WOOLSHED PRIMARY SCHOOL NO 1900 SITE
SUGARLOAF LANE BEECHWORTH, INDIGO SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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WOOLSHED PRIMARY SCHOOL NO 1900 SITE - History
According to the sign erected in front of the former school site (Beechworth Historic and Cultural Precinct):
The Woolshed State School No. 1900 was erected on this site after the 1872 Education Act made education compulsory and free in Victoria. A contract was let for £464-10-0 for construction of a classroom and residence and the school was finally opened on 1st July 1877. The first head teacher was Cornelius O'Donohue with84 pupils on the roll. The gradual decline of gold mining in the valley saw the population ebb away resulting in the closure of the school in September 1922 due to the lack of pupils. The Atlantic Cedar, the Elms and the jonquils that bloom every Spring commemorate the pupils and pioneers who passed this way.
The original contract was for the construction of the school and residence and the school was opened on 1st July 1871. The school closed in1922, following the decline in mining and 'for the lack of pupils'WOOLSHED PRIMARY SCHOOL NO 1900 SITE - Historical Significance
Significant as perhaps the most tangible remnant of the Woolshed township.
WOOLSHED PRIMARY SCHOOL NO 1900 SITE - Interpretation of Site
The site was inspected briefly and found to comprise an abandoned allotment and vegetation that - according to signage - includes Atlantic cedar, elm and jonquils. Given the schools brief history and the lack of subsequent development within the locale, these are all likely to date between 1871 and 1922. The school building and the residence may have been fully removed, as there is no building material in the vicinity. However there is potential for sub-surface material and artefacts, including material disposed of in cess pits and other features relating to the school and residence.
WOOLSHED PRIMARY SCHOOL NO 1900 SITE - Archaeological Significance
The former location of the Woolshed State School is of medium local significance, as potentially providing rare access to both civic and domestic material and structures associated with the township of Woolshed, during its decline. Potential for community involvement in archaeological excavation.
Heritage Inventory Description
WOOLSHED PRIMARY SCHOOL NO 1900 SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
There is a small sign-posted and gated paddock marking the location of the former Woolshed Primary School reserve and school (1871-September 1922). The paddock comprises levelled land and imported and established vegetation, including cedar, elm and jonquils. No visible footing or features, but the location of the school is confirmed by the signage.
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AARON SHERRITT'S HUT SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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WOOLSHED PRIMARY SCHOOL NO 1900 SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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WOOLSHED VALLEY FORGE SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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