Free Settler or Felon
Convict and Colonial History




Newcastle's First Kindergarten 1902 - 1915



Snowball, Ralph, 1849-1925, John Wood's residence, Jesmond House, Newcastle, NSW, March 1890Henry Rouse of Newcastle was the son of William Rouse, a former convict, who was famous in his time as licensee of The Australia Inn, known locally as Rouse's Inn. This Inn once occupied the site later famous as Scott's corner, afterwards David Jones department store in Hunter-street, Newcastle.

The site where Henry Rouse and his wife Stephena Mary (nee Hannell) built their residence on the Hill was considered at the time to be at the limits of the township and was a little isolated from the town centre. They later moved to live in Perkins-street Newcastle and John Wood sen., of Castlemaine Brewery fame acquired the house.

John Wood and his wife Agnes built their magnificent home 'Jesmond House' on the site of Rouse's old residence on The Hill perhaps adding to the original house built by Henry Rouse.

Later the tower at the front, designed by architect James Henderson was added and servants quarters at the rear, designed by architect Frederick B. Menkens were completed.

Agnes Wood died in 1879 and John Wood died in 1888.

John Robert and Essie Wood at Jesmond House


Essie Jenyns as Viola 1886. State Library NSWEsther Elizabeth Ellen Jenyns, well-known before her marriage as Shakespearean actress Essie Jenyns, was born in 1864 in Brisbane, the daughter of Charles Scott Jenyns and Emily Ann Jenyns (later Holloway). She married John Robert Wood, son of John Wood sen., and Agnes Morton Kirkaldy in a spectacular and famous ceremony at St. Andrews Cathedral, Sydney on 5th December 1888.

John Robert Wood acquired Jesmond House on the death of his father, however he and Essie departed not long after their wedding for an extended tour of Europe. On the eve of their departure a magnificent 'At Home' was given at Jesmond House. The house and gardens were illuminated and decorated. At the entrance to the massive gates was an illuminated design of two hearts conjoined, encircled by a semi-circle in variegated lights. Fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns decorated the lawns and the conservatory. The interior was lavishly decorated with rich material especially brought in from David Jones in Sydney. The event was attended by more than two hundred of the elite of Newcastle - including Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Ellis; Mr. and Mrs. James Mair, Mrs. Edmund Barton, Mr. Jenyns (brother of Essie) Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Walsh, Engineer for Harbours and River; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wood; Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Wansey; Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Keightley; Rev. Canon and Mrs. Selwyn; Mr. H. Greenway; Mr. and Mrs. Windeyer; Dr. and Mrs. Eames; Dr. Nixon, Dr. Baker, Dr. and Mrs. Craven M. and Mrs. J. R. Bingle and many others. Dancing continued until 2am. [1]

The couple left the following morning making their way to Melbourne where they boarded R. M. S. Massilia bound for England. [2]

On their return to Australia in January 1894 Jesmond House became famous throughout the district for the generosity, hospitality and benevolence of its owners. It was lavishly furnished and included a ballroom with a billiard room underneath. Jesmond House was the scene of many impressive theatrical and other entertainments sometimes directed for the benefit of charity. Often the lawns surrounding the house were the scene of these events. A grand Ball was held in October 1896 [3] and on Christmas Eve that year a Christmas tree and afternoon tea was arranged at Jesmond House. Twenty-six lucky children (Mrs. Selwyn's sewing-class) were invited and about sixty adults. Games were held on the law including a skipping competition and a potato race. The tall Christmas tree set on the lawn was heavily laden with toys, which overflowed to the ground. The courtyard was decorated with the flag from the steam yacht Imogen (John R. Wood's old yacht). There was a doll competition and a hat trimming competition for the men. Money raised from the sale of the dolls was to be donated to charity. [4]

There were other charity events as well - Essie Wood contributed to the Relief Society in 1897. The society was for the relief for the poor of the district, principally done by means of tickets for groceries, sometimes paying rent and also for young girls out of employment and needing extra care with board and lodging. [5]

After only three years in New South Wales the family departed again bound for London on the steamer Himalaya in May 1897. Besides intending to witness the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria celebrations on 22 June 1897, Essie Wood also intended to publish the book she had written about her travels. [6]. Although they expected to be away only a year they didn't return until April 1900. [7]

Back in Newcastle once more in 1901 Essie was involved in raising funds to complete an unfinished portion of the Christ Church Cathedral. In January 1901 one of her benefits - a garden fete and play in the grounds of Jesmond House - raised the substantial amount of £379 16s 6d.

