Barry Mitchell remembers his time at Coburg High School
Memories of CHS – 1948 to 1954 – Barry Mitchell.
First day of term, 1948, saw a shy, tentative young Barry Mitchell arrive at CHS, fortunately with older brother, Don, a 2nd former, to show him the ropes, and a contingent of buddies from Coburg West Primary School to help him adjust from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in a big pond. The next year would see the arrival of his little sister, Marion to complete the set, together with her best mate, Bev Banks, who would some 13 years later become his wife.
Thus began my very happy 7 year term at CHS, many memories of which still linger.
How could one forget the ‘Cowsheds’, rooms 17 and18 by the tennis courts, hot in summer and freezing in winter, and the pot belly stoves which, when well stoked by the boys, provided a red hot source on which to set wooden rulers smouldering.
Memorable events of 1949 included the farewell to long standing Librarian, ‘Jock’ Holman who handed over to Miss Tily and Mr. Jerman as he headed off to the U.K. The hard fought hockey match between Teachers and Students was a happy diversion from regular routine. Mr. Corneliusen, Mr Roberts, Miss Hannah, and Mrs. Melbourne starred in a drawn match, but the long awaited opening of the cafeteria was the highlight. Mrs Vincent as Manager became a long standing, much loved and respected member of our school community.
Our Principal, ‘Boss’ Gallagher, who had held the post since 1946, retired at the end of 1950. His replacement, Mr. Millar, continued through my years at CHS and beyond. Though I did have a minor skirmish with Mr. Gallagher in my earlier years, and a couple with Mr. Millar in my latter years, I always held both in high regard, and consider myself fortunate to have had men of their calibre as my principals. Both he and Mr. Gallagher were hirsutely challenged and it was beyond my comprehension that I would be the same one day in the future.
In 1950 our school’s sporting abilities were enhanced by the arrival of Ashley Cooper from country Victoria (Alexandra???). Apart from becoming School Tennis Champ for several years he represented the school in Football Cricket and Athletics (High Jump Champ – Under 15).Success in Under 15 Doubles and Under 16 Singles at Lauriston were followed by Junior Boys’ Championships of NSW and Qld. He went on to win Australian, United States and Wimbledon Championships and to become World No.1. As he became established in the tennis world he constantly kept us intrigued with stories of his involvement with personalities of the tennis world with whom he was mixing regularly. He also had a number of significant battles with Gordon Owen, another of the school’s top tennis players. Ashley was ultimately Captain of Green House and a Prefect in his Leaving and Matriculation years.
At some time in the 1951-52 era the new Boys’ School Uniform was introduced bringing us into line with the girls’ maroon uniforms. This featured the maroon blazers with white bands on cuffs and pockets, a vast improvement on the existing mish-mash of grey suits. The white bands were later changed to blue as the white bands became dirty too quickly.
1952 saw the retirement of Mr. O’Brien after 47 years of teaching, and Mr. Hotton, Art Teacher, chose this year to move from CHS, after 14 years, to head to Mordialloc High School. He was renowned for his rich cultured voice as he recited classical Australian poems. What a pity it would have been to lose 2 such experienced, quality teachers at one time, but, Mr. O’Brien chose to continue at the school for several years.
Our new school banner, designed by Ruth Davies, was aired for the Empire Youth Sunday Procession, and was presented at the Independent Church in Collins Street by Corporal Don Ware as representative of our Air Training Corps unit.
A further highlight of the year was the visit by Olympians Marjorie Jackson and Winsome Cripps (Athletics) and Marjorie McQuade (Swimming). At a later stage that year we were treated to a visit and demonstration by Vern Barberis, an Olympic weight lifter.
Being inducted as a 5th Form Prefect with mate Ashley Cooper led to us mixing with the ‘Big Boys’ led by Head Prefect Allan Thompson and crew, an interesting, fun-filled and enriching experience. During the year ball games in the boys’ yard were banned as the yard had become a veritable ‘War Zone’ with 1 or 2 games of ‘Hand Basketball’, using a tennis ball, going on simultaneously with games of ‘Branders’ (chasing each other to throw a tennis ball very hard at each other), Hand Cricket and Bat Tennis. Skipping ropes appeared in protest. One very long rope was confiscated by the Prefects. What to do with it? Tie someone up of course!!! As a naive, trusting 5th Form Prefect I foolishly put my hand up to be the victim to find myself tied very securely to the Prefects’ Room Table and left to be released at 6pm by the new Caretaker, George Quinn. Meantime Mr. Millar and Mr. Neilsen paused for a lengthy conversation outside the door, whilst I stewed as I half expected them to walk in the door at any time. You live and learn!!!
