According to Stanthorpe Voices: Extracts from Stanthorpe Shire History, Mr Bob Champman was the first to settle at what was to become Cottonvale in 1909.
Glen Aplin State School has a long history that dates back to 1887.
The following is an excerpt from Jean Harseltt in a book about the school’s history on its 1987 centenary:
‘The school (which was formally known as Servern River State School) was officially raised in status from a Provisional School to a State School in 1909 which meant the department took full responsibility.
At the end of 1909, plans were afoot to have the school moved to a new site near Glen Aplin railway station, a point more central to the families involved.
In 1910, the inspector visited the area and found that a number of new holdings had taken place up at Glen Aplin and more orchards were coming into bearing.
He (Mr Carmody) recommended that the school be moved – or if sufficient pupils, a half-time school should be conducted between Glen Aplin and the old present one.
One acre of land had been donated, but with a potential twenty children, this was considered too small.
Another acre adjacent was donated, making it nearly a hectare.’