The Jamestown Convent.

[Ray]

I don't have all of the details as yet, but our Convent which I believe was originally built for the Josephite Sisters who taught for many years at our Convent School has GONE.   Yes,.. GONE.

No doubt the planning for this has been in the pipeline for some time, but never showed on the radar until yesterday when Thomas Earthworks were seen demolishing the building. Our last Sister having only gone to Adelaide a few months ago.  It has been somewhat of a double blow, as the loss of Sister Eunice was felt deeply among our community by Catholics and Protestants alike, she was a lovely person and had become a widely known and well liked Jamestown personality. Her outlook and view of life being an inspiration to all who met her.

No doubt there are plans to extend the very popular St Joseph's school, and without any other place to expand, the now unused Convent was sacrificed, which to me is somewhat of a pity as Jamestown has lost another fine looking stone residence.

[Susie]

This building celebrated it's centenary in 2008.  Foundation stone laid in January 1908.  Apparently it's demolition has been planned for almost a year.  I also believe it was riddled with salt damp!  Don't know as I've never been in it.

[Ray]

Hi Susie, you must have been evesdropping, I was going to ring you shortly after I had posted these last two photos. It does not surprise me that it had salt damp, there are not a lot of stone buildings that do not in Jamestown, and yes,... I do know the cost of trying to repair it.

[utegirl70]

Where was this building? Is it on King Edward Tce?

What a shame to demolish such a lovely old building. Pity it couldnt have been saved.   

[Ray]

Yes, it was immediately south of the St. James School. It was as you say a nice old building and always looked very substantial from the outside.

[Ray]

The next chance I got for a photo was the day that they started pouring the foundation. This was done by Barry Ahern Building Services, of Clare.



Because of trucks parked at the front of the block, I have taken this shot from the rear looking West, and it gives a good idea of the size of the new Library and Meeting Room etc.

[Ray]

I was speaking with one of the Staff at the School, and we were talking about the new Library, in our conversation it was revealed that when the old building was demolished, a well was found under one of the front rooms. It is presumed that the well pre dated the Convent built in 1907, it would be interesting to hear if anyone has any information as to what was on the block prior to the Convent being built.