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DRAFT HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

ASCHAM

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1.0 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 3.0 3.1

3.2

3.3 3.4 3.5

3.6 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3

CONTENTS OF REPORT

Precis Preface to the Report Parameters of the Investigation Initiative for Investigation Objectives Methodology Authorship and Acknowledgements Historical Context

Phase I: 1886 1914 Establishment and First Association with G1enrock Phase 11: 1914 - 1930 Establishing Traditions and the Da1ton Plan Phase Ill: 1930 - 1939 Expansion and Incorporation Phase IV: 1939 - 1945 The War Years Phase V: 1945 - 1968 Changing the Face of the Old School Phase VI: 1969 - 1991 A Modern School Subsidiary Documentation Endnotes Bibliography Chronologies

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SECTION 1.0 PRECIS

This investigation has been undertaken at the request of Orwell and Peter Phillips Architects who are preparing a conservation plan on behalf of the School. This report is intended to provide an historical context for the development of the major buildings and landscape components within the current property boundaries of Ascham. This information will be used as a framework in which to assess the significance of individual components and the most appropriate measures for their management.

This history is not intended to be a detailed analysis of each unit. This level of investigation would be appropriate for individual conservation plans of buildings or other structures. Neither is it intended to be a description and analysis of the educational or social history and development of the school. It is an overview of the evolution of the physical environment that is encompassed by the school boundaries.

The detail in this report has been largely derived from original documents held within the school archives including headmistresses' reports, company records and the school magazine "Charivari". In addition, some research has been carried out in public repositories including the Mitchell Library and Lands Department to provide information for the development of the site.

The evolution of the school's environment has been discussed in terms of a number of phases. These phases reflect major periods of change and development most closely related to the evolving physical landscape. The phases cover the period 1886 to the present and consider aspects including the effect of the war years (1939-1945) and the role of Glenrock as well as the variety of additions and alterations that have occurred during that long period. A number of individual chronologies are included at the end of this report which may be referred to for the general development of the school or its individual components. These chronologies are not comprehensive. They reflect only the information that has been revealed by a search of the extant documentary resource.

Ascham commenced life in 1886 in a terrace. After a series of moves the school came to occupy the late nineteenth century house of Glenrock under the direction of Mr and Mrs Carter. For the first years of its life in new surroundings Ascham was, essentially, a nineteenth century ladies college. However, with the new direction provided by Miss M. A. Bailey headmistress and new owner from 1914, the school adopted modern educational standards, in particular the introduction of the Dalton Plan in 1922.

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The physical environment was expanded to meet the needs of a modern and experimental educational facility.

New classrooms were added to the existing buildings (Glenrock and its domestic quarters, stables and other out-buildings) and modern services were progressively added during the 1920s including hot water and electricity. The grounds also were extensively developed to provide maximum area for recreational opportunities including tennis courts and gardens.

During the 1930s the school continued to expand with the addition of more classrooms and improvements to the grounds. In 1930 an adjoining property, Macintosh House (formerly the "Knoll"), was added to the school's assets. This foreshadowed a trend that was dominant in later school planning. Properties surrounding the school were acquired and altered to meet the needs of the time in place of building new facilities. At the same time this considerably increased the land encompassed within the campus.

The 1930s were also notable for an important change in administration. In 1937 Miss Bailey sold the school to Ascham School Ltd. Miss Bailey remained as headmistress (and the most influential figure in the school's development) but the general administration and financial control was assumed by a board of Governors with assistance from a variety of sub-committees. This remains the administrative organisation.

In contrast to the impact of the First World War on the school (minimal), the Second World War caused almost the closure of the Sydney campus. Two new branches were opened in Berridale and Blackheath for the duration and correspondence courses also were offered. The location of the Sydney school was considered to be potentially hazardous if bombing occurred and students were felt to be safer in country areas. Only minor works occurred during these years although substantial air raid shelters were constructed in the grounds.

In 1943 the girls returned to Sydney and the adjoining "Fiona" was acquired in the same year. Many improvements were planned for the school but these had to wait until labour became more readily available in the post war years.

The 1950s and 1960s were a time of massive change and expansion. This period irrevocably altered the face of the old school. During this period the Antoinette Carter Memorial Building, the Ascham Memorial Hall, the Margaret Anne Bailey Memorial Library, the T. M. Scott Science Buildings, the Dorothy Whitehead Classrooms, the Fergusson Wing and the Halse Rogers Classrooms were all added to the

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site. Major renovations were carried out on "Fiona", "Kungella", the Dower House, the Kindergarten, Wallis House and Glenrock and Raine House, "Hillingdon", the Octagon, "Holmwood" and the Kindergarten were purchased and renovated for new purposes.

During the same period many old features were demolished to make way for the new structures. Those elements lost included the old stables and domestic quarters and the classrooms and hall at the back of Glenrock. During the aggressive building boom of the sixties it was also planned, at various times, to demolish Glenrock and the Octagon.

It was not until the seventies that a feeling for the historic character of the school and its various components emerged although it appears that this has always been of secondary importance in the priorities of the school. For example, the additions to the Octagon, some of which at least dated to the l850s, were removed to make way for the Merilee Roberts Sports complex. During this decade the campus was classified by the National Trust and Glenrock was "restored".

The seventies and eighties have continued the trend for expanding the school's facilities begun in the previous decades. During this period major alterations were made to "Holmwood", "Fiona" and "Wallis House", renovations were carried out on the boarding houses and the M.A. Bailey Building and new science labs and a library were added to the site as well as additions to Glenrock, new music rooms, a new hall (700 seat theatre), tennis courts and other improvements to the landscape.

The increased awareness of the heritage values of the site as well as new plans for development in the school precincts have led to the commissioning of a conservation plan.

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SECTION 2.0 PREFACE TO THE REPORT

2.1 Parameters of the Investigation

This investigation is concerned with the development of "Ascham". The school is located at Edgecliffe, Sydney, on New South Head Road. The research is concerned with the evolution of the physical environment; the buildings, landscape and relics ,encompassed by the school property.

2.2 Initiative for Investigation

This investigation has been carried out at the request of Orwell and Peter Phillips Architects. It is one component of a conservation plan being prepared for the site on behalf of the school.

2.3 Objectives

The primary objective of this work has been to investigate the development of the site that has been used, since the turn of the century, by the private school Ascham. The study is designed to investigate the evolution of the major components of the school as a means of providing an historical context for the assessment of significance of those components.

This history is not intended to be a detailed analysis of each component. This level of investigation would be appropriate for individual conservation plans of buildings or other structures. Neither is it intended to be a description and' analysis of the educational or social history and development of the school. It is an overview of the evolution of the physical environment that is encompassed by the school boundaries.

This work is designed to provide the context in which to define hierarchies of significance. The historical framework allows this hierarchy to be established. Conservation and management decisions may be formed within this context.

2.4 Methodology

Original research has mainly centred on the Ascham School archives in particular, the minutes of annual general meetings and various committees, headmistresses' reports and other specific purpose documents. The school magazine "Charivari" has also provided excellent source material. Some additional research has also been carried out in

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public repositories including the Mitchell Library, state Library and lands Department.

The discussion has been organized in chronological and thematic phases. These phases reflect the growth and evolution of the school as revealed by the documentary evidence. These phases are:

Phase I: 1886 - 1914 Establishment and First Association with Glenrock

Phase II: 1914 - 1930 Establishing the Tradition and the Dalton Plan

Phase Ill: 1930 - 1939 Expansion and Incorporation

Phase IV: 1939 - 1945 The War Years

Phase V: 1945 - 1968 Changing the Face of the School

Phase VI: 1968 - 1991 A Modern School

At the conclusion of the report are a series of chronologies that detail the development of specific elements including each of the major architectural units as well as the landscape and the general history of the school development.

2.5 Authorship and Acknowledgements

This report has been prepared by W. Thorp who has also been responsible for the majority of the historical research. The author is grateful to Mr Peter Phillips for providing assistance during the research, to Ms Barbara

for her advice and assistance with the school archives, Mr Gerry Bruce, Bursar of Ascham, for allowing access to the company records and to the staff at the school who provided considerable assistance.


SECTION 3.0 HISTORICAL CONTEXT

3.1 Phase I: 1886 - 1914 Establishment and First Association With Glenrock

Ascham commenced life in 1886 in a terrace in Marathon Avenue. It was founded as a girls' school by Miss Marie Wallis (1). In 1895 the school moved to a new location "Delamere" which was renamed Ascham. Another property, "Queenscliffe", was leased to accommodate overflow boarders. This was familiarly known as "Little Ascham" (2). While at "Delamere" the Old Girls' Union was founded in 1899. In 1902 the school again moved to "Mount Adelaide" and in the same year Miss Wallis sold the school to Mr and Mrs Carter (3). The Carters were responsible for bringing the school to Glenrock and starting the lengthy association with this site.

The Carters acquired Glenrock in 1909 and it was first used for school rooms and a boarding establishment. At that time the school encompassed 6.5 acres as well as the house and its out-buildings which inlcuded stables and domestic quarters. The architectural firm of Robertson and Marks were engaged to plan new buildings for classrooms and carry out alterations to existing buildings (4). The formal opening of the new classrooms was carried out by Lady Poore on August 26 1909.

