Living History Centre

The Living History Centre was officially opened on Thursday 28 May, 1998. It is located on the ground floor of College House, formerly the Headmasters' residence and Old Collegians and friends of the College are welcome to view the display during normal opening hours, 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. You are sure to find items that will bring back memories.

History of College House

In July 1936, Headmaster Mr P M Hamilton and Mrs Hamilton took occupancy of the Residence at Brisbane Boys' College.

Architects Atkinson and Conrad took a complete departure from old ideas of school architecture in the design, which combined service, comfort, and art.

Formerly the Headmaster and his family were accommodated in a flat within the main building, but with the enrolment increasing from 200 to 300 in two years, it was necessary to devote this space to school rooms. The alternative was to decline the enrolment of 50 boys. The College itself raised a substantial part of the money to finance the expansion.

It was very fortunate that the College was able to acquire the site overlooking the school, which was formerly the tennis court of Mallow, the property of Miss Philp.

The Residence was the home of five of our seven Headmasters - Mr P M Hamilton, Dr T R McKenzie, Mr A J Birtles, Mr G Thomson and Mr M Cujes. The current Headmaster, Mr G E McDonald, is accommodated in a property in Union Street, adjoining the campus.

College House is now the headquarters of the Old Collegians' Association and the home of the Living History Centre. The BBC Marketing staff are temporarily located on the upper floor. This area will eventually become meeting rooms for the Association and BBC Support Groups, as well as display area for historical material.

Timeline of Historical Events

• 1902 - 1930
• 1931 - 1970
• 1971 - 2002

Can you Help! Where Is It?

This photograph appeared in "The Portal" in 1945 and shows the bow section of the racing four "John Newell". The bow was mounted on the wall of the original Assembly Hall, as a memorial to the memory of Flight-Lieutenant J W Newell after whom this boat was named. Tragically, John Newell lost his life in a plane crash near Cairns during World War II after five years service with the RAAF.

The BBC Archive Committee is appealing to anyone who may be able to assist in locating the John Newell Memorial piece to contact us as we believe it should find its rightful place in our Living History Centre.