Preserving the past

Max Whyte with his late 1800s viceroy piano box buggy made by Clarke Bros, of Adelaide. PHOTOS: BOB GARNANT

Bob Garnant reports on a Kendenup farmer's driving passion

In the modern age of transport, the automobile replaced the horse and buggy long ago.

But thanks to one very dedicated keeper of historical carriages, a collection still remains intact in WA.

Kendenup farmer Len Whyte was passionate about preserving the past through his collecting of several mobile artefacts of days gone by.

Made of materials such as hickory wood, steel, leather and brass, the rare icons are greatly treasured both in the show ring and on the sets of television and movie productions.

After Len died, his son, Max, became the caretaker of 13 pre-1900s carriages that were collected over 30 years.

"Dad bred more than 100 horses and wanted to admire them harnessed to the most elaborate carriages," Max said.

"As a boy, my sister and I would collect mallee roots with a horse and work cart, so we grew up with sulkies and buggies."

Max eventually developed great skill in the saddle and competed in showjumping at a top level.

"At one stage I was in competition with Mark Phillips and the Whitaker brothers from the United Kingdom," he said.

"I did some competitive carriage driving, but couldn't get the same excitement as showjumping and there was no way the sulky was going to stay together over 1.8m jumps."

After inheriting the carriage collection, Max placed them in a storage shed where most have remained idle for many years.

"My partner, Gail, and I were thinking about displaying them to the public, but our time is limited in that respect," he said.

"I have lent a Sydney brass sulky to our neighbour, Joe Addie, to compete at the 2010 Perth Royal Show.

"Joe competes in driving carriage competitions and last year won pony of the year at the Great Southern carriage championships in Albany.

"Gail and I also have a few ponies to break-in that were bred from dad's imported stallion."

Max said it was good they were still involved in some of what his father created from his passion for vintage carriages and fine breeding ponies.

"We will be hoping Joe competes well this year and brings back some blue ribbons for his efforts," he said.

"Dad, with the help of his wife, Betty, participated in local shows where they made quite an impression when they drove around in their historical carriages. They also catered to some weddings which made for a romantic voyage from the church or a parade in the park."

Those interested in viewing the historical carriage can contact Max or Gail on 9851 4136.

Max may even be convinced to part with one or two if an arrangement can be made to give life back through their use.

"Only those who see the real value may apply," he said.

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