The First Kindergarten

In the early 1900s the kindergarten movement that had started in Germany by Friederick Froebel was gaining popularity in Sydney. Froebel believed that education should begin by gratifying and cultivating the normal aptitude of the child for exercise, play, observation, imitation and construction. A very large part of the training took place in and about the garden and this gave rise to the name Children's Garden or Kindergarten [8]

Founded by forward-thinking educators and philanthropists with the support community and church leaders, much of the early work establishing kindergartens was voluntary and carried out by those devoted to the cause. It was regarded as women's work and there was little government funding available.

In Newcastle there had been reports of numerous young children roaming the streets and sand hills on the outskirts of town with no supervision and little to keep them busy.

As a mother of two who had become passionate about the education of young children, Essie Wood saw the advantages of the Kindergarten movement. Well-connected and charismatic she was perfectly placed to organise the people around her into finding a solution to the unsupervised children of Newcastle. For her foresight and enthusiasm she is credited with establishing the first public free kindergarten system in Newcastle.

In March 1902 invitations were sent out to about 60 prominent citizens of Newcastle to attend a meeting for the purpose of making preliminary arrangements to establish a kindergarten at Newcastle. At the meeting held at Jesmond House Miss M. S. Hooper of Sydney explained the aims of the kindergarten system and the immense good it had already accomplished in Sydney. Bishop Stretch was elected chairman of the meeting and a committee was formed to consist of the following - President Mrs. John Robert Wood; Patronesses Lady Windeyer, the Mayoress of Newcastle Mrs. Cann, Mrs. Lart, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Cohen, Mrs. Joseph Wood, Mrs. Stretch, Mrs. Wirt and Mrs. Crookston. Working committee, Mmes. Holland, Mitchell, Ferguson, S. Waddy, Cannington, Dowling, Ellis, James, J. D. Jones, Timbury, Nicholas, Craven and the Misses R. Rothwell, M. Cameron, Miller, Dowling, Lusk, Christie and Hay. [9]

In May at a Jesmond House drawing-room meeting it was resolved to forward to treasury for consideration a £1 for £1 subsidy from Government. Setting out the way the kindergarten was to be run at this meeting, it was resolved that the kindergarten would be free and that it would not become affiliated with the Kindergarten Society of New South Wales. [10]

The first free sessions of kindergarten in Newcastle were held at Jesmond House in May 1902 and later that month the teachers and children gave a demonstration of the progress already made. [11]

Church Street Kindergarten

Soon afterwards facilities were established in a room at the back of the Pro-Cathedral in Church-street that Bishop Stretch had made available rent free for twelve months. The building was painted inside and out, lavatories and cloak-rooms were added and it was furnished with chairs and tables made by a local carpenter at a cost of 3 shillings each. [12]. On July 1st the Kindergarten was ready to welcome 50 children.
The Newcastle Kindergarten, Newcastle, NSW, Sydney Mail 3 August 1904
The kindergarten room was unostentatiously opened in a ceremony in July. About thirty children attended with a few visitors to view their work. The large artistically painted room furnished with six tables, each surrounded by a number of little chairs, the marble table on which the little people do their clay modelling, the aviary and the window boxes filled with pot plants were all very pleasant. A light lunch of biscuits and boiled milk was provided for the children each morning. In the afternoon the second monthly drawing-room meeting was held and was attended by a large number of ladies interested in the movement. The hostess for the day was Lady Windeyer. [13]

