Reidy House

Statement of Significance

Reidy House, the former boarding school of St Rita's formed part of the larger Roman Catholic school institution, which included a primary school, secondary school, convent and boarding school.
The building has some historical significance in that it provided boarding facilities in the town, Kobeelya being the other boarding facility. It was unfortunately built at a time of cautious growth with the advent of the Depression, but still survived and obtained a certain level of success.

Physical Description

Reidy House is a two-storey brick and corrugated iron structure. The style is reminiscent of Inter-War Mediterranean or Georgina architecture, with its arcade on both stories, medium pitched hipped roof, brick bearing walls and semi-circular headed windows on the lower level. The arcade is carried on Corinthian columns and arches. The balustrade is a pierced screen and employs Tudor motifs.
It has a walled garden with pines, palms, roses and conifers. The front door is panelled with leadlight side and upper lights.

History

In spite of opposition, the Sisters of Our lady of the Mission erected a pretentious boarding school in 1929 at a cost of £10,000. It was officially opened in 1930. Unfortunately the Depression began to hit hard not long after the building was completed and the cost of the building was to be a financial burden for the Sisters for many years.
The boarding school, which formed part of St Rita's School, continued until 1959, when it was decided not to continue a boarding school any longer in Katanning. The Sisters then moved into the boarding school and used it as their convent. Secondary education by St Rita's also ceased with the school reverting to Primary teaching only and renamed St Patrick's.
Reidy House was the third convent building to be occupied by the Sisters, although the first convent was actually built by them. Prior to their convent being built, the Sisters lived in the former Brockhurst Hospital, then before that in 12 Britannia Street.
Reidy House was named after Rev Father Michael Reidy who was a Catholic Priest in Katanning.
In 1973 the Sisters moved out and the convent was sold to the State Government.
Reidy house has been used as an annex for St Andre's Hostel and now houses the Government Department of Community Services.

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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