21/10/2026
🌿 The history of Springfield Farm, put into words by Geographe Gazette.
Recently, the Geographe Gazette shared the fascinating history of Springfield, tracing its story back to James William Armstrong, who first took up the land at Yallingup around 1890.
One of the most remarkable chapters belongs to Elizabeth Armstrong. Following the tragic loss of her husband in 1927, Elizabeth found a way to keep the family farm going by opening Springfield Tea Rooms to passing travellers. Later, a petrol bowser at the property welcomed motorists exploring the caves and coastline of the region.
Her determination helped Springfield become part of the story of early Yallingup, and more than a century later, the original cottage and timber barn still stand as reminders of its past.
Today, Springfield continues into its next chapter, with an opportunity for people to establish their own homes in this special part of the South West, and continue valuing family and history like Elizabeth.
We’re grateful to see the history of this remarkable property being shared and remembered.
Thank you to the Geographe Gazette for keeping local stories alive.
Around 1890 James William Armstrong took up about 1,040 acres at Yallingup. He called the place Springfield, after a permanent spring on the land.
Around 1906 the family built a barn of hand hewn timber, and its floor sleepers came from Yelverton's old mill at Quindalup, salvaged and carried up after the mill had finished with them. A cottage followed in 1916.
On 2 November 1927 Jim Armstrong drowned at Torpedo Rocks, at Yallingup. He was 39. His widow, Elizabeth, was left on the farm with their young daughter, Enid.
A farm that size needed labour she did not have and could not afford to hire. The usual course for a widow in her position was to sell up and move in with relatives in town.
Elizabeth opened the front of the property to the public instead. The Springfield Tea Rooms sold morning and afternoon teas, light suppers, fresh fruit and cool drinks to whoever came past.
By then motor cars were reaching Yallingup. People drove down to see the caves and the coast, and every one of them went by her gate.
In 1929 she had a Shell petrol bowser put in at the front of the property, and served motorists until ten at night.
She held Springfield for more than 30 years and sold it in 1959, when the property was renamed Wildcroft.
The 1916 cottage is still standing, and so is the barn, with Yelverton's mill sleepers under its floor.
Illustration: a 1920s roadside petrol bowser.
