Somerville House Centenary Oral History

Interview with Norma Horton who discusses her childhood, school days and teaching career at St Gabriel's in Charters Towers and Sommerville House. Norma also discusses the Somerville House philosophy and religious practices. The interviewer is Sue Pechey.

Log of the interview with Norma Horton.

Interview with Norma Horton who discusses her years at the school, especially during World War II at Stanthorpe. She describes the routine of a typical day, weekend activities, the school's relationship with the townspeople, house staff arrangements and many other facets of those years.

At one point, she draws comparisons between Somerville and other schools (ie. Brisbane Girls Grammar School which is seen as much more 'competitive'). Various teachers (Miss Craig, Mr Jones, Miss Cullagh, Miss Edmondston, Miss Shaw, Miss Morean, Miss George) are mentioned, as Miss Horton refers to 'the pool of teachers' who moved between the various private schools during the course of her career. 

The interviewer is Sue Pechey.

Log of the interview with Norma Horton.

Interview with Hope MacKenzie who discusses attending Sommerville House. The interviewer is Sue Pechey.

Summary of the interview with Hope MacKenzie.

Two interviews with Hazel Gray. The interviewer is Sue Pechey.

During the first interview (9 December 1992), Hazel discusses her early life in Bundaberg and attending Somerville House including the school uniform, a typical school day, sleeping arrangements, after school activities and adjusting to being a boarder. She also discusses graduating with a science degree from the University of Queensland, her first teaching job at Somerville House, becoming a boarding mistress and relocating to Stanthorpe during the Second World War.

During the second interview (3 February 1993), Hazel discusses house captains, sharing quarters with students in Stanthorpe, commuting to Brisbane to teach, becoming deputy and acting principal, the reaction to the appointment of a male headmaster and taking over as headmistress.

Summary of the interviews with Hazel Gray.

Interview with Linda Zillfleisch who discusses school plays, church parties, Sunday dinners, boarders, day girls, teachers, white nurses, sleeping on the balcony, a midnight feast, and the American flag presented to the school in 1951 amongst other regular features of school life. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Linda Zillfleisch.

Interview with Ellen Christensen who discusses years at Somerville including staff, subject choices, speech night, new uniforms, boarders, meals, books, the library and sport. The interviewer is Robyn Walter.

Log of the interview with Ellen Christensen.

Interview with Judith Mobbs and Lyle Suggars who discuss attending the school including description of buildings, teachers and uniforms. The interviewer is Diana Downes.

Log of the interview with Judith Mobbs and Lyle Suggars.

Interview with Nancy Lockley who discusses a wide range of subjects including teachers, class sizes, book inspections, assemblies, religions, education, excursions, the boarding house, opening of the 'new' library, uniforms, St Laurence's College, scholastic subjects, staff room duties, teachers' salaries, Old Girls' Association, and the Friendship Network. The interviewer is Gaye Pitman.

Log of the interview with Nancy Lockley.

Interview with Beverley Paterson who discusses the long train journey to Stanthorpe and the life there as a student. She recalls how Miss Craig (headmistress) commuted from Brisbane to Stanthorpe each week by train. Miss Ruth George and Miss Ina Morgan were in charge of the two Brisbane branches of the school during those years. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Beverley Paterson.

Interview with Gwendolyn Wheeler who discusses her memories of the co-principals of those early years - Miss Harker and Miss Jarrelt. Miss Jarrelt's main responsibility was to the boarders and Miss Harker's to the academic side of the school. Other memories she related were English classes with Miss Ruth George, trips to the snow country (but said there were very few other school outings), visits by the Ministers from the two churches who gave religious instruction, assemblies conducted by Miss Harker, and school prizes (books covered in either blue or red leather with the school crest embossed on the cover). The interviewer is David Hanson.

Summary of the interview with Gwendolyn Wheeler.

Interview with Betty Gill who discusses her Somerville years including the polio epidemic, the library building, prize giving, the school magazine, athletics team, Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration in 1936, as well as details of the daily routine. Some of the advantages of her Somerville years were acquiring self-reliance, research abilities, a life approach, and lasting friendships. The interviewer is Anne Fowler.

