niece Frances (Fanny) Leonora Hardey.

John Forrest later became the first Premier of Western Australia and a cabinet minister in Australia's first federal parliament.

1890s

In June 1893, Edward "Doodah" Sullivan and Ted Bowden found gold near Doyle’s Well. Sullivan and his partner Harry Widdick pegged the first gold lease in the Mt Leonora area and named it the "Johannesburg Lease".

In 1894, a gold rush occurred when Patrick (Paddy) Lawler, along with partners W. Gibson, Moses, Nevin and Donnelly, found alluvial gold 125km north-west of Leonora.

Later in 1895, a tent store opened in Leonora, and a shanty town of corrugated iron, bush timber shacks, lined with hessian, was developing. Many miners, however, chose to live on the mining leases at nearby Gwalia.

Edward "Doo-dah" Sullivan died in 1896 aged 36 years. He was a prospector and barrow-man, who  first found gold near Leonora in March 1896.

1896, a Cobb & Co. mail service was operating to and from Coolgardie owned by James Nicholas, (Gina Rinehart's maternal grandfather) and Sidney Kidman from Leonora.

Leonora Hotel, built of hessian and timber opened in 1896.
Leonora Township, WA, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Friday 28 October 1898
Leonora Progress Committee, Menzies Miner (WA : 1896 - 1901), Saturday 15 July 1899

Mining Boom

The Leonora-Gwalia area soon became the largest mining centre in the north-eastern Goldfields, with shops and hotels opening to serve the growing population. In 1898, the town was gazetted, and became a municipality two years later.

Leonora public battery, WA, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Friday 5 May 1899
1899,  the "Mount Leonora Miner" newspaper was first produced.

The police station and the sergeant's house were built in 1899.

A private school opened in Mount Leonora, 1899.

1900s

LOCAL TEAM PLAYING "THE RATS" MT. LEONORA, WA, Coolgardie Pioneer (WA : 1895 - 1901), Saturday 1 December 1900
COBB & CO.'S COACH LEAVING MT. LEONORA, WA, Coolgardie Pioneer (WA : 1895 - 1901), Saturday 1 December 1900
Coolgardie Pioneer (WA : 1895 - 1901), Saturday 1 December 1900

Future President

In 1901, Herbert Hoover, future president of the USA, became a partner in Bewick Moreing & Co, that owned the controlling interest in the Sons of Gwalia Mine.
Herbert Hoover, aged 23; taken in Perth, Western Australia, in 1898. Future Presiden. tIn 1901, Herbert Hoover, future president of the USA, became a partner in Bewick Moreing & Co, that owned the controlling interest in the Sons of Gwalia Mine.
Natives of West Australian goldfields - very early 1900s
Natives of West Australian goldfields - very early 1900s. This is a postcard with a French stamp. PD.
MR \V. P. VALKENBURG'S GENERAL STORE. LEONORA, WA, Wednesday 25 December 1901

Police Trackers

Aboriginal people often served as police trackers, drovers and animal herders, in the region.
Mounted Aboriginal police tracker, near Leonora, circa 1901, State Library WA
Aboriginal group at Leonora,WA, circa 1901, State Library of WA
Group of WA Aboriginals and black tracker, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 29 October 1901
MR. W. A LOWES'S HOTEL CENTRAL, LEONORA. Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Wednesday 25 December 1901
Tower Street, Leonora, W. A. - early 1900s
Tower Street, Leonora, W. A. - early 1900s

Rail Connection

On the 20th June 1902, a rail connection to Kalgoorlie began operating. The steam-tram line to Gwalia opened on 6th October 1903.

In 1902, Leonora-Gwalia had a population of more than 1500 (most living at Gwalia).