Glenrock had a long tradition before Ascham came to the site. It was the second house of that name to occupy land that had been acquired by Thomas Smith in 1835. Smith built the first Glenrock, a verandahed cottage of five bedrooms and detached kitchen, in the same year. After Smith's death in 1842 the house and property were inherited by his son, Thomas Whistler Smith, and he lived there unt'il his marriage. At that time he moved to "Ecclesbourne" also on the Glenrock estate.

In 1850 Thomas Glenrock after accommodate his family returned was leased to Lamb.

Whistler Smith and his family returned to the Dower House was built nearby to

mother. Smith died in London in 1859. The to Sydney but not to Glenrock. The house Smith's brother-in-law John de Villiers

During the 1860s it is clear that the family seriously considered the idea of subdividing and selling the estate. Plans were drawn up to that effect but it was not finally sold until 1866 when Smith's mother died. The property was put up for auction in 1867 and was purchased by Charles Thomas Richardson for 5200 pounds. The sale included five acres and nine perches of land accompanying the house. Richardson lived at Glenrock until 1875 although it had

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been sold in the previous year to John Marks.

Marks bought the estate for 6500 pounds and it was his decision to demolish the earlier cottage and build a house in a contemporary design. This was the present G1enrock. The earlier name was retained by Marks. The design for the new house has been attributed to David MacBeath.

Marks died in 1885 G1enrock. She died the Carters (5).

but his widow Elizabeth remained at in 1908 and the house then passed to

The classrooms designed by Robertson and Marks were completed by 1910 and a new hospital was created as a sleep out on the verandah of G1enrock (6). From later evidence it seems likely that the laundry was established in the stables and the school's residentai1 domestic staff were housed in the old domestic quarters.

By this time also alterations were appearing in the landscape surrounding the house. Reference is made in 1910 to scarlet salvia, dahlias, chrysanthemums and African marigolds. Bulbs had been planted but only the white narcissus was flowering. Pansies, mignonette, stocks and sweet peas had all been established. Contributing substantially to the development of the gardens surrounding the school was the practice of assigning a garden to each class to develop in their own way; this produced considerable rivalry (7).

As part of the recreational facilities a second tennis court had been converted from grass to chip (8). By 1912 new wire netting had been placed around the fence near the paddock (9).

By the time of the First World War Ascham was well established in its new home and had proceeded to carry on much as it had, in nineteenth century traditions, under the direction of the Carters. In the following phase the change of ownership and the leadership of the new headmistress, Miss Margaret Bailey, was to lead Ascham in new directions and bring it into modern, and quite experimental, twentieth century practices.

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3.2 Phase II: 1914 - 1930 Establishing the Tradition and the Dalton Plan

Glenrock is said to have been sold to Miss Kathleen Gilman Jones and Miss M. Bailey in 1914 (1). However, Miss Bailey stated in her headmistresses' Report of 1940 that she purchased it in 1921 after renting it from the Carters (2). Certainly Miss Jones sold her share to Miss Bailey and left for Melbourne leaving Miss Bailey as sole proprietor and headmistress. Miss Bailey definitely was associated with the school from just prior to the war.

The war years did not greatly effect life at Ascham other than in the contribution to various charitable causes. The immediate post war years were more traumatic for the school. In 1919 the influenza epidemics that swept Sydney came to the school and it had to be partially closed. After that Miss Bailey began to make sweeping and important changes to the physical appearance of the school as well as its character and educational programme.

Fundamental to this programme was the introduction of the Dalton Plan in 1922. Ascham was the first school in NSW to adopt this new method of education. This method of teaching was important, not only for the significant emphasis it placed on the pupils for their own education, but because of the requirements it placed on the physical environment to support the teaching method. Under the Dalton Plan ideally each teacher had their own constant home room where pupils could come for tuition and advice.

Among the important changes wrought in the school by Miss Bailey during the 1920s were the introduction of electric lights in 1923 and built in basins and hot water were supplied to the dormitories in 1927 (3). Two drinking fountains were placed in the grounds in 1926 (4).

In repsonse to the demands required by the new educational system substantial alterations were made to the buildings. Glenrock provided the focus for this work. In 1924 four new wooden classrooms and a hall were added to the back of the building to form the junior school. A new playground was laid out on the far side of the drive for the younger children (5). In 1925 a new cloak room and science room were constructed (6) and in 1926 a verandah was added to the kindergarten (7). In 1927 a new sleep out balcony was built and connected to the existing arrangements with a bridge (8). Major additions were made to Glenrock during 1928 when a new storey was added to the back wing on the north side. The first fire escape was also added at the same time (9).

In addition to the main building and its new classroom complex at the back attention was also paid to the grounds. Repairs were made to the drive in 1922 (Scott and

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Spencer Architects 10) and again in 1926 (11) and 1927 (12). An existing bush house was converted for use as a preparatory school in 1922 and a verandah was later added to this on the site of a demolished glass house (13). The bush house was subsequently converted for use as an art room in 1927 (14). Recreational facilities were also upgraded during the 1920s. Concrete tennis courts were provided in 1924 (15) and a basket ball field was returfed in 1926 (16). Wire fences were erected around the tennis courts in the following year (17).

To compliment the available recreational areas arrangements were made at the end of 1928 to acquire the lower portions of an adjoining property, the "Knoll" (later Macintosh House). This is also the first indication of future policy which was directed at acquiring and converting surrounding land and buildings for school uses. The land acquired in the 1928 transaction was converted for use as additional tennis courts. Two courts were built at different levels with seats provided at the northern end. Below the courts, on the northern boundary, was a brick wall that was used for tennis practice. In front of this wall were two forty feet wide circles of concrete marked in circular courts for a popular game of the time called circlos (18). The ground adjoining the new courts was turfed in 1929 and by the end of that year the main house and school rooms had been painted (19).

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3.3 Phase Ill: 1930 - 1939 Expansion and Incorporation

The policy of acquisition and conversion first indicated by the reuse of the land bought from the "Knoll" (Macintosh House) was confirmed in 1930 by the acquisition and conversion of the neighbouring house, Macintosh House, for use by junior boarders. Macintosh House had been built in 1914 by Albert Littlejohn, one of the school's governors, on a portion of the Glenrock grounds that he had bought from the Carters. At the time of its conversion both internal and external work occurred on the building to make it suitable for the new occupants.

Of equal importance during this period were the changes wrought in the administrative structure of the school. In 1937 Miss Bailey sold the school to Ascham School Ltd for 59,184 pounds. Administration was now taken over by a board of Governors with assistance from a variety of sub-committees. Miss Bailey stayed on as headmistress and remained the most influential figure in the development of the school up to her retirement in 1947 (1).

During the 1930s some significant building works were put into operation although it was not a period of great change to the school. Miss Bailey had organized a constantly repeating cycle of repairs in 1933 to maintain the buildings and grounds and, while major works had been undertaken on Macintosh House at the time of its take over, very little had occurred from that time until 1937 (2) •

In 1933, new school rooms were built. The four old school rooms at the back of Glenrock were converted for use as a hall and a new block, the Margaret Bailey classrooms, were constructed at the end of the drive on a piece of land that had been used as a playground. "Charivari" commented that the new rooms "did not look like a block of classrooms" (3).

In addition to this new construction a new day girls' cloak room was built in 1933 (4) and the junior assembly hall was converted for use as an art room. The old art room in the garden was converted for use as a preparatory school in the same year (5). At the time of the sale of the school in 1937 it was described as consisting of Glenrock, the former stables and domestic quarters, the Margaret Bailey classrooms, Macintosh House, the old kindergarten, tennis courts and the surrounding land (6).

During the same period some improvements to the grounds had been undertaken; these continued to figure prominently in planning and development of the school facilities. A lawn tennis court was introduced in 1931 (7) and the drive was repaired in 1933 and again in 1934 and 1936. In the

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last phase of work stone curbs were introduced to prevent car parking on the grass (8).

In 1938 a large programme of work was undertaken to repair the grounds which were said to suffer very much from erosion and constant traffic. At this time a section above the tennis court was restored by putting in some low stone walls and filling with clean sand. Seats were also provided along the fence. The section to the south of Macintosh House was terraced and filled, some playground equipment was introduced and the lawns to the south of the tennis courts were repaired (9).

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3.4 Phase IV: 1939 - 1945 The War Years

By the time of the Second World War many of the old buildings were said to be nearing the end of their useful lives. Some were used for purposes that were not originally intended, for example, the laundry was located in the old stables. In addition, the drying ground was proving to be no longer effective because of the quantity of flats being built around the school, presumably blocking the breezes from coming into the ground. This had caused laundry to be sent out, an additional and unnecessary expense (1).

At the beginning of the war years some notable improvements were made to the school to rectify some of the problems that had been highlighted at the time. In particular, improvements to the value of 16,712 pounds were made to the grounds. This appears to have been spent primarily on creating retaining walls at the boundaries, terracing, resurfacing the tennis courts and other more general works (2).

