Ipswich Grammar Celebrates 150 Years in 2013

 

“The inauguration of the above institution, which takes place to-morrow, under the auspices of his Excellency the Governor, who has graciously consented to deliver the inaugural address, possesses features of peculiar interest. The building is the first one yet erected in the colony for scholastic purposes under the provisions of the Grammar School Act of 1860, and there can be not the slightest doubt but that Ipswich, by thus leading the van in taking advantage of the wise legislation which enables them to initiate an undertaking of such vast importance, has stolen a march upon the other towns of the colony.

 

The building is beautifully situated on the top of the ridge which divides Little Ipswich from the principal business portion of the town, about a quarter of a mile off the main road to the interior. For the purpose of combining health and comfort, we doubt much whether a better site could be selected in the neighborhood of the town. Viewed from whatever side it may be, the observer cannot but admire the general outline of the structure, which strongly reminds one of the tout ensemble of similar institutions at home, of which it may perhaps justly be styled an almost miniature copy.From its upper window, a panoramic view is obtained of the town and the surrounding country. The original grant of land as the site amounted to some nine or ten acres, which quantity has, we believe, since been supplemented to upwards of twenty acres, so that there is ample room for the formation of a cricket-ground, a game in which the schoolboys at home are so proficient. There will also be scope for a gymnasium, and for many other sources of healthful recreation in which schoolboys everywhere take such delight.”

 

The above article is from The Courier, dated Thursday 24 September 1863. For the remainder of this article and many other historic Australian newspaper articles visit NLA Australian Newspapers.