1953 was a big year for the Mitchell Family. I was inducted as Boys’ Head Prefect, my sister, Marion, as a 5th Form Prefect and my father, Claude, elected to the School Advisory Council. Deirdre Tuttey was my counterpart on the girls’ side.
A couple of important mile stones occurred in this year beginning with the arrival of our first Colombo Plan Students. It was an exciting moment greeting our three new arrivals. These were Lei(Indonesia) and Lesley and Wong, both from Singapore. After successfully completing their matriculation year Wong headed into Commerce Studies while Lei and Lesley were heading for Medicine. This was the beginning of further successful visits by Colombo Plan Students.
The year also saw the first school interstate visit when 30 boys under the leadership of ‘Dad’, Mr. Coulson, were fortunate to take part in such a trip. Originally proposed for Central Australia, it was changed to Tasmania where we stayed at Weindee Boys’ Hostel in Hobart, and visited all of the usual tourist spots including Cadbury’s, Port Arthur, Australian Newsprint Mills, etc. The trip was most successful apart from the fact that I was the only one to suffer air sickness which stayed with me on our bus tours on Tasmanias’ winding roads and on the return flight after which I staggered from the plane clutching 2 bottles of Cascade Brewery Product purchased for me by Mr. Coulson as a souvenir for my father. A further minor episode occurred when a slight skirmish in my shared hostel room resulted in a broken window for which I had to purchase and replace a pane of glass. Being on the second storey created a minor problem for this amateur glazier which was overcome when we discovered a large extension ladder in the workshop. I wonder does this window remain in place still??
A notable retirement this year was Mr. George Williams, Caretaker, who had worked at the school as a lad of 5 when he helped his Caretaker mother when the school was first built. During his long service as Caretaker he helped in other roles. E.g. Phys. Ed. Teacher, Stage manager for School Productions and guide and friend to pupils.
School Socials were always something to look forward to. They provided an opportunity to fraternise with the Girl Prefects in their room as we prepared decorations for the hall, and then on the setting up day at the hall. These were very sedate affairs with a 3 piece band and, of course, no amplification or loud, ‘Head Banging’ music as we did our Barn Dances, Evening Three Steps, Waltzes and sometimes that raucous Mexican Hat Dance. The boys, congregated on one side of the Concert Hall with the girls on the other, with the boys faced with that long, awkward trek across to choose their partners. I suspect it led to a few romances. Socials were also the cause of me getting into strife with Mr. Millar when I arranged a dance practice in 2 rooms upstairs without his approval – The result – We all got kicked out and I, as the responsible person, got a roasting.
A highlight of Speech Nights was always Mr. Crocker’s Phys. Ed display when we would build human pyramids. The Finale was the 6 level one with a young, small Mel. Blachford on top. On a signal from Mr. Crocker we would collapse flat leaving poor Mel to crash on top of us to roars of applause from the audience.
My failure to pass my Matriculation in 1953 saw me return to repeat in 1954 and my subsequent second year as Head Prefect. However, an unusual situation occurred because my sister, Marion, was appointed Girls’ Head Prefect. “A unique situation,” said Mr. O’Brien – “I have never known another year when a brother and sister were both Head Prefects at the same time in the same School.” With National Service compulsory at the time I decided that it would be better to do my 3 months at Puckapunyal between my 2 Matric years than between my Matric and Vet Studies at University the next year. Hence the attached photo and Newspaper article.
The first interstate trip for girls took place this year as 30 Girls headed to Tasmania under the leadership of Miss Tily, Miss Thompson and Miss Sullivan, and did similar tours to those undertaken by the boys in the previous year, and probably got up to much more mischief than the boys . Is this why they were accompanied by 3 teachers and the angelic boys only1.
