There Was Once an Asylum
This site not only provides an overview of mental health history and its implications for Goodna, but also explores the complex relationship between memory and history.
We may never know some stories, but this site uncovers history, revealing the layers of understanding that underpin the present.
It is done in a way that honours the patients, clients, and the people.
Male Patients Area
The former male patients' area comprises nine former ward blocks and the recreation oval. These buildings constitute the most coherent group on the site. This coherence derives from their formal arrangement around the recreation oval and the complementary architectural styles and forms. These principles of moral treatment are most clearly demonstrated in this area. These buildings divide into four subgroups: Lewis, Noble, and McDonnell; Pearce and Osler; Jenner, Kelsey, and Gladstone; Fleming.
The Lewis, Noble and McDonnell Group were a two-storeyed block erected in the 1910s. They comprised large open dormitory wards with ancillary facilities. These buildings have subsequently been altered internally, and only Partial evidence remains of the original planning. Fewer changes have been made to Noble House, and it's the most intact. Alterations have also been made to the exterior. Nevertheless, the buildings' 'institutional' character is still readily apparent and reinforced by the repetition of similar massing and form. Pearce and Osler Houses are two almost identical wards at the eastern end of the area. They were built between 1928 and 1934 to accommodate more violent and troublesome patients. The ongoing need to upgrade security provisions has led to the introduction of elements that are visually intrusive but remain functionally necessary. With a different use, these elements may be removed. Gladstone, Jenner and Kelsey Houses were completed in the mid-1930s and were distinguished by their 'crab' plan form from a central section providing two straight rear wings and two front angled wings. Although these buildings were the last to be planned according to the outdated principles of moral treatment in Queensland, they nevertheless demonstrate a degree of innovation and creativity in planning. Fleming House is a two-storey brick building completed in 1898. Substantial alterations were undertaken during the 1920s.
After constructing each ward, the grounds were landscaped and gardens were established. The cricket pavilion was built in 1910 as part of the redevelopment of the cricket oval in the early 1910s on the initiative of HB Ellerton. It comprised dressing rooms surrounded by a verandah. The pavilion was relocated to its present site in 1936 following the construction of the new male wards. Ellerton requested the relocation of the pavilions because he felt they blocked patients' view of the recreation oval, which would be a constant annoyance and might retard their recovery. The recreation ground was originally laid out in 1895. It was built following the decision to relocate the male section after the floods of 1890 and 1893. Cricket was the principal sport, and outside teams visited the asylum.
When Ellerton arrived as superintendent in 1909, the recreation area was redeveloped, principally built by patient labour. It comprised a new cricket and football ground (200x100m) and three tennis courts. At the time, Dr Ellerton declared that when complete, "this ground would form one of the prettiest, if not the best in Queensland.
In 1914, the entire recreation ground was enclosed with a nine-foot-high, K-wire fence. The fence was intended to give patients an unobstructed view of the oval from the wards. It also allowed patients to wander and exercise in a large open area. Thus, it became what Ellerton referred to as 'a sort of nursing ground'. The recreation ground became one of the principal means of promoting the asylum as a 'decent' institution where patients enjoyed a degree of freedom and pleasant surroundings.
Patients built the bowling green in 1951 as part of a wider program to expand recreational facilities in the hospital during the 1950s. The bowling green clubhouse was erected in 1968.
Chronology
1895: cricket ground laid out
1910: grounds re-levelled and extended to include football grounds and a tennis court
1910: cricket pavilion erected in the southwest corner
1914: The entire cricket ground was enclosed with K-wire fencing
1936: cricket pavilion relocated to the southeast corner of the ground
1951: Bowling Green constructed
1968: Bowling Green Clubhouse constructed
