Maroon State School and Maroon War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maroon State School and Maroon War Memorial |
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1938 teaching building with Mount Maroon in the background, from NW, 2015
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| Location | 2772 Boonah Rathdowney Road, Maroon, Scenic Rim Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1914–1919 (World War I) |
| Built | 1910, 1937–1938, 1937 |
| Official name: Maroon State School and Maroon War Memorial | |
| Type | state heritage |
| Designated | 9 October 2015 |
| Reference no. | 650004 |
| Type | Education, research, scientific facility: school – state (primary) |
| Theme | Creating social and cultural institutions: Commemorating significant events; Educating Queenslanders: Providing primary schooling |
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The Maroon State School and Maroon War Memorial is a special place with a lot of history. It includes an old school and a memorial built to remember soldiers. You can find it at 2772 Boonah Rathdowney Road in Maroon, Scenic Rim Region, Queensland, Australia.
The school first opened in 1891. Over the years, new buildings were added, like a playshed in 1910 and a teacher's house in 1937. A new main school building was built in 1938. The Maroon War Memorial was added in 1920. This whole site is now protected as a heritage place.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Maroon School
Early Days and the First School
The Maroon area started to have more settlers in the 1880s. People began farming, raising pigs, and growing crops like corn. There were also shops and a cheese factory. As more families moved in, they needed a school for their children.
Starting a school was a big deal for early communities. Local people often helped by donating land and building the school themselves. Schools quickly became important places for everyone, not just for learning. They were a sign that the community was growing and doing well.
In 1891, the people of Maroon decided to build their own school. They formed a committee and worked together. They donated materials and built the school for free! It opened on 15 July 1891. This first building was also used for meetings, church services, and music lessons.
The land for the school was given by a local landowner, Thomas de Montmorenci Murray-Prior. In 1898, the government took over the school, and it became a "provisional school." This meant the government helped pay the teacher's salary.
Growing Up: New Buildings and State School Status
The first school building was pretty, but it soon became too small. By 1906, there were 54 students! So, in 1907, they added more space. The community helped pay for part of the cost.
In 1909, Maroon Provisional School officially became Maroon State School. This happened because the government changed the rules, making it easier for smaller schools to become state schools.
In 1910, a playshed was built. Playsheds were common at Queensland schools. They were open shelters where kids could play, even when it rained or was too sunny. They also sometimes used them for teaching. The playshed at Maroon was made of timber with a metal roof.
The old school building still had problems, like a leaky roof. In 1924, the roof was fixed with new metal. But the school still needed a bigger, better building.
A New School and a Teacher's Home
Finally, in 1938, Maroon State School got a brand new teaching building. It was a standard design used for many country schools. This building was made of timber and raised high on stumps. It had a large classroom and verandahs (covered walkways) on two sides. The design allowed for good light and air flow, which was important for learning.
Around the same time, in 1937, a teacher's residence (house) was built on the school grounds. In Queensland, the government often provided free housing for male teachers, especially in country areas. This helped attract teachers to more remote places and meant someone was always on site to look after the school. The house was also made of timber and had a verandah.
School Grounds and Community Life
School grounds were important too! They had open spaces for play and sports. Trees and gardens were planted to make the school look nice and provide shade. Arbor Day, where people planted trees, started in Queensland in 1890. Maroon State School had clubs that planted fruit trees and other types of trees over the years.
The school has always been a central part of the Maroon community. It's where generations of local children have learned. It's also a place for social events and community gatherings.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the school buildings have had some changes. Parts of the verandahs on the teaching building were enclosed to create more space, like a library. The teacher's residence also had some parts of its verandah enclosed. The playshed was moved to a new spot in the grounds.
In 2011, a new library building was built. Today, this new building is used for teaching, and the old 1938 timber school building is now the library and office.
Maroon War Memorial
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The Maroon War Memorial stands proudly at the front of the school grounds. It was built in 1920 to remember the men from the Maroon area who fought in World War I.
World War I (1914-1918) had a huge impact on communities everywhere. From Maroon, 42 men joined the army, and 17 of them sadly died. This was a very high number for such a small community.