In 1941 work commenced on a new preparatory school and a music room block was commenced and completed in the same year. This would indicate that, contrary to recent suggestion, the design had nothing to do with observations made by Mr N. Weekes (unofficial architect to Miss M. Bailey) during his incarceration as a POW in South-East Asia during the war. Miss Bailey herself noted that the room was completed under Mr Weekes' supervision prior to his being taken prisoner and held in Java for three years (3) •

In 1941 a new floor was laid in the assembly hall. It was noted that there were many other schemes in mind but these had to wait until peace returned (4). However, in 1943, continuing the policy of acquisition and expansion in nearby properties "Fiona" was acquired for 100,000 pounds. The Dower House was included in this sale.

"Fiona" was built in 1864 on part of the original Glenrock estate by Edward Knox. The Dower House was also purchased by Knox at the same time. J. F. Hilly is said to have been the architect for both houses. Two glass houses were erected between the two buildings. In 1901 "Fiona" passed to Knox's daughters and they sold the property to the school.

The war years had a considerable impact on the life of the school. Of immediate effect was the construction of air raid shelters in 1942; three Anderson types were located in the bank of the drive, a large semi-circular one was located in the lawn below the main house under the Port Jackson fig and the garage at Macintosh House was also

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used for the same purpose (5).

However, the main effect of the war was the establishment of two branches of the school in areas well away from Sydney where it was felt the campus might be subject to air raids. In 1942 a branch of Ascham was opened at Berridale in Kiah Lodge. A second branch was also opened soon after in Red1eaf Lodge in Blackheath. Correspondence courses were also offered (6). During these years only urgent maintenance was carried out on the buildings in the Sydney branch (7).

Ascham returned to Sydney in 1943 and, as the war neared its conclusion, the air raid shelters were demolished in 1944/45 and some landscape improvements were undertaken. Planning commenced to restore some buildings and replace others as labour became available (8).

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3.5 Phase V: 1945 - 1968 Changing the Face of the School

After the war, in 1946, Miss Bailey retired and Dr Hilda Rayward was appointed as the new headmistress. In the same year the school celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and funds were raised to construct a new sports field. This, the Littlejohn Field, was built in 1948 on the orchard that was associated with "Fiona". However, the most outstanding event of 1947 was said to be the repainting of most of the buildings (1).

In 1948 the school Governors took stock of the assets and requirements of the school and defined those works which they considered to be the most essential for the immediate future. Those targeted were the completion of alterations to "Fiona", the renovation of the Dower House, the renovation of the art classrooms and the conversion of the wooden classrooms to sewing rooms (2). For the next thirty years the face of the old school was changed as large building programmes were put into effect to meet these and other perceived deficiencies. At the head of most of this work was the new headmistress, appointed in 1949, Miss Dorothy Whitehead.

The first major work of this new regime was the purchase of Wallis House and Kungella for 48,772 pounds in 1951 (3). Kungella, a block of flats located on what is now the site of the library and T.M. Scott Building, was used after it was vacated for staff residences. Wallis House was altered for use as the school hospital with the exception of the upper floor which was used as the headmistresses' accommodation (4).

A Building Fund Fee was established in 1958 to support the future plans of the school and in its first year many significant works were undertaken. In 1958 the Antoinette Carter Memorial Building was constructed at a cost of 26,468 pounds to serve the needs of better kitchens and dining rooms (5). In the following year major renovations were carried out on "Fiona" and a dormitory was added to Kungella (6). In 1958 the Ascham Memorial Hall was erected on the site of what are now the tennis courts. Art rooms were built in the same year for 48,500 pounds (7). The Margaret Anne Bailey Memorial Library was built in 1958 on what is now the site of the library and two new classrooms were constructed at "Fiona". The Dower House, also, was reconditioned and modernized for use by the headmistress (8). Minor additions were made to the kindergarten in the same year.

In 1959 the T.M. Scott Science Building was added to the school. This was said to be in the same style as the M. A. Bailey Library from which it was separated by a small garden. This building was on the site of the current T.M.

Scott Building. The upper floor of Wallis converted for the Senior Boarders' use (9) in period. Kungella was altered to accommodate self flats for staff.

House was the same

contained

By 1959 a masssive programme of work had been carried out that had radical1y'a1tered the face of the school. In the preceding ten years Wa11is House had been added to the site, as had Kungel1a, the Litt1ejohn Playing Field, the Antoinette Carter Memorial Building, the M. A. Bailey Memorial Libary, the T. M. Scott Science Building, the War Memorial Hall, new art rooms, a new dormitory at Macintosh House, two new classrooms at Fiona as well as the re-location of the preparatory school, the laundry and tuck-shop. Ablution and locker facilities had been improved and more level playing area provided. The main entrance had been widened and a larger parking area provided. Covered ways connected most of the school buildings.

The sixties were to constinue this "building boom". In 1960 the first stage of a major addition to the site was carried out with the renovation and extension of the classrooms at the back of G1enrock. This was the initial work for the Dorothy Whitehead Classrooms (10). This is said to have included the renovation of the former stables. In the same year two houses were purchased at the end of octagon Road and these were used to provide additional kindergarten facilities (11). These purchases included Raine House.

At the Annual General Meeting of the School it was noted that the main works for the year 1959/60 had been the addition of a fire escape stair to the top of G1enrock, the construction of three tennis courts, the widening of the main gates, the complete renovation of the old classrooms behind G1enrock and additions to that building which provided four classrooms and two locker rooms (12).

To assist this large building scheme, in addition to the Building Fund Fee, three blocks of land on the Fiona estate that were considered to be secondary for school purposes were sold (13).

In 1961 Miss Meri1ee Roberts was appointed headmistress of Ascham and she continued the tradition of expansion and construction. In the same year as her appointment improvements were made to the Dorothy Whitehead classrooms (14). By 1962 the school encompassed a total area of 8.5 acres.

In 1962 the school again took stock of its future needs and highlighted objectives for school development. These were to be additional classrooms, science rooms and laboratories, a new amenities and lavatory block, new

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dormitory accommodation, a new boarder's common room, a new locker room, replacing the domestic quarters and the modernization of "Fiona" (15).

As a first stage of this new programme of improvements additions were made to Glenrock as well as the removal and alteration of interior details. The old wooden section of the building was removed as part of this work. The Fergusson Wing was completed in 1963 and the Halse Rogers classrooms were constructed in the same year at a cost of 48,500 pounds (16). At the Annual General Meeting of 1963 it was noted that plans were well progressed for the new dormitories and a common room. Funds had been allocated for four new classrooms in the senior school and plans had been made to expand the junior school (17).

In the following year "Hillingdon" was purchased and during the remainder of the year and 1965 it was converted for use as a preparatory school (18). "Hillingdon" was built by John Musgrave Harvey in 1909. It was designed by Herbert Wardell. In 1926 the house was divided into two homes, the Harveys continued to live in, first, the larger portion and then the smaller section until Mr Harvey's death in 1940. After that tenants moved into the house until its purchase by the school.

In 1964 plans were prepared that included the demolition of Glenrock but, obviously, this did not proceed and by the end of 1965 improvements to the building, including the construction of the Fergusson Wing, totalled 110,000 pounds. Major improvements were made to "Fiona" at the same time. In 1965 the owners of the Octagon offered it to the school. This building was acquired in 1966 for 87,800 pounds although there were no immediate plans for its use (19) •

The purchase of the Octagon brought into the Ascham portfolio another building of historical and architectural significance to add to the already existing assets of Glenrock, Fiona, Wallis House, Macintosh House and Hillingdon. The Octagon appears to have been first constructed in 1832 as a guardhouse. The architect is said to have been Ambrose Hallen. In 1846 it came into the possession of Henry Gilbert Smith who used it as a home and established a garden around it. Thomas Smith is also likely to have occupied it and he may have added two wings to the building.

The building was sold in 1850 to Albert Cheeke. Cheeke subdivided the land in 1875 and sold the tower and house to Thomas Sutcliffe Mort. Mort died in 1878 and his trustees further subdivided the land on which the tower stood. In 1880 it was sold to Thomas Robertson and in again in 1882 to Mariane Mort. In 1883 it was sold to Edward Mort. Plans for additions to the tower were


prepared by the Blacket brothers and these were completed shortly thereafter. The work included the addition of a kitchen and scullery.

By 1887 the building was tenanted by Mr G. Montefiore and between 1888 and 1890 by Professor Archibald Liversidge. In 1890 Professor Liversidge purchased the property. In 1907 it was sold to Arthur Johnston and in 1901 to Harry Holt. It was bought by Evelyn Pope in 1917 and in 1959 by the octagon Pty Ltd. In 1965 it was offered to the school by the owners, the Misses Pope (20).

In addition to the octagon the school also acquired the M. A. Bailey Memorial Hall in 1966 and the T.M. Scott Building was modified to meet the needs of the. Wyndham Plan. As part of this programme part of the Ha1se Rogers building was converted to meet science needs (21).

