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Ilford School

School name: Ilford

Other name: * Keens Swamp until 1868
County name: Roxburgh
Transferred:
Location note:
URL for linking: https://nswgovschoolhistory.cese.nsw.gov.au/schoolHistory?schoolId=4036
Operating dates:
Type of school Opening date Closing date
Public School Sep 1859 Nov 1861
Provisional School Jan 1869 Dec 1870
Public School Dec 1870 Open1

-32.96627194158485, 149.85611818337162

1868


Keen’s Swamp became Ilford around 1868. It had a post office and a population of around 100 people who were mainly farmers, shopkeepers or artisans.
A local committee had applied to the Council of Education on 1 October 1868 to establish a Provisional School at Ilford. The committee members were: James Burgess; and William Harris (Storekeeper). This application was granted and the school opened 12 November 1868. The following parents sent the number of children to the first school:

James Burgess1
M MCain4
M D'Arcy2
M Drew1 (Shoemaker)
William Harris2
D Moore1
Philip Ryan5 (Farmer)
Sarah Weatherley2
D Young2


Miss Emily Clark was appointed teacher at the first school. Miss Clark requested supplies for the school. They were forwarded to Mr Harris at Ilford, having gone by rail from Sydney to Mount Victoria and from there by team to Ilford.

Miss Clark was a middle aged English woman who had previously taught at Burrundulla. Her delicate health made her dubious about taking up the appointment at Ilford. After two years her failing health made her retire
2 .

1870

The school became a Public School 11 November 1870 when thirty eight children were enrolled. The local committee which sponsored the application included: William Harris (Storekeeper, Wesleyan), William Imber (Storekeeeper, Church of England), William Russell (Contractor, Church of England), Daniel Moore (Blacksmith, Roman Catholic) and Philip Ryan (Butcher, Roman Catholic). These people were constituted as the first Public School Board. By 1876 the members of the Board were William Russell (formerly coach driver, then road contractor), John McAlister, Thomas Corderoy (Storekeeper), Edward W Turley (Post Master) and W Harris Chairman of Board)3 .

Mrs Anna Maguire was appointed teacher after Miss Clark resigned. She objected to Roman Catholic services being held in the building. Mrs Maguire was supporting eight children, one born while she teaching, and an ailing husband who had gone bankrupt in a quartz mining venture at Cullenbine. Mrs Maguire head to do all this on an annual income £60 plus 6d per week for each child in school fess. In September 1874 her husband died. She continued teaching, although her work suffered. By 1876 the Council decided to send her to a smaller school4 .

The first school building was a dilapidated little slab and shingle structure which was twenty-four by fourteen feet and was built on Mr W Harris’ land near the centre of town. A five year lease had been gained on the building in 1868. It was not until 1873 that an unfenced playground and closets were provided, after Mr Harris had granted a further one and a half acres for the use of the school5 .

1873

19 October 1876 Wilbraham Evelyn Liardet was appointed teacher at Ilford Public IIIB £1026 .

1876

In February 1876 the students and parents petitioned the Council of Education telling them the school building was ‘almost falling down and we have doubts that it will last the coming winter’. They suggested the building which had been lately occupied by Mr Turley be leased until a new school could be built. This was agreed upon and the school opened in two rooms of the building. The building stood on a fenced one a half acres which was used a s a playground. The remaining six rooms were considered suitable for a teacher’s residence. A married male teacher Mr William Evelyn Liardet was appointed teacher at the school. The buildings proved unsatisfactory as the owner of the land and building, Mr Staines, would only grant a lease on a weekly basis at 10s per week7 .

