Notes from the School Log Books, 1899 - 1999

 

Introduction

These are mainly ‘verbatim’ extracts from the school log books.  These heavy tomes were kept religiously in the early part of the century.  It is obvious that the Head was not overburdened with administration.  One can imagine Isaac Watts carefully keeping his daily diary –sometimes recording what we would now regard as rather trivial.  If the Head recorded like this today she would spend most of the day writing in the log book.

The entries do however make interesting reading as we travel through the century – The Boer war and the two world wars had their influence on the school, - holiday granted for the relief of Mafeking, sewing for ‘our boys’ in the Great war; - gas mask and air raid drills in the second world war.

Royal events always warranted recording.  Royal deaths, coronations, marriages and royal visits with their associated holidays reveal how our overt nationalism has declined over the years - In the first decades singing the National Anthem and raising the Union flag were not uncommon.

Health improvements stand out too.  Early in the century children at the school died of measles, diphtheria and influenza.  Tuberculosis and smallpox were feared and lectures on health issues were given.

Unscheduled school closures were not uncommon.  In 1902 the school closed because the circus was in town, and closures took place when epidemics were rife.  Social problems lead to closure when there were coal strikes (1912), the general strike (1926) Miners strike (1970) and of course the outbreak of war.

Playtimes were extended in warm weather to ‘air the classrooms…’ 

Surprisingly we find that the curriculum is not as staid as we would imagine for the times.  Ninety years ago the pupils went on works visits, nature walks and trips out.

There seems to have been a real sense of giving an all round education to the children.  Natural sciences, geology, the solar system are reported.  Trips to see the solar eclipse in 1927 involved a charabanc trip to Waddington fells at 4.30 in the morning!  Trips to the Picture House to see educational films took place as early as 1917.  There was far more than the 3 Rs on the curriculum and no feeling that the school was turning out ‘factory fodder’

It is, of course, no surprise however to see that boys and girls are treated differently.  It is the boys who get swimming lessons – as early as 1901!  Girls do their needlework and cookery and the boys do woodwork and gardening– but that was still common in schools up to the 1970s.

However, it would seem that, as today, the school worked to give a good solid education for the children of the district. Moreover from 1907 to 1921 ‘Evening continuation Classes’ were run by the staff on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 9.10pm.

It must be remembered that the school was ‘all age’ with pupils staying on until they started work.  Some pupils were awarded scholarships to the Grammar school and later also to the technical  & central schools.  At first the children started work half time at 12 years old.  Only later did they stay until 14.  In 1947, after the 1944 Education Act, all pupils left Spring Hill at 11 years old to attend one of the district’s secondary schools.

 

Selected extracts from the school log books

1899

September 30th The Smith Memorial school opened with the first headmaster Isaac Watts aged 33.  The school was named after Alderman Smith the driving force in the Hannah Street Wesleyans. Unfortunately Alderman Smith had died just prior to the opening and so the school was opened by his sister, Miss Smith, using an inscribed gold key which was presented to her.  On the first day 45 boys and 51 girls were present in the morning, and by the afternoon there was a total of 105 children.

1900

May 21st “…holiday in honour of the relief of Mafeking…”
June 26th “Practically I have not had a case of proper punishment since I came.  We can manage very well almost without a cane…”
July 27th “As regards the holidays, I desire and state that it is not my wish to have a week in October.  I prefer four weeks in midsummer…”
October 17th “…some children leaving…Parents are complaining that the roads around the school are very bad and dirty…”
October 20th “Instead of Physiology and Ambulance work on Friday afternoons Mr Holman (inspector?) strongly recommended Brushwork throughout the school…”
December 14th “Measles epidemic…The School has been ordered to be closed until after Christmas by the Town Clerk…”

1901

January 22nd “H.M. Queen Victoria passed away today after a few days illness…the death of the Queen closes the finest period in English History…”
The school was closed on the next day as a mark of respect.
January 24th “Today the accession and proclamation of the new King Edward VII….”
February 26th Head and teachers had a rise in salaries
May 9th “… arrangements made for boys to visit the swimming baths on Tuesday a.m. 11.35-12.10…”
June 8th “…attendance down…Howard and Bullough’s closed… many gone to the seaside…”
June 13th Scarlet fever.