Summary of the interview with Betty Gill.

Interview with Rhyl Hinwood who discusses her Somerville days, including first day impressions, art classes, singing lessons, choir, Osbourne house meetings, classrooms, religious education classes, and friendships that lasted. The interviewer is Anne Fowler.

Summary of the interview with Rhyl Hinwood.

Two interviews with Pamela Davenport. The interviewer is Barbara Merefield.

During the first interview (24 June 1993), Pamela discusses attending Somerville House as a student including the school uniform, subjects, teachers, routines, camps, speech nights, election of school officers and prizes.

During the second interview (15 December 1993), Pamela discusses her teaching career at Somerville including teaching staff and changes to the school.

Log of the interviews with Pamela Davenport.

Interview with Jennifer Macklin who discusses her teachers and colleagues including Misses Potter, Taylor, Godfrey, North, Cook, Andrews, Gray, Mrs McNamara, and Mr Wells, the first headmaster of Somerville. Jennifer reminisces about various aspects of school life. Among those memories are etiquette classes, rules about hats and gloves, teachers wanting to wear slacks, warnings regarding St Laurence's boys and the Junior and Senior Examinations. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Jennifer Macklin.

Interview with Sheila Young who discusses events such as the opening of the library in 1934. She also speaks of the uniforms, school book issue, no slates, the Kosciusko holiday, Verse Speaking Choir, speech nights, GPS sports, Junior and Senior Examinations and the polio epidemic. Several teachers are mentioned including Misses Jarrett, George, Harker, Craig, Taylor, and Mr Wells. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Sheila Young.

Two interviews with Rev. Sam Seymour. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

During the first interview (4 August 1993), Rev. Seymour discusses biographical details including his ordination as a Church of England minister. Rev. Seymour was appointed headmaster in 1974 and Miss Gray was deputy head. He mentions several teachers who were of particular help to him in that initial year, including Misses Williams, Davenport, and Barnes, Mrs Bridgwood, Mrs Holden, and Mr Wilson. The 75th Anniversary of the school was celebrated that year. He discusses the boarders and the school's aims of creating a 'home away from home' as well as the H.J. Gray Science Building which was opened in 1976.

He also discusses details of Mrs Gray's retirement, the introduction of prefects in 1975, Miss Craig's portrait, first Spring Fair 1981, opening of the Isabel Taylor wing in 1982, and the Mary Somerville wing by the Duchess of Kent. 1983 saw the creation of two new houses, Durac and Gilmore, and the introduction of computers into the classrooms and library. The Foundation was also set up to offset Commonwealth cuts in funding. The purchase (1985) of the Osasis at Sunnybank for a new Junior school and its subsequent sale. He speaks of the events of 1987 when the school was nearly sold and recalls speaking to the PMSA Council on the night the vote was taken. Rev. Seymour also discusses the gradual purchase of the houses in Stephens Road and mentions the headmaster's residence being relocated to Robertson to allow for more space for the boarders.

During the second interview (6 August 1993), Rev. Seymour discusses school issues, like the curriculum, business school subjects dying out, 'Tola' tests, music and choral activities, sports (equestrian/rowing/water polo), clubs (debating, chess), and home economics being relocated in old science rooms. He also discusses matters, such as staff, superannuation, unions, weddings at the school, the opening of the school chapel in August 1993, alcohol on school premises, computers, and his retirement in 1987. 

Rev. Seymour reflects on the aims and objectives of the school, the regular meetings held by the three schools (Somerville, Clayfield College, and Brisbane Boys College), the forming of the Parents and Friends Association to raise funds and the introduction of closed circuit television throughout the school. Finally, he looks at the function of the library and the decision to barcode books, computerise the catalogue, and extend library hours into the evening.

Log of the interviews with Rev. Sam Seymour.

Interview with Dorothea Haly who discusses teachers, uniforms, discipline, laundry lists, meals, speech nights, exams and teaching Junior School. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Dorothea Haly.

