Mt Magnet Primary School & Teachers Quarters (fmr)

Child Places

• 24402 Mt Magnet Primary School
• 23802 Fmr Schoolmaster's House
• 01642 Mt Magnet Primary School & Teachers Quarters (fmr)

Condition

The place is in good condition, as its continued use has ensured a programme of maintenance and repair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Mt Magnet Shire Office

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Mount Magnet Shire Office has high historic and social significance as the centre for local government in the district since the turn of the century. The building has further aesthetic significance given its decorative facade and high streetscape value.

Physical Description

The Mount Magnet Shire Office is a brick building with a corrugated iron roof. The rendered facade features decorative detailing, such as a rendered string course and sill course, which is emphasised by the paint treatment. It has a polychromatic, parapet and triangular pediment over the entrance, which is via steps under an archway. Timber framed double hung sash windows with moulded sills are on either side of the double entry door which is panelled with a fanlight. A new brick extension to the rear of the building accommodates the Council Chambers. The verandah to the southern elevation is also a later addition.

History

The Mt Magnet municipality was formed in 1896. On 4 June 1897 Reserve 4117, Lots 162 and 163 were set aside for municipal purposes. [Government Gazette, pi073] The foundation stone for the Shire Office was laid by Mrs May Smith on 23 September, 1898. An article in the Mount Magnet Miner describes the new building: "The new Municipal Chambers has a frontage of 41ft to Hepburn Street by a depth of 43 ft along Naughton Street. The architecture is of the composite order and presents a very striking appearance. The entrance hall gives access to three large and lofty rooms; the one on the right being the town clerk's office and contains a strong room of 3ft 6in x 3ft 8in by 6ft high; at the end of the passage is the council chamber. This is a fine room, 22x18, lighted with three windows. The ceiling is painted a nondescript color, best designated a neutral tint aggravated by a Brunswick green moulding. The dado is certainly a redeeming feature, being a dark olive green surmounted with an ivory frieze... The plastering of the hall generally and particularly the front, has been done by Messrs Bradshaw and Roberts of Perth, and reflects the highest credit upon their abilities as tradesmen. The contractor for the building was Mr W.H. Kretchmar and was carried out under the supervision of Mr F. Bowen." [10 December, 1898, p3] On 26 November, 1907 a fire gutted the Council Chambers, leaving only the four brick walls standing. Council books and records were lost in the fire. [Drawn to Mt Magnet, pi 14]

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree Modifications: There is a recent brick addition to the rear of the building.

Condition

Good

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Fmr Schoolmaster's House

Parent Place or Precinct

01642 Mt Magnet Primary School & Teachers Quarters (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The former Schoolmaster's House has high historic and social significance for its long association with education in the community. The place has further significance in connection with the adjacent school [Place No.4], as well as commanding high streetscape value. In addition, it is one of only a few remaining buildings of mud brick construction in Mount Magnet.

Physical Description

This building is of mud brick and stone construction and has a dutch gable corrugated iron roof. It originally featured surrounding verandahs, however the east elevation has since been enclosed with asbestos sheeting and lattice. There is a corrugated iron extension to the rear. The walls are presently painted red-pink.

History

The first school in Mt Magnet was opened on 24 February, 1896 although the location of this school in unclear. On 24 January 1898 this school building was condemned by the Medical Officer as unfit given the inadequate space and high temperatures inside. The school was closed until a new building was constructed. On 1 February, 1898 the new school built of mud brick bats was ready for use. Designed by architects Wilkinson and Smith, the building also accommodated the teacher's residence. [Drawn to Mt Magnet, p62 & 81-2] When the new school was built c 1900-02 this building was used as the schoolmaster's residence. [Brymora, W. & Heritage Council Database File]

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium Degree Modifications: Enclosed verandahs to east elevation.

Condition

Good

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Mt Magnet Primary School

Parent Place or Precinct

01642 Mt Magnet Primary School & Teachers Quarters (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Mount Magnet Primary School has high historic and social significance for its long association with education in the community. The place has further significance as a substantial building in the town and, along with the adjacent schoolmaster's house [Place No. 5], has high streetscape value.

Physical Description

This large L shaped building consists of different sections which were built at different periods. The original, and centrally located, section is of stone construction with a corrugated iron roof. It features recessed windows under a gable roof and a gable wall vent. The later additions have weatherboard and asbestos cladding to the walls under a hipped roof. This section has large, timber framed, double hung, sash windows with 12 small panes of glass and awning windows above. The place has brick chimneys and air vents to the roof. A further addition is timber framed and clad with corrugated iron.

History

The stone section of the Primary School is believed to have been re-erected from the Lennonville Townsite cl900. [Brymora, W.] In Drawn to the Murchison it is stated that: "About the years 1900-02 a handsome stone school building was built on the adjoining block west of the School Master's residence [Place No. 5] which had until then incorporated the school room." [pl25] By 1960 the State School population had increased to an average attendance of 117 pupils. As there were only three classrooms, one class had to have their lessons in the Lesser Hall (Miner's Institute) attached to the Anzac Memorial Hall. A new classroom, washroom, staffroom and office were added to the school in 1961.[p215]

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

Condition

Good

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