Lady Windeyer, a philanthropist and supporter of the women's suffrage movement, was closely involved in the Newcastle Kindergarten movement until her death in 1912

The kindergarten at the Pro-Cathedral was formally opened by his Excellency Sir Harry Rawson in November 1902. Sir Harry and his entourage had taken part in a ceremony at the Hamilton race-course where 3000 school children from 22 schools put on a display. The image below is of the children dancing around a maypole at the racecourse as part of the celebrations. An excursion in the harbour on the steamer Namoi was also on Sir Harry's agenda.

maypoleThe opening of the Newcastle Free Kindergarten was the closing event in connection with his Excellency’s visit. After leaving the racecourse the party drove to the Pro-Cathedral grounds where the Governor was received by the president, Mrs. J. R. Wood and the executive of the society. There was a large attendance including the primate Dr. Saumarez Smith, the Bishop of Newcastle Dr. Stanton, the Bishop of Goulburn Dr. Barlow, the Dean of Newcastle Bishop Stretch, the Hon. W. Bennett, M. P., the Revs. L. L. Wirt, B.D., J. Crookston, Rainsford Bavin, W. F. James, P. Stacey-Waddy M. A. Sir John See and others. The children were drawn up in two lines near the Pro-Cathedral wall, in charge of the head mistress Miss W. L. Hinds, the visitors passing between their ranks to the school room, where the Governor and Lady Rawson were briefly welcomed by Mrs. J. R. Wood, Lady Rawson being made the recipient of two handsome bouquets which were presented by two of the scholars. The next half hour was spent in inspecting the work done by the children and demonstrating kindergarten methods. [14]

An open air speech was then given by Sir Harry Rawson who expressed his opinion that as a sailor, the methods he had witnessed in operation under the system which included order and discipline would produce results that in later life would be highly advantageous to the children. Rev. L. L. Wirt, vice-president then gave a speech before Sir Harry and party departed for the railway station A public meeting then took place at the Synod Hall when a history of the kindergarten movement in New South Wales was delivered by Mrs. Dane. Kindergartens had been established at Woolloomooloo, Millers Point, North Sydney and at Bowral. A training school for the teachers had also been established. Miss Frances Newton then spoke of the work and influence of kindergartens in America.

Mrs. J. R. Wood, in sketching the history of the kindergarten movement in Newcastle, said some twelve months ago the school was started with twenty scholars. A few months later there were more than double that number and today they had a regular attendance of 60 pupils. One of the greatest difficulties which had to be encountered was the deep rooted and mistaken prejudice of many parents against sending their children to what was termed a pauper school. It was an entirely mistaken notion, but one which fortunately was being dissipated. Others again said the school was only formed for the children of the rich, and that was as great a misconception as the former notion. The school was actually started at her own residence with six children of well to do parents, the children being practically loaned for special training in order that they might later on demonstrate the methods of kindergarten instruction. Today, the parents of the children had expressed the greatest pleasure at the influence which were being brought to bear upon their offspring. The mixing together of the children was productive of good influences and rich or poor alike could rest assured that their children would be the better and brighter for the training. They too, had their mothers meetings and had discovered them to be of practical advantage while an additional feature was the establishment of a drawing room meeting at which topics of current interest were discussed and which it was hoped would ultimately produce good results. [15]

A financial statement tabled at a meeting in 1902 revealed that of a balance of £226 17s 6d, £150 had been donated by Mrs. Wood. They had hoped for a subsidy to be approved by Premier Sir John See, (his wife was a supporter of the Kindergarten system [16]) similar to that given to the Sydney kindergartens so that branches could be opened in Darby-street and Stockton as well as other places, however this may not have eventuated

Charity Performance in Kings Hall 1903

The Newcastle Kindergarten, Newcastle, NSW, Sydney Mail 1 April 1904
On the left, the interior of Kings Hall at this time