The Queen chose this year to visit Australia and a large contingent of CHS students displayed our School Banner and messages of welcome as they lined up along Moreland Road as part of the greeting party for Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh. I unfortunately missed this event but was part of a National Service contingent forming a Guard Of Honour for them as they proceeded along Latrobe Street in the city.
I often reflect on my years at CHS of which I have very fond memories and left behind quite emotionally on that very last day at school. How blessed we were to have had such excellent opportunities for a great education at our little local High School.
Barry Mitchell. 1948 to 1954.
First day of term, 1948, saw a shy, tentative young Barry Mitchell arrive at CHS, fortunately with older brother, Don, a 2nd former, to show him the ropes, and a contingent of buddies from Coburg West Primary School to help him adjust from being a big fish in a small pond to being a small fish in a big pond. The next year would see the arrival of his little sister, Marion to complete the set, together with her best mate, Bev Banks, who would some 13 years later become his wife.
Thus began my very happy 7 year term at CHS, many memories of which still linger.
How could one forget the ‘Cowsheds’, rooms 17 and18 by the tennis courts, hot in summer and freezing in winter, and the pot belly stoves which, when well stoked by the boys, provided a red hot source on which to set wooden rulers smouldering.
Memorable events of 1949 included the farewell to long standing Librarian, ‘Jock’ Holman who handed over to Miss Tily and Mr. Jerman as he headed off to the U.K. The hard fought hockey match between Teachers and Students was a happy diversion from regular routine. Mr. Corneliusen, Mr Roberts, Miss Hannah, and Mrs. Melbourne starred in a drawn match, but the long awaited opening of the cafeteria was the highlight. Mrs Vincent as Manager became a long standing, much loved and respected member of our school community.
Our Principal, ‘Boss’ Gallagher, who had held the post since 1946, retired at the end of 1950. His replacement, Mr. Millar, continued through my years at CHS and beyond. Though I did have a minor skirmish with Mr. Gallagher in my earlier years, and a couple with Mr. Millar in my latter years, I always held both in high regard, and consider myself fortunate to have had men of their calibre as my principals. Both he and Mr. Gallagher were hirsutely challenged and it was beyond my comprehension that I would be the same one day in the future.
In 1950 our school’s sporting abilities were enhanced by the arrival of Ashley Cooper from country Victoria (Alexandra???). Apart from becoming School Tennis Champ for several years he represented the school in Football Cricket and Athletics (High Jump Champ – Under 15).Success in Under 15 Doubles and Under 16 Singles at Lauriston were followed by Junior Boys’ Championships of NSW and Qld. He went on to win Australian, United States and Wimbledon Championships and to become World No.1. As he became established in the tennis world he constantly kept us intrigued with stories of his involvement with personalities of the tennis world with whom he was mixing regularly. He also had a number of significant battles with Gordon Owen, another of the school’s top tennis players. Ashley was ultimately Captain of Green House and a Prefect in his Leaving and Matriculation years.
At some time in the 1951-52 era the new Boys’ School Uniform was introduced bringing us into line with the girls’ maroon uniforms. This featured the maroon blazers with white bands on cuffs and pockets, a vast improvement on the existing mish-mash of grey suits. The white bands were later changed to blue as the white bands became dirty too quickly.
1952 saw the retirement of Mr. O’Brien after 47 years of teaching, and Mr. Hotton, Art Teacher, chose this year to move from CHS, after 14 years, to head to Mordialloc High School. He was renowned for his rich cultured voice as he recited classical Australian poems. What a pity it would have been to lose 2 such experienced, quality teachers at one time, but, Mr. O’Brien chose to continue at the school for several years.
Our new school banner, designed by Ruth Davies, was aired for the Empire Youth Sunday Procession, and was presented at the Independent Church in Collins Street by Corporal Don Ware as representative of our Air Training Corps unit.
A further highlight of the year was the visit by Olympians Marjorie Jackson and Winsome Cripps (Athletics) and Marjorie McQuade (Swimming). At a later stage that year we were treated to a visit and demonstration by Vern Barberis, an Olympic weight lifter.