1902

March 14th “Sanger’s circus is coming to town next Wednesday…Have made arrangements for the children to see the procession at dinnertime…”
March 19th “School holiday as the circus is in town….”
July 24th “...girls attending this school have marked the railings around Dr.Brook's home with chalk... gave the girls one stroke each and sent them to clean off the writing."

1903

January 22nd “Yard very muddy – needed scraping and fine ashes putting on…”
October 5th “Girls commenced cookery classes at St James’...” “Children’s reports issued for the first time…”
May 26th "Had Mr. Diggle in today looking at closets (toilets) and general sanitary condition of the school... recommended the flushing of the closets at the end of each afternoon session.  Also that they be limewashed at once."
December 10th “Children’s reports issued for the first time…”

1904

May 16th “Scarlet fever prevalent…”
November 21st “Accrington Education Committee purchased Spring Hill School for £4000."
Now becomes ‘Spring Hill Council School’.

1905

January 27th “…a lecture on ‘The Action of Alcohol on the White Corpuscles.’ …the children in the top standard reproducing lecture in the form of essays…”
February 16th “…received 71 certificates from the Lancashire and Cheshire Band of Hope Union …(for the above essays)…”
April Measles prevalent – low attendance
September 22nd “Children visited the park and prepared plans and marked various trees to be studied.  They will write an essay…”
October 18th A boy was   “…sent home to wash his hands and clean his clogs…”. Later in the day the boy’s mother came into school and “abused” the Head
November 9th “Holiday in the afternoon in honour of the King’s birthday…”
November 23rd “…magic lantern show after school at 4.15.  ‘Journey Round the World’ …proceeds to the School football club…”

1906

   “Visits will be made to the following"

Oak Hill Park

 Trees and shrubs

Milnshaw Gardens

 Flowers

Oak Hill Museum

 Minerals

A cotton mill

 Spinning

A quarry 

 Strata

Clayton Brick Works

 Brick making

Howard and Bulloughs

 Iron Smelting

Spring Hill House

 Planting trees

Whalley Church & Abbey

 Shrubs and flowers
March 13th “Parents invited to see the children at work and meet the teachers…”
April 5th “…the yards have been flagged…The rooms are now cleaner and the children smarter in appearance.”
July 9th “Children were warned about being near new building work…”
July 25th “I am afraid I will lose some of my scholars living in Blackburn Road.  They will attend the new school at Hyndburn Park…”
October 11th "Very few children - sometimes none at all - come with dirty clogs..."

1907

February “The Sunday school, ceases to use this building this week…”
March 1st “The Time Book comes into operation this week.  Teachers must be present at ten to nine and 1.40pm…”
June 19th “During wet playtimes we have a little concert in the Hall…  Some are very enjoyable…The children like them very much”
July 5th “Outdoor lesson in surveying…Work done: -
1)  Cubical contents of a brick, a flagstone, a wall.
2)  Area of boys’ yard, garden.
3)  Area of girls’ yard.
4)  Width of causeway.
5)  Width of street.
6)  A pole,  square pole,  33ft tape used…”
August 5th “In order to train the children to observe natural phenomena I am having the following registered and marked up each day –
1)  Maximum and minimum temperature.
2)  Direction of the wind.
3)  Dew point – the relative amount of moisturisation.
4)  The height of mercury in the barometer.
5)  Rain gauge…”
August 26th “Received the Punishment book from the Local Education Authority…”
September 24th Evening continuation classes began.  Mr Watts in charge.
These classes were more advanced and for the older children. They worked towards qualifications such as the Junior Certificate of the Lancashire and Cheshire Institute.
October 11th “Very few children – sometimes none at all – come with dirty clogs...”
December 5th “One of our boys was knocked down by an engine…(at the railway station?)”
December 9th “Boy recovering in hospital…”
December 20th “The children have bought a handsome ‘engine carriage’ for the above (boy) and carriage full of chocolate…”

