BUTTON - WA POLICE FORCE
1902 - 1952Round brass button. In middle raised crown above swan. Text around edge [POLICE FORCE / WESTERN AUSTRALIA]. Hook on back of button. On back maker's text and crossed swords around edge.
This button was found on the grounds of the Kelmscott Primary School sometime around 2001. Part of the school is located on what was once the Kelmscott Police Station and Gaol. Its style dates the type of buttons worn by Western Australian Police officers between 1902 and 1952.
The first police station in Kelmscott was built on Lot 30, Orlando Street in 1860. In 1897 a new police station and gaol was erected. This building was demolished in 1977 to make way for an expansion of the neighbouring Kelmscott Primary School.
The original lot that the police station was located on was owned by James Munday until 1844 when it was resumed by the colonial government.
The Kelmscott State School was established in 1882 and was held at St. Mary's in the Valley Church, located on River Road. In that first year there were 18 students and they were taught by Miss Alice Dewar. Classes from 1892 now had 26 pupils moved to the recently completed church hall. In 1899 the new Kelmscott State School with teacher's quarters was opened on land next to the church, with Frederick Ranson as their first principal. The block was situated on the corner of River Road and Orlando Street. The police station neighboured the school on Orlando Street
In 1973 the Kelmscott Senior High School opened and the Kelmscott State School was renamed to Kelmscott Primary School.
Details
Details
Text on back [SWORD MDKE / TRADE SWORD MARK / MADE IN ENGLAND]
This object is part of a collection associated with significant buildings and places in the City of Armadale. These buildings or have played a role in the social, economic and or spiritual development of the district. They can also be aesthetically and architecturally significant. The building or places can also be associated with significant people, organisations or businesses who have all had an impact on the City of Armadale.