During 1967 and 1968 extensions to the Whitehead Wing were completed which involved the demolition of the old domestic quarters and the wooden assembly hall. Further alterations were made to the T.M. Scott Science building and in 1968 "Ho1mwood" was purchased for 178,500 pounds. "Holmwood" was constructed in 1910 by Mr and Mrs David Dickson. It was noted at the time that,

" the purchase of Ho1mwood could be said to complete the territorial ambitions of the school, at least for the time being. The use of Octagon Road can now be dicated by the school." (22)

Work on the grounds kept pace with the massive building programme of this phase. In 1950 improvements appear to have been made to the Littlejohn Playing Field, at a cost of 15,728 pounds (23). In the same year work was carried out on the and landscape and the preparatory school grounds were enlarged (24). The water supply was said to be inadequate at this time.

In 1957 major improvements were made to the gardens (25) which included removing many of the· old trees and bushes and planting new shrubs and plants. By 1958 24,000 pounds had been spent on improving the grounds and landscape (26). The drive continued to cause problems during this period. In 1959 alterations were made to widen the road and enlarge the parking area as well as creating a safer footpath and resurfacing the path to "Fiona". The road to the Octagon was also widened in 1966 and a turning circle created at the same time. In the same year improvements to the value of 103,601 pounds were made to the grounds of Hillingdon. At the Annual General Meeting of major building programme had been the demolition of the domestic domestics no longer being employed

1968 it was noted that a completed that included quarters, residential

by the school. This was


the end of another tradition at the school that had been altered and done away with during the boom of the 1960s.


3.6 Phase VI: 1968 - 1991 A Modern School

The Annual General Meeting of 1969 noted that the main task of the school at that time was to assess the present and future needs and plan for its future development. By 1971 this stock-take had been completed and the major inadequacies of the school were highlighted as too few classrooms and those available too scattered, the boarding facilities too scattered, the hospital too remote, the staff residence occupied land in the heart of the senior school, the service and maintenance facilities were too small and scattered, the library too small, the lack of a swimming pool and an inadequate gymnasium.

Proposals were put forward to move the hospital to "Holmwood", the workshops in the octagon to be moved to the back of the kitchen and the Octagon then to be demolished to allow sports facilities to be constructed in its place (1).

Work commenced almost immediately in 1971 to remedy some of these problems. Authorisation was given to erect two art rooms at the back of the hall (on the site of the current tennis courts) and work commenced on Holmwood to convert it to a school hospital. Authorisation was also given for alterations to be made to Wallis House (2).

By 1972 an appreciation began to appear for the historic environment encompassed by the school. This is noticeably in contrast to the variety of plans prepared in the years immediately preceding this to demolish, amongst others, Glenrock and the Octagon. In that year it was stated that

"Ascham is like a village. Its buildings range from old homes converted to school use, to modern functional classroom blocks. Part of our task in developing the school is to provide suitable school buildings without loosing our unique historic heritage." (3).

In the same year, however, Kungella was demolished to make way for a new library and science laboratories. Holmwood's interior was renovated, Wallis House was converted and extensions were made to the assembly hall (4). The alterations to Holmwood were to accommodate the hospital and boarders. The alterations to Wallis House provided accommodation for the Bursar on the ground floor and flats for the Deputy Headmistress and Senior House Matron on the top floor. In the following year Mrs Rowena Danziger was appointed as the new headmistress to the school.

The later 1970s and 1980s were another period of intensive building operations that greatly changed the face of the school and provided it with many modern facilities. In 1974 additions were made to the rear of Glenrock and the

I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

M. A. Bailey Library was demolished. In the following year the eagerly awaited sports' complex was commenced; this was the Merilee Roberts Building Swimming Pool and Gymnasium which was constructed on the site of the house associated with the octagon. The complex was completed in the 1976 the year that the school was classified by the National Trust.

More alterations were made to Glenrock in 1977 and in that year the Ascham Foundation Ltd was established with the objective of raising funds through bequests, or fund raising activities to secure the school's future independence (5). By 1979 Glenrock had been "restored".

The first work of the 1980s encompassed the construction of new music rooms. These were later added to by the Packer Theatre. By that year, 1980, work on updating the boarding houses had been completed. In 1982 the M.A. Bailey Building was given a facelift and in 1986 Don Gazzard and Partners designed new classrooms in front of Glenrock. The lawn between these two areas was brick paved. This was the year of the school centenary.

In the following year the new assembly hall was commenced on the site of the old tennis courts. This hall took the form of 700 seat theatre; in 1988 the Packer Theatre was officially opened. At the same time, in 1988, new classrooms associated with Fiona were completed. Plans were made to make the existing art rooms into maintenance rooms and the old hall was to be demolished and replaced by tennis courts (6). This programme was completed in 1989.

In 1990 a development application was lodged by John S. Ford and Associates for proposed new buildings and a car park. In the same year the music practice room was demolished. These events have contributed to the commissioning of the conservation plan being prepared in 1991 at the request of the school.


SECTION 4.0 SUBSIDIARY DOCUMENTATION

4.1 Endnotes

Section 3.1

1. Charivari March 1936 2. Ibid. 3. Ibid. 4. Charivari June 1909 5. Much of the detail of the early history of Glenrock is

detailed in "Conservation Plan for Glenrock House" S. Lendvay and T. Wehbe.

6. Charivari June 1910 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. Charivari March 1912

Section 3.2

1. S. Lendvay and T. Wehbe. "Conservation Plan for Glenrock House"

2. M. A. Bailey headmistresses' Report 1940 3. Charivari 1923, 1927. 4. Charivari 1926 5. Charivari May 1924 6. Charivari 1925 7. Charivari November 1926 8. Charaviri 1936 9. Charivari May 1928 10. Charivari 1922 11. Charivari 1926 12. Charivari 1927 13. M. A. Bailey headmistresses' Report 1940 14. Charivari 1927 15. Charivari 1924 16. Charivari 1926 17. Charivari 1927 18. headmistresses' Report 1929 19. Ibid.

Section 3.3

1. Ascham Financial Aspects 1968 2. Minutes of the Governors 1937 3. Charivari 1933 4. Charivari November 1933 5. headmistresses' Report 1933 6. Ascham Financial Aspects 1968 7. Charivari May 1931 8. Charivari 1936 9. Minutes of the Finance Committee

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Section 3.4

1. Minutes of the Governors 1940 2. Financial Aspects 1968 3. Headmistress' Report 1945 4. Headmistresses' Report 1941 5. Charivari 1942 6. Ascham 1886 - 1962 7. headmistresses' Report 1945 8. Ibid.

Section 3.5

1. Charivari 1947 2. Minutes of the Governors 1948 3. Financial Aspects 4. Ibid. 5. Ibid. 6. Ibid. 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. Ibid. 10. Ibid. 11. Ibid. 12. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 1960 13. Financial Aspects 14. Ibid. 15. "Ascham" brochure 1962 16. Financial Aspects 17. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 1963 18. Financial Aspects 19. Charivari 1966 20. The information for the development of the Octagon is

provided by a researched paper included in the Ascham Archives" Reymond, M. "The Octagon Tower"

21. Financial Aspects 22. Ibid. 23. Ibid. 24. Charivari 1950 25. Charivari 1957 26. Financial Aspects

Section 3.6

1. Fund Raising Speech 1971 2. Ascham Development News 1971 3. Ibid., 1972 4. Ibid. 5. Charivari 1977 6. Ascham Newsletter 1988


4.2 Bibliography

Books, Reports, Theses

Ascham 1886 - 1962

headmistresses' Report 1940, 1941, 1944, 1945 Ascham Archives Series 100 Box 1

Franki, M Fiona Conservation Plan ND

Jervis, J. -and Kelly, V. The History of Woollahra The Municipal Council of Woollhara. 1960.

John S. Ford and Associates Pty Ltd Ascham School Conservation Study and Management Plan 1990

Lendvay, S. and Wehbe, T. Conservation Plan for Glenrock House Uni. NSW Thesis. 1987.

Owen, E.S. and Co. Chartered Accountants Ascham School Ltd Comments on the Financial Aspects of the Schoool's Growth to 31 december 1968 Ascham Archives Series 40 Box 1

Newspaper, Journal Articles

Anon "The Smiths of Darling Point" Ascham Old Girls Union Sheet June 1981., 5

Reymond, M. The Octagon Tower Ascham Archives Series 37 Box 1

Ascham: A Publication of the Ascham School for Girls No. 1 November 1962, No. 2 March 1963, No. 3 1963, No. 4 1963, No. 5 1965, No. 6 1965, No. 7 1966, Ascham Archives Series 27 Box 1

Ascham Development News September 1971, September 1972, January 1974 Ascham Archives Series 58 Box 1

Ascham Newsletter Term 2 1987, Term 3 1987, Term 2 1988, Term 3 1988, Term 1 1989 Ascham Archives Series 30 Box 1 Ascham Centenary Newsletter 1985 No. 2, 3


Ascham Archives Series 29 Box 1

Charivari The Ascham Newsletter 1909 - 1989 Ascham Archives Series 95

Correspondence

Ascham Drive - Right of Way to Dr Ludowici Ascham Archives Series 94 Item 98

Minutes, Annual Reports

Ascham School Ltd Minutes of Meeting 9 March 1938 Ascham Archives Series 94 Item 102

Miss Baileys Speech Day Reports 1915 - 1934 Asham Archives Series 32

Minutes of the Finance Committee 1938-Company Records Ascham

Minutes of the Executive Committee 1938-Company Records Ascham

Minutes of the Annual General Meetings Company Records Ascham

Miscellaneous

"Ascham" Glenrock School for Girls Prospectus ND (pre 1914) Ascham Archives

"Ascham" Brochure 1962 Ascham Archives Series 40 Box 1

Text of Building Fund Campaign Speech 1971 Ascham Archives Series 39 Box 1

Text of Campaign Plan (Building) 1971 Ascham Archives Series 39 Box 1

Valuation Statement for the octagon Dec 27 1886 Ascham Archives Series 94 Item 115

Graphics

Box of assorted plans Ascham Archives Series 71 Box 1


4.3 Chronologies

4.3.1 CHRONOLOGY OF THE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

1886 Originated at Marathon Avenue in a terrace. Founded by Miss Marie Wa11is

1895 Moved to "De1amere " which was renamed Ascham. "Queenscliff" leased to accommodate overflow boarders (called "Little Ascham").

