Page 224 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

247.

MOUNT VIEW SCHOOL

A drop in coal demand, and consequently, less need for coal production
and miner employees, plus a slackening in agricultural pursuits, again saw
a change in population locations. These causes resulted in a drop in school
enrolments, which simply dwindled away. Finally, the Mount View School was
closed on 8th September 1953.

Almost ten (10) years later, the Education Department considered
that in the foreseeable future there was not going to be a school required
at Mount View. Rather than let the school and residence fall into disrepair
and become completely neglected, the Education Department called for tenders
in May 1963, from persons interested in purchasing, demolishing and removing
the school and residence buildings. The successful purchaser was Mr. John
'Rab' Lewis of Cessnock, with his offer of £200.0.0. ($400.00).

The Education Department followed the removal of their buildings
by revoking their interest in the land. On 7th February 196L1, the tenure
of the land was transferred to the City of Greater Cessnock Municipal Council.
Over the following years, as a community service, the Lions Club of Cessnock
have constructed and maintained a picnic area on the old school site. The
picnic area 'n'as named "Bimbadeen" and provides a splendid lookout over Cessnock,
Pokolbin and the Hunter Valley. It has become a popular tourist attraction.

The Headmasters or Teachers-in-Charge at the Mount View School
have been:-

James Bourne 1st June 1881
John Sheldon
John Hardcastle 23rd July 1883
Alfred Holmes
William H. Bates 30th October 1884
James Walker
David Broaden 18th April 1885
Richard Beavers
Duncan McLennan 27th March 1888
Frank de Witt Tay~or
14th September 1892

26th October 1893

29th January 1898

27th August 1908

17th January 1909