Old Primary School, Southern Cross

Child Places

• 02806 Police Lock-up (fmr)

Statement of Significance

This building has considerable aesthetic, historic and social value. Built as a school in 1895, the building has contributed to the education needs of the town since that time. The 1890s saw a population boom in the district as a result of the goldfields, and by 1901, children under 14 made up one third of the population. The school has been added to extensively over time, and the original school is now known as the Forrester Resource Centre, housing the libraiy and other important resources.
The Southern Cross District High School, of which the Resource Centre is now part, holds a wealth of historic value apart from the Resource Centre:
• While building the original school the builders found a reef of gold running north of the corner of the yard.
• A house built in 1895, originally the headmaster's residence, is still in the school grounds. It still has the basic rafters and original wood under the modernisation.
• The old jail/Police Lockup is also in the grounds and is used as a photographic centre. (Refer PI No 11)
• The original well, now unused, is still underground.

Physical Description

Built in 1895, this imposing stone building has a prominent position in the main street of Southern Cross. The original school consisted of two large rooms, 30'x22' and 20'x20' The walls are local stone, with red brick quoining on the corners and around the windows. The steeply pitched roof is made of colorbond corrugated iron, and the prominent gable facing the street has a half-timbered effect. A circular accent is another feature on the front wall. Lofty ceilings allow for good ventilation. Along the north side of the
building is a verandah supported by wooden posts. Another wing of the building runs in a north south direction. It also has a verandah on the east side supported by posts with additional wooden trim. Fireplaces allowed for heating in the original school, and an underground water tanks used to hold 10,000 gal for use by the school.

History

Themes: Community Efforts & Education

Integrity/Authenticity

Mostly intact

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.