McLean's Ridges Public School and District First World War Roll of Honor

The memorial is a tall, timber roll of honor for the First World War. It features four distinct sections, starting with the carved pediment at the top. The pediment is decorated with the earliest version of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, flanked by the Union Jack and Australian Red Ensign. Beneath the coat of arms are intricate paintings of Australian flora. The pediment also includes the year '1914' but no end year is given. 

The second and third sections are divided using a decorative shelf and carved brackets. The second section identifies the roll as belonging to McLean's Ridges* Public School & District. The words are elegantly printed in gold, with each word starting with an outlined capital letter, reminescent of a drop cap. The third section is divided into two panels, which are inscribed with a list of former pupils and district volunteers who enlisted. These names are also printed in gold and include the letter 'K' after the five servicemen killed in the war. The final section is a simple base piece, inscribed with the words 'God and Empire' and decorated with sprigs of Australian flora. 

The roll was made by Brown and Jolly, a long-established cabinet maker and furniture company on the North Coast of NSW. Their expertise is evident in the solid construction, cabinet-like design, and overall craftsmanship of the memorial. 

Honorary Secretary W.J. Gibson advertised the unveiling of the roll and a "basket picnic" to be held at the school on Anzac Day, 25 April 1918 (Northern Star, 20 April 1918). The advertisement specifically invited "relatives of soldiers whose names are on the honor roll." The event was described in detail in the Northern Star on 1 May. The Chairman, Councillor Cameron, welcomed the attendees, teacher Mr McInnes spoke and then his wife unveiled the roll. The article also mentions the roll was protected by a "glass front" but this is no longer on site. 

The school opened as a provisional school in October 1874 and as a public school in July 1882. It closed in December 1969. At some stage the roll was moved to the McLeans Ridges Public Hall. Access to it is restricted to the opening hours of the hall. 

* Note: McLean's Ridges is now spelt as McLeans Ridges.