150 years: Lord Clyde State School

Learn about the history of Lord Clyde State School, one of Victoria's oldest public schools.

Key information

Address:
Smeaton, 3364
Opened:
1 September 1861
School type:
Primary
School number:
869
Other names:
Smeaton's Plains Common School, Smeaton's Plains State School

The history of Lord Clyde State School

  • 1867

    The school was established by a Presbyterian farming community in 1867.

    It was originally called Smeaton's Plains Common School and it was located east of Clunes.

    The Board of Education provided aid for the teacher's salary. It also gave a grant to assist in building the school.

    The hardwood school building had a single roof and was on a 2-acre site on crown land.

    The first head teacher was Farquhar Morison and 30 students were enrolled.

    A section of the school room was partitioned off and served as a teacher's house.

  • 1870

    In 1870, a 4-room teacher's house was built.

  • 1883

    35 students were enrolled at the school in 1883. 

  • 1892

    The school was renamed Lord Clyde State School.

    The post office attached to the school was also called Lord Clyde.

    Both were named after a famous gold mining company.

     

  • 1898

    The school closed in 1898. 

  • 1902

    Both buildings were sold to Charles Westleigh for immediate removal.

Can you help us find records for this school?

The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) doesn't have any historical records for this closed school. If you have any, or if you know of any, please let us know by emailing 150years@education.vic.gov.au

Updated