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In retrospect our schooldays are like most periods of life; we are apt to
recall the good times as being better than they actually were, while we
either laugh off the not-so-good times or conveniently forget them. Most
of us probably imagined we hated our schooldays at the time, and could not
leave soon enough to get out to work, but as the years roll on we usually
look back on them a., being, as they say, "Happy carefree days"
I attended Stewarton Higher Grade School in the 1930s and it is that
period only about which I propose to write. In those days we started in
Miss Dunlop's class, which was held in the left rear classroom of the old
school building in Dunlop Streetit later became the Science Room. Miss
Dunlop was an exceptionally nice teacher, who had the knack of making the
"new starts" feel at home. During her 50 years at the school m hundreds of
local children began their schooldays in her classroom and I am sure all
of them will remember her with affection.
Shortly after I started school, the annex or 'wee school' was opened in
Corsehillbank Street and the first four classes moved to the new building.
Some of the teachers who taught there during this period were Miss Maggie
Boyd, Mrs. Robertson, Miss Baird, Miss Kelly, Miss Cassels and Miss
Conner. From there, as is still the case, we moved down to the old
building to complete our primary education under teachers such as Miss
Smith, Miss Burgess, Miss Lizzie Hannah, Miss Sutherland, Miss Curtis and
Miss Harper and the two most feared teachers in the whole school. Miss
Jolly and Mrs. Smith. Now, those two ladies were both excellent teachers
but woe betide any boy or girl who was not up to the mark in their
classes.
In the primary division the aim of every pupil was the passing of the
qualifying examination or "qualy". After this we entered the advanced
division or "Higher Grade" where we had to encounter strange new subjects
with queer sounding names like Algebra, Geometry, Science, Trigonometry,
Mechanics, French and Latin. In the High Grade the majority of the
teachers were men and included (when I was there) four members of the
present staff Mr. Milford, Mr. Maids, Mr .A. Smith and Mr. Auld, known
respectively (if not respectfully) as "Miffie", "Tony", "Wee Alfie" and
"Jimmy".
The Headmaster was of course the late Mr. William B. Waddell who has since
become something of a legendary figure in the town. Mr. Waddell was a
strict disciplinarian whose very presence in a classroom commanded
immediate silence, and anyone caught misbehaving either in or out of
school could expect and generally received no mercy. He was especially
hard on anyone caught 'plunking' and it was a verbal lashing followed by
three of the stiff (or strap) for this misdemeanour. His great weakness,
if that is the correct word, was music, especially choral work and he
personally carried out the extra duty of music master as a labour of love.
"Auld Bill" as -he was nicknamed, was a great believer in instant
punishment and always carried his strap in one pocket and his tuning fork
in another, and he would produce either, at the drop of the proverbial
hat, as the occasion demanded. Whipping out his tuning fork, he would bang
it off his raised knee, sing "Me, Me, Me - take that note boy", and then
lead us into a rousing chorus of one of his large repertoire of songs
which included "Twanky Dillo", "Billy Boy", "The minstrel Boy", "Drink to
me Only", "Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill", "For Summer We're Sighing", "The
Ash Grove", and of course, "Where has Scotland found her Fame" and "Joyful
We Greet Thee".
I do not wish to go into details of what happened when Mr. Waddell
produced his strap as, like countless others I have too many painful
memories of those occasions. Although regarded as a martinet, Mr. Waddell
was also a personality with a keen sense of humour and he could laugh very
heartily when something amused him; he knew every single pupil by name and
took an interest in each one of them both during and after schooldays, as
some of us probably only appreciated in later years.
Mr. Milford was officially the Science Teacher but he also took classes in
Geography and Bible instruction. However, such was his natural teaching
talent, experience and personality that he could undertake to teach
practically any subject if called upon to do so. He had one outstanding
gift and this was the ability to inject a certain amount of humour and wit
into any lecture; in particular his geography lessons, especially when he
included reminiscences of personal camping experiences in different parts
of Scotland, were an entertainment as well as being educational.
In all school activities which took place after hours, Mr. Milford was
organiser-in-chief, and ably assisted by Mr. Alt. Smith and Mr. Jimmy
Auld, he arranged the sports meetings, the socials, trips etc., with his
usual efficiency. His all round knowledge of sport plus his musical
ability helped greatly in this respect. At that time, we were not to know
that he would later serve as Headmaster for twenty-one years.
