Australia So Much to See
Settlement in the area which became Nanson commenced when Michael Morrissey established Mount Erin Station.
Shire of Chapman Valley history
In 1909 the government began to plan the Upper Chapman railway and local farmers petitioned to have a town established at the 12 mile siding. The railway was opened in 1910 and the siding was named Lauder Siding, the locals then petitioned to have the name changed to Nansonville, named for the local Member of Parliament John Nanson. The Minister for Lands agreed to change the name to Nanson and the town was gazetted in 1910. The railway siding was renamed as Mount Erin in 1912 by the Railways Department which was used locally as the town's name, as well as for an agricultural estate surrounding the town. In 1915 the railway siding was renamed "Nanson" to prevent any confusion. From Wikipedia
Chapman Valley Historical Society Museum at Nanson
Open March to end of November on Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm and Sundays 1 pm to 4 pm. Group bookings available by special arrangements. Contact 9964 3373 or 9921 2512.
The Upper Chapman Roads Board was formed on 16 January 1901. In 1910 the railway line reached the district and in October of that year the town of Nanson was gazetted. In 1912, when the growing population of the district required a dedicated Roads Board office, a referendum was held to decide whether it would be sited at Nanson or Nabawa to the north. Nanson won the vote. In 1913, the Nanson Roads Board Hall was built.
Sourced from State Heritage
The Museum displays are housed in a large purpose built shed in the grounds of the former Shire headquarters. In October 2015
a new shed was opened to hold larger machinery, allowing room for further displays in the main shed.
Chapman Valley Historical Society Museum at Nanson
Following the closure of the Nanson Roads Board Hall in 1964, the building was then used by the Country Women's Association as a meeting place until 1974. Having fallen into disuse and disrepair, the building was restored in 1983 by the Chapman Valley Historical Society. A small cottage which housed the Road Board Caretaker is located to the rear of the property and was restored in 2010.
Nabawa had grown in size and population and was regarded as better suited for the new Shire Offices which opened in 1964; the Roads Board having become the Shire of Chapman Valley on 1st July 1961.