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 building in Baree, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1910 and is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is protected because it is an important part of Queensland's history and culture. It is located on Creek Street in Baree, a town in the Rockhampton Region.
Contents
What is a School of Arts?
The Idea Behind Schools of Arts
The idea for Schools of Arts began in the 1820s in places like Glasgow and London. They were first called Mechanics' Institutes. The main goal was to help working-class people learn and improve themselves.
These places offered lectures on many topics. They also had classes in subjects like French or Latin. Many Schools of Arts provided fun activities too. They often had games, lending libraries (where you could borrow books), and reading rooms.
Schools of Arts in Australia
The first School of Arts in Australia opened in Hobart in 1827. Soon after, one started in Sydney in 1833. The idea quickly spread across the country.
In Queensland, the first School of Arts began in Brisbane in 1846. Over time, about 350 Schools of Arts were built across the state. They became very important community hubs.
Typical School of Arts Buildings
Most School of Arts buildings were made of timber. They usually had a large hall. They also had two or three smaller rooms. These rooms were used for libraries and meetings.
Larger towns sometimes had bigger buildings made of stone or brick. These buildings often looked grand and impressive. They showed how much the community valued learning and culture. Schools of Arts became a key part of any town, just like police stations or churches.
History of Baree School of Arts
Baree and Mount Morgan Mining
The Baree School of Arts is linked to the mining town of Mount Morgan. Gold was found in this area in 1882. This discovery led to the growth of the town.
The government decided to create a township for the new mine. In 1884, land was surveyed next to the mine. These areas were known as Baree and Mount Morgan.
Baree's Growth and Services
Mount Morgan became the main town in the region. However, over the next 10 to 20 years, other areas like Baree also grew. They started to offer their own services.
At its busiest in 1916, Baree had about 500 to 600 people. The School of Arts was one of many buildings on Creek Street. This street was the heart of the township. Today, the School of Arts is one of the few original buildings left.
Building the Baree School of Arts
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.
It is not known who designed or built the school. Since it is a simple building, it might have been designed and built by the community. Local people often worked together on such projects.
Community Use Over the Years
For over 90 years, the Baree School of Arts has been a busy community place. It has been used for many different activities. These include dances, movies, weddings, and parties. Local residents also held meetings there.
Some parts of the building have changed over time. For example, the old library room was turned into a toilet. But most of the building's original layout is still the same. The Baree School of Arts is a very important building for the community. It reminds people of a town that once served one of the world's largest gold mines.
What Does the Building Look Like?
Location and Exterior
The Baree School of Arts is on Creek Street in Baree. It sits on a large piece of land that slopes down towards a creek. The building is at the front corner of the property, facing Creek Street.
There is a neat garden in front of the building. The rest of the land is an open grassy area. Some mature trees grow along the creek's edge.
The school building is raised off the ground on timber stumps. It is made of timber and has a gable roof covered with corrugated iron. Smaller skillion roofs cover the front and side verandahs.
Walls and Entry
The front of the building, facing the street, has timber tongue-and-groove boards below the verandah roof. Above that, it has weatherboards. The other three sides of the building are covered with corrugated iron.
You enter the building from Creek Street using a new ramp. The main entrance has a set of French doors. There are also two single doors on either side. These lead to the hall or the enclosed verandah. Another way to get into the hall is by a timber stair on the side.
Inside the Building
Inside the building, you will find a large hall and a stage area. There are also toilets, a kitchen, and a meeting area. These are all located on the enclosed verandah.
The ceiling in the hall and on the verandah follows the shape of the roof. The walls are mostly not lined. Some parts of the walls use timber weatherboards, tongue-and-groove boarding, or corrugated iron. At least one original six-pane window is still there. Most other windows have been replaced with metal-framed glass louvres.
Underneath the building, the ground is mostly natural earth. There is a small concrete area under the stage. Some concrete blocks and bolts show that something large was once attached to the floor there.
Why is it Heritage Listed?
The Baree School of Arts was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on January 25, 2001. This means it meets certain important standards.
Showing Queensland's History
The Baree School of Arts was built in 1910. It is one of many Schools of Arts built in Queensland. These buildings helped people learn and improve themselves. By the 1900s, almost every town had a School of Arts. They often showed how well a town was doing. This helps us understand Queensland's past.
The Baree School of Arts was once part of the main area of Baree. It served the Mount Morgan mine community. As one of the few remaining buildings, it shows how the region around Mount Morgan grew. It also shows the community buildings that were important in those settlements.
Showing What a School of Arts Is
The Baree School of Arts is not as grand as some other buildings. But it is a good example of a community-built facility. Even though it has changed a bit, it is still mostly the same. It shows what a School of Arts should have: a hall, a reading room, and a library.
Its Beauty and Appearance
Today, the Baree School of Arts is the most important building on Creek Street. Its simple design and history make it special.
Its Connection to the Community
For over ninety years, the School of Arts building has hosted many community events. These include public meetings, dances, movies, and private parties. Because of this, the building has a strong connection with the people of Baree. It is a central meeting place for the town.
