Emily McPherson College of Domestic Economy facts for kids
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RMIT Building 13
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Emily McPherson College, circa 1930
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Other name
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"Emily Mac" |
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| Type | College of domestic science |
| Active | 1906 with a new building in 1927–1979 (amalgamated with RMIT) |
| Patron | Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon |
| Location |
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Australia
37°48′26″S 144°57′55″E / 37.8073°S 144.9653°E |
The Emily McPherson College of Domestic Economy was a special college for women in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It taught skills for running a home and family, often called "domestic science." The college started in 1906.
A new building for the college was officially opened on April 27, 1927. The Duchess of York (who later became Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) performed the opening ceremony. On June 30, 1979, the college joined with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Today, the building is known as RMIT Building 13.
Contents
History of the College
The College of Domestic Science began in 1906. A young teacher named Annie Mabel Sandes was its first leader. She started in June, and the college opened in October. Annie taught classes during the day and evening. She also managed everything from creating lessons to maintaining the building and grading exams.
Early Years and Growth
In the early years, the college's students cooked meals and sold them. This helped to raise money for the college. It was not until 1911 that the college began to train teachers for domestic science. Annie Sandes was very dedicated. She even resigned once to get a pay raise, and she was given more responsibilities. When she left in 1916 to get married, the local newspaper praised her important contributions.
A New Building and Name
During the 1920s, a businessman from Melbourne named Sir William McPherson made a very large donation. He gave £25,000, which would be about A$2.3 million today. He wanted to create a college just for women to learn domestic science. He named the college in honor of his wife, Lady Emily McPherson. Sir William McPherson was also an important politician in Victoria. He served as Treasurer and later as Premier.
The new college building opened in 1927. It was designed by Evan Smith, who was the state architect at the time. The building had a grand and classic style, known as Neo-Grec and Beaux-Arts architecture. In 1941, Ruby Gainfort became the acting principal. She was known for supporting both students and teachers during World War II. She also showed how important the skills taught at the college were. She stayed in her role until 1946.
In 1950, a new part of the building, called the Ethel Osborne Wing, was opened. It was designed by Percy Everett, another state architect. The college building received an award in 1930, called the RVIA Street Architecture Medal.
Official Opening Ceremony
The college is located on the corner of Russell Street and Victoria Street. It is right next to the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The college was officially opened on April 27, 1927. The Duchess of York (who later became Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) performed the opening. She was visiting Australia with her husband, the Duke of York (who later became George VI).
The Age newspaper reported that about 5,000 people gathered outside the new college. Students from schools as far away as Ballarat and Bendigo formed a special guard of honor. They watched as the Duchess officially opened the college with a gold key. She also unveiled a special plaque and a statue of Lady McPherson.
Dr Ethel Osborne had invited the Duchess to open the college. She then gave the Duchess the very first diploma issued by the college. Dr Osborne said that the Duchess "had set all Australians an example of home life." The Duchess thanked Dr Osborne and said, "it will always be a delightful memento but one of which I am afraid I am not worthy!"
The College Building Today
On June 30, 1979, the Emily McPherson College joined with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). RMIT was growing and expanding. Today, the building is still part of the RMIT City campus. It has been updated and now houses the RMIT Graduate School of Business.
The building is considered very important. It is listed as "significant" and a "notable building" by the Victorian Heritage Register and the National Trust of Australia.