The first water scheme in the Leonora area was completed in 1902. Water was pumped by a large windmill to a reservoir on top of Tank ("Smoodgers") Hill and then reticulated around the town.
Leonora Hospital, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 9 December 1902
Tower Street Leonora looking south, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Thursday 25 December 1902
Opening of theLeonora-Gwalia tramway, which took place on October 6, 1903, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Saturday 24 October 1903
 Leonora, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 15 December 1903
On 6 October 1903 the Leonora to Gwalia tramline was officially opened. Kalgoorlie Western Argus; 27 October 1903

The Town Develops

By 1903-04, Leonora had an "efficient" private school called Miss Irene Wigg's School, though in the following year, only the Dominican convent school was operating

Two Dominican nuns ran the primary and secondary school in the church and also provided “finishing classes” for young ladies and taught them the finer points of music, painting, needlework, singing and art.
DISTRIBUTION OF BL.ANKETS TO NATIVES, L.AKE DARLOT. Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 1 August 1905
Post office, Leonora, WA, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Saturday 1 July 1905
 POLICE STATION AND COURTHOUSE, LEONORA, WA, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Saturday 1 July 1905
MAIN REEF GOLD NfINE. LEONORA, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 20 June 1905
GROUP OF EMPLOYEES, LEONORAMAIN REEF_ GOLD MINE. LEONORA, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 20 June 1905
Hospital and staff, Leonora, WA,  Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 11 December 1906
Tower Street, Leonora, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 20 November 1906
Leonora Fire Brigade, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 11 December 1906
Tennis Club, Leonora, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 7 February 1905
 Leonora Football Team, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 11 December 1906
The Sons of Gwalia School was relocated to Leonora in June 1906.

Andresen's General Store in Tower Street, Leonora, was originally a general store with a liquor licence. It was later a barber's and tobacconists with a billiard saloon at the rear, and later still, a meeting hall.

In 1908 the Leonora-Gwalia electric tram was installed and the power plant provided sufficient energy for electric lighting in the streets and to private customers.
Opening of the Leonora electric tramway system, WA, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Saturday 7 November 1908
Mt. Leonora Miner (WA : 1899 - 1910), Saturday 12 September 1908
ENGINES. STATION CREEK WATER SCHEME, LEONORA. Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 3 November 1908
 Gas producers, Leonora Electric Tram and Lighting, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 3 November 1908
"WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN?" Photograph of Pipe Major Donald MacCormack standing beside a man with dwarfism, and a mule and cart outside Malcolm Downie's Gents Outfitter store in Leonora, Western Australia. Another Kiltie holds the reins on the wagon, and several men and boys stand by looking on. One of a series of photographs from an album of the Kilties' world tour. Community Archives , 1909
STATION CREEK RESERVOIR, LEONORA. Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 9 February 1909
Page 13, image 4
Photograph of members of the Kilties, a man with dwarfism, and a mule and cart outside Malcolm Downie's Gents Outfitter store in Leonora, Western Australia. Community Archives (July 29, 1909) 
Page 14, image 2
Photograph of a camel team in Leonora, Western Australia, with members of the Kilties. Community Archives (July 29, 1909)
 Camel team. Leonora, WA, Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Tuesday 4 January 1910
 At home on the goldfields at Leonora, WAWestern Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Saturday 28 January 1911
LEONORA FIRE BRIGADE CRICKET CLUB, PREMIERS 1913-14, AND WINNERS OF THE JOHNSON CUP. Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Friday 1 May 1914
Leonora Municipal Tram in Leonora, W.A. - circa 1910. Leonora had a single track passenger tramway linking the town and nearby Gwalia, from 1901 to 1921. Initially steam driven, the service was electric from November 1908, and petrol powered from 1915. Aussie Mobs

WWI

PTE. J. A. O'DONOHUE, Wounded. Well known in Leonora, also Boulder City, where he worked
for Lane Bros. GALLANT HEROES OF THE DARDANELLS, Sun (Kalgoorlie, WA : 1898 - 1929), Sunday 6 June 1915
In 1916, M. Moran stated in evidence during a court case that he was a cordial manufacturer residing at Leonora.

1920s

Shop guttered by fire, Leonora, WA,  Sun (Kalgoorlie, WA : 1898 - 1929), Sunday 5 August 1923
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), Sunday 17 May 1925



"A. at Leonora", Western Australia, 19 September 1929
"A. at Leonora", Western Australia, 19 September 1929, Donna Barber
Leonora, Western Australia, 19 September 1929
Leonora, Western Australia, 19 September 1929, Donna Barber

