Baree School of Arts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baree School of Arts |
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Baree School of Arts, 2009
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| Location | Creek Street, Baree, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1910 |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Baree School of Arts | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 25 January 2001 |
| Reference no. | 602071 |
| Significant period | 1910s (historical) 1910s-1920s (fabric) 1910-ongoing (social) |
| Significant components | school of arts |
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The Baree School of Arts is a special old building in Baree, Queensland, Australia. It's like a community center from a long time ago. This building was finished in 1910. It is now protected as a heritage site because of its history. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on January 25, 2001.
Contents
What is a School of Arts?
Schools of Arts were popular community places. They started in the 1820s in places like Glasgow and London. Their main goal was to help people learn and grow. They offered classes, lectures, and even entertainment. Many also had libraries where people could borrow books.
These places were often for working-class people. But sometimes, they attracted middle-class people too. They taught subjects like French and Latin. Some even offered practical skills like drawing or typing. They were important social hubs in towns.
The first School of Arts in Australia opened in Hobart in 1827. Soon after, many more appeared across the country. Queensland's first one was in Brisbane in 1846. Over time, about 350 Schools of Arts were built in Queensland.
Most School of Arts buildings were made of timber. They usually had a main hall and a few smaller rooms. These rooms were used for libraries or meetings. Bigger towns sometimes had grander buildings made of stone. These buildings were often very noticeable in a town. They showed how much the community valued learning and culture.
History of Baree School of Arts
The Baree School of Arts was built in 1910. It is a simple timber building on Creek Street in Baree. This area grew because of the gold mining at Mount Morgan. Gold was found there in 1882. Soon, a town was planned to support the mine.
The original town survey included two areas. These were known as north and south Calliungal. But locals called them Baree and Mount Morgan. Mount Morgan became the main town. However, over the years, other smaller towns like Baree also grew. They had their own services, just like the main town.
At its busiest in 1916, Baree had about 500 to 600 people. The School of Arts was one of many buildings on Creek Street. Today, it is one of the few original buildings left.
The Baree School of Arts was officially opened on October 20, 1910. Captain G. A. Richards, who was the manager of the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company, opened it. The land for the school was set aside in July 1909. We don't know who designed or built the school. It might have been built by the community itself.
For over 90 years, the Baree School of Arts has been a busy place. It has hosted many community events. These include dances, movie nights, weddings, parties, and local meetings. Some changes have been made to the building over time. For example, the old library room was changed into a toilet. But most of the building's original design is still there.
The Baree School of Arts is a very important place for the community. It reminds people of a town that once served one of the world's biggest gold mines.
What the Building Looks Like
The Baree School of Arts is on Creek Street in Baree. It sits on a large piece of land that slopes down to a creek. The building is in the front corner of the property, facing Creek Street. There's a nice garden in front. The rest of the land is an open grassy area with some trees near the creek.
The building is raised off the ground on timber posts. It is made of timber and has a corrugated iron roof. The main hall has a pointed roof. The front and side porches have flat roofs. The front of the building has timber boards. The other sides are covered with corrugated iron.
You enter the building from Creek Street using a ramp. There are French doors in the middle for the main entrance. There are also two single doors on either side. One leads to the hall, and the other to the enclosed porch, which used to be the library. Another entrance to the hall is through a timber staircase on the side porch.
Near the entrance, you can see several brass plaques. These plaques remember local people connected to the School of Arts. They also mark the official opening of the building and the people who helped build the new ramp.
Inside, the building has a large hall and a stage area. There are also toilets, a kitchen, and a meeting area on the enclosed porch. The ceiling shows the roof beams and is not covered. The walls are mostly uncovered too. Some parts have timber boards or corrugated iron. At least one original window with six panes is still there. Other windows have been replaced with modern glass louvres.
Underneath the building, the ground is mostly natural dirt. There's a small concrete area under the stage. Some concrete blocks and bolts show that something large was once attached to the floor there.
Why Baree School of Arts is Important
The Baree School of Arts was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on January 25, 2001. It is important for several reasons:
Showing Queensland's History
The Baree School of Arts was built in 1910. It is one of many Schools of Arts built across Queensland. These buildings helped people learn and improve themselves. By the early 1900s, almost every town had one. They showed how well a town was doing. So, they help us understand Queensland's history.
This building was once part of the main area of Baree. It served the nearby Mount Morgan mine. As one of the few remaining buildings from that time, it shows how the region grew. It also shows the community buildings that were important in those settlements.
Showing What a School of Arts Is Like
The Baree School of Arts is a simple building. It might not be as grand as the one in Mount Morgan. But it shows what a community-built facility was like. Even with some changes, it still looks much like it did. It has a hall, a reading room, and a library area. This shows the main features of a School of Arts building.
Its Beauty and Appearance
Today, this building is the most important structure left on Creek Street. It stands out and adds to the area's look.
Its Connection to the Community
For over ninety years, the School of Arts building has been a place for many community events. It has hosted public meetings, dances, movies, and private parties. Because of this, it has a strong connection with the people of Baree. It is a central gathering place for the town.
