Winiam State School (number 2530) 1886 to 1959

Source:  http://trove.nla.gov.au/

As the number of children in the rural community of Winiam began to increase, concerned parents gathered to discuss the formation of a primary school for their children.

They were advised by the inspector of schools to build a school in a central location and the department would send a teacher to take charge of it.

My Great Great Grandfather, James Pilgrim, was one of the parents who formed this initial committee.

James showed generosity and conviction when he donated an acre of land (which adjoined his property but was in his eldest daughters name) to enable a school to be built.  

Source: http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/

1886 Map showing one acre subdivided for new Winiam State School
Source: www.slv.vic.gov.au

The school was opened by July 1886, when the school was listed as being an official polling place for the Winiam community.

Winiam Primary School - circa 1906

Back; Arthur Schultz, Frank Steer, John Steer, Clarrie Wohlers, Victoria Gniel, Hilda Fiegert, Elsie Wohlers, Florence Weir
 Centre: Edward Gneil, Roy Weir, Harry Triplett, Henry Westendorf , Ethel Weir, Gladys Weir, Nell Miles, Edie Schultz
 Front:  Garn Weir, Arthur Steer ,Perce Pilgirm, Linda Pilgrim, Irene Fiegert, Mabel Shurdington, Ollie Oldfield, Vera Wohlers
Teacher: Miss Fanny Box

My grandmother, Eva Pilgrim, was 8 years old when she first attended Winiam State School in 1918.

Winiam State School 2530

1932 - Winiam State School

Teacher - Lil Muller at back.  Left to Right: Melva Voight, Mary Pilgrim, Coral Wolhers, Una Voight, Lin Wohlers, Edna Pilgrim, Bill Pilgrim, Marj Moulden , Gordon Pilgrim, Rita Moulden, Howard Wolhers and Hazel Pilgrim

Local papers have revealed the following;

1886	Polling Place
1893	Winiam State School closed for 3 weeks by order of health office as measles had broken out
1898	Miss Ethel Young appointed sewing teacher
1899	Mr W Jackson appointed, temporarily, to the charge of Winiam State School
1901	Head Teacher Walter Tranter transferred to Wangaratta after 10 years
1905	Mr HF Dunn, Master
1906	Miss Fanny Box teacher
1910	Shelter Shed erection contract granted
1911	Head teacher, Mr BT Kerr - New education Act regulates appointment of school committee James Pilgrim senior was one of those nominated.
1912	Mr RT Kerr, been in charge for 3 years transferred to the metropolis
1913	Miss P Berryman, a popular teacher transferred to Hopetoun West
1916	Miss B Barnes was school teacher (notice of brother killed in war)
1917	Miss Brown appointed head teacher, in succession to Miss Barnes, who transferred to Gippsland
1926	Miss Darker presented with a marble clock set, she had been a teacher for 4 years
1933	Miss L Muller ceased teaching as getting married
1938	Miss Scott, head teacher, transferred to Geelong district

Next week, I shall include photos of children playing at Winiam State School.

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