Lethbridge State School No. 1386
2846 Midland Highway, LETHBRIDGE VIC 3332 - Property No 46000101
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
In August 1873 a site was proclaimed for a new State School to be erected at the northern boundary of the township of Lethbridge. The settlement of Lethbridge (formally Muddy Water Holes) was established on land which was part of the Wabdallah Run, a portion of the much larger Golf Hill holdings of the Clyde Company managed by George Russell and adjacent to the Moranghurk Run, established by Peter Sharp and William Sharp. The erection of the Lethbridge Railway Station dramatically re-oriented the configuration of the original township and re-focused the commercial, residential and public activities. However, the new school remained within the original township boundary and was sited between the existing Lethbridge Vested School No. 779 and the Lethbridge Catholic School No. 388. In 1874 a state school of standard design, measuring 60 ft x18 ft was constructed by Clement Nash of Geelong, the owner of the Lethbridge bluestone quarry. Lethbridge Primary School No. 1386 was opened on 15 April 1874 with an enrolment of 106 pupils. The original school building was constructed of locally quarried bluestone and featured brick quoining and a steep gabled corrugated iron roof. The building faces north, with the western elevation aligned to the Midland Highway. A recent extension to this elevation has seen the introduction of a protruding gabled wing. Additional classrooms and administration facilities were also constructed adjacent to the original school building in the late 20th century. The original Lethbridge State School No. 1386 is relatively intact, in good condition and retains a high degree of integrity.
How is it significant?
The Lethbridge State School is of historical, social and architectural significance to the township of Lethbridge and the Golden Plains Shire.
Why is significant?
The Lethbridge State School is of historical significance as a surviving example of a state school, established by the Department of Education in 1874, which continues to serve the children of Lethbridge and district. The school also has significance for its siting on land situated in the original township boundary, despite the re-orientation and re-focusing of commercial, residential and public activities following the completion of the Lethbridge Railway Station.
The Lethbridge State School is of social significance as the permanent site for the provision of free, compulsary and secular education under the innovative Victorian Education Act 1872. The role of the school as the focus of community life is reflected in the remodeling of the interior of the building and addition of modern classrooms to accommodate the increased enrolments during key growth periods.
The Lethbridge State School is of architectural significance as a surviving example of a rural state school constructed to a Department of Education standard design in the late 19th century.
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Lethbridge State School No. 1386 - Physical Description 1
The Lethbridge State School No. 1386 is situated on Allotment 14, Section B Parish of Wabdallah, on the corner of the Midland Highway and Smith Road, within the township of Lethbridge. The original school building is of standard design, built from locally quarried bluestone and features brick quoining and a steep gabled corrugated iron roof. The building faces north, with the western elevation aligned to the Midland Highway. A recent extension to this elevation has seen the introduction of a projecting gabled wing constructed of rendered block work, with a pair of double hung sash windows facing west. A small brick porch, projecting from the facade, with a gabled corrugated iron roof serves as the main entrance to the original school building. A single casement window and fanlight survives adjacent to the porch. A pair of two multi-pane, double-hung sash windows with multi-pane fanlights survive on the southern elevation. A pair of two multi-pane, double-hung sash windows with multi-pane fanlights survive on the eastern elevation, however they are located on the northern portion of the building. A single bluestone chimney with brick quoins is also integrated within the centre of this elevation. Additional classrooms and administration facilities were constructed adjacent to the original school building in the late 20th century. (These building are not included in the proposed extent of registration). The original Lethbridge State School No. 1386 is relatively intact, in good condition and retains a high degree of integrity.
Lethbridge State School No. 1386 - Integrity
The original Lethbridge State School No. 1386 is relatively intact, in good condition and retains a high degree of integrity.
Lethbridge State School No. 1386 - Physical Description 2
Extent of Registration: to the extent of the whole of the original 1874 state school building, excluding the interiors, and a curtiledge of approximately 5 metre to east, south and west of the building.
Lethbridge State School No. 1386 - Historical Australian Themes
The Australian Heritage Commission devised the Australian Historic Themes in 2001. The following themes have influenced the historical development of the Lethbridge State School.
6 Educating
6.1 Forming associations, libraries and institutes for self-education
6.2 Establishing schools
6.5 Educating people in remote places
8 Developing Australia's Cultural Life
8.14 Living in the country and rural settlements
Heritage Study and Grading
Golden Plains - Golden Plains Shire Heritage Study Phase 2
Author: Heritage Matters P/L
Year: 2009
Grading: Local
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