In the 1930s the Melbourne Age newspaper published many letters concerning old school days. The correspondence series began in 1934 as “Re-Living the Early Days” but in 1935 letters and reminiscensces by past scholars were separated out as a new series on “Old Victorian Schooldays”. In 1937 several of these letters concerned the school at Avoca Lead, number 813.
Former pupils consistently recalled the quality of teaching at Avoca Lead despite the school’s small size. Andy McRae noted that examination results were regularly of a high standard and compared favourably with those of the larger Avoca School, although he felt that the frequent transfer of teachers was detrimental to the scholars. The recollections also reveal a succession of teachers with very different styles, ranging from the strict discipline of John Porter and John Dempster to the more encouraging approaches of Charles Forbes, Daniel O’Donoghue, Adeline Salary and Isabella Strachan.
Among the teachers remembered, John Porter and John Dempster were chiefly associated with discipline, while Charles Forbes was recalled for rewarding achievement with small prizes. Daniel O’Donoghue was remembered as a conscientious and capable teacher who combined firmness with humour and earned the respect of his pupils. Adeline Salary was remembered as kind and patient, while Isabella Laing Strachan (later Marsh), despite teaching at the school for only a few months in 1887, received the highest praise for her tact, ability and commitment to her pupils’ progress. More distant in memory was Alexander Hartshorn, the earliest teacher recalled by Joseph Burch, whose tenure ended with his dismissal for inebriation.
Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 3 April 1937, page 29
Avoca Lead. 813.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE AGE.
Sir,— I am sure the old scholars of this State not only recognise, but very much appreciate, tho opportunity offered by "The Age" of reviving those old school days which have for some long time been cast into oblivion.
I have longed to see some mention of the little school at Avoca Lead, No. 813. It was situated close to the Maryborough-road, about two miles from Avoca. Its presence has long since disappeared, and the school ground, which contained approximately four acres, is now under intense cultivation by Fred Marshall, whose wife (then Hannah Bowen) was a scholar at the school. She is still within a stone's throw of where she spent her school days, about 55 years ago. My first teacher was John Porter (also called "Spesy," on account of him wearing glasses); his disposition varied considerably, and he was very harsh with the senior scholars. Any minor act of insubordination was dealt with severely, and, although I was a child only at the time, I considered it unnecessary.
Mr. Porter's term was short as far as I was concerned, and next came John Dempster, with Bill McMahon as an understudy. He was a strict disciplinarian or martinet. Then after came Charles Forbes. Although he lisped a little, he tried his best to urge us on by giving small prizes to the most advanced scholars. Then came Daniel O'Donoghue, a real typical, figurative Irishman. He was a conscientious and able teacher, although severe, and he also added wit to his instruction. We liked him well.
As the attendance was rapidly diminishing, the days of the male pedagogue ended. The first lady teacher we had was Miss Adeline Salary, who had rather a short slay, and was a kind and patient teacher. Then came Miss Isabel L. Strahan, who was, I consider, one of the best teachers in the department. She had tact and ability. Nothing was any trouble to her as long as the scholars were progressing. We were all sorry when she got a move on. She appealed to me on two different occasions, after leaving this district, to take up a position in the metropolitan area, and, as circumstances alter cases, I unfortunately could not accept the offer. She was my last teacher, and although I was very young I was compelled to leave school and strike out and try and augment the family cupboard, as there then was no dole to fall back on.
At the back of the little school was a row of Chinamen's huts, and they looked like sentinels. The old scholars will probably remember them — Guy Fawkes, Cranky Jack, Coxon and Whistle-o-Konk and Luggs. What a bad time they used to got from the senior boys ! The scholars I recollect in my time — although only a few now remain in the district — were the three Dean boys— George ("Gabble"), Percy and Jim; Elizabeth Ann, George, Bob, Tom and Isabel Cockburn, Mary Ann, George, Martha, Sue, Dick and Jim Marshall, Sarah, Edith, Sam, Janet, Joe, Alattie Osman, Hannah, Bell and Clem Bowen, Martha, Edith and Rollie Ress, Bridgee Partridge, Bill Norman, Nony, Emmy, John Matthews, Alice, Mary, Arthur Ah Fee, Louey de Jersey, Annie Fraser, Andy McRae, Ellison and Sarah Lambert, Steincr, George Hannies, Tilly and Aug, "Joe" Diggs, Rhoda, Tom, Lil, Annie, Emma Bell Curtis, Harriet, George, Steve Powell, Harry ("Miner") Billy Rees, Joe, Dick, Emily Blackney, Jim, Herb and Albert Greenwood, Annie, Kate, Tom, Mary Quinlan, Gcorgina, Jack Mahomet, Ned, Alf. Kelly, Dick, Tup, Billy Burch, Sarah, George, Ellen, Eliza Tanner, Billy, Alice Hearn, Len You, Jim, Louie French. I may have overlooked some.