1877

Foundation Stone Laid
27 September 1877 L.AYING OF THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW PUBLIC SCHOOL. No subject of conversation has been able, for some days past, to displace the all-absorbing topic of the laying of the foundation stone of our new public school, which took place on Thursday last. As a preliminary of considerable import to the celebration of the day, the inhabitants of the town and district turned out on Wednesday last, to accord a public reception to J. Hurley, Esq., the district member, who was chosen as the fittest person to perform the task of laying the foundation of an edifice which has long been the object of our most cherished wishes. A cavalcade of horsemen and buggies - among whom were Messrs. Turley (hon. sec. of the Local Board), J. McAlister, W. Bussell, P. Byan, W. Harris, T. Gorderoy, and R. Moore-made a start from McAlister's Inn, and proceeded down the Sydney road till .they arrived at the top of Cherry Tree Hill, where they met Mr. Hurley, who occupied a seat in Mr. Liardet's buggy. The Mudgee Volunteer Band accompanied tho procession, and enlivened the journey by rendering airs of a strain appropriate to the occasion. The line of vehicles and horsemen now retraced their steps towards Ilford, and on arriving again at McAlister's Inn, Mr. Hurley was entertained at dinner by his friends. At 11 o'clook on the following morning the residents assembled, and accompanied Mr. Hurley to the site of the new school. The procession, headed by the Mudgee Band, marched from the old school-room towards the place of destination, and though the weather now threatened to be inclement, it did not damp the general enthusiasm, Arrived at the site, Mr. Hurley delivered a terse and appropriate address, after which he was presented with a silver trowel. Ho then declared the stone duly laid, ofter giving it the orthodox masonic blow. Three times three hearty cheers followed, and the enthusiasm was extreme. Tho school children, who formed the most imposing feature in the procession, had meanwhile sung a few of their juvenile airs and the National Anthem in an excellent manner. Rain now fell in sufficient volume to suggest a stampede to the old school-room, where a sumptuous repast was laid out for the youngsters. After the departure of the chlldren, Mr. Hurley was accompanied by his friends to McAlister's hotel, where a dinner was in waiting, and at which the leading men of the district sat down. In responding to the toast of his health, our member made a complimentary address to his friends, in which he acknowledged the honour done him and renewed his pledges to spare no pains to further the interests of his constituents. A ball was held in the evening In tho large room of McAlister's hotel, and after u pleasant evening's enjoyment the National Anthem brought to a conclusion one of the most enjoyable days ever passed in our little town8 .

1878

Mr Wilbraham E Liardet had previously taught at Upper Turon and Coonamble schools and had a reputation for being a ‘very excitable, impulsive young’. Eventually a succession of complaints about Mr Liardet’s behaviour at school led to a trial in the Supreme Court at Sydney in 1878 to answer charges brought by Mrs Hawker about the teacher’s brutality towards her son and abuse directed at herself. The ten year old boy had, according to his mother, been boxed about the ears till they bled. This was not the only complaint. Constable O’Brien laid charge of abusive language against the teacher in the Rylstone Court after the teacher had hurled a succession of insults at him. Mr Liardet ‘disappeared’9 .

16 June 1878 Wilbraham Evelyn Liardet was removed from Ilford to Holdsworthy Public IIIB £12010 .

In 1878 the first permanent school building was built. The site was five acres next to the Church of England allotment and was on the main Mudgee Road. The building was made of stone with an iron roof and was completed on 17 June 1878 at a cost of £1175. A large schoolroom, meant to accommodate up to seventy children, and a teachers’ residence comprising four rooms and a kitchen, were built under the same roof11 .

1879

In 1879 the five acres of land owned by the school was cleared and fenced. A weatherboard was built in the same year12 .

1880

Joseph Dransfield Appointed
22 June 1880, Mr Joseph Dransfield was appointed teacher at Ilford Public School13 .

Mr Joseph A Drausfield was installed as replacement for Mr Liardet. Mr Drausfield was unmarried and preferred to live elsewhere so the school residence’s first resident was the contractor who had built the building14 .

Attendance at the school steadily increased. By December 1880 average daily attendance had risen to sixty five. This meant the school was entitled to a pupil teacher. The first was John Ferry who had been a pupil at Ilford School. This brought the staff to a head teacher, a sewing mistress (usually the wife of the head teacher) and a pupil teacher15 .

1883

In 1883 when attendances had reached the sixties a smaller classroom was added16 .

1888

In 1888 William Cox, a middle aged man, arrived after a demotion when he was working at Port Kembla17 .

1898

Sewing Success at Lithgow Show
18 February 1898 At the recent Lithgow show four pupils of the Ilford public school were successful in gaining prizes. For school children under 15 years, first prizes were gained by Alice Leader, for darning; Hannah Jackson, button-holes ; and Erina O'Sullivan, seecnd prize for dressed doll. In section 24, Cordelia O'Sullivan gained second prize for knitted socks. This the first time since the establishment of the Ilford public school that any of the pupils have competed for a show. Mrs. O'Sullivan's (sewing teacher) pupils of previous schools have always been successful in gaining prizes for plain anil fancy needlework at various country shows18 .