1908

February 8th “Miss…………(Evening School Teacher) is ill with Brain Fog and exhaustion…”
March 18th “The garden is being prepared for the sowing of seeds…”
April 28th An entry that was later deleted indicated what was in the Head’s mind…  “Cottage gardening …4 lessons each week…8 boys to each lesson”   however …
June 4th “Garden to be cultivated by boys in the 1st class.”
June 29th “County Council scholarships won-
1)  Beulah Hyde
2)  William Hampson…”
October “Diphtheria and typhoid epidemic…3 pupils passed away…”

1909

April 21st “Flowers and vegetables coming along nicely...”
May 24th “Empire day.  335 small flags received from the Mayor and Mayoress.  Assembly was on ‘The Empire Flag and Colonies’ the National Anthem was sung and then the school was dismissed for the day...”
June 18th “Naturalists are taking the children for a ramble.  Prizes will be given for the best essay...”
September 14th “….a meeting of Head teachers and Parks Committee to arrange for procession, games etc in connection with the opening of the Coppice on September 29th...”
September 22nd “Received notice of the opening of Peel Park…”
September 29th “Peel Park opened…the children assembled in Avenue Parade and walked to the top of Peel Park…The children were given buns and medals and sang the National anthem…”

1910

April 5th  “…boys going to Woodnook for woodwork…”
May 9th The death of King Edward VII was reported at length in the log book by the Head.
June 17th “…the children visited Fern Gore Clough Farm – subject – the action of water in forming the clough and valleys…”
June 30th “Measles – very bad…”
July 15th “Visit to Rough Hey  - trees…”

1912

March 19th “School without fires …coal strike…children allowed to go home early…”
March 20th “LEA ordered the children home because of the cold…”
April 17th …Eclipse of the sun at 11am.  Lessons were given to the children on the subject, and, with smoked glass, all the children viewed the sun.    The largest eclipse for 54 years…9/10s covered here…maximum at 12 noon.”
April 18th “A dreadful disaster occurred on Sunday night April 14th.  The Titanic, the largest ship afloat (45,000 tons) struck an iceberg and sank.  It is estimated that 1,500 went down with her.  (correct total was 1,635)…horrible loss of life…”

1913

June 12th “Tuberculosis exhibition at the town hall…Children to visit at 10.45am…The exhibition was very good and ought to produce very beneficial effects…”
July 9th “ the King’s visit to Accrington.  School holiday…”
November “Mumps…in both children and adults…”

1914

Februrary “…Diphtheria …(some) children died…
July 8th “Practised fire drill…All children out orderly in 40 seconds..”
August “War declared…”
September 1st “Parks Committee are taking over the plot of land that we have used for a school garden for some years…”
October 27th “We have received a parcel of goods to be made into garments for the upper standards.  This is to assist in supplying garments for the soldiers, sailors and those in need.  Standards V, VI and VII are engaged in this work…"
October 30th “…Received notice from Chief Constable re prohibition of fireworks…”
November 10th “I asked the children this morning to bring a potato, onion, cabbage or turnip for the patients at the hospital.  There has been a magnificent response.  I weighed the various items sent in:
Potatoes 225lbs
Onions and carrots 63 lbs
Apples 32lbs
Turnips 20lbs
…besides packets of peas and sprouts, pears, bananas, cigarettes etc…I have also sent 10/- from the scholars for the ‘Plum Pudding Fund’…”
December  “Received wool for knitting for the Red Cross work…”

1915

February 12th “We have sent off the following knitted articles today for the soldiers at the front:
11 Body belts, 8 Scarves, 2 dozen pairs of mitts, 5 pairs socks, 8 Helmets…”
February 23rd “The Accrington ‘Pals’ set off this morning for Caernarfon 9.15am. There is a poor attendance in consequence.”
March 22nd Half timers spoilt Standard 7…as soon as they are 12 they are off to work…”