Inter alia, the hamlet of Avoca Lead, better known locally as The Rookery, has almost entirely disappeared, and can be now classed as in the category of Goldsmith's Deserted Village. I would be pleased to hear from any of the old scholars, also teachers, if still going.— Yours, &c.
DICK MARSHALL.
"Grand View." Avoca.
Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 3 July 1937, page 19
OLD VICTORIAN SCHOOLDAYS.
(Continued From Page 11.)
Avoca Lead
TO THE EDITOR OF THE AGE.
Sir, — Among the interesting letters of old school days relating to Avoca and district which have appeared In your journal signed by Messrs. Dunstan, Coffey and Jack Redpath, none afforded me greater pleasure than that referring to Avoca Lead school, No. 813, in your issue of 3rd April.
My education having been gained under the regime of teachers enumerated by your correspondent, and a fellow schoolmate of the pupils mentioned, Mr. Marshall's letter gave me added pleasure. Among them were many whose talents reflected credit on their educational mentors, who, incidentally were transferred much too frequently, and to the disadvantage of the scholars. Nevertheless, the percentage at the annual examinations was always of a high standard, and compared favorably with the larger school at Avoca.
By way of digression, it might be recalled that Avoca Lead — or "The Rookery," as it was termed in its hey day—comprised two hotels (Chinese publicans), two butchers' shops (one Chinese) , two grocery houses, a boot maker, the Temperance Hall, an old slab structure in which we attended Sunday school and church service, and also a fairly large Chinese camp. Memory must still endure of the hectic incidents in which Avoca Lead pupils and the Chinese fraternity figured. The pranks of the boys were often the occasion for commotion during school studies, when a "Chinky" would unceremoniously disport his frame through the doorway with excited exclamations of "Whaffor, whaffor!" indicating with an accusing finger the suspected culprit.
His grievance generally was one of stone-throwing or the upsetting of his mining paraphernalia in the sludge pond, or perhaps the common practice of scaling his garden fence. When punishment was meted out by the teacher to the "young lallakins," John Chinaman would depart, feeling highly delighted that he had got a bit of his own back. Thenceforth that Celestial was regarded as the common enemy by the wrongdoers.
The grinding of the Chinaman's windlass and "cradle," the sluice pump and puddling machine; the delving of pick and shovel in the operation of shaft sinking, and the echo of stampers of the Monte Cristo battery made up the environment in which our school days were spent. Subsequently when the writer crossed over to become a "printer's devil" in the Avoca "Mail" office, paths diverged, and roaming proclivities separated me from the scene of my youth and erstwhile school mates. Therefore, in common with the large army of readers who are indebted to "The Age" for the publication of old school-day memories, the popularity of which does not appear to wane, I wish to add my appreciation of the facilities afforded in reviving the spirit of Auld Lang Syne and enabling me to reflect on the days of the past and their happy associations.— Yours, &c„
Tallangatta. ANDY McRAE.
Age , Saturday 28 August 1937, page 11
Old Victorian Schooldays
Avoca Lead.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE AGE.
