Local Government
Katanning
Region
Great Southern
Cnr Taylor & Amabel Sts Katanning
Museum
Katanning
Great Southern
Constructed from 1894
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Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 25 Jan 1996 | Category 2 |
The former school building was the first purpose-built government school for the district of Katanning and so has high social and historical significance. It was also one of the earliest permanent structures in the town still existing. Although it was only used for a relatively short time, it illustrates the growing population in Katanning after the railway was established, and the need to service the increasing number of children now being brought up in the area. It now plays an important role as the historical museum.
The original school building has undergone some modifications according to its changing needs. Its construction is brick walls and a corrugated iron roof. The external walls were not originally painted. There is a verandah on the northwest corner of the building, which was the main entry.
The first school classes were held in the former refreshment room at the railway station in 1890 under the supervision of Mary Bell. However, it was not long before a purpose-built school was needed. The land for the Katanning Government School was gazetted for such purposes on 10th August 1894. Tenders had already been called for the erection of the school building, the successful contractors being Messrs Beetham, Tilling and Harrison. The building was constructed of brick and jarrah, and made provision for the accommodation of forty scholars. However, even before its completion, there was some criticism in the newspapers of its size: In everything, excepting size, the building is suitable, but seeing that the present school-roll is over thirty, it might have been fairly expected that some provision would have been made for the natural and inevitable increase. [WA,27/08/1894,p.7] Although there were many delays with materials, etc., the building was completed well within the contracted time. The new schoolroom was described as: A lofty chamber 30ft x 20ft, well ventilated by five windows, three of which look up Clive-land and the railway, while each end of the room contains another considerably larger than these in front, all being provided with Venetian blinds. Two doors, one at each end of the rear wall, give entrance, and against the rear wall are also built two small rooms to be used as lavatories and cloak rooms, the entrance to them being from the same projecting porch roof at each corner of the building that the school doors open upon. A large tank indicates provision for a liberal water supply, while the external arrangements are complete in every detail. The whole is surrounded by a substantial fence of sawn timber and wire. An extra finish has been given to the interior by a coat of kalsomine, and altogether the school which provides ample accommodation for upwards of 60 pupils, is a distinct and useful addition to the public buildings of the town, and will be devoted to its intended use some time during the coming month. [WA, 26/9/1894, p.6] The school, was completed in September 1894, for a cost of £483 and £31.6s.8d. "Was paid in back rent and repair of damages." [Rikkers ] The first teacher was Ms Frances Williams, her class consisting of 15 boys and 18 girls. After about eight years the school could no longer cope with the increase in students and so the building was utilised as a kindergarten and also as a domestic science classroom. In 1969 it was converted to an historical museum.
Fair
Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
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"Newspaper Article". p.6 | West Australian | 28/7/1894 | |
"Newspaper Article". p.2 | West Australian | 27/8/1894 | |
Rikker J; "WA Schools 1830-1980", Vol 2, | Education Dept | 1984 | |
"Newspaper Article". p.6 | West Australian | 26/9/1894 | |
Bignell M; "A Place to Meet: a History of the Shire of Katanning Western Australia". | UWA Press | 1981 | |
National Trust Assessment form. |
Individual Building or Group
Epoch | General | Specific |
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Original Use | EDUCATIONAL | Combined School |
Other Use | EDUCATIONAL | Pre-primary Centre |
Present Use | EDUCATIONAL | Museum |
Type | General | Specific |
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Wall | BRICK | Painted Brick |
Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
General | Specific |
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SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Education & science |
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.