Other members of the staff at this time were-
Mr. Maids, who ceaselessly prompted, pleaded with and sometimes even
bullied us into learning the works of Shakespeare and Scott, Milton and
Masefield; he instructed us in the use of metaphors, similes,
alliteration, and the complexities of English Grammer, and also told us
about '1066 and all thatJ I hope his efforts were not in vain.
Mr. Alf. Smith, the well-liked teacher of benchwork and tecnical subjects,
who, to demonstrate the practical side of mechanics used to build
engineering models out of old parts, some of which the boys supplied; once
he made the classic remark to a farmer's son "You're not much of a scholar
but my, you can fairly bring in the stuff".
Mr. Auld, the local boy who came back to teach us equations and the
theorem of Pythagorus; took over the running of the school team where his
mathematical knowledge was helpful in calculating our terrible goal
average, as, during that memorable season, 1936-37, we got a licking
pratically every game.
The late Mr. 1. T. Parker, the senior maths teacher who was also a
well-known Ayr cricketer and he introduced the game to the school; after a
fine 'innings' at Stewarton School (seven years) he 'declared', then
became headmaster of Grange School Kilmarnock, as well as a prominent
Kilmarnock Town Councillor.
Mr. Taylor, the burly and dark teacher of foreign languages with the wide
grin; some of our efforts at exam time took the smile off his face drove
him into using language of a different sort.
Mr. Lambie and Mr. Borland had, at different times, the unenviable task of
controlling the notorious IB., the rowdiest in the school.
Mr. Scrimgeor was the popular maths teacher who will always be remembered
as the man who founded the school football team.
Miss Smillie, the good-lookiig drill teacher in the mini gym slip; some of
the boys had a crush on her.
Miss 'Dolly' Lind, the art teacher who had to stand a lot of cheek; but
Mr. Waddell often came to her rescue.
Miss MacMurray, Miss Sloan, Miss Gilchrist, Miss Miller, Miss Donnachie,
and Miss McGregor were other teachers who were at the school sometime in
the thirties.
Two of the main features of school life were the Christmas social in
winter and the sports in the summer. The former consisted of short plays,
musical items etc. which were performed with tremendous enthusiasm by the
Higher Grade pupils and produced by the teachers -— in their own time I
may add. There was also a "set tea" with partners, followed by a dance. I
wonder if anyone remembers any of the plays, such as "Pyramus and Thisbe",
"Wee McGreegor", "The Grand Cham's Diamond", or "Campbell of Kilmor".
The sports day was one of great excitement which gradually mounted to
fever pitch until that awful moment Just prior to the gun being fired.
Large crowds attended Strandhead Park as the meetings were held in the
evening then. Competition was invariably keen and the school produced some
fine athletes. At one time prizes were awarded and there was always a
special cheer for winners of the favourite prize, a big bottle of
sweeties.
Probably the most important event in the history of the school occurred in
1936 when the Diamond Jubilee was celebrated. Various activities were
held, including exhibitions, a bazaar, parents days, etc; but the climax
of the whole affair was a grand reunion of former pupils and teachers,
held in the Drill Hall which was packed to capacity, with many of the
guests travelling long distances to attend.
Although the school had no actual tuck shop, a visit to "Aul' Callans" or
"Nan Broons" at playtime or before or after school was a must for anyone
with a Ha 'penny or penny to spend. Favourite items in the comprehensive
sweet selection were snowballs, nailrods, pit-props, nougats, macaroons,
licorice straps, blow-gum, and sherbert. No wonder our teeth were bad;.
In 1930 the school football team won the Kilmarnock District Schools Cup,
beating Glencairn in the final by three goals to one, at Rugby Park no
less. The winning team was - George Brown Robert Sim and Davie Ogilvie;
Jimmy Ferguson Tom Currie and Alee McCrae; Davie Moncur Alee Picken Jacky
Craig Tom Wilson and Willie MeGill. Although up against a team of much
heavier build, the lighter Stewarton boys outsmarted their bigger opponent
with a skilful display of brilliant football which produced goals by
Willie MeGill (2) and Jacky Craig.
On their triumphant return from Kilmarnock that memorable Friday evening
the team stopped at the viaduct where most of the town had gathered, and
the heroes were carried shoulder high through the streets, with wee Craig
up front holding the cap and Davie Meechan playing the bagpipes. At Avenue
Square, the boys, plus 'managers' Messrs. Scrimgeor and Milford and
trainer the late Davie Hewitt, were given a tremendous reception, and
eventually speeches to suit the occasion were made by the late Provost
Mackie and Mr. Scrimgeor. The following Wednesday evening the team and
officials were guests of honour at a congratulatory social given by the
Town Council.