After the war, many towns in Australia built memorials to honour those who served. In 1919, a local committee, mostly made up of the school committee members, decided to build a memorial in Maroon. They raised money from the community.
The memorial was designed by a company from Ipswich called F Williams & Co. They were known for making many war memorials in Queensland. The Maroon memorial is made of sandstone with marble plaques. It has a statue of an Australian soldier, often called a "digger," standing on top of a tall column.
The memorial was officially opened on 21 May 1920 by General Sir William Birdwood, a very important leader from the Australian army during the war.
Later, another marble plaque was added to the memorial. This plaque honours the 42 men and women from the district who served in World War II. The Maroon War Memorial is still a very important place. It is the focus for annual Anzac Day ceremonies, where the community gathers to remember those who served.
In 1991, a time capsule was buried at the base of the memorial to celebrate the school's 100th birthday.
What the Place Looks Like Today
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Maroon State School is located in a rural area, surrounded by fields, with Mount Maroon in the background. The school buildings are set back from the road.
Things that are not part of the original heritage value include: modern additions, carpets, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and new windows or screens.
Teacher's Residence (1937)
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This house is made of timber and sits high on concrete stumps. It has a hipped roof (sloping on all sides) and a covered verandah. Many of the original timber windows and doors are still there. Inside, the walls and ceilings are lined with timber boards. The area underneath the house is enclosed with timber screens.
Small Timber School Building (1938)
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This building is also made of timber and is raised high. It has a gabled roof (like an upside-down V). The north and south walls have large windows that open outwards.
Inside, the classroom walls and ceiling are lined with timber boards. The ceiling is curved and has a special vent. The verandahs on the east and west sides have been enclosed with windows. An old school bell hangs near the western door. The space underneath the building is enclosed and used for storage.
Playshed (1910)
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The playshed is a small timber structure with six posts. It has a hipped roof covered in metal. The posts are now set into a concrete slab. You can still see where the original timber seats were attached to the posts.
School Grounds and Views
The school grounds are very pretty with open lawns, gardens, and many old trees. There's a large hoop pine tree and other mature trees. The school, with the War Memorial in front, looks very nice from the road. You can also see beautiful views of the countryside and Mount Maroon from the school.
Why This Place is Important
Maroon State School and Maroon War Memorial are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because they are very important to Queensland's history and culture.
Showing History and Design
The school shows how education in Queensland has changed over time. The buildings, like the teacher's residence (1937) and the small timber school building (1938), are great examples of standard government designs. These designs were made to provide good lighting and air flow for students. The playshed (1910) and the large grounds with trees show that play and outdoor spaces were important for children's education.
The Maroon War Memorial (1920) shows how the school community was involved in World War I. Its size shows how much the community lost. War memorials are important tributes to those who served and died. This memorial also shows the work of Frank Williams, a famous stonemason who designed many war memorials.
Unique Features
Maroon State School shows the main features of Queensland state schools. These include timber buildings built to standard designs and large, landscaped grounds with shade trees and play areas. It's a good example of a small, regional school.
The teacher's residence is a good example of a house from that time, with its high-set design and original features. The teaching building is also a good example of its type, with its gable roof, original windows, and verandahs. The playshed is a good example of a timber playshed.
The Maroon War Memorial is a strong and complete example of a memorial built to remember a major historical event. It uses special materials and design to do this.
Beautiful Scenery
The school is also important because it looks so beautiful. With Mount Maroon in the background and surrounded by open fields, the timber school buildings, green grounds, and the War Memorial create a lovely picture in the peaceful countryside.
Community Connection
Schools have always been important to Queensland communities. They connect former students, parents, and teachers. They are places for social events and volunteer work, and they show the community's pride and hopes. Maroon State School has a strong and long-lasting connection with the Maroon community. It was built by the community's efforts, and many generations of local children have gone there. It's a key gathering place for social and remembrance events.
The Maroon War Memorial is very important to the local community for social and spiritual reasons. It shows the impact of a major historical event and is the main place for annual Anzac Day ceremonies, where people remember those who served.
Images for kids
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The original school building, 1900–1910, "one of the prettiest in West Moreton"