Scarlet Fever Closes School
29 April 1898 The scarlet fever epidemic is. still raging here. The Government medical officer, Dr. Cobb, of Rylstone, visited the. public school last Thursday and authorised the closing of the school on account of two of the teacher's children suffering from scarlet fever19 .

Works Commence
15 June 1898 The tender of Mr. G. Harris (Ilford), for £85, has been accepted for repairs and improvements to the local public school. Mr. Harris commenced work on Monday last. June 1520 .

School Reopens
24 June 1898 The public school re-opens to-day (Monday), after being closed since the Easter holidays, and will break up on Friday next for the midwinter holidays. Scarlet fever has died out, but influenza is still prevalent throughout the locality21 .

Fitzpatrick Visits School
15 July 1898 The local public school opened on Monday last after the mid-winter holidays. To-day (Wednesday) Mr. J. C. L. Fitzpatrick visited the school and expressed himself as pleased with the proficiency and conduct of the children22 .

Work at School
15 July 1898 Work at the school is progressing favorably. Five men have been employed for the past three weeks, and the work is expected to be completed in a fortnight's time23 .

'Works Inspected'
9 September 1898 Mr. E. Gostelow, clerk of works, arrived here on Monday last by coach from Mudgee, from the purpose of inspecting the works recently completed at the public school by Mr. G. Harris24 .

1899

Teacher Transferred
15 September 1899 Mr W D O'Sullivan was transferred from Ilford School to Bumbury Public School as teacher25 .
Ilford Our local school teacher, Mr. W. D. O'Sullivan. is leaving Ilford for Bumberry, on the Forbes line, this week, after having spent two years in this locality26 .
15 September 1899 Mr H McKean was transferred from Borenore School to Ilford Public School as teacher27 .

1904

Teacher Retires
12 February 1904
9394 Department of Public Instruction,
Sydney, 5th February, 1904.
HIS Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, and upon the recommendation of the Public Service Board, has been pleased to approve of the retirement from the Public Service of Mr. Henry McKean, Teacher, Public School, Ilford, on the 17th July, 1904, in terms of section 67 of the "Public Service Act, 190228 ."

JOHN PERKY.

The teacher’s residence remained the same until 1904 when a new bathroom, washhouse and pantry were added at the back of the building. Some years later a new bedroom was added. Fire destroyed the bathroom, washhouse and pantry in 1917 and had to be rebuilt. In 1926 the rent assessment for the residence was reduced from £36 per annum to £26 per annum29 .

1905

9 October 1905 John W Cassidy instructed to act as Teacher at Ilford £15630 .

1908

2 July 1908
Ilford.
CELEBRATING EMPIRE DAY.
A CONCERT AT NIGHT.
From a Correspondent.
A large gathering of people assembled at the Ilford Public School grounds on Empire Day. Such a patriotic lot, too. It is a long time since Ilford presented such a scene of activity. Children could be seen in the play-ground darting hither and thither, parents in groups were discussing the prospects of the day, viewing their children with admiration, enjoying their liberty to the utmost degree. It was a good step on the part of Mr. Cassidy and Miss Minehan to have provided such an outing. A big contingent of people
attended from Running Stream, and the district round about was well represented. Perfect weather conditions prevailed. The children were provided for, with a sports programme, under the direction of Messrs. T. Moore, J Stacpoole, and Miss Minehan. The girl scholars were in high glee, and with them the popularity of Miss Minehan the Tara teacher, is immediately evidenced. Mr. Fred Moore and Mr. J. W. Cassidy attended to the male section of the crowd, whilst Mrs. W. Harris, Mrs. S. Harris, Mrs. Cassidy, and Mrs. Guthrie, assisted by other ladies, saw to the wants of the feminine folk. During the day a musical programme was carried out by the children, and prizes, principally books, were distributed amongst them. The maypole dance was indeed very pretty, and Miss Minehan had evidently spared no end of trouble to make the little "does" so graceful in their performance. In the afternoon Mr. W. J. Gallagher, J.P., President of the Blaxland Shire, addressed the pupils and people on the "Day we Celebrate," the extent of the population, trade, commerce, relation of Australia to the Empire, the responsibilities of the pupils, patriotism - patriotism in spite of declarations to "cut the painter" - and the references to the childishness of celebrating Empire Day. Mr. J. W. Cassidy also gave an address on the significance of the Flag, and an explanation on the crosses constituting the Union Jack. A huge marquee was erected outside the school building, and under this, tables were laden with refreshments supplied by the parents of the children. The school premises were decorated with flags. It was a most enjoyable day.
THE CONCERT.
At night a concert was held in the school. The "star" performers were the school children, and here again a word of praise is due to Miss Minehan. Others, who contributed musical items were Messrs. J. Dwyer, G. Richards, J. Gallagher, jun., and J. Caldwell. Mr. W. J. Gallagher briefly returned thanks to those in atendance, on behalf of Mr. Cassidy, and to those who had assisted with items on the programme. He hoped everybody had enjoyed themselves. To Miss A. Minehan every credit must be given for the manner in which she had presented the pupil performers before them that night. As the result of the day the sum of £9 7s 4d was realised. The singing of the National Anthem, and cheers for the King, Miss Minehan, and Mr. Cassidy, were given, and the concert concluded31 .