1899 Establishment of Ascham Old Girls Union

1902 Moved to Mount Adelaide (Babworth House)

1909

Miss Wal1is sold the school to Mr and Mrs Carter

G1enrock sold to Mr and Mrs J. used for school rooms and school encompassed 6.5 acres Architects Messrs Robertson buildings for classrooms and buildings

Carter. G1enrock House a boarding house. The as well as the house.

and Marks planned new alterations to existing

1910 Reference to garden mentions the scarlet salvia also dahlias, chrysanthemums, African marigolds. Bulbs have been put in but only white narcissus is flowering. Pansies, mignonette, stocks and sweet peas have all been planted

New class rooms completed. Second tennis court converted from grass to chip. New sleep out verandah completed (later closed in and became the hospital)

1912 A plot of land assigned to each class to develop as a garden. It is noted that this produced great rivalry. New wire netting placed around the fence near the paddock

1914 Glenrock said to have been sold with an option on the grounds to Miss Kathleen Gilman Jones and Miss M. A. Bailey. Miss Jones sold her share to Miss Bailey. Miss Bailey became headmistress. However Miss Bailey stated that she bought the property in 1921 after renting it from the Carters

1915 Flagpole presented to school by Mr Carter and erected in grounds

1919 Flu epidemic. School partially closed.

1922 Repairs to drive (Scott and Spencer Architects)


Introduction of the Dalton Plan

Conversion of bush house for prep. school. Verandah later added on site of demolished glass house.

1923 Electric lights installed

1924 Miss Bailey provided concrete tennis courts

Addition of four new class rooms and a hall. Situated at the back of the school they formed the junior school. A new playground laid out for younger children on far side of drive

1925 New cloak room and new science room

1926 Two drinking fountains placed in the grounds

Repairs to drive

Basket ball field returfed

Kindergarten has additions (a large verandah)

1927 Built in basins and hot water installed in dorms

Repairs to drive

Wire fences around tennis courts

Bush house converted to Art room

New sleep out balcony built and connected to old No. 8 by bridge

1928 Additions to main building: a new storey to back wing on north side, also the first fire escape

1929 At the end of 1928 arrangements made to acquire the lower portions of the grounds of the Knoll. Converted for use as tennis courts. Two courts at different levels with seats at the northern end. Below the courts on the northern boundary a brick wall for tennis practice. In front of the wall were two forty feet wide circles of concrete marked in circular courts

Ground adjoining new courts turfed

Main house and schoolroom painted

1930 New drains from Latin and geography rooms Macintosh house acquired

1931 Lawn tennis court introduced and grounds enlarged


1933 Repairs to drive

New schoolrooms built. Four old school rooms off the verandah made into one big assembly hall. The new building said to be impressive and did not look like a block of schoolrooms. Included a new lecture room. Located at the end of the drive on a piece of land that was used as a playground. The Margaret Bailey Classrooms.

New day girls' cloak room

Junior Assembly Hall converted to Art Room in garden converted for use School


Room. Old Art by preparatory

1936 Repairs to drive include introduction of stone curbs to prevent parking on grass

School Jubilee

1937 Glenrock and school sold to Ascham School Ltd. Administration by a council of governors. At that time it consisted of Glenrock, the former stables and domestic quarters, the Margaret Bailey classrooms, Macintosh House, the old kindergarten, tennis courts and land. Selling price 59,184 pounds

1938 Repairs to grounds: "the grounds suffer very much from erosion and from constant traffic. A section above the top tennis court had been restored by putting in some low stone walls and filling with clean sand, and some light seats had been provided along the fence. The section to the south of the Macintosh grounds had been restored by terracing and filling. Some playground equipment had also been provided and some of the lawns to the south of the lower tennis courts had received attention."

Governors' meeting notes that Miss Bailey had organized a cycle of repairs since 1933. The whole of the senior house had been redecorated internally and also a great deal of external work at Macintosh House taken over in 1930. Since then very little had occurred until 1937 when renovations had commenced.

1940 Improvements made to the value of 16,712 pounds which appears to have been spent on the retaining walls on the boundaries, terracing, resurfacing tennis courts and general improvements

Governors' Meeting note that some of the buildings were nearing the end of their useful lives. Many old


buildings used for purposes they were not suited for, for example, the laundry in the old stables. The drying ground was no longer effective because of the construction of flats around the school. Laundry was sent out. Plans submitted for a new prep school

1941 New prep. school begun 1940 and the music room block begun same year completed and came into use early in the year. Also a new floor in the assembly room. Had schemes for many other improvements but had to wait until peace returned

Governors' meeting noted that great improvements had been made this year - grounds laid out with a view to making nearly all available for recr.eational purposes. Prep school finished. Floor of assembly hall relaid.

1942 Branch of school opened in Kiah Lodge near Berridale and a second branch in Redleaf near Blackheath golf course as many afraid that the school in Sydney could be bombed. Correspondence also offered

Governor's Meeting noted that the air raid shelters were finished - 3 anderson type in the bank of the drive, a large semi-circular one on the lawn below the main house under the Port Jackson fig and the garage at Macintosh House used as one as well.

1943 School returns to Sydney

Fiona acquired for 100,000 pounds. Dower House included as part of sale

Only urgent maintenance carried out during the war years

1944/45 Air raid shelters demolished and some landscape improvements. Restoration of some buildings planned and replacement of others as labour became available

1945 New flag pole presented by old girls union to replace the original presented by Mr Carter which had been lost.

1946 Dr Hilda Rayward appointed headmistress

Diamond Jubilee. Funds raised for sports field construction.

1947 Outstanding event of the year said to be the repainting of almost all the buildings

1948 Governors' meeting noted that necessary work was considered to be the completion of alterations to Fiona; the renovation of the Dower House; renovation


of the art classrooms and the conversion of the wooden classrooms to sewing rooms.

1949 Miss Dorothy Whitehead headmistress

1950 Purchase of a house and block of flats owned by Dr Ludowici

Littlejohn Playing Field formed at 15,728 pounds

Improvements to drive and landscape and prep. school playground enlarged. Buildings painted cream.

Headmistresses' report noted further deterioration of the drive and suggested the construction of a footpath. The water supply was said to be inadequate.

1951 Wallis House and Kungella acquired for 48,772 pounds from the Ludowici property. At this time Kungella occupied as flats. When finally vacant used as staff residences

Wallis house used as hospital except upper floor which was used for headmistress's residence

1954 Antoinette Carter Memorial Building constructed for 26,468 pounds to serve needs of better kitchens and dining

1955/56 Major renovations to Fiona

Dormitory added to Kungella House

1957 Major improvements to gardens

1958 Ascham Memorial Hall erected and art rooms built for 48,500 pounds

Margaret Anne Bailey Memorial Library erected and two new classrooms constructed at Fiona. Dower House reconditioned and modernised for use as headmistress's residence

Minor additions to kindergarten

Major improvements to grounds and landscape to value of 24,000 pounds

Building Fund Fee established

1959 T. M. Scott Science Buildings

Upper floor of Wallis House converted from use as headmistress's residence to that by senior boarders


Alterations to drive improve the parking resurface the

to widen the area; make a

path

road; enlarge and safer footpath and

to Fiona

1960 Classrooms at rear of Glenrock renovated and extended as first stage of Dorothy Whitehead classrooms

Inspection of 1 and la st Marks road a detached two storey house and a modern bungalow which were for sale, valued at 38,500 pounds and which it was thought could be converted for school uses. The Bungalow to be used as a kindergarten, the upper floor of the house for boarders and the ground floor for home science. The owner wished to sell to the school and would accept 40,000 pounds and would withdraw from the auction. The amount was offered and the two houses at end of octagon Road were acquired to provide additional kindergarten facilities, the latter relocated. This was Raine House and Kindergarten purchased for 82,250 pounds

Three blocks of land in the Fiona estate considered secondary to school purposes to be sold

Noted at Annual General Meeting that the main works of the year had been an additional fire escape to the top of Glenrock; the construction of three tennis courts; the widening of the main gates; the complete renovation of the old classrooms behind Glenrock and additions to that building which provided four classrooms and two locker rooms

1961 Miss Merilee Roberts appointed Headmistress

Further improvements to Dorothy Whitehead classrooms

1962 By this date the school encompassed 8.5 acres

Objectives for school development seen to be additional classrooms, science rooms and labs, new amenities and lavatory block, new dormitory accommodation, new boarders' common room, new locker room, replacing domestic staff quarters and modernizing Fiona

1962/63 Fire detectors installed for 3,834 pounds

1963 Additions to Glenrock and removal and alteration of interior details. The Fergusson Wing

Halse Rogers Classrooms constructed at cost of 48,500 pounds

Noted at the AGM that there was a need for modern lavatory arrangements. This led to the demolition of


the old wooden section of Glenrock. Plans were well progressed for new dorms and a common room. Funds were allocated for four new classrooms in the senior school and plans were made to expand the junior school.