1930s

Snowy and Linda Barnes marry in Leonora, 23 October 1933, State Library WA
Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), Sunday 17 May 1936
NOW AT LEONORA. Constable Jones, of Leonora, better known to fight fans as "Boyo" Burns, who holds the State Light-Heavyweight Championship title.North Midland Times (Moora, WA : 1933 - 1954), Friday 24 July 1936
Popular Leonora identity, mr Peter Hill with his racehorse, Merrie Youth, Preston Mail and District Advocate (Collie, WA : 1932 - 1953), Saturday 6 March 1937
The first baker, Scotty Clarke, the first store-keeper, Ted Shannon, Jack Andresen, storekeeper, and Smith, Clarke's partner (Clarke and Smith). In the front row are Mrs. Phlavin' (In the sun bonnet) the first woman in Leonora, and Mrs. Shannon, first ladies' outfitter. OLD LEONORA, Bridgetown. Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Thursday 2 December 1937
 Donkey Team at Leonora, WA. Illustrated above is a team of 38 donkeys being driven by Mr. Johnstone on the road between Doyle's Well and Leonora. The capacity of the tank is 25,000 gallons and weighs seven tons.Preston Mail and District Advocate (Collie, WA : 1932 - 1953), Saturday 28 November 1936
The utmost in.comfort and reliability are incorporated in this new Dodge ambulance, recently supplied to the Leonora Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association. Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), Sunday 4 April 1937

1940s and WWII

Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 - 1954), Sunday 29 June 1941
W45284 Cpl I. A. Mills, Leonora. Women in Uniform
 TX3133 Dvr. E. H. Cowan. Leonora. Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), Thursday 3 July 1941
 AUSTRALIAN native James Brennan, who is a Tobruk Rat and former P.O.W. member of the 2/28th Battalion, was captured at Ruin Ridge, marries Myrtle, Goodilyer in St. George's Cathedral, Perth. Couple will make their home in Leonora where he will engage in mining. Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1955), Thursday 8 November 1945
LEONORA PREMlERS-1947. Leonora News (WA : 1944 - 1950), Friday 10 October 1947. See here

1950s

 When a trolley broke away from a skip yesterday morninq and hurtled more than 650f1, down
the main underlay shalt of the Sons of Gwalla goldmine, WA, three men were killed and onetinjured. This picture, taken from the top of the mine, shows the skip (used to carry ore) readyto descend.West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Saturday 2 June 1951
Corroboree Painting Mr J. M. Green, a native from Leonora, describes to girls of St. Hilda's College a painting by Elizabeth Durack, symbolic of a native corroboree now being held at Laverton. It is one of an exhibition of Miss Durack's paintings which are being displayed In Newspaper House. West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Friday 3 July 1953

1960s

Things Change

The Sons of Gwalia mine operated for 67 years until it closed in 1963; it was the largest mine outside the Golden Mile. Open cut and underground mining operations still occur near Leonora and the town is also an administrative centre for surrounding pastoral industries. 

However, just 5 kilometres north of Leonora, are the remains of Leonora Gold Blocks Mine, one of the first leases in the area. It has been permanently closed since 1927.
Adelaide Johnston (Yurabru), circa 1960. State Library of WA
Tower Street, the charming main street of Leonora, has remained largely unchanged since the turn of the century. Leonora is also, a short distance from the fascinating ghost town of Gwalia, where you can wander around abandoned miners' cottages and marvel at the imposing building of the first hotel, built and run by a state government in Australia.

Around Leonora


View of the former National Bank of Australasia building, Tower Street, Leonora, Western Australia
View of the Post Office, Tower Street, Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
View of the Shire of Leonora shire offices, Tower Street, Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
The Central Hotel was established in 1903, Leonora, Wa
The White House Hotel opened at Leonora WA on New Years Day in 1903
Tower Street, Leonora, WA, Bahnfrend
View of the former Andresen's General Store, Tower Street, Leonora, Western Australia,  Bahnfrend
View of Tower Street, the part of Goldfields Highway that is also the main street of Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
View of Tower Street, the part of Goldfields Highway that is also the main street of Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
View of Tower Street, the part of Goldfields Highway that is also the main street of Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
View of Tower Street, the part of Goldfields Highway that is also the main street of Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
View of the former Barnes Federal Theatre, Tower Street, Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
View of a row of shops in Tower Street, Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
View of the former Mount Leonora Miner building, Tower Street, Leonora, Western Australia, Bahnfrend
Leonora State Battery, WA, first established in 1898. Two 5-stamp presses, one wood framed andone of metal


Things To Do and Places To Go

Leonora heritage Trail

Leonora Loop Trails

Patroni's Guest House

Gwalia Ghost Town & Museum