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There was no cruises half-way round the world for us and the annual'
school trip was usually a day excursion by rail to places of geographical
and historical interest such as Edinburgh, or Stirling via the Trossachs.
The cost was around seven shillings and sixpence which included fare,
lunch and high tea. While these outings were regarded as being of a
semi-educational nature, the school picnics to Lamlash were strictly for
pleasure and sport.
A most memorable day trip took place in June, 1938 when the Higher Grade
pupils visited the mammoth Empire Exhibition in Bellahouston Park,
Glasgow. In addition to being conducted round the amazing assortment of
stands and stalls, pavilions and palaces representing countries from all
over the British Empire, we had a look at the "Victoria Falls" and a trip
to the top of the famous tower, which could be seen for miles around. As
an exhibition of this magnitude has never been held since and is unlikely
to be held again, this was certainly a day to remember. Incidentally
twelve and a half million people visited the Empire Exhibition during its
four months duration.
The school janitor was always a weel kent figure in the school and the
town. In the early thirties the late Mr. Bower was the janitor but he soon
retired to make way for Mr. Montague. Then in 1936 my father, the late Tom
Barclay was appointed, and during his nineteen years in the post, he had
many amusing stories to relate. Especially of his duties as attendance
officer.
One anecdote concerned a boy who was off school for the umpteenth time and
when my father called, he was tucked up in bed with only his face showing,
and according to his mother he was "Awfa no weel". A few minutes later
"The patient" was seen running up Lainshaw Street with a Message basket in
one hand and a "jeelly piece" in the other. A case of instant recovery.
Outside school hours we spent our time as children do everywhere -
playing. However, some of our games seem to have disappeared. For instance
whatever happened to such old favourites as 'Leavo', 'All Over', or 'Kick
the Can' and when did you last see a boy with a 'Gir' and 'cleek' or whip
and peerie. Due to the influence of the silver screen, we played at
cowboys and Indians, dressed up in trousers made out of sugar bags, an
'old waistcoat and soft hat, plus a 'six-shooter' bought out of Meg
Armours or Annie Nesbits.
Football was, of course, the top team game with 'wee hiedies' and 'three
an' in' favourite off shoots. There were also seasonal pastimes like bools
with glessies and steelies, making bogies, billying with chestnuts, the
annual 'quest' for green apples and 'tumshies, and making "sugar-ally-watter,
while the bathing season brought crowds to the Auld Dam, Andra Sweelzies,
the Munt and that glamourous lido for the girls 'The ladies Booking Hole'.
There were many happy playing haunts and the cries of 'Stick em up',
"You're deid or Ah'm no' playin"' and "Wha's het noo?" could be heard at
the Corsehill and Annick Banks, Peter's Plantin', the Water Plantin',
Standalane, "Daurlintoun" or Moncur's Stables any day of the week. What
memories even the name Moncur's Stables, must recall to the countless boys
who played there. What games did the lassies play? Well, apart from
peevers, skipping ropes and ' plainy, clappy', I can't remember.
A momentous event occured in Stewarton late in 1933 when the talkies came
to town. With the advent of sound, a great new dimension was added to the
cinema and 'the picture hoose' became the main entertainment centre of the
town. Incidentally the first talking picture shown in Stewarton was 'New
Moon' starring Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett, on Monday 30th November
1931.
There were three changes of programme per week and I'm afraid that our
school lessons were sometimes neglected in our eagerness to see the great
stars of the day, such as Wallace Beery, Marie Dressler, The Barrymores,
dark Gable, Joan -Crawford, Robert Montgomery, Jeanette Macdonald and
Nelson Eddy, Norma Shearer, James Cagney, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers,
Bing Crosby, Robert Taylor and of course Greta Garbo. Cowboy stars Ken
Maynard, Tim McCoy and Buck Jones were the favourites with the boys and a
big cheer also greeted the short comedy films featuring 'Our Gang',
'Mickey McGuire', Charlie Chase, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy,
'Mickey Mouse', Andy Clyde, Ben Blue, Edgar Kennedy, and "The Three
Stoogies'.
On Saturday afternoons there was a matinee when in addition to "the big
picture" and a short comedy, a serial was shown. Tuppence was required for
admission with a penny to spend at the tray of "the chocolate boy". Some
of us even bought a pennyworth of cinnamon stick to smoke. (Ugh.')
