A Day in the Life of a Student (1939- 1945) Compiled by Gertie Campbell, a past pupil. Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge now stands as one of the finest four star hotels in Dublin. However, in 1880 the building was a very different place and originally stood as the Masonic Girl’s school. The school was designed by McCurdy and Mitchell, the architectural practice of John McCurdy and William Mansfield Mitchell. McCurdy and Mitchell also designed the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin; many of the buildings in Trinity College Dublin, including the Anatomical Museum, the School of Physiology, and the Chemistry Building; parts of Saint Columba’s College, Rathfarnham; and Lowther Lodge, north of Ballsbridge, which every schoolboy in Gormanston who went on beach walks or played beach cricket knew as “Filgate’s”. McCurdy and Mitchell designed the new Masonic Girl’s School was designed in the Queen Anne style, and the foundation stone was laid on 24 th June 1880 by Duke of Abercorn. The cost was estimated at £12,000, and the building was brought “almost to completion” by the building contractors Gahan & Son, who went bankrupt in process. The building was completed under the supervision of William Bolger and the new school opened in 1881. The final cost of building came in at just under £15,000. The school stood on 10-acres site and as well as schoolrooms included a library, dormitories, recreation and dining areas, around 2 sides of a quadrangle. The school entrance was beneath a corner tower that was not merely ornamental but also contained all the works connected with the water supply of both the building and the bathrooms. Inside, despite the military style order, cleanliness and sparse impressions, the rooms were airy and bright and the dormitories were cheerful. Most of the fittings and furniture were made and bought in Ireland. The large drill hall (now known as Thomas Prior Hall) stood beside the main buildings and was also used for prayers and meetings. The hall still boasts many of its original features, such as ornate oak-panelled walls, stained glass windows, original mosaic tiling, a choir balcony and a vaulted wooden ceiling. The school closed in 1970 and the building was bought by the Royal Dublin Society and renamed Thomas Prior House after one of the founding members. The Masonic Order in Ireland & Freemasonry The Masonic Order came to Ireland in the 1690’s. The origins of Masonry date back to the days of the building of King Solomon’s Temple and the stonemason guilds that were formed. The foundations of Freemasonry are based on the following 3 principles; 1) Joining together men of goodwill who live by and teach a basic moral code 2) Practising an ancient ritual handed down over centuries 3) Providing aid and comfort to the families of deceased or distressed members It was in accordance with the third principle that the Masonic Girls School in Ballsbridge was formed, acting as a charity to the daughters of deceased or distressed Freemasons. It was considered a huge honour to be a student at the school in its day. Freemasons were from all social classes and was perhaps one of the only social organisations in the 19th century that did not discriminate against Roman Catholics. Although the school closed in 1972, the fund has continued with its good work. Daughters of deceased or distressed Freemasons still receive education in the schools of their own or their parents own choice. The History of CLAYTON HOTEL BALLSBRIDGE 6.45am First bell of the day. Students had to wash, dress and make their beds. 7.25am Second bell of the day. Students had to assemble downstairs in the ‘Playroom’ before marching into the ‘Dining Room’ single file for breakfast. A senior student would play ‘Amazing Grace’ on the piano and students would sing along every morning before eating. 8.00am Chores such as washing up, clearing, dusting and polishing would be carried out. The most undesired chore would be assisting the Matron in the ‘Tonic Room’ where poorly students would go with their ills and chills 8.45am Students would assemble in the Drill Hall for Morning Prayer and any announcements 11.00am- 11.15am Mid-morning break for a cup of hot or cold milk with bread and butter 11.15am- 12.30am Morning class 12.45pm- 1.30pm Dinner in the dining room. Pupils on dining room rota would then wash up and lay tables for the next meal 2.00pm Afternoon class 3.30pm Music practice and outdoor sports. Winter- Hockey and netball, Summer- Tennis, badminton and rounders 5.00pm Students had to clean their shoes in the basement, checked by a Decade Captain who was in charge on £10 girls each 5.30pm Teatime. Birthday celebrants would give money for their own table with cake for their friends 6.45pm- 8.15pm Evening study would take place in the school room where talking was strictly prohibited 8.30pm Evening prayers with a “night cap” of milk and biscuits 8.45pm Students would retreat upstairs to their dormitories to prepare for bed and say their prayers 9.15pm- Lights out. No talking was allowed but some of the girls huddled around and told stories. If a student heard the footsteps of a Matron, they would whisper “Nicks” as a warning. All Schooldays are a Phase A poem by Ruth Caswell 1959 (a 5 th year student) All schooldays are a phase, And all passing girls are truly scholars They have their failures and their successes And each in charge of 10 girls each From junior to teenager. At first the new-girl Sobbing and moaning in her lonely state: Then the perky junior with her books And the sleepy reluctant face, dragging along Unwillingly to class; and then, the more senior On work more keen, but with a woeful tale To make her mistress’ ear. Then the middle stage Full of pranks outrageous, ever ready for argument Perhaps jealous of the next, sudden and quick in quarrel Seeking a good report Even from the headmistress’ pen. And then the adolescent The up and coming senior, sage with wit With smiles serene, and thoughts of now past fun; Full of wise quotes and the latest literature And so plays her role. The next stage merges Into the happy and hard-working pupil With spectacles on her nose, eyes screwed to her books; Her schoolgirl complexion, well kept, with hair-style wild, In her new office, and her reproving voice, Turning again to check the juniors’ shouts And screams from all around. Last scene of all That ends this hectic life, A happy smile, for parting comrades, With wisdom, with learning, with knowledge, with everything! Some Interesting Facts • Queen Victoria visited the school on Tuesday, April 24th, 1900 during her trip to Ireland. She brought her fifth daughter Princess Beatrice with her & the Dowager Countess of Southampton. They only stayed a short time & never actually entered the school itself • Irish Political Leader Daniel O’ Connell was once a well-known member of the Masonic Order in the early 19th Century. He later resigned after learning that various Papal Bulls had been issued disapproving of the Order • Many of the teachers in the school had their own cats. They would often bring them with them for supper & students were to be extra careful not to catch their tails in any doors • Tragically, due to an outbreak in the school of scarlet fever in 1868 one of the students passed away. However, with many girls suffering from the illness & surviving, this was seen as a miracle at the time & a testament to the excellent facilities, health & medical standards of the School • The youngest past pupil of the school Isobel Mahon, went on to be a well- established actress who is better-known for her role as Michelle in RTE’s ‘Glenroe’