Essie Wood had not performed on stage for some time, having retired after her marriage. She returned to the stage to raise funds towards the completion of work on Christchurch Cathedral in 1902. In March 1903 for the purpose of providing funds to carry on the work of the kindergarten society, she organised a performance of Ingomar and Pygmalion and Galatea to extend over a week in the Kings Hall, King-street, Newcastle [17]. The Newcastle Herald reported - The Kings Hall where the performances are to take place is now one of the prettiest halls in Australia. It has been entirely redecorated in white and gold. The orchestra will be under the direction of Mr. Vost Janssen. The scenery specially painted by Mr. Wilson of Sydney and the electric lighting under supervision of Mr Jones in the newest style with novel and charming scenic effects. [18].Kings Hall, north-westcorner of King & Perkins Streets, Newcastle


In July 1903 at the annual general meeting the secretary Miss Bishop gave a report - The society had a membership of over 100 and a roll of 88 children with an average attendance of 60 children per diem. The Government grant that was promised had not been received however several performances in the Kings Hall given by Mr Charles Holloway, Miss Beatrice Holloway, Mrs. Wood and others had realised £83 10s. 9d for the funds of the society. It was proposed to start a branch of the society but funds were not yet available. Mrs. Wood stated her willingness to take over the present kindergarten for another term of 12 months, however she could not continue further than another two years and urged the members to establish another branch of the kindergarten. Plans were underway for a spectacular ball to be held at the King's Hall on July 21st.[19]  King's Hall was situated on the north-west corner of King and Perkins Streets.

Darby-street Kindergarten

By September 1903 a branch had been established in Warwick Hall at 113 Darby-street Cooks Hill with Miss Carey in charge. [20] Warwick Hall was built by the Jones family and served for many years as a venue for concerts, meetings and dances. On the property was also a five-room dwelling house. The location of Warwick Hall is noted as Dancing Hall on the eastern side of Darby-street on this 1896 map of NewcastleThe Newcastle Kindergarten, Newcastle, NSW, Sydney Mail 3 August 1904

Essie and John Robert Wood departed for Japan on R.S. Kasuga Maru later in September 1903. While in Japan Essie visited schools and kindergartens that had been established fifteen years previously. The kindergartens were run by government and not run on philanthropic lines as in Newcastle. She returned the following January with knowledge and ideas that applied to education in general as well as for the improvement of kindergartens.

In July 1904 a Ball of All Nations was held to raise funds for the Kindergarten. In August 1904 it was suggested that the Newcastle Kindergarten could be connected with Froebel House in Sydney however it was decided that the Kindergarten of Newcastle would lose its identity and be but a branch of the NSW Union. Under these circumstances it was thought better to stand alone.[21]

In 1906 after the Easter break 40 children returned to the Church-street kindergarten, Miss Curran being in charge in the absence of Miss Hinds. At Darby-street branch Miss Timbury was in charge and there was also a good attendance there. An annual government grant had been received as well as generous donations from Novocastrians near and far[22]

1907 - 1914

In January 1907 there was an auction of the furniture and decorative appointments of Jesmond House and it was announced that the Wood family were leaving for England via the East. They departed from Sydney on the ship Yarwata Maru, taking with them their motor car which they intended to use on a tour of Japan. A farewell was arranged by the kindergarten society on the eve of departure when Essie Wood was thanked for her deep interest and support of the children of Newcastle. Even in her absence she maintained her interest in the kindergarten movement at Newcastle, donating substantial aid as well as gifts at Christmas, pictures, postcards and letters. She returned to Newcastle in 1911, 1914 and 1920 each time holding functions in conjunction with the kindergarten and renewing her acquaintances in the city. She didn't forget the movement in her long years abroad. She met with many of the famous men and women of the day amongst them prominent kindergarteners and sympathisers

Lady Windeyer became the new president and the work of all the supporters of the movement continued. By July 1909 the re-location of the Hill kindergarten to Perkin-street had occurred but the building was small and had forced them to limit the number of children. There was a list of children awaiting vacancy [23]. Becoming ill in 1910, Lady Windeyer resigned from the position of president and Mrs. Dunlop was elected in her place [24]

