652 HIGH STREET, PRAHRAN
652 HIGH STREET PRAHRAN, STONNINGTON CITY
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Statement of Significance
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652 HIGH STREET, PRAHRAN - History
The block was purchased in 1868, but not developed until the 1880s. The house was formerly owned by Frederick Goldstraw, who founded the Toorak Grammar School on the site in the late 1890s. The Royal Historical Society of Victoria holds two prospectuses for this school in its archives. The first, dated 1896, when Mr Goldstraw was headmaster, points out that the school is on the High Street omnibus route and advertises a liberal table and hot and cold baths for boarders who paide ten to sixteen guineas a term. Major Lucas tool drill was 2/6 (two shillings and six pence) extra a term. Dr RH Featherston and Dr AVM Anderson (an old boy) were in attendance. Day boys paid two to four guineas a term. By 1900, G Merrick Long was headmaster. The main amenity stressed in this second prospectus was filtered water. As with several of Prahran's private schools, Toorak Grammar School had connections with one of the public schools, Wesley College (Malone 2003, 33). It is likely the house has been abandoned since the 1950s.
A fire occured post 1950, as well as a subdivision which truncated the rear yard.
652 HIGH STREET, PRAHRAN - Interpretation of Site
1868 - land purchased during Melbourne's boom period
1880s - House build during the development of middle-class suburbs in Prahran
1890s - Converted from residence to boarding school
1950s - Building was left to disrepair while the front yard was rented - used for a second hand car yard
652 HIGH STREET, PRAHRAN - Archaeological Significance
The original allotment has been subdivided, truncating the rear yard. Due to the general neglect of the property, it is likely that relatively undisturbed archaeological deposits may still exist in the remaining rear yard area. In particular, an MMBW map indicates the location of a closet which may contain subsurface deposits relating to the late C19th residential period and the subsequent boarding school period. Due to the neglect of the property, these subsurface deposits in the remaining rear yard are likely to be relatively undisturbed after 1950.
The property has the potential to provide information regarding private venture education and middle class consumerism in Prahran. There is currently a paucity of middle class archaeological assemblages in Melbourne available for analysis and comparison. If an archaeological deposit was identified at htis site it would make a significant contribution to the understanding of the development of the middle class, and enable comparative research between lower and upper class assemblages.
652 HIGH STREET, PRAHRAN - Historical Significance
The site has associations with two phases of Prahran's history: Education: one of a plethora of small private venture schools that were built during the 1880s to meet the needs of the rising middle-class. The quality of these was variable, and many were short-lived. Development of the middle class suburb.
Heritage Inventory Description
652 HIGH STREET, PRAHRAN - Heritage Inventory Description
The site comprises a derelict 1880s two storey building and associated adjoining structures, some of which are still used as office space by the current tenant. The front yard is occupied by a car dealership
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ARMADALE PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1640
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ARMADALE HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H0637
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MANDEVILLE HALLVictorian Heritage Register H0676
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