1964 Hillingdon purchased

AGM noted that alterations to Glenrock were proceeding. Fergusson Wing was to be occupied soon

1964/5 Hillingdon converted to prep school

Plan to demolish part lavatory block, remove construct Fergusson wing by the end of 1965

of Glenrock, replace old top dorm. of Glenrock and (all this largely completed

Improvements to Glenrock including the Fergusson Wing totalled 110,000 pounds

1965 Owners of Octagon offer it to school

1965 AGM noted the Fergusson Wing, the Glenrock alterations and the new lavatory block were all completed. The demolition of the old sections of Glenrock were completed. Improvements to Fiona were commenced

1965/66 Major improvements and alterations made to Fiona

1966 Octagon purchased which led to the immediate widening of the road at Hillingdon at a cost of 87,800 pounds. No immediate plans for its use

Noted at AGM that alterations at Fiona completed which encompassed the addition of two classrooms and alterations to others. Stated that, this year, they were having a respite in the building programme but would require more classrooms in the next 2-3 years

1966/67 M.A Bailey Memorial Hall added to

T.M. Scott building modified to meet needs of Wyndham Plan

Conversion of part of Halse Rogers for science needs

Improvements to paths and grounds of Hillingdon at cost of 103,601 pounds

1967 AGM noted that, by the end of the year, the extensions to the Whitehead Wing would be completed which would involve the demolition of the old domestic quarters and the wooden building called the

I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

old assembly hall.

Assessment of future building needs took into account the demolition of the octagon

1967/68 Demolition of old domestic quarters and assembly hall and Dorothy Whitehead classrooms completed for 95,000 pounds

Alterations to T.M. Scott building

1968 Holmwood purchased for 175,000 pounds and with sundry expenses took total cost to 178,500 pounds

Noted in AGM that the past year had seen the completion of a major building programme including the Fergusson Wing; the alterations to the back of Glenrock made possible by the demolition of the old assembly hall and lavatory block. Domestic quarters demolished because they no longer employed residential domestics. This allowed the extension to the Whitehead Wing

1969 Noted in AGM that there had to the school the main task and future needs and plan

been no major additions being to assess present for future development

1971 Fund ra~s~ng speech points out inadequacies of school viz: too few classrooms, library too small, no swimming pool, inadequate gymnasium. Proposal to move the hospital to Holmwood, the workshops in the octagon to the back of the kitchen, demolish the octagon and construct sports facilities in its place. Considerable changes to the hall. Campaign plan notes that the classrooms too spread out, the boarding facilities scattered, the hospital (Wallis) too remote, the staff residence (Kungella) occupied land at the heart of the senior school and the service and maintenance facilities were inadequate and scattered. Under the new plans Kungella was to be demolished.

Authorisation for tenders for erection of 2 art classrooms at rear of hall

Work commenced on Holmwood to convert it for school hospital Authorisation for tenders for alterations to Wallis House

Tender accepted for renovations to Holmwood for $24,925

1972 Part of task in developing the site was seen to be the provision of suitable school buildings without loosing the unique historic heritage

I


Holmwood interior renovated

Extensions to assembly hall completed

Wallis Building converted

Kungella demolished to make way for new library and science labs

AGM noted that Holmwood conversion for the hospital and boarders was completed. Alterations to Wallis provided accommodation for a bursar downstairs and flats for the Deputy Headmistress and Senior House matron upstairs. Building proceeded at the rear of the hall to provide art room downstairs and a music room upstairs. Plans were being drawn up for a new library

1973 Mrs Rowena Danziger headmistress

1974 Additions to rear of Glenrock

M. A. Bailey Library demolished

1975 Merilee Roberts Building Swimming Pool and Gym constructed on site of house adjoining octagon Tower

1976 Classified by the National Trust

Sports complex completed

1977 Alterations to rear of Glenrock

Ascham Foundation Ltd established. Has the objective of raising funds through bequests, fund raising etc to secure school's future independence

1979 Charivari notes the significant leap forward in the number of additions to school's facilities especially restoration of Glenrock House

1980 Work commenced on constructing new music rooms. Boarding houses update finished

1982 M. A. Bailey building gets face1ift

1986 Don Gazzard and Partners design new classrooms in front of Glenrock. The lawn area between these two brickpaved.

School centenary

1987 New assembly hall to be commenced soon on old tennis courts and these to be replaced. The hall will be a 700 seat theatre. New Fiona classrooms commenced soon

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1988 Packer Theatre, Music Art Rooms opened

New building project underway. Classroom block set into bank. Existing art rooms to become maintenance workshops. Old hall to be demolished and replaced by tennis courts

1989 New building ready to be occupied and tennis courts nearly ready for use

1990 Development Application by John S. Ford and Associates for proposed new buildings and car park

Music Practice Room demolished

Conservation Plan


4.3.2 CHRONOLOGY OF GLENROCK HOUSE

1835 Constructed by Thomas Smith on land bought in the bush at Darling Point. Two acreages of 14 and 14.5 acres acquired

1836 By early in this year Smith had completed a stone cottage on the centre of the southern block. It was called "Glenrock" and encompassed five bedrooms, a dressing room, two sitting rooms and a detached kitchen. Approximately ten acres sold from the original property between 1836 and 1839.

1842 Smith dies; inherited by Thomas Whistler Smith (son) who lived in Glenrock until his marriage

1847 T. W. Smith marries Maria Street. Smiths move to Ecclesbourne on the Glenrock estate

1850 Smith builds Dower House for his mother and unmarried siblings. Moves his family to Glenrock

1859 Smith dies in London on business. Family return to Sydney but Glenrock is leased to John de Villiers Lamb (Smith's brother-in law).

Plans made to subdivided entire estate but this did not proceed

1866 T. W. Smith's mother dies and the family decide to sell Glenrock.

1867 The estate put up for auction. Sold to Charles Thomas Richardson who purchased 5 acres, 9 perches for 5200 pounds. Richardson moved into Glenrock.

1870 Matching gateways designed by MacBeath? added to site

1874 Sold to John Marks for 6500 pounds although Richardson continued to live there until 1875.

Marks demolishes current building house. Design of MacBeath

the old Glenrock and builds the retaining the name of the earlier the new house attributed to David

1885 Marks died; his widow Elizabeth continued to reside at Glenrock

1908 Elizabeth Marks died

1909 Sold to Mr and Mrs J. Carter. Ascham moved to Glenrock which was used for school rooms and a boa~ding house. The entire school at that time encompassed 65 acres.


1910 New class rooms completed. New sleep out verandah completed (later the hospital)

1914 Sold with an option on school grounds to Miss Kathleen Gilman Jones and Miss M. A. Bailey. Miss Jones share sold to Miss Bailey

1923 Electric lights installed

1927 Built in basins and hot water in dorms

1928 A new storey added to back wing on north side of the school. Also another small balcony facing north

1929 House painted and minor repairs carried out

1930s Main veranda enclosed on front facade.

1933 Miss Bailey commences a various buildings. Since house, except one sitting internally.

cycle of repairs to the 1933 the entire senior

room, had been redecorated

New school rooms built led to the rooms off the verandah being used as an assembly hall

1937 Glenrock and the school sold to Ascham School Ltd

1948 Urgent works considered to include the conversion of the wooden classrooms to a sewing room

1950 Quote provided for improving drying yard at the rear. 220 pounds for removing the shed, moving the lines, concreting the yards and making proper drainage.

1959 Proposal to improve existing classrooms at rear of Glenrock by providing a new roof to the building, modifying the rooms and building an additional classroom at first floor level. Plans were to be prepared (and were subsequently modified by Council). New fire escape to Glenrock had been completed.

1960 Classrooms in courtyard at rear of house renovated and extended to provide 3 modern classrooms upstairs and an additional classrooms and lockeroom downstairs

Additional fire escape made to top of Glenrock

1964 E.A. and T.M. Scott, architects, designed additions to the northern facade enclosing that face and demolishing a verandah on the north-eastern corner. False ceiling in Bursar's office on ground floor and demolition of chimney and fireplace in that room. Demolition of boiler room on western facade. New


concrete stairs on southern facade. quoins to allow for construction of southern side. The Fergusson Wing. including new wing total 110,000 pounds

Demolition of new door on Improvements

AGM notes that the alterations proceeding

1965 The very old boarding section has been modernised. Split levels have been eliminated and the old wooden structure demolished. New amenities block in course of erection. The old lavatories gone

AGM notes that the alterations completed and the new lavatory block. The demolition of the old wooden section completed.

