Hazelvale School and Teacher's Residence

Statement of Significance

The building has historic significance as it is closely associated with an important part of Denmark’s history, the Group Settlement Scheme, which had its genesis in the early 1920s. Schools in the Group Settlement areas (or Groups) played an important role in keeping families together as transport to larger towns for educational purposes was limited or non- existent.
The building has social value as the school building was usually the only public facility within a Group, and therefore was used for many purposes beyond education. It was the entertainment centre of the Group where Saturday night dances were held. It was used as the Church and Sunday School, and also often doubled as a Hall for public meetings when required.
The building is also representative of the architectural style of one- teacher schools in the south of Western Australia. Its timber, asbestos and iron construction, with rainwater tank, typifies the simple but utilitarian conditions that were provided in remote settlements for Group Settlers and the teachers who staffed them.

Physical Description

A typical Group School building of stud-framed timber, iron and asbestos construction, built on timber stumps. It is now in poor condition. The teacher’s quarters are of similar construction.

History

Group 139 was originally called Hazelwood and was situated north of the Nornalup townsite. The school opened in 1928 and ran continuously until 1941, when the lack of teaching staff due to the outbreak of war caused its closure. After the end of the war, improved transport meant that local children attended school in nearly Walpole.
Group 139 was one of the larger groups which meant that there was always a consistent number of children enrolled. However, there was never more than one teacher employed which meant that the teacher had to be very organised and resourceful.
Access to the larger towns of Walpole and Denmark was difficult as the roads were of poor quality and the train between Albany and Nornalup ran inconsistently. However, there was no shortage of entertainment and recreation opportunities in Hazelwood, which centred around the school building. In addition, the school was the venue for church services and Sunday School.
The teacher’s quarters was a single room building, entered off a verandah and heated by a small Metters stove. It was sparsely but adequately furnished, and suitable for a single man, as many young teachers were. Adjacent to the quarters was a bathroom, said to be the only one in the district.

Condition

School House - poor Teachers residence - good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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.