1913

In 1913 the weatherboard was rebuilt32 .

1914

29 January 1914
Qualifying Certificates.
Results of December Examinations
Names of Successful District Candidates.
We print today a list of the successful candidates who sat for the qualifying certificate examination in this and adjoining districts. All the candidates took the same examination papers as the city boys and girls. Under the Bursaries Endowment Act., the bursaries allotted by the board are divided in the ratio of school population. This works out, so that one-third of the Bursaries are given to candidates from Sydney and suburbs, and two-thirds of the bursaries go to the country districts. These bursaries and scholarships are tenable at the country high schools or the district schools, but the names of the successful bursars and scholars will not be available until next week.
MUDGEE DISTRICT.
Ilford - Edith Smith33 .

1917

Country News

(From Our Own Correspondents)
Ilford.
A Fire. - On Wednesday night, March 21, the school teacher at Ilford was awakened from sound sleep by a loud banging, at the door and cries of "Fire" Messrs. Turley and Stackpoole, on returning from Clandulla about 11 p.m., saw the fire, and at once ran as fast as they could to render help. When they arrived, it was found that the back part of the teacher's residence was burning fiercely. However, the Stackpoole Bros, and Mr. E. Turley, helped by Miss Stackpoole, Mr. C. Griffin, and the teacher, got to work and after two hours' hard fighting with buckets of water, the fire was conquered and put out. The fire started in the bathroom, which it wrecked, and spread to the kitchen roof, which is composed of boards under iron. Messrs. H. and V. Stackpoole climbed on the roof, and facing heat, and smoke, ripped off some of the iron. Buckets of water were passed up, and the fire was prevented from doing much damage to the main building. The valuable work of all that helped, and which saved the building from ruin, is worthy of all praise. The origin of the fire is a mystery. It will cost about £50 to repair the damage done. The night was quite calm. If any wind had been blowing it is a question if the fire could have been beaten34 .

1919

In 1919 the school had a vegetable garden and flowerbed35 .

Mr R Guthrie was the Secretary of the Parents and Citizens’ Association in 191936 .

1921

31 January 1921
Q.C. Examinations.
MUDGEE AND DISTRICT RESULTS.
The following are the Mudgee and district passes at the Q.C. examinations, success at which Qualifies for entrance at the High Schools: -
Ilford Public School - Phyllis May Moore, Gladys Edna Moore, Arthur Leo Jones, Doris Mary Jones37 .

1922

30 January 1922
Qualifying Certificate Examinations.
MUDGEE DISTRICT.
The following conclude the list of passes:-
Ilford. - Doris Mary Jones, Norman Dudley Taylor, Gordon Ernest Taylor, Herbert Arthur Moore, William H. Turley38 .

1925

Christmas Holidays
24 December 1925 The public school '"broke up" for the holidays on Thursday afternoon. There was a very pleasing function in the evening, held on the recreation ground, and in the public hall. The children assembled late in the afternoon and played games until called to tea. The hall was gaily decorated, as also was a lovely Xmas tree on a temporary stage. One wondered where all the children came from; such a host of joyous, happy, kiddies sat down to the long tables laden with good things. After tea the hall was cleared, and the young folks danced gaily till eight o'clock, when Santa Claus appeared carrying a huge bundle and leaning on a long staff. The excited children thronged about the familiar figure with its kindly face and long white beard. After singing "He's a jolly good fellow" and "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing! ", "O, Come All Ye Faithful," "Once in Royal David's City," and a recitation by Grace Moore, and one by Walden Taylor, the tree was dismantled, and each of the seventy-three children present received a toy or a book. The dance was continued till 12 o'clock, when all went home after a most enjoyable time. Mr. Henry Stacpoole was M.C., and Mr. Jim Barlow, Mrs. Newton, and Mrs. Walter Heath provided most of the music39 .