Interview with Eunice Clark who discusses uniforms, teachers, opening of Junior School, subjects, sport, house system, excursions, lunch time, prizes, typical school day, staged plays, punishments, school photos, friendships and the opening of Harker Hall and the Isabel Taylor wing. She also discusses joining the Old Girls' Association and highlights serving as President. The interviewer is Gaye Pittman.

Log of the interview with Eunice Clark.

Interview with Connie Sutcliffe who discusses travelling to school, teachers, fellow students, her parents, fees, punishments, working in Katmandu, her passion for books and the Old Girls' Association. The interviewers are Marjorie Shackleton and J. Francis.

Log of the interview with Connie Sutcliffe.

Reminiscence by Connie Sutcliffe titled 'In the Twenties at Somerville House (1924-1927)'.

Interview with Rose Feurst who discusses travelling to school, teachers, fellow students, her father and the uniform. The interviewer is Marjorie Shackleton.

Log of the interview with Rose Feurst.

Interview with Margaret Waugh who discusses her duties while serving on the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association Council including meeting new staff, attending the opening of the Isabel Taylor Building and the sports complex, the Junior School Jubilee, church services in Harker Hall, Old Girls' Association events and Foundation meetings. The interviewer is Isabel Bauer.

Log of the interview with Margaret Waugh.

Interview with Brenda Martin who discusses New Farm Park, teachers, her adult interests in business meetings, public speaking and swimming, serving on the ABC Committee and Victoria League and working as a doctor's receptionist after she left school. The interviewer is Isabel Bauer.

Log of the interview with Brenda Martin.

Biographical information for Brenda Martin.

Interview with Noeleen Watson who discusses her father, Sister Elizabeth Kenny, teachers, book inspections, uniforms, air-raid shelters and knitting for the troops. She also discusses her teaching career including wages, working conditions and supervising boarders. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Noeleen Watson.

Two interviews with Nancy Shaw. The interviewer is Sue Pechey.

During the first interview (24 February 1993), Nancy discusses the school uniform, subjects, teachers, her parents, her teaching career and education and provides a description of the Stanthorpe school.

During the second interview (5 March 1993), Nancy discusses how students were encouraged to show interest in current events, visits by interesting people, morning assembly, discipline, teaching in London and at Clayfield College, her return to Somerville and teaching at Fairholme.

Summary of the interview with Nancy Shaw.

Two interviews with Jessie Andrews. The interviewer is Sue Pechey.

During the first interview (5 February 1993), Jessie discusses some of the teachers from the earlier years, including Misses Morris, Harrison, George, Wilson, Morgan, Popple, Jarret, and Harker. She discusses such topics as Common Day, weekends, first teaching days at Somerville, the war years, the Americans, charities (Cot Fund), and the stained glass windows.

During the second interview (3 March 1993), Jessie discusses the original school badge, Sports Club and interform competition, the Old Girls' Association, the appointment of the first headmaster and the inclusion of commercial subjects in the curriculum. Jessie also looks back on the changes over her years of association with Somerville.

Summary of the interview with Jessie Andrews.

Interview with Valerie Taylor who discusses attending Rockhampton Girls Grammar and then Somerville, uniforms, the boarding house, meals, Sunday church services, detention, clothing allowance, music practice, teachers, comparisons with her teaching career at Clayfield College compared to being a pupil at Somerville, youth concerts and school dances. The interviewer is Diana Downes.

Log of the interview with Valerie Taylor.

Interview with Mavis Holden who discusses being in charge of the boarding house. The interviewer is Catherine Braddock.

Log of the interview with Mavis Holden.

Interview with Mary Davis who discusses being a new teacher at Somerville House from 1957-1958, returning to the school as the Chaplain's wife and taking the position as Senior Boarding Mistress during 1986-1991. The interviewer is Maureen Cook.

Log of the interview with Mary Davis.

Interview with Marjorie Harding who discusses teachers, music practice, meals, room and uniform inspections, laundry, church services, picnics, sport and the Old Girls' Association. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Marjorie Harding.

Interview with Margaret-Ann Shevill who discusses teachers and having to study by correspondence when the Americans occupied the school. Margaret also discusses becoming secretary of the Church of England tennis club and treasurer of the Parish, her working life, marriage to Bishop Ian Shevill, boarding at Somerville, church services, strict table manners and attending concerts in City Hall. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Margaret-Ann Shevill.

