Stonemasons and Quarries

The article on the front page of this week’s Echo prompted us to look in our collection for photographs about quarrying in the Shire of Mundaring.

There have been numerous quarries in the Shire operated by government, private companies and family businesses. There was Mountain Quarry off Coulston Road in Boya (still visible), Goverment Quarries off Hudman Road (you can walk in to see them), and a private quarry on the North-west side of Greenmount National Park (now in Goat Farm Park). One such private quarry was owned by the Mucciarone brothers.

Emilio, Nicola and Nunzio emigrated from Italy in 1926 and worked at the quarry on Coppin Road in Mahogany Creek (now Parkerville). Nunzio was an expert stonemason, he had learned his trade whilst living in America. Emilio and Nicola were experienced quarrymen. Eventually they purchased land close by and opened their own quarry. The Mucciarones and their descendants worked hard through the Depression and continued to cut and face granite at this site up until 1966.

Coppin Road Granite was used for countless tombstones in Karrakatta, the Kings Park War Memorial and the Commonwealth Bank Building at the corner of Forrest Place and Murray Street in Perth.

Click to enlarge image and find out more.

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  Quarry Face of Boya Quarry 1929 slwab 34825956 P2021.249

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  Mountain Quarry Boya 7 August 1929 slwa b3473412 2 P2021.2

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  Government Quarry vicinity of Scott St and Coulston Road Greenmount c.1870-1930s P2003 203

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  Parkerville Quarry Face with men and equipment 1902 P2004.099

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  Nunzio Mucciaroni Family 1948 P2005.259