The cafe is actually named after Mr Henry Reveley, who originally operated a water powered flour mill on the site from 1833.  The mill unfortunately failed, as he never quite made enough dough out of it.  Mr Reveley is better recognised for designing the Round House in Fremantle.

The Old Perth Boys' School.

Even though a co-educational Colonial School was opened in Perth on the 5th July 1830, it never produced any "A Grade" students.  People were much more preoccupied with surviving in a harsh environment, than learning Pythagorean Theorem. The Education Committee decided it might be a good idea to separate the boys and girls, and make a more concerted effort at educating the children.  So in 1847 the Perth Boys' School was established, despite not having a permanent school building.  The lads occupied an assortment of vacant places, including the Court House.

The door into the classroom, with the old school bell situated above.

This all changed in 1854, when the purpose built Perth Boys' School was opened.  It was designed by Mr William Sanford, who was the Colonial Secretary at the time.  The plans were draw up by Mr Richard Jewell, better known for designing the Barracks.  Stone for the building was transported up the Swan River in barges from Fremantle.

Looking suspiciously like an old church.

Mr Sanford had really wanted to design a church, so the new school building ended up looking like a 19th Century Gothic Revival church.  This would have been just fine for Sunday School, but the pupils had to study many other subjects.  The narrow church like windows did not allow much light into the classroom, and did not ventilate well during the hot Perth summers.  The Gold Rush also resulted in a sudden rise in the student population, and soon the school was unable to cope with all these extra demands.  In 1896 the school was relocated to a larger building on James Street.

The narrow Gothic style church windows, didn't throw much light on the subject.

The building was thereafter referred to as the Old Perth Boys' School.  It was later occupied by the new Perth Technical College.  By 1909 the college found the building inadequate, and decided to construct some extensions.  With no regard for the style of the existing school, they erected a red brick building. 

The red brick extension is hard to miss.

Today the two buildings look rather uncomfortable together, making it easy to locate the Old Perth Boys' School.  Still can't pick it?  Just follow your nose, as the school is now used as a cafe.

LOCATION:  139 St Georges Terrace, Perth.  The old school building that looks more like a church.