Roger May
Machinery Museum
The Roger May Machinery Museum is named after an iconic character in Pinjarra whose passion for vintage machinery, old tractors and carts is legendary. Roger May’s dedication to restoring historic machinery that was fundamental to establishing early agricultural activity in the Region lasted over half a century and was the foundation to starting the Museum. Initially, Roger May used to display his machines in the old horse stables at the Edenvale Heritage Precinct and from there, the collection continued to build and the Museum was developed. Though Roger May is no longer involved in the day to day running, the Museum is staffed by volunteers just as passionate about restoring the old and displaying for future generations to enjoy.
At the Museum, you will find a variety of classic machinery, with most of it still operational, including a fully restored 1938 Ruston 5VQB Stationary Diesel Engine. Only twelve were made originally and this particular one left England in 1925, to disappear for ten years. Records show that in 1935, the engine arrived at Fremantle, to go on to provide power at the nearby Fairbridge Village. Roger happened to find the parts under a pile of rubbish in the Edenvale Heritage Precinct. It took him two years to restore and is the only known operating example of its kind anywhere in the world.
When visiting, be sure to also ask the volunteers to see the newly restored Sunshine reaper and binder. Until 1890, almost all of the reaper-binders in use in Australia were imported from English, American and Canadian companies. This Sunshine reaper and binder was made in the Sunshine Harvester Works at Sunshine, near Melbourne in Victoria sometime between 1930 and 1955.
Explore endless vintage bits and pieces at the Museum, including the original set of scales which were used at the Pinjarra Railway Station, vintage fuel bowsers, tricycles, bicycles, a model train and the original scales used to weigh the jockey’s prior to racing at Ascot Rasecourse. You will also find Grannie’s Room in the corner of the Museum housing the original laundry of the Edenvale Homestead as well as a treasure trove of vintage kitchenalia.
Drop in and have a chat with the dedicated volunteers, all of whom are full of knowledge and are happy to share their passion.
Open 10.00am to 3pm daily
Gold coin donation on entry
ROGER MAY MACHINERY MUSEUM
