Toowoomba Grammar School buildings facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Toowoomba Grammar School buildings
School House, 1994
Location	24-60 Margaret Street, East Toowoomba, Toowoomba, Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia
Design period	1870s - 1890s (late 19th century)
Built	1875 - 1940s
Architect	Willoughby Powell
Architectural style(s)	Gothic
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: Toowoomba Grammar School
Type	state heritage (built, landscape)
Designated	21 October 1992
Reference no.	600850
Significant period	1870s-1910s (historical) 1870s-1940s (fabric) 1870s ongoing (social)
Significant components	garden/grounds, school/school room
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The Toowoomba Grammar School buildings are two old school buildings. They are called School House and Old Hall. You can find them at Toowoomba Grammar School in East Toowoomba, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. These buildings were designed by Willoughby Powell. They were built between 1875 and the 1940s. The buildings are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because they are important to history.

School History

The Toowoomba Grammar School was the third "Grammar School" to open in Queensland. These schools were set up under a special law called the Grammar Schools Act 1860. The first two were Ipswich Grammar School (1863) and Brisbane Grammar School (1869).

Starting the School

The first step to build the school happened in January 1874. People in Toowoomba wanted a local Grammar School. They started collecting money. They quickly raised over £2700. This large amount helped them get a government grant of £5333 and a loan of £2000.

A group of people called the Board of Trustees was chosen in June 1874. They picked the Old Queens Park as the school's location. The government gave them 13 acres of land. The Trustees bought more land, making the school grounds bigger.

Designing the Buildings

In October 1874, architects were asked to submit designs for the new school. The winning design was called "Veritas." It was created by Willoughby Powell. He was an architect from Brisbane.

Powell moved to Toowoomba to watch over the building work. He stayed there until 1877. During this time, he designed many other buildings. These included churches, homes, and a flour mill.

The main building was not supposed to cost more than £5000. It needed a large school room and at least four classrooms. It also needed dormitories for 30-40 boarding students. There were also plans for the headmaster's home and other facilities.

Sketch of the school before it was built, 1875

Early Years and Growth

The foundation stone for the school house was laid on August 7, 1875. The school officially opened on February 1, 1877. The first headmaster was J Macintoch. He was a smart graduate from Edinburgh University.

When it first opened, 44 students enrolled. By the end of 1877, there were 60 students. Sadly, Macintoch died in an accident in 1879.

Over the next 31 years, the school had seven different headmasters. The school faced money problems during this time. Student numbers dropped to a low of 29 in 1900.

However, things started to improve. By 1906, new brick additions were planned. A small wooden building was also built in 1906. It cost £105 and was used as a science laboratory. This money was raised by people giving donations.

Important Changes

By 1910, the school's future looked much brighter. George Pitty Barbour became the headmaster. He stayed until 1935. He helped the school become known for its strong academics. His son, Robert Roy Pitty Barbour, was the first student from the school to win a Rhodes Scholarship in 1920.

Between 1925 and 1928, the school improved its grounds. New sports facilities were built. These included an oval, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. A new chemistry building was also built in 1925.

In 1937, a library was opened. It was named after Alfred George Stephens. He was the first student to enroll at Toowoomba Grammar. In 1941, an addition was made to the School House. This was to make space for more boarding students.

Later, in 1947, architect Karl Langer created a master plan for the school. This plan guided new building work until 1968. Many new buildings were constructed during this time. These included boarding houses, an assembly hall, and new science labs.

Building Features

Old School House, 1994

The School House is a three-story brick building. It has a two-story wooden verandah in the middle of its front. Next to the School House is the Old Hall. This building used to be the main school room. It has one story and a gable roof. It is made of brick with concrete and stone details.

The buildings sit on a hill. They look out over gardens, large trees, lawns, and sports fields.

Style and Details

The front of the building is in a style called "Domestic Gothic." This style uses special concrete and stone details. It has decorative bands and pointed window shapes. The windows are tall and narrow. They are either casement or double-hung windows.

The verandah has wooden posts and a simple wooden railing. The roof has an overhang supported by wooden eaves brackets.

The Old Hall has a group of pointed arched windows. These windows, along with round and star-shaped openings above them, create a unique design.

Extensions and Inside Look

The original building was shaped like an "H." It has been made bigger several times. On one end, there is an extension from 1906. It looks similar to the original building. There is also a 1941 extension. This part looks different. It is a three-story brick structure with flat walls hiding the roof.

Inside, the School House has smooth walls on the lower floors. The upper floor has painted brick walls. Some rooms have fancy pressed metal ceilings. The Old Hall has a steeply sloped ceiling made of wooden boards. You can see the wooden beams that support the roof.

In the Old Hall, there are many wooden honor boards on the walls. These boards list important achievements. There is also a fireplace with a stone mantelpiece.

Why These Buildings Are Important

The Toowoomba Grammar School was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it is a special place that needs to be protected.

History and Design

• The school was one of the first "Grammar Schools" in Queensland. It shows how education grew in the state.
• The School House and Old Hall were the first main buildings. They show the hopes of the people who helped start the school.
• The buildings are a great example of architect Willoughby Powell's work. He designed many important buildings in Toowoomba.

Beauty and Community

• The buildings have a special "Domestic Gothic" style. They were built in a large, park-like setting. This beautiful setting can still be seen today.
• The school was a big project supported by the local community. It became a symbol of pride for the town. It is still an important part of Toowoomba's reputation for great schools.