Interview with Beatrice McCullough who discusses her life in Brisbane during the 1920s with particular reference to her connection and that of her family with Somerville House. The interviewer is Shirley Shepherdson.

Transcript of the interview with Beatrice McCullough.

Interview with Aileen Godfrey who discusses her teaching career including her first impressions of Somerville, later improvements, working conditions, teaching duties, colleagues and her responsibilities as Head of the Junior School. Aileen also discusses changes in class sizes, teaching methods, subjects, pupil-teacher relationships and working conditions. The interviewer is Barbara Merefield.

Log of the interview with Aileen Godfrey.

Interview with Isabel Bauer who discusses teachers, punishments and sport. Isabel discusses her teaching career, her children and her role as President of the Old Girls' Association. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Isabel Bauer.

Interview with Libby Constable who discusses teachers, uniforms, joining the Old Girls' Association, teaching and changes to the school. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Libby Constable.

Interview with Rod Wells who discusses his career as headmaster of Somerville House including first impressions, changes to school culture, qualities he looks for when employing staff, colleagues, the opening of new buildings, establishing parents and friends meetings and his career after leaving Somerville including setting up Summerset College and Cannon Hill College. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Rod Wells.

Interview with Dr Marie Jameson who discusses teachers, chaplains, religious education, the upheaval when U.S. forces took over the school in 1942, students' contributions to the war effort and how Somerville House had a profound effect on her development. The interviewer is D.G. Hanson.

Summary of the interview with Dr Marie Jameson.

Interview with Pamela Bloom who discusses the difficulties of three school locations during the Second World War, teachers, subjects, academic results, sport, travelling to school, prizes, dances and uniforms. The interviewer is Ann Fowler.

Log of the interview with Pamela Bloom.

Interview with Dr Noel Davis who discusses training for the Ministry, influences towards chaplaincy, Somerville House chaplaincy, assemblies, student involvement, religious education lessons, chapel services, school camps, the school day and weekends, worship in the school and lasting impressions. The interviewer is Ann Fowler.

Log of the interview with Dr Noel Davis.

Interview with Margaret Rackemann who discusses uniforms, teachers, assemblies, music, sport, debating, art, school camps and trips, discipline, Old Girls' Association and  protesting the sale of Somerville. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Margaret Rackemann.

Interview with Kirsty Hunter who discusses uniforms, teachers, assemblies, drama, sport, excursions, editor of Inhouse, debating team and punishments. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Kirsty Hunter.

Interview with Elizabeth Hedley and Helen Mobbs who discuss uniforms, teachers, subjects, drama classes, their careers, role and duties of prefects, speech night and the influence of Somerville House on their lives. The interviewer is Diana Downes.

Log of the interview with Elizabeth Hedley and Helen Mobbs.

Interview with Erin O'Brien who discusses uniforms, netball, debate team, teachers, excursions, assemblies, punishments, the school chapel and her future. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Erin O'Brien.

Interview with Ruth Cilento who discusses memories of Junior School, marbles not being allowed, transition to Senior School, her course being mapped by her parents, misbehaving, teachers, subjects, attending Alexandra House at Coorparoo during the war years, air raid drills and uniforms. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Ruth Cilento.

Interview with Gillian Bridgwood who discusses work colleagues, new science block, more pupils, school almost being sold in 1987, Asian students, chapel, Coral Festival, Spring Fair, prefects, punishments, working conditions and what the school provides for students. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Gillian Bridgwood.

Interview with Felicity Williams who discusses applying for teaching job, work colleagues, opening of Harker Hall, her duties, discipline, school committee meetings, new houses, Old Girls' Association, school almost being sold in 1987, trips, Choral Festival, Spring Fair, working conditions, and Year 12 exams. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Felicity Williams.

Interview with Hillary Bloyce who discusses teachers, punishments, uniforms, trip to Mt. Kosciusko, school reunion, her community work and receiving various medals for that work including the British Empire Medal. The interviewer is Pauline Roberts.

Log of the interview with Hillary Bloyce.