Monkland State School Residence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monkland State School Residence |
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Monkland State School Residence, 1997
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| Location | Brisbane Road, Monkland, Gympie Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s–1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1884–1890 |
| Architect | Robert Ferguson |
| Official name: Monkland State School Residence | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 9 November 1998 |
| Reference no. | 602013 |
| Significant period | 1880s (historical) 1880s–1890s (fabric) |
| Significant components | residential accommodation – headmaster's house |
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The Monkland State School Residence is a special old house in Monkland, Australia. It's considered a heritage-listed building. This means it's important to Queensland's history and is protected.
The house was designed by an architect named Robert Ferguson. It was built between 1884 and 1890. Today, it's part of the Queensland Heritage Register.
History of the School Residence
How the House Was Built
The Monkland State School Residence was built in 1884. It's a small timber house, raised on stumps, with a metal roof. Robert Ferguson designed it. He worked for the Queensland government's education department.
Ferguson came to Queensland from Ireland in 1860. He became a key architect for schools. He created designs for timber school buildings. These designs were simple but strong. In 1885, Ferguson left his government job. He later returned to public service in a different role.
Why a School Was Needed in Monkland
In 1880, people in Monkland wanted a school. The area had grown a lot because of gold mining. Many families lived there by the 1880s. Children had to walk far to the nearest school. This walk was often long and dangerous.
A group of people formed a committee. They asked the education department for a new school. They said about 90 children would attend. Local families also promised to help pay for it. This was important because communities had to pay part of the cost.
Getting the School Approved
The committee worked hard to get the school built. There were some disagreements about where to put it. The department wanted to make sure it wasn't too close to another school.
Finally, in 1883, the department agreed. They called for builders to construct a school and a house for the headmaster. William Condon won the contract. He agreed to build both for about £895. Local people paid about £180 of this cost.
Opening Day and Early Years
The school and residence were finished in September 1884. The first headmaster was Charles Reinhold and his wife Marion. The school opened on September 24, 1884. On the first day, 74 students enrolled. By the end of that year, over 200 students were attending!
The residence first had three bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. It also had a back verandah and an open front verandah. The house was built on low stumps. The government provided houses for married headmasters. This helped ensure someone looked after the school. It also encouraged teachers to move to distant areas.
Changes and Updates Over Time
Not many big changes were made to the house at first. In 1886, a fence was built. This fence separated the house from the rest of the school. In 1887, part of the school land was taken for a railway line.
In 1890, the headmaster, Charles Reinhold, asked for more rooms. He, his wife, their four children, and a servant lived there. It was getting very crowded! Two new rooms were added to the house. The front verandah was also extended.
In 1932, a big storm damaged the school building. The house was mostly okay, with only minor roof damage. The school continued to grow over the years. Even today, the residence is still mostly the same as it was long ago.
What the Residence Looks Like
Location and Outside Features
The Monkland State School Residence is inside the school grounds. It's at the back, near the railway line. A metal fence separates it from the other school buildings.
Near the house, there's a small timber building. There are also some plants, including five palm trees in front of the house. The house is raised on concrete and metal posts. It's made of timber with a corrugated iron roof.
Inside the House
The house has its original main part and some later additions. These additions include two rooms on the western side. There's also an enclosed verandah on the eastern side. The main part of the house has a pointed roof.
Timber stairs lead up to the front verandah. This verandah has a railing with round posts. It's also enclosed with insect screens. The front door is in the middle. It opens into the living room. This room has a fireplace.
The living room is next to a dining room and two bedrooms. At the back of the house are the bathroom, kitchen, and another bedroom. Some rooms open onto an enclosed verandah on the eastern side. Most walls and ceilings inside are covered with flat sheets. However, the enclosed verandahs have timber ceilings with exposed beams.
At the back of the house, there's an enclosed verandah near the kitchen. Steps lead from here to the backyard. A laundry area is on the ground level. This creates a "U" shape at the back of the building.
Why This Place Is Important
A Look into Queensland's Past
The Monkland State School Residence was built in 1884. It's the only original building left from that time. It shows how the Gympie area grew because of gold mining in the 1880s. It also shows how Queensland's education system developed. The government built these houses to help teachers. It encouraged them to work in faraway places.
A Rare Surviving Example
Many similar houses were built across Queensland. But many were replaced in the 1930s. The Monkland State School Residence is a rare example that still exists. It's one of the oldest and most complete school residences designed by Robert Ferguson.
Showing Key Features of Its Type
Even with some additions, the Monkland State School Residence is mostly original. It shows the main features of a house from its time. It uses materials and a design style developed by Robert Ferguson.
Beautiful in Its Simplicity
The house has a simple shape and uses basic materials. This makes it look nice and adds to its special charm.
Important to the Community
This building is very important to former students. Many of them still live in the area. They even helped with a book for the school's 100th birthday in 1984. It's also important to the current Monkland Parents and Citizens Association.
Connected to a Key Architect
The Monkland State School Residence is a special example of Robert Ferguson's work. He was a very important architect for the Department of Public Instruction.
