History

The land that is now Pin Oak receptions was found by Local historians to be crown allotment number 14 a block of 292 acres was owned by the Reverend H.B Macartney. This was in the 1860’s.

In the 1870’s this land was divided up into 50 acre and smaller lots. Owner of these lots were James Frawley (80 acres) William & Phoebe Marshall (house and 35 acres and leasing 20 acres from Church of England), Frederick Searle (50 acres) Thomas Smee (10 acres) Benjamin Styles (50 acres) and Andrew Reeves (20 acres)

It is believed that Fredrick Searle & Benjamin Styles property are the best candidates for the ones that later became the White Peacock now know as Pin Oak Receptions. An article in the 14th august 1991 edition of ‘the Gazette’ provided information that the house is thought to date from the 1890s and once commanded 360 degree views surrounded by open paddocks.

Records for the period 1880 – 1890 are not good and research has been carried out based on consistency of ownership, block size and value.

It is known from this research that Frederick Searle remains at his property until 1884 -85. Searle’s property was described in his last ownership year as being 40 acres in Eummermerring with a value of £20. In 1885 the rate books described, a property of 40 acres and was then sold to Law Oldfield.

In 1886 Oldfield is described as being a merchant and owner of the house with a value now of £100. This sudden increase in value suggests that a substantial home and other property improvements have been added. This is believed to be the time when Pin Oak receptions was first built.

1886 -87 sees Oldfield still as the owner of the property however by now the property value has decreased to £75. This is thought to have been from the impending depression.

1888-89 Augustus Rodd is now the owner of the house and 40 acres with a value of £40. Rodd is an auctioneer. Shortly after this purchase the property value decreases to £30 for the same 40 acres and is still believed to be the result of the depression.

The research shows that in 1891 -92 Rodd is now a secretary not an auctioneer and sells the property to Mrs. Edward Moore.

Between 1891 and 1893 the exact history is unknown and The Shire of Berwick records show that by 1894 a Mr. George McKay was leasing the house on 40 acres valued at £60 from Mrs. Sullivan.

There are a number of owners over the next 30 years and the value of the property fluctuates until in 1924 the property is sold by Captain George Wells to James Thomas Castles, a farmer.

In 1925 -26 Charles Sylvester Patrick Glassborough, a farmer becomes the owner and soon after the ratable value increases from £60 to £75 suggesting once again there have been building improvements such as enlargements or replacements during this time.

The house was 35 years old when Mr. Glassborough bought it in 1925. It then went to his daughter Molly Buckley who started the reception centre know as White peacock receptions. The property originally on 40 acres was sub divided in 1948. The area for Spring square was provided at this time as it was expected for land owners who subdivided to provide council with a portion of the sub division for municipal purposes.

In 1991 the property was owned & run as the White Peacock by Pam & Alan Watson. Pam & Alan purchased the property from Mrs. Buckley in 1985. Mrs. Buckley had run it as the White peacock since around 1950. The name White Peacock was derived from the fact that Mrs. Buckley kept a live peacock in the gardens.

Few changes to the original structure have occurred, other than improvements and the addition of the larger dining room.

The property has changed ownership several more times with each owner maintaining the old world atmosphere & charm both inside and outside keeping a little of the Hallam history alive.

In September 2006 the Jameson Family Graham, Diane & daughters Caroline & Charmaine purchased the property to continue the reception centre and leave a legacy for the future of their daughters.