There were a few special days to which we all looked forward and one of
these was the Sunday School trip. All the girls were turned out in new
print frocks of various colours, while most of the boys dressed in the
uniform of white shirt, thick grey flannel shorts (they make therti finer
now) held up with a blue and white belt with an S clip and white
sandshoes. To complete the outfit you had a brand new tinny slung over
your shoulder with tape.
We all marched up from the various kirks to the station led by the
ministers - Mr. Ogilvie, Mr. Wamock, Mr. Deans, Mr. Grieve, and Mr.
Melrose are the names which come to mind. Then into the special train,
down with the windows and out with the streamers; from there to South
Beach it was singing and cheering all the way. On arrival we had the
circle on the grass routine, which is traditionally carried on to this
day. The main difference about the trip now is that all the dads come down
in their cars in the afternoon - to look after the weans while the Mothers
relax. (Shades of emancipation).
Another day of days was Cadgers Fair Monday when the show Park was always
packed with all the various stalls and side shows plus Lawrence's or
Cadona's Chair-o-Planes, Cake Walk and Ben Hur. Unfortunately, this event
no longer takes place.
In winter, the Sunday School, Foundry Boys and Band of Hope soirees and
cantattas were also popular events, with the kids supplying their own
entertainment. During the interval, tea and bags were issued and the
latter always contained a chocolate biscuit, a cake and a Paris bun; the
cake and biscuit were scoffed in no time at all but the buns, usually with
one bite out of them, were used mainly for ~Bun Fights'.
In those days we had five fish-and-chip shops and no pubs (the town was
dry of course) while now we have four pubs and only one cafe so it would
appear that with increasing thirsts we have diminished appetites. There
must be a moral there somewhere.'
Due to the introduction of "the wireless" into every home in the early
thirties, modern dance music became very popular and dance bands on the
air half a dozen times a day, while each evening from half past ten until
midnight, the name bands were featured playing live from London's top
hotels. The bandleaders names were household words and the best known
included Ambrose, Harry Roy, Roy Fox, Lew Stone, Jack Payne, Jack Hylton,
. Maurice Winnick and Henry Hall, and around 1937 the name of Joe Loss was
first heard and he is still conducting away merrily today. Among the well
known vocalists who sang with these bands were Elsie Carlisle and Sam
Browne, Les Alien Evelyn Dall, Dan Donovan, George Eirick, Kitty Masters,
Vera Lynn, Mary Lee, Sam Costa, Denny Dennis, and Monty Key.
Dance crazes were all the rage and the Lambeth Walk, the Palais Glide and
Boomps a Daisy all had their spells of popularity and with the swing music
of the late thirties came trucking and the jitterbug. Some great songs
were written especially in America by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jerome
Kern, Irvine Berlin, Rogers & Hart etc., many of which are today's
standards. However, there were many popular tunes which are seldom if ever
heard now, such as Wagon Wheels', Lazy Bones', 'The Man on the Flying
Trapese', "The Music Goes Round', '0 Play to me Gipsy', 'Hold Tight',
•When I Grow Too Old To Dream', Sunny Side Up', Tied Sails in the Sunset',
'Springtime in the Rockies', 'Deep Purple', "Home on the Range', and 'The
Chum Song'.
In March, 1933, the first Bonnet Guild committee was formed at the
instigation of the late Bailie Tom Barclay (Later Provost) and the late
Bailie John Aichison; subsequently in June of the same year the first
festival was held. Of the original committee only four active members
remain today, namely Messrs. Harry Milford, Willie McDonald, Jack Hamilton
and ex-Provost Tom Mackie; however, Messrs. Tom Nairn and Jack Russell are
honorary members. From the outset the festival proved to be a popular new
social event among the townspeople and children alike and except for the
war years, it had been held each year since then.
Well, that was "All our Yesterdays" in Stewarton as I recall them I
certainly hope I have not created the false impression that they were 'the
good old days' for they were hard times for many people. However, when we
meander down Memory Lane we are inclined to wear rose coloured glasses and
glamourise every day events and occurrences, but this has always been the
case.
Although I have only skimmed the surface of the subject, I hope that this
article will recall some pleasant memories to my contemporaries and also
perhaps enlighten some of our younger people as well as 'the newcomers' to
the town, as to what life was like in Stewarton thirty years ago. Who
knows, in twenty or thirty years time, one of the present so-called beat
generation may be writing in similar vein about the Swinging Sixties.
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