The history of Denmark's streets

27 Aug 2013

The Probus Club of Denmark recently heard from Bev McGuinness who discussed the origin of Denmark’s street names and locations.

Bev explained that many were named in honour of identities of the Past. A Powerpoint presentation added visual enhancement.  Bev started with a surprising fact. With the exception of Ocean Beach Rd, all major roads leading out of Denmark were originally railway lines servicing the Millars Sawmills.

A high percentage of streets and roads were named after either local identities or people in public office. Some streets have lost their original name and it has been replaced. A striking example of this is South Coast Highway which has progressed through Albany Road, Harris Road, Nornalup Road, Kent Road, High Street and now South Coast Highway.

Mitchell Street was named in honour of the Premier of WA, 1919 to 1924, James Mitchell. He later became Governor of the State and Sir James Mitchell. Strickland Street was also named after a Governor. 

Price Street was named after a local resident of the time who later moved away. James Price Point is also named after him. Bent Street was named so because it was bent, but Short Street wasn’t short; it was named after the commissioner of Railways of the time.

Harewood Road was named after an Earl in England, the John Clarke Bandstand was named after a resident who bequeathed money to build it, Peace Street was in honour of the end of WWI.

Many streets are named after residents of the area who died in the World Wars. Bracknell Crescent is an example. Others are after flora or fauna native to the Denmark area. Then there is Bandit Road, named after Denmark’s very own Ned Kelly, James Johnson. He carried out several daring robberies before being captured and jailed. If you are interested in the Group Settlement days there is a book in the library by a person who lived through it, Somewhere in the West. 

Thank you Bev for a most informative talk.