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 historic house located on Brisbane Road in Monkland, Australia. It was designed by architect Robert Ferguson and built between 1884 and 1890. This building is important because it shows how schools and homes for teachers were built a long time ago. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on November 9, 1998, which means it's protected for its historical value.
Contents
History of the Residence
The Monkland State School Residence was built in 1884. It is a small timber house with a corrugated iron roof, raised on stumps. The house was designed by Robert Ferguson. He was the Superintendent of Buildings for the Queensland Department of Public Instruction. This department was in charge of building schools.
Robert Ferguson's Role
Robert Ferguson came to Queensland from Ireland in 1860. He started working for the Queensland Government as a foreman. In 1879, he became the Superintendent of Buildings for the Department of Public Instruction. In this job, he created designs for many school buildings. He made sure they were strong and practical.
Why a School Was Needed
In the early 1870s, gold was discovered near Gympie. This made the area grow very quickly. By the 1880s, many families lived in Monkland. Children had to walk a long and dangerous way to the nearest school. So, in 1880, people in Monkland decided they needed their own school.
A group of local people formed a committee. They asked the government to build a new school. They said about 90 children would attend. The community also promised to help pay for it. This was important because, back then, local communities had to pay one-fifth of the cost of a new school.
Building the School and Residence
After a lot of planning and discussions about where to build, the government finally agreed. In 1883, tenders were called for building a school and a house for the headmaster. William Condon won the contract. He agreed to build both for about £895. The local community contributed about £180.
The school and the residence were finished in September 1884. The first headmaster, Charles Reinhold, and his wife Marion moved into the house. The school opened on September 24, 1884, with 74 students. By the end of that year, over 200 students were enrolled!
Life in the Headmaster's House
When it first opened, the residence had three bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, a kitchen, and two verandahs. It was built from timber. The government wanted headmasters to live at the school. This meant the headmaster's wife could help look after and clean the school. It also helped teachers move to faraway areas where there wasn't much housing.
Over the years, a few changes were made to the house. In 1886, a fence was built to separate the house from the school grounds. In 1890, Charles Reinhold asked for two more rooms. He, his wife, their four children, and a servant were living there, so they needed more space. These rooms were added, and the front verandah was extended.
In 1932, a big storm damaged the school building. But the residence was mostly okay, only its kitchen roof was damaged. The school continued to grow, and more buildings were added in the 1970s and 1980s. The headmaster's house is still there today, mostly unchanged.
What the Residence Looks Like
The Monkland State School Residence is located at the back of the school grounds. It's near the railway line. A fence separates it from the other school buildings. There are also some palm trees in front of the house.
The building is raised off the ground on concrete and metal posts. It's made of timber and has a corrugated iron roof. The house has its original main part and some rooms that were added later.
You can get to the front verandah by climbing timber stairs. The verandah has a railing with round posts and insect screens. The front door opens into the living room. This room has a brick fireplace. On one side of the living room is a dining room, and on the other side are two bedrooms.
At the back of the house, you'll find the bathroom, kitchen, and another bedroom. Some rooms open onto an enclosed verandah on the side. Most of the walls and ceilings inside are covered with fibro-cement sheets. The enclosed verandahs have wooden ceilings with exposed beams. There's also a laundry area downstairs at the back of the house.
Why It's Important
The Monkland State School Residence is important for several reasons:
- It shows Queensland's history: This house was built in 1884. It helps us understand how the Gympie area grew because of gold mining. It also shows how the education system developed in Queensland. The government built these homes to help teachers live in remote areas.
- It's a rare example: Many similar houses were built, but most were replaced later. The Monkland State School Residence is one of the few original school residences from Robert Ferguson's time that is still standing.
- It shows how these buildings were designed: Even though it has been extended, the house still looks much like it did when it was built. It shows the main features of a headmaster's house designed by Robert Ferguson.
- It has aesthetic value: Its simple design and materials make it a pleasant and important building to look at.
- It's important to the community: Many former students who still live in the area have a strong connection to this building. It's also important to the current Monkland Parents and Citizens Association.
- It's connected to Robert Ferguson: This residence is a rare example of the work of architect Robert Ferguson. He was very important in designing schools for Queensland.