1926

Teacher Promoted
5 July 1926 Mr. S. Collier, who has been in charge of the local school for the last twelve months, has been promoted to South Corowa. Mr. Garretty, of Wollar, in his successor. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Collier and family every success in their new home40 .

Entrance Gate in Disrepair
5 July 1926 The entrance to the local public school is a disgrace, and badly needs attention41 .

1930

On 27 June 1930 the schoolrooms were destroyed by fire. The teacher Mr P Garrety reported he had no reason to believe it was malicious and no tramps were around at the time it occurred42 .

1934

In early February 1934 when teacher, Mr Roy Winter, returned from summer holidays he found the residence had been broken into43 .

1935

Between 1935 and 1937 the school was closed one a day a year to allow the students to attend a local show. In 1935 the children went to Mudgee District Show, in 1936 to the Bathurst Show and in 1937 to the Rylstone-Kandos Show44 .

References

1 Secretary. ‘School History Database Search’. NSW Department of Education, 29 January 2020. https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-people-and-structure/history-of-government-schools/school-database-search.html.
2 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
3 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
4 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
5 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
6 ‘Wilbraham Evelyn Liardet’. State Records of NSW. LIARDET Wilbraham School Teachers’ rolls 1869-1908 Series: NRS 4073: Teachers’ Rolls, 1869-1908 | Page No: 15 | Reel No: 1992 | Roll: 2. State Records of NSW. Accessed 17 November 2022. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com.au/imageviewer/collections/4889/images/41532_309141-00013.
7 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
8 Australian Town and Country Journal. ‘ILFORD.’ 29 September 1877. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70609140.
9 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
10 ‘Wilbraham Evelyn Liardet’. State Records of NSW. LIARDET Wilbraham School Teachers’ rolls 1869-1908 Series: NRS 4073: Teachers’ Rolls, 1869-1908 | Page No: 15 | Reel No: 1992 | Roll: 2. State Records of NSW. Accessed 17 November 2022. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com.au/imageviewer/collections/4889/images/41532_309141-00013.
11 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
12 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
13 New South Wales Government Gazette. ‘Government Gazette Appointments and Employment’. 22 June 1880. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221630706.
14 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
15 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
16 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
17 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
18 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 18 February 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218625507.
19 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 29 April 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218630287.
20 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 17 June 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218635658.
21 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 24 June 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218623797.
22 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 15 July 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218626481.
23 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 15 July 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218626481.
24 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 9 September 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218631864.
25 New South Wales Government Gazette. ‘Government Gazette Appointments and Employment’. 15 September 1899. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221007666.
26 Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative. ‘Ilford.’ 7 July 1899. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156360774.
27 New South Wales Government Gazette. ‘Government Gazette Appointments and Employment’. 15 September 1899. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221007666.
28 Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales. ‘Government Gazette Appointments and Employment’. 12 February 1904. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221031001.
29 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
30 CASSIDY John School Teachers’ rolls 1869-1908 Series: NRS 4073: Teachers' Rolls, 1869-1908 | Page No: 836 | Reel No: 1991 | Roll: 1. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com.au/imageviewer/collections/4889/images/41532_309140-00432. Copy held.
31 Ilford. (1908, July 2). Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157668817
32 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
33 Qualifying Certificates. (1914, January 29). Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954), p. 22. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156817191
34 Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 5 April 1917, p. 25. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157111109
35 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
36 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
37 Q.C. Examinations. (1921, January 31). Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155657304
38 Qualifying Certificate Examinations. (1922, January 30). Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155648306
39 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD.’ 24 December 1925. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article219244119.
40 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD’. 5 July 1926. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224590002.
41 Lithgow Mercury. ‘ILFORD’. 5 July 1926. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224590002.
42 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
43 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940
44 History of Ilford Public School as compiled by Education Department 1868-1940

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