Mrs. Charles Champlin was elected President in February 1912. She was welcomed at a function given by the society in the Masonic Hall. [25]

Wickham Kindergarten

In April 1909 the Newcastle Morning Herald reported that a free kindergarten for children between the ages of three and six years of age had been opened in the luncheon room of the Wickham School of Arts - Only a limited number of children were brought for tuition but the ladies who are interesting themselves in the movement believe there is ample scope for their work within the municipality and that when its character is better known there will be a large gathering of children as no charge is made for the instruction given. The kindergarten was formally opened by Lady Windeyer in the Wickham School of Arts in May 1909. It was revealed that the first £100 from the Government towards the kindergarten society had been secured. Mrs. J. L. Fegan was appointed president of the branch although it was still under the charge of the Newcastle society. At this ceremony children from the Hill School and the Darby-street School were engaged in kindergarten games and during the evening enjoyable musical selections were enjoyed [27]

In June 1911 the Wickham Kindergarten Mothers Club raised money for the purchase of a piano for the kindergarten by holding a euchre party and social in the School of Arts. [28] In July 1912 it was proposed to move the Wickham Kindergarten to more suitable quarters. Charity events were organised to raise funds for extra chairs, tables and other necessary items.

In September it was noted that it had been three years since the kindergarten had been established at Wickham and progress had been so satisfactory that they had decided to carry on future operations in St. James school hall adjoining which the children would have the advantage of a good playground [29]. The next Mothers Club social meeting was held in the St. James Church parish hall where a musical programme and games were included [30].

Carrington Kindergarten

A branch of the Newcastle Free Kindergarten was opened in the Parish Hall in Young-street Carrington when between 20 and 30 children aged 3 - 6 years attended. The school was under the superintendent of Mrs. Champlin assisted by Misses Garrett and Greaves, students. [31]

In October 1913 it was reported that a successful demonstration was held in the Central Methodist Mission Hall, King Street. The three schools were represented viz Newcastle, Darby-street and Carrington and the method of teaching the children both at play and at work was illustrated in a very interesting manner [32]

In December 1913, the annual Christmas tree festival in connection with the Newcastle Free Kindergarten was held in the Cathedral Parish Hall. In past years separate festivals had been held in each of the three kindergartens at Darby-street, Wickham and Carrington, however in 1913 the festival was combined and held in the Cathedral Parish Hall. There was a large attendance of children, parents and friends included the Dean of Newcastle Rev. P de Laure Musgrove and Rev. R. C. Oakley. Mrs. A. H. James, the president presided. The Christmas tree was the gift of Miss L. Windeyer of Tomago and the presents were given by Mrs. J. R. Wood, the patron of the committee and included a special parcel sent direct from London. Mr. Snedden of Hamilton was Father Christmas. Presentations were made and refreshments were provided by Miss L. Windeyer and the mothers and committee members [33]

Closing of the Kindergartens - 1915

In 1915 the difficult decision to close the kindergarten was made. At the annual meeting of the Society Essie Wood made a statement outlining the decision which was chiefly due to the lack of students necessary to make it a success and not so much a lack of funds. A sub-committee had been appointed to arrange the closing of the kindergarten. They decided to save and have stored away all materials that would be useful to the kindergarten in the future. When the war was over they might be able to open again what might be called "The Child's Garden of Learning or Knowledge". Mrs. Wood urged that the members of the committee meet together once a year in a little social gathering thus keeping the embers of the kindergarten aglow to be fanned into a flame again by the future need when the terrible war was over. [34]

Return to Newcastle 1920

Essie Wood returned to Newcastle in 1920 with the intention of reorganising the kindergarten at Newcastle, hoping to 'introduce into the Newcastle Children's Garden' the latest methods as she had seen and studied first hand [35], however she passed away in Sydney on 6th August 1920 before this was accomplished.