Sir, — Having read Dick Marshall's letter some weeks ago --d having read Andy McCrae's letter re the above school, I feel roused to sending along my quota or reminiscences. I can go back a little further than my old pals, as Mr. Hartshorn was my first teacher, then Mr. Porter, who was dreadfully shocked when Ted Lover threw Jack Mathers into a waterhole for splashing him. He was too big for Mr. Porter to thrash, so he suspended him for six weeks. On one occasion I remember Hannah Wardlaw getting badly burned in the service of the teacher's wife. She was very badly scarred about the face and throat as a result of it. That same teacher, Mr. Porter, showed great sympathy and concern when Badger Greenwood cut the calf of his leg badly on one of the new tree guards at the new school. By the way, Andy, the old school was weatherboard, with a bark roof, not walls of slabs, and was designated "common school." How we kids and others, too, used to fossick the shafts after a mob of sheep had passed through, searching for sheep that had fallen into them. I knew of as many as eight being pulled up out of one shaft, and lots of people had cheap mutton for a few days. I cannot remember whether Andy McRae lived with George Tanner or de Jerseys, but I can remember Geo. Tanner, the bush tailor, who used to wear a straw hat, and had a habit of working it up and down on his forehead to the amazement of the children. I can remember lots of the old schoolmates: — Susan Paul, Alfred Wiles, the Clarkes, Lindsays, Matthews, Partridges, Taylors, one of whom has a letter In Saturday's Issue re Homebush school; the Lamberts. Passows, Deans, Ted Dark. Templetons, Osmans, Bowens, Mahomets, Charlesworths, and many others. Old Domingo, the carpenter-barber, with his white coat and shiny black face, and always smothered in scent. Ah Sun and Ah Moon, the two partners in the store and pub; Ang Gooey, the blacksmith; Chas. Ah Woo, the boot repairer. I must not forget Mr. F. Partridge, who was always good for an apple, pear or fruit of some kind on the strict understanding that we would never "pinch" his fruit. I think we mostly kept faith while he lived, but Mossow's apples and Coxon's plums used to "feel the pinch" occasionally. I also went to school in Avoca when Mr. McAdam was head teacher, and Keenan and Billy Shanklin were under him. We all thought it wonderful when the new Avoca school was built with its belfry in the centre. There were at that school some of the men who have become famous, amongst them being: — Jim Fenton, who was P.M.G. of the Commonwealth and also Acting Prime Minister. Well do I re member the Latches, Tom, Steve and Fred; Mackrells, Hamills, Reeves, Foxes, Whitleys, Whalleys, Chambers, Wiltshires, Wardlaws, Frys, Barbats, Far-rar, Charlie Wolf, Jack O'Farrell, Billy Seymour, Bill Glover, Wilf. Partridge and all the Chamberlains, Millgates, Rees, up the lead and Rees down the load. Long-nosed Bill, Big Bill, Little Jimmy and Little Annie and One-eyed Annie. I'll never forget the Presbyterian parson's boys, who had a habit of firing a royal salute of stones from the big church grounds at passing boys. It always struck me as being very rude for parson's boys. In conclusion, I would like to say I would like to meet any, or the lot, now living, and have a real hearty hand shake, and a good old talk about our school days Au revoir. — Yours. &c..
Richmond. J. BURCH.
Related posts
- Avoca Lead school no 813
- Reminiscences of Upper Homebush School in the 1870s
- More Homebush school reminiscences in “The Age”
Wikitree:
- Letter writers
- Herbert Alfred Richard (Dick) Marshall (1873-1957)
- Andrew Petersen (Andy) McRae (1870-1955)
- Joseph Burch (1867-1947)
- Teachers
- Alexander Hartshorn (1842-1876): At Avoca lead from 1871 to mid 1872; dismissed for inebriation
- John Porter (1843-1925): Taught at Avoca Lead school from 1873 to 1879. Nicknamed “Spesy” because he wore spectacles. Considered harsh and severe with senior pupils. Joseph Burch recalled his concern for injured pupils and his suspension of Ted Lover who had thrown Jack Mathers into a waterhole. John Porter later taught at Homebush.
- John Wafford Dempster (1821-1884) : John Dempster Followed Porter. Described by Dick Marshall as a strict disciplinarian or “martinet.” While teaching at Avocal Lead Dempster was dismissed in 1881 for “immoral conduct with a young girl in his employ.”
- William Collins MacMahon (1861-1943) : Bill McMahon Assistant teacher (“understudy”) to John Dempster. He was at Avoca Lead school from October 1877 to February 1881.
- Charles Forbes (1860-1924) : Remembered by Dick Marshall as having a slight lisp and encouraging pupils with small prizes for good work. Charles Forbes taught at Avoca Lead in 1879 and again in 1881.
- Daniel O’Donoghue (1850-1923) : Described as a typical Irishman and as a conscientious and capable teacher, severe when necessary but with a good sense of humour. Well liked by his pupils. He was a teacher at Avoca lead from June 1881 until 1886.
- Miss Adeline Salary First female teacher after the male teachers. Remembered as kind and patient. [Unable to identify her in the teacher record books]
- Isabella Laing (Strachan) Marsh (1866-1935) : Miss Isabel L. Strahan Highly regarded by Dick Marshall, who considered her one of the best teachers in the Education Department. Praised for her tact, ability and interest in her pupils’ progress. Miss Isabella Strachan taught at Avoca Lead from March to June 1887.
Public Record Office Victoria Photographs Of State School Buildings In Victoria VPRS 1396/P0000, Volume No. 1 image 27