 1916

February 24th “Men are here today fitting green curtains to the windows – to prevent light of evening school being seen…Military orders…”
April 7th “Mr R Hindle, formerly an assistant teacher at the school has been appointed Headmaster of Peel Park School…”

1917

January Often without coke at the beginning of the year…Children sent home.
April 27th “A great explosion occurred in Church, at Blythe’s Chemical Works where they are working on Government munitions, at about 4.40am.  Great damage done in Church…I think this accounts for the decreased attendances this morning…”
October 16th “The children were taken to the Palace picture drome this morning.  We left here at 10.15am and arrived at 10.40.
The picture dealt with our forces, British and Colonials, at the front…”

1918

June 27th “Influenza”
November 11th “11.10am – just received word that the Armistice was signed at 5.00am and all fighting ceased at 11.00am.  Told the children – proceeded to boys’ yard – hoisted Union Flag and sang the National Anthem.  Dismissed the children…”

1919

June 27th “Cotton strike…many ½ timers present full time…”

1921

March 22nd “…Evening school is now closed permanently   -   J Watts”

1922

March 12th “Miss Dove’s class went to the Palace Picture House …film on Bird life…”

1923

April 26th “Holiday for the marriage of the Duke of York…

1924

May 20th “Salaries paid by cheque for the first time this month…”
July 2nd “Half the children are off school today at a cricket match – Police v Gentlemen of Accrington…”
October “’Flu prevalent….”

1925

October 20th “Mrs Ward J.P. F.R.G.S. gave a most interesting lecture on Canada.  – She had various mineral specimens and articles worked by Indians – most enjoyable…”
November 27th “…Queen Alexandra’s funeral …Session finished at 11.15am allow those desiring to attend services in the town.…”
December 4th “80 children will go to the Picture House…to see fine picture ‘The Epic of Everest’ ”
December 24th “…Miss Dove presented with a handsome clock for 25 years service….”

1926

April 30th Isaac Watts gives in his resignation as Headmaster…to finish on July 31st.
May 3rd “Great industrial strike…”
May 12th “General strike ended at 1.30pm today…”
June 25th “Mr E.J.Barrett has been appointed Head of this school.  Mr Barrett is at present Head of St John’s Baxenden…”
July 26th Mr Watts was presented with a silver rose bowl, flower stands and smoking cabinet on his retirement.  The presentation was made by Miss Dove on behalf of present scholars and staff, and by Mr Cookson an old scholar, on behalf of past scholars and friends.  Councillors Smith and Constantine were present and spoke in appreciation of Mr Watt’s long service.
September 1st Mr Barrett commences duties as new Head.

1927

June 29th “School closed…Solar eclipse at 6.23am…A party of the senior scholars left school at 4.30am by charabanc for Waddington Fells.  The junior scholars left at 5.30am for high ground near school….”

1928

June 25th “Jubilee week commenced…43 children left school at 2.30pm to attend reception at the Town hall by the Rotary Club.  Address on ‘Government by the Borough Past and Present’ by the town clerk
June 26th “Freedom of the borough conferred on the Mayor.  Children to see the ‘League of Nations’ film at the Picture House.”
June 27th “School closed for ‘Children’s Day’.  Combined singing on the market place 2.00pm followed by treat in school owing to bad weather conditions….”
June 28th “Arrangements made for works visits by 13-14yrs age group…
Highams 10 children Ewbank 5 children
Pioneer 5 children Kearns Allan 5 children
Electric Works 5 children Howard & Bulloughs 5 children
The children 13 - 14 years visited the Picture house to see ‘Evolution’ and Nature pictures…”
June 29th More works visits -
“Moseleys  (Breadmaking)                E.J.Rileys
Co-op Laundry                                                J.W. Lightbown.
Two pictures – ‘Safety First’ and one other will be shown to various chosen children at 4.14pm…”
July 13th “Mayors Field Day…to Bullough Park where sports will take place…”
December 21st “His Worship the Mayor and Director of Education visited to distribute the Mayor’s Christmas card…”