In April 1921 on the occasion of the unveiling of her portrait the Newcastle Sun reported - The memory of Mrs. J. R. Wood (Essie Jenyns) is to be rightly perpetuated in Newcastle. At the Australasian Society to-night her portrait will be unveiled. Mrs. Wood, during her all too brief life in Newcastle, was one of our most honored citizens. With her charm of manner and striking personality, she added much to our educational advancement, our social uplifting, and the growth of an unselfish spirit, which is a mark of the true Christian; self-abnegation being the beginning and end of a Christian life.... Mrs. Wood, among other things, founded a free kindergarten, to which children's garden, young people now in Newcastle can look back to many hours spent in picking up the rudiments of an education which has now advanced them to the higher schools, and some still further to the University. Her thoughtful care in this direction has been the means of establishing, not only a finer citizenship, but a band of scholars who will go forth to teach the world. The Australian soldier will never forget her. During her temporary residence in England, she threw open her home in order to entertain them. She lived a beautiful life. Her thoughts were for the people, particularly those growing up. A scholarly woman herself, with a beautiful soul, she left an impression wherever she went. [36]

Notes and Links

1). Fire destroyed a weatherboard building 27ft by 48ft at 111 Darby street Newcastle and its contents. Four sheds at the rear were also destroyed. The building which was formerly known as the Warwick Hall was owned by Messrs Nicholson and Co. Ltd., piano and music warehousemen and was occupied by Mr. A. H. Arthur who carried on business as a wood worker there and lived on the premises. Maitland Mercury 2 February 1931

2). The Obelisk Hotel was built in upper Wolfe-street at the rear of the Jesmond House allotment c. 1863 NMH 30 October 1936.

3). In this 1889 sketch/map of Newcastle, Jesmond House without the quarters at the rear can be identified.

4). Sydney Mail 15 February 1902 - images of the garden at Jesmond House

5). Biography of the early life Essie Jenyns by Gerald Marr Thompson - Google Books

6). Kirkaldy family in Newcastle


The location of the following places can be found on the map below:
Jesmond House
Christchurch Cathedral
Pro Cathedral
Old Hamilton Race Course
King's Hall
Warwick Hall
Wickham School of Arts
St. James Church, Wickham
Castlemaine Brewery

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References

[1] Newcastle Morning Herald 5 January 1889
[2] Evening News 4 January 1889
[3] Newcastle Morning Herald 3 October 1896
[4] Sydney Mail 4 January 1896
[5] Newcastle Morning Herald 10 March 1897
[6] Newcastle Morning Herald 5 April 1897
[7] Newcastle Morning Herald 5 April 1900
[8] Newcastle Morning Herald 31 July 1902
[9] Newcastle Morning Herald 22 March 1902
[10] Newcastle Morning Herald 1 May 1902
[11] Daily Telegraph 21 May 1902
[12] Newcastle Morning Herald 20 June 1902
[13] Newcastle Morning Herald 3 July 1902
[14] Newcastle Morning Herald 24 November 1902
[15] Newcastle Morning Herald 24 November 1902
[16] Sydney Morning Herald 27 January 1902
[17] Sydney Morning Herald 24 March 1903
[18] Newcastle Morning Herald 21 March 1903
[19] Newcastle Morning Herald 9 July 1903
[20] Newcastle Morning Herald 10 October 1903
[21] Sydney Mail 10 August 1904
[22] Newcastle Morning Herald 25 April 1906
[23] Newcastle Morning Herald 30 July 1909
[24] Newcastle Morning Herald 21 July 1910
[25] Newcastle Morning Herald 24 February 1912
[26] Newcastle Morning Herald 21 April 1909
[27] Newcastle Morning Herald 13 May 1909
[28] Newcastle Morning Herald 10 June 1911
[29] Newcastle Morning Herald 18 September 1912
[30] Newcastle Morning Herald 26 October 1912
[31] Newcastle Morning Herald 6 September 1912
[32] Newcastle Morning Herald 2 October 1913
[33] Newcastle Morning Herald 17 December 1913
[34] Newcastle Morning Herald 10 July 1915
[35] The Sun 13 June 1920
[36] The Newcastle Sun 11 April 1921