Charles William WAKEFIELD of Morphett Vale [1937]

  General Notes:

Wakefield's Homestead
Address: 243 O'Sullivans Beach Rd
Suburb: Morphett Vale
Allotment No:
Plan No:
Zoning: Residential Zone
Precinct: Heritage ID No: 12575
Type of Listing: State Heritage Place
Ownership: Private
Conservation Plan: No
Description
The homestead was the home of Charles William Wakefield a vigneron of the region. Charles Wakefield purchased the land at Morphett Vale following his studies of winemaking with Walter Reynell. Vines were planted on 60 acres in 1903 with the homestead built later in 1909.

Charles William Wakefield,vigneron, Morphett Vale is the second son of the late Mr Salvador Rosa Wakefield of Aldgate, who was for many years associated with the great mercantile house of Elder, Smith, & Co., Ltd, as manager of the wool Department (which Department may be said to have been inaugurated at his suggestion), in which connection he conducted the wool sales, principally at Port Adelaide. At the time of the reorganisation of their managing staff by Elder, Smith & Co., Ltd, the late Mr Wakefield established himself as a land agent and valuator, which avocation he followed up to the time of his death in 1898. The subject of this notice was born at Glenelg in 1880. He received his education at St Peter's College and at the close of his scholastic career joined his father in the agency business, with which he was connected for a short time. After the death of Mr Wakefield sen., he proceeded to Reynella, where he studied viticulture and winemaking at Mr Walter Reynell's. Eighteen months later the gentleman under review purchased a section of 80 acres at Morphett Vale, 60 acres of which he has brought under cultivation of vines (with five acres devoted to the currant species), seven are planted with almond-trees, and a few acres with various kinds of fruits. These operations were begun in July 1903, and a rapid strides have been made since that time. The crop during the season 1907-8 was practically Mr Wakefield's first harvest and the excellent results attained spoke volumes for the energy, enterprise and skill which he has brought to bear in the inauguration of his operation. The Homestead where he resides is most picturesquely situated on the hill between the township of Morphett Vale and the seabeach
Ref: The Cyclopedia of South Australia Vol. 2 page 829.

Charles married Dorothy CRITTENDEN [13986] [MRIN: 4676].