1929

June 24th “Young Citizens week…”

1930

April 1st “New Infants division…owing to the closure of Moscow Mill School…80 children admitted here…”

1932

August 15th “During the holidays electric light has been installed…”
December 21st “Official opening of the new Infants department and extensions. (these were the two classrooms -up and down stairs – at the back of the school) ..School closed for the afternoon…”

1933

April 28th “Miss Dove today completed her duties as assistant in this school…presented with a gold watch wristlet …”
(Miss Dove had been a pupil at the school when it opened in 1899 and gone on to be a teacher)
August 14th “During the holidays 29 boys went to camp at Llanfairfechan.  Mr Garnett and 2 friends were in charge…very enjoyable holiday…everything worked admirably.”

1935

May 6th “King’s jubilee…children assembled in Oak Hill Park…on return to school were presented with mug, book handkerchief  and refreshments…”
May 8th “Visit to fire station…”
November 6th “school closed…Royal wedding…
A wireless receiving set (Echo) has now been fixed in the school…”

1936

January 21st “School closed this pm…King’s death…”
January 28th “School closed today…King’s funeral…

1937

May 10th “Mayor and mayoress visited…In celebration of the coronation. Cheers for the King and singing of the national anthem followed…
July 15th “Mr Edgar John Barrett, Headmaster of this school, died today at a nursing home in Manchester.
                                                P.J.Howell.    Director of Education”
October 4th “I commenced duties as Headmaster this morning
                                                W Spencer…”

1938

May 17th “Royal visit of the King and Queen toAccrington…children marched to Town …afterwards dismissed in Ormerod Street…”
“Mr Garnett attending lectures on Air Raid Precautions…”

1939

June 22nd “Ribble Valley ramble…39 senior girls and 2 teachers…by bus to Clitheroe.  Took the following route – Shaw bridge, Gr. School Farm, Worston Rd, Lawsons Farm, Mearley Hall, Downham Rd, Warsaw Farm and Hill, Whitecroft, Chatburn, Path via quarry tops to Pimlico – disused quarry and riverside to Brungerley – Clitheroe.  Numerous nature specimens and fossils collected…”
August 28th ”Children dismissed at 11.55am with instructions to ascertain how long it took each to arrive home… Results…
5 minutes 57%
5 - 10 minutes 36%
over 10minutes 7%
August 29th “In view of the gravity of the International situation the children brought their gas masks for adjustment and respirator drill…”
September 1st “Evacuation of children from Salford to Accrington…”
September 4th “Yesterday, Sunday, the Prime Minister declared that Britain was now at war with Germany…School closed until further notice…”
September 8th “School re-opened …for National Emergency instructions …”
September 11th “School reopened – in no way affected by evacuees…”
October 25th “Erection of air raid shelters in the school garden commenced…”
November 10th “…Senior girls …making curtains for the blackout in school…”

1940

April 9th “…Air raid shelter practice …”
April 19th "...spent the afternoon on the cottage garden site, regarding school gardening, practical and theoretical, and discussed the programme we intend to carry out for the 'Dig for Victory' campaign."
June 20th “As a result of Accrington’s first air raid during the early hours of the morning the children were evidently keyed up and before the end of the day showed signs of loss of sleep..”

 1941

November 24th “A meals centre for 60 children …commenced today…”

1943

May 26th “Half holiday pm… ‘Wings for Victory’ week…
The school bank open for the purchase of National Savings Certificates  and Stamps..”

