Story

The children and teachers have taken possession of their new school; the first of its kind in the new Free State from a new improved plan. The building serves its purpose admirably. It has modern lighting, sanitation and an abundant supply of water. Two play sheds have been erected for the convenience of the children. Parish Magazine, September 1937


When Miss died* it no longer felt the same in the old school, we wondered if the disease still lingered in the crumbling walls. We weren't sorry when we heard that we were to have a new school. The old one was so dark and damp, and you could hear the rats under the floorboards. Willie said he had even seen them. Sir said we were very fortunate for it was the first of its kind to be built in the Free State. 50 of us walked down to the new building, built for us by the men of the village. We were excited: two big rooms, one for us, and one for the babies, lots of light streaming through the windows, big fireplaces in the corners to keep us warm in the winter. We could even have the gas lit when it was dark but Sir said that was a bit of an extravagance. And proper privies, with flushing water, no need to hold on till you go home. We have pegs to hang our coats, mine is number 14. We have a yard too and we can stay out in all weathers - a shelter for the boys and one for us girls. The boys go in one side and we go in another. Sir says we're very lucky and we are, but the lessons remain the same. It's a shame Miss never saw it. She'd have loved it.

* An outbreak of Diphtheria in the early 1930s caused the death of the Principal and several children.


The above is imaginary but this is one of the school I first taught in when arriving here in 2003. It was no longer quite as glamorous as described above. The rooms were tall and light-filled but storage heaters had replaced the open fires, electricity replaced the gas in the 1960s, but I suspect the toilets were original! There was no staff room, the Principal making a teeny office in one of the cloakrooms. The whole place was incredibly damp - black mould literally blossoming on the walls and every winter chest infections were a real problem. Inspite of that, it had its charm and lots of attractive Art Deco flourishes and it was a very happy and creative place.
In 1997 the building had been  condemned by the Health Board but negotiations for a new school took 20 years to complete, a new school eventually being built next door in 2007.

This building is now for sale. The chair came from the Infants' room, and the old cupboard was once painted red and underneath it had the date 1952 - I know because I looked.

It's not too late to enter for this week's derelict Sunday Challenge, with the extra excitement of a theme: Story. Please tag DS83.

Shhh - did you notice the blue sky too!!