1974 Additions to rear of G1enrock


1977 Alterations to rear of Glenrock

1979 Main front verandah restored. McConnel Smith and Johnson commissioned to design new paint scheme for hall, drawing rooms and exterior. Original scheme found to be impractical to replace. Colour scheme chosen reflects colours in glass and tiles. By this year the work complete

1983 Renovation of office

1986 Don Gazzard and Partners commissioned to design classrooms in front of G1enrock

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4.3.3 CHRONOLOGY "FIONA"

1835 Part of Glenrck estate. Described as scrubby land

1864 Edward Knox purchased the land from T. W. Smith and erected Fiona. He also purchased the Dower House abd included it within Fiona. J.F. Hilly said to be the architect for both Fiona and the Dower House. Two big glass houses were constructed between Fiona and the Dower House to maintain plants

1901 House comes into ownership of Fannie and Katie Knox

1943 Acquired by Ascham Pty Ltd from the executors of the estate of the late Misses Knox fpr 100,000 pounds . The grounds provided playing fields. The Dower House also included in the sale. Consdierable alterations and repairs made to the house. Accomodated 180 girls of the Middle School in nine classrooms with quarters for staff

1946 Funds raised by Diamnd Jubilee help to build sports field at Fiona

1948 Necessary work considered to be the completion of alteatiuons to Fiona being the cosnrtiuction of lavatories, cloak rooks, floor to the basmenet" painting and minor repirs

1959 Two new classrooms

1960 Three blocks of land in the Fiona estate secondary to school purposes sold

Fiona wall and the roof facing onto the drive renovated

1961 Plans of new entrance tabled

1962 Primary school objective identified as modernizing Fiona

Approval given to paint Fiona and remove shutters from the outside

1963 AGM notes that further improvements needed to Fiona but unable to fund them at the time

1965/66 Major improvements and addtions

2 new classrooms and a library on upper floor of domestic wing and one classrookm made by building over the rooms on the western side of the courtayrd and the others by demolsihing all the interior walls on the southern side. Existing balcony was extended


along the new classroom. A new concrete stairway led from courtyard to the balcony. In the main building the small anterooms and trhe hallways were incorpoarted into adjacent classrooms and all walls/floors put into good order. Smaller rooms used fo office and staffrooms

1965 AGM notes that imporvements to Fiona commenced

1966 AGM notes that the major improvements completed which encompassed thw addtion of two classrooms and alterations to others


1987 New classrooms for computers


4.3.4 CHRONOLOGY THE "OCTAGON"

1832 Constructed as a guardhouse. Octagonal in two storeys constructed of brick on stone foundations with a wooden roof. The architect said to be Ambrose Hallen. Said to be the first building in Darling Point and the only surviving work of Ambrose Hallen

1846 Henry Gilbert Smith Takes up occupation. Calls it his "bachelor tower". Establishes a garden. Smith's nephew Thomas Smith is also likely to have occupied it and may have added two wings to the tower.

1859 Trustees of Smith's estate sold it to A1bert Cheeke for 2843.15.0 pounds. By this time the additions were already there

1875 Cheeke subdivided the land and sold the tower to Thomas Sutcliff Mort

1878 Mort died and his trustees further subdivided the land reducing the tower's area to 2r. 5-3/4 perches

1880 The tower described as The Octagon sold to Thomas Robertson for 1050 pounds

1882 Sold to Mariane Mort for 1400 pounds

1883 Sold to Edward Mort for 1550 pounds. Plans prepared by the Blacket brothers for additions to the tower which were shortly thereafter completed. Included a kitchen and scullery

1886 Valuation carried out on behalf of Trustees of T.S. Mort. Description states the Octagon to be a unique two storey residence of stone and brick with a shingle roof with additions of weatherboard and plastered inside. It had a small porch entrance and contained a hall, drawing room, bedrooms over dining room, library, sitting room, bedroom, store pantry, bathroom, kitchen and scullery with two rooms over, the latter reached by a separate stair case. Also outbuildings

1887 Mr G.B. Montefiore tenanted the building

1888-1890 Occupied by Archibald Liversidge as a tenant

1890 Professor Archibald Liversidge purchased and occupied it. Possibly added additions.

1907 Bought by Arthur Johnston, solicitor

1910 Bought by Harry Holt, woolbroker 1917 Bought by Evelyn Pope

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1922 Drawn by Hardy Wilson

1959 Bought by The octagon Pty Ltd

1965 Offered to school by the owners (Misses Pope)

1966

1967

Committee meeting report notes that contract for sale tabled

Purchased by the school widening of road. House storage. Cost 87,800 pounds

which led to immediate used for workshops and

Committee approval to excavate and grade 20' back to the octagon and tar it, make a footpath and demolish some trees. This provided a turning circle and widened the road

Headmistress's assessment of future building requirements notes that the Octagon will have to be demolished and workshops, storerooms and change rooms built in its place as well as one tennis court

1971 Proposal to move Octagon workshops to back of kitchen and demolish Octagon. In its place a sports complex including tennis courts, gym, pool etc

1975 Merilee Roberts Building constructed on the site of the extensions to the Octagon


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4.3.5 CHRONOLOGY THE MARGARET BAILEY CLASSROOMS

1933 Planned and built by Miss Bailey as a personal contribution

1936 Bronze plaque attached to building commemorating the name. Said to be very impressive; did not look like a block of school rooms

1982 M. A. Bailey Building got facelift


4.3.6 CHRONOLOGY OF THE FERGUSSON WING

1964/65 Construction of Fergusson Wing along with renovations and alterations to Glenrock totalling 100,000 pounds. T.M. Scott the architect

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4.3.7 CHRONOLOGY "MACINTOSH HOUSE" ("THE KNOLL")

1914 Built by portion of the Carters

Albert Littlejohn (school governor) on Glenrock grounds which he purchased from

1930 Miss Bailey purchased it from Mr Littlejohn and fitted it up for junior boarders

1937 "A great deal of interior decoration" carried out over Christmas break. Little said to have been done to the house between 1930 and 1937. "Now all except two mistresses' rooms and two rooms not yet in regular use had been redecorated."

1938 Much internal work done at Macintosh House when taken over but not much since, until 1937 when renovations commenced

1942 Garage at Macintosh House used as air raid shelter

1955 Dormitory added

1960 Tenders received to paint the house. Some repairs to ceilings and gutters

1977 Two storey flat roofed white brick extension to west facade

1989 Two storey brick extension to south side


4.3.8 CHRONOLOGY HOLMWOOD HOUSE

1910 Holmwood constructed by Mr and Mrs David Dickson

1968 Purchased by the school for 178,500 pounds

1971 Tender accepted for $24,950 renovations

Alterations and additions including timber framed porte-cochere, first floor flat and western verandah carried out when building altered to became the present hospital and boarding house

1972 Interior completely renovated. Boarders located upstairs and downstairs the hospital

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4.3.9 CHRONOLOGY "HILLINGDON"

1908 Glanworth Estate subdivided and John Musgrave Harvey bought Lots 47 and 49. He sold one prior to building Hillingdon

1909 Hillingdon built. Designed by Herbert Wardell

1926 House divided into two homes. Harvey lived first in the larger and then in the smaller portion of the house until his death in 1940

1940 Tenants move in

1964 Purchased by the school

1964/65 Converted for preparatory school

1966/67 Improvements to paths and grounds for 103,601 pounds

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4.3.10 CHRONOLOGY MERRILIE ROBERTS BUILDING

1975 Constructed on the land adjoining the house associated with the octagon which was demolished to make way for this building. Encompassed three storeys, a swimming pool, gymnasium and physical education facilities

1976 Completed

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4.3.11 CHRONOLOGY PACKER THEATRE AND MUSIC SCHOOL

1980 Work commenced on building new music rooms

1987 Plans for new assembly hall to be started soon. To be attached to music school and would be able to seat 700 in the theatre with raked seats, modified thrust stage, ample foyer opening to a courtyard. Room under for dressing rooms, offices and storage. John Ford the architect. Replaced old tennis courts.

1988 official opening

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4.3.12 CHRONOLOGY WALLIS HOUSE

1951 Purchased1 as part of Ludowici property with Kungella for 48,772 pounds. Hospital established on ground floor. Top floor used as headmistress's residence.

1959 Top floor converted for use as senior boarders' accommodation and downstairs for hospital

1963 New fire escape planned

1968 Wallis still used as hospital

1971 Plan to move staff residences from Kungella to Wallis.

Authorisation given for tenders to be used as Bursar's Office residence upstairs

to be called. Wallis downstairs and staff

1972 Conversions complete. Downstairs accommodation had been made for the bursar while upstairs flats made for the deputy head mistress and senior house matron as well as a guest bedroom


4.3.13 CHRONOLOGY KUNGELLA

1951 Purchased as part of Ludowici property along with Wallis House for 48,772 pounds. At that time occupied as flats and had protected tenancies. As soon as it became vacant it was used for staff residences

1956 Renovations

1971 Plan to demolish Kungella (then staff residences) and move the residents to Wallis

1972 Kungella demolished and is now the site for science laboratories and library


4.3.15 CHRONOLOGY T.M. SCOTT SCIENCE BUILDING

1959 Constructed in a space obtained by removing a sand bank. Said to be brick and in the same style as the M.A. Bailey building from which it was separated by a small garden

1966/67 Modified to meet the needs of the Wyndham Plan

1985 Site redeveloped with a two storey building with provision for a later additional storey to be added. Seven carpeted classrooms, laboratory and store room. Verandah on first floor. Proposed cost $580,000. Architects Gazzard and Partners. Tenders called.