1944

August 18th “30 children from London admitted…evacuees because of flying bombs admitted…”

1945

February 16th “A telephone has been installed in school …No 3154”
March 8th “Royal Visit…Children assembled in Exchange Street entrance (to Howard & Bulloughs Ltd)…splendid view…day’s holiday granted.
Parties of children in afternoon conducted through a portion of the works to see textile machinery…”
May 8th “V.E. day…School closed for two days…
…Children proceeded to Broadway for the broadcast speech of the Prime Minister (Mr Winston S.Churchill.)”
July 5th “V.E. celebrations…Free bus rides for schoolchildren…”

1946

February 1st “Mr Garnett returned after more than 5 years in H.M.Forces…”
February 26th Mr Garnett appointed Head of Woodnook School.

1947

August 25th “School re-opened – Reorganised as ‘Spring Hill County Junior School’ (previously Spring Hill Council School)… 116 pupils transferred to Secondary Schools of various types…”   This further to the 1944 Education Act. Children now leave Spring Hill at 11 and after selection by the 11+ examination go on to either the Secondary Grammar, Technical or Modern schools.
November 20th “School closed for one day ….wedding of Princess Elizabeth to Lieut Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh."
December 31st “Miss Bunkall, Head of the infant school, retired…”

1948

April 6th “Ethel M Yates commenced as new Head of infants.  “(She later went on an exchange scheme to America)
June 18th “School dome struck by lightning 2.40pm during a severe thunderstorm.  Damage to ceiling, no injuries, no panic.  The children's behaviour deserves special commendation."

1949

April 6th "Today Police constable Mollineux demonstrated 'Bobby Belisha', a beacon which can turn its head and 'talk'..."

1951

June 13th “Half holiday …to commemorate the Festival of Britain…”
June 28th “…Spring Hill County Junior School’s first annual sports day…”

1952

February 6/7th “Death of King George VI.   School broadcast interrupted…prayers for the Royal family especially Queen Elizabeth II”
March 22nd “Spring Hill nursery opened…Ceremony held in the central hall of this school…”

1953

May 11th “Miss Hindle accompanied 48 children to Oak Hill Park to rehearse for the Coronation P.E. display…”
May 21st “…School closed for Whitsuntide  and Coronation holiday.”
June 2nd “Coronation…Queen Elizabeth II crowned…”
June 5th “Dancing demonstration held in Oak Hill Park…coronation celebrations.”
June 17th “…to Odeon cinema …to see the film…  ‘A Queen is Crowned’…”

1954

September 2nd “Mrs J Whittaker appointed new Head of the Infant school…”

1955

August 31st “I terminate my duties today to retire from the profession after eighteen years as Headmaster of this school.      W Spencer.”
September 1st “Mr Richard Bury commenced duties as Headmaster in succession to Mr W Spencer…”

1960

May 6th “School closed all day for wedding of H.R.H. Princess Margaret”

1967

“Preparations for building of new dining hall and kitchen in Infants…”

 1970

December 7 - 11th “Lessons interrupted due to power cuts resulting from industrial action…”
September 25th "...workmen arrived on site to commence alterations to boys cloakrooms..."

1971

“Police in…’Green Cross Code’ the new road safety code… ”

1973

“Suspected case of smallpox at Hannah Street…”
December 12th “Miss Moss, Head of Hannah Street retired…

1976

December 20th “Presentation to Miss Hindle, on her retirement after a whole teaching career in this school…”

1977

December 21st “I retire from the teaching profession today after a period of 22 years as Headmaster of this school

R. Berry

1978

January 4th “School re-opened at 9 am New Headteacher  R.A.Hayden from Bacup Thorn Juniors.”

1980

June 5th “Severe thunderstorm – cloakroom flooded…fatal accident at Moorhead School….”

1984

May 16th “Staff of Spring Hill Junior School, Spring Hill Infant School, and Hannah Street seen by Mr Hayden, Mr Evans and Mr King to express their preferences for amalgamation in September…”
September 3rd “School opened today as ‘Spring Hill County Primary School’ on amalgamation of Spring Hill Junior, Spring Hill Infant and Hannah Street Schools.   Hannah Street to house reception children…”

1985

August 28th “New mobile classrooms provided…”