1986 Completed


4.3.14 CHRONOLOGY ANTOINETTE CARTER MEMORIAL BUILDING

1954 Built for 26,468 pounds to serve needs of a better kitchen and dining facilities. On the site of what was No. 1 tennis court and behind the music rooms

1955 Officially opened


4.3.16 CHRONOLOGY DOROTHY WHITEHEAD CLASSROOMS

1960 Conversion of old stables to first section of Dorothy Whitehead classrooms at a cost of 21,500 pounds

1961/2 Further improvements to classrooms

1967/68 Demolition of old domestic quarters and assembly hall and building of new classrooms completed the Dorothy Whitehead wing for 95,400 pounds

1984 Committee room renovated

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4.3.17 CHRONOLOGY RAINE HOUSE

1960 Purchased with kindergarten for 82,250 pounds

1961 Raine house to be painted externally, the rough cast sections to be 1imewashed. Conversion with kindergarten for 23,500 pounds.

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4.3.18 CHRONOLOGY KINDERGARTEN

1960 Purchased with Raine House for 82,250 pounds. Old kindergarten relocated

1961 Conversion of kindergarten and Raine House for 23,500 Pounds


4.3.19 CHRONOLOGY HALSE ROGERS CLASSROOMS

1963 Constructed for 48,500 pounds

1966/67 Conversion of part for science needs


4.3.20 CHRONOLOGY DOWER HOUSE

1850 Constructed by T.W. Smith as a residence for his mother and unmarried siblings while he and his family lived in G1enrock. J. F. Hilly said to be the architect

1864 Bought with Fiona by E. Knox

1948 Bought, with Fiona, by Ascham Pty Ltd

Essential works considered to be painting and redecorating the inside and outside; formation of two offices; overhauling the bathroom; installing electric light, power and gas

1958/59 Reconditioned and headmistress's residence

modernised


for use as


4.3.21 CHRONOLOGY ASCHAM MEMORIAL HALL

1958 Constructed to right of Glenrock facing drive along with art rooms for 48,500 pounds

1959 Said to be new and painted pink

1961 Minor additions and repairs

1966 Additions

1971 Considerable additions to hall required.

Authorisation of tenders for constructing two new classrooms at rear of hall

1972 Extension to assembly hall complete with new music room on top level, art rooms on lower level

. 1988 New Packer Theatre opened and plans for old hall to be demolished and replaced by tennis courts

1989 Old hall demolished and tennis courts constructed

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4.3.22 CHRONOLOGY MARGARET ANNE BAILEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY

1957 Plans by T. M. Scott

1958 Constructed alongside T. M. Scott Science Building

1966/67 Additions

1974 Demolished to make way for new library and science rooms


4.3.23 CHRONOLOGY WOODEN CLASSROOMS, ASSEMBLY HALL, STABLES, BUSH HOUSE AND DOMESTIC QUARTERS

1874 Domestic quarters and stables built as part of Glenrock. Also bush house?

1909 Messrs Robertson and Marks engaged to design new classrooms for Glenrock and alterations to existing buildings

1910 New classrooms completed

1922 Conversion of bush house for Verandah later added on site house

prepara~ory school. of demolished glass

1924 Addition of four new classrooms and a hall at the back of Glenrock. These formed the Junior School

1927 Bush house converted to art room

1933 Old school rooms converted for use as a hall when Margaret Bailey classroom completed. Assembly Hall converted to Art Room. Old art room (bush house?) converted for preparatory school

1940 Many old buildings said to be nearing end of useful lives or being used for unsatisfactory purposes for example the laundry in the old stables

1948 Necessary works considered to be the conversion of the wooden classrooms to sewing rooms

1960 Classrooms at rear of Glenrock renovated and extended as first stage of Dorothy Whitehead Wing

1962 One of the objectives of the year seen to be the replacement of the domestic quarters

1963 Need for modern lavatory arrangements led to demolition of old wooden section

1965 By this year all the "old" sections of Glenrock said to be demolished

1967 By the end of the year the extensions to the Dorothy Whitehead Wing caused the demolition of the old domestic quarters and the assembly hall. Domestic quarters no longer necessary because residential help no longer employed

4.3.24 CHRONOLOGY: LANDSCAPE

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1910 Reference to garden mentions scarlet salvia, dahlias, chrysanthemums, marigolds. Bulbs had been put in but only the white narcissus was in flower. Pansies, mingonette, stocks and sweet peas all planted

Tennis courts converted from grass to chip

1912 Each class given a plot .to develop as a garden. Creates great rivalry

New wire netting around fence around the paddock

1915 Flagpole presented by Mr Carter erected in the grounds


1924 Miss Bailey presents concrete tennis courts

New playground for younger children established on far side of drive

1926 Two drinking fountains installed in the grounds

Repairs to drive

Basket ball field turfed


Wire fence around the tennis courts

1929 Lower portion of the Knoll converted for use as tennis courts. Two courts on different levels with seats at the northern end. Below the courts on the northern end was a brick wall for practice. In front of this wall were 42' wide concrete circular courts

Ground adjoining tennis courts turfed

1930 New drains from latin and geography rooms

1931 Lawn tennis court introduced and grounds enlarged



1936 Repairs to drive include the introduction of stone kerbs to prevent parking on the grass

1938 Repairs to grounds which suffered from erosion. Section above the top tennis court restored with low stone walls, clean sand fill and some light seats


along the fence. Section south of Macintosh house restored with terracing and filling. Playground equipment provided and some lawns received attention

1940 Many blocks of flats being built making the drying ground behind inadequate.

around the school the main house

1940/41 Improvements to the value of 16,712 pounds. Appear to have been retaining walls on the boundaries, terracing of the land, resurfacing the tennis courts and general improvements

Easier access to the art room (former prep school) provided by a new set of steps leading from the upper terrace. A number of terraces were formed in the area to the south of the lower tennis courts. Another piece of work was undertaken in the area under the Port Jackson fig to raise a waste piece of ground to a useful level and added considerably to the area on the level of the office and study. The grass tennis court in front of Macintosh House lowered by several feet and resurfaced

AGM notes that great improvements made to the grounds with nearly all the land made available for recreational space

1942 Air raid shelters completed including three anderson type in the bank of the drive, a large semi-circular one in the lawn below the main house under the Port Jackson fig

1944/45 Air raid shelters demolished, lawns tidied and drive resurfaced. Only urgent maintenance carried out during war years

1945 New flag pole presented to school by old girls' union to replace the original from Mr Carter which had been lost

1948 Oval created on orchard associated with Fiona. Built by funds raised in Diamond Jubilee (1946). Leve1ed otherwise useless slopes and removed an outcrop of rock

1950 Litt1ejohn playing field completed for 15,728 pounds

Gravel removed from drive; courtyard cemented; fences moved; gravel tennis court tarred and prep school playground enlarged

water supply noted to be inadequate 1956 Improvements to gardens. Many old bushes and trees

which looked old, straggly and untidy were cut down

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or cleared away and the beds were filled with new shrubs and plants. Especially proud of the garden in front of the M.A. Bailey building

1958 First major improvements to grounds as a natural consequence of the completion of the War Memorial Hall and laboratories. Drives were resurfaced, parking areas were formed and lawns laid out. Security lighting, covered ways and paths. Total value 24,000 pounds

Space for T.M. Scott building achieved by removing a sand bank along drive opposite the fig tree. Small garden established between it and the M. A. Bailey building

1959 Alterations to drive to widen road; enlarge and improve parking area; make a safer footpath and resurface path to Fiona lawn. Main entrance widened. Covered ways connected most of school buildings.

1960 Work commenced on regrading and sealing playground below tuckshop

New water pipes laid to Littlejohn playing field

Galvanised iron and chain wire fence to be erected on 64' of property boundary between the school and Mr Cohen's property and 6' hardwood post and rail fences along 115' of the school boundary and Mr Dickson's property

Three tennis courts built (3600 pounds)

Main gates widened and a proposal put forward to redesign the access for the Fiona gates.

The playing area between the Macintosh House deteriorated;

Memorial Hall and resurfaced and had severe white levelled. Trees were removed which

ant damage

Upper section of main drive resurfaced

1966/67 Improvements to paths and grounds of Hillingdon. Total cost 103,601 pounds

1986 Lawn between Glenrock and new classrooms brick paved

1988 Old tennis courts to be replaced by new classrooms

1989 Centenary tennis courts ready for use

"Clear Need" for proper and Macintosh House

landscaping between fig tree but while plan developed

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Documents

I p~-1'()L n{.l.--I r Inswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/13508_ID_Thorp1991AschamS… · Ascham commenced life in 1886 in a terrace in Marathon Avenue. It was founded as a girls