Being inducted as a 5th Form Prefect with mate Ashley Cooper led to us mixing with the ‘Big Boys’ led by Head Prefect Allan Thompson and crew, an interesting, fun-filled and enriching experience. During the year ball games in the boys’ yard were banned as the yard had become a veritable ‘War Zone’ with 1 or 2 games of ‘Hand Basketball’, using a tennis ball, going on simultaneously with games of ‘Branders’ (chasing each other to throw a tennis ball very hard at each other), Hand Cricket and Bat Tennis. Skipping ropes appeared in protest. One very long rope was confiscated by the Prefects. What to do with it? Tie someone up of course!!! As a naive, trusting 5th Form Prefect I foolishly put my hand up to be the victim to find myself tied very securely to the Prefects’ Room Table and left to be released at 6pm by the new Caretaker, George Quinn. Meantime Mr. Millar and Mr. Neilsen paused for a lengthy conversation outside the door, whilst I stewed as I half expected them to walk in the door at any time. You live and learn!!!
1953 was a big year for the Mitchell Family. I was inducted as Boys’ Head Prefect, my sister, Marion, as a 5th Form Prefect and my father, Claude, elected to the School Advisory Council. Deirdre Tuttey was my counterpart on the girls’ side.
A couple of important mile stones occurred in this year beginning with the arrival of our first Colombo Plan Students. It was an exciting moment greeting our three new arrivals. These were Lei(Indonesia) and Lesley and Wong, both from Singapore. After successfully completing their matriculation year Wong headed into Commerce Studies while Lei and Lesley were heading for Medicine. This was the beginning of further successful visits by Colombo Plan Students.
The year also saw the first school interstate visit when 30 boys under the leadership of ‘Dad’, Mr. Coulson, were fortunate to take part in such a trip. Originally proposed for Central Australia, it was changed to Tasmania where we stayed at Weindee Boys’ Hostel in Hobart, and visited all of the usual tourist spots including Cadbury’s, Port Arthur, Australian Newsprint Mills, etc. The trip was most successful apart from the fact that I was the only one to suffer air sickness which stayed with me on our bus tours on Tasmanias’ winding roads and on the return flight after which I staggered from the plane clutching 2 bottles of Cascade Brewery Product purchased for me by Mr. Coulson as a souvenir for my father. A further minor episode occurred when a slight skirmish in my shared hostel room resulted in a broken window for which I had to purchase and replace a pane of glass. Being on the second storey created a minor problem for this amateur glazier which was overcome when we discovered a large extension ladder in the workshop. I wonder does this window remain in place still??
A notable retirement this year was Mr. George Williams, Caretaker, who had worked at the school as a lad of 5 when he helped his Caretaker mother when the school was first built. During his long service as Caretaker he helped in other roles. E.g. Phys. Ed. Teacher, Stage manager for School Productions and guide and friend to pupils.
School Socials were always something to look forward to. They provided an opportunity to fraternise with the Girl Prefects in their room as we prepared decorations for the hall, and then on the setting up day at the hall. These were very sedate affairs with a 3 piece band and, of course, no amplification or loud, ‘Head Banging’ music as we did our Barn Dances, Evening Three Steps, Waltzes and sometimes that raucous Mexican Hat Dance. The boys, congregated on one side of the Concert Hall with the girls on the other, with the boys faced with that long, awkward trek across to choose their partners. I suspect it led to a few romances. Socials were also the cause of me getting into strife with Mr. Millar when I arranged a dance practice in 2 rooms upstairs without his approval – The result – We all got kicked out and I, as the responsible person, got a roasting.
A highlight of Speech Nights was always Mr. Crocker’s Phys. Ed display when we would build human pyramids. The Finale was the 6 level one with a young, small Mel. Blachford on top. On a signal from Mr. Crocker we would collapse flat leaving poor Mel to crash on top of us to roars of applause from the audience.
My failure to pass my Matriculation in 1953 saw me return to repeat in 1954 and my subsequent second year as Head Prefect. However, an unusual situation occurred because my sister, Marion, was appointed Girls’ Head Prefect. “A unique situation,” said Mr. O’Brien – “I have never known another year when a brother and sister were both Head Prefects at the same time in the same School.” With National Service compulsory at the time I decided that it would be better to do my 3 months at Puckapunyal between my 2 Matric years than between my Matric and Vet Studies at University the next year. Hence the attached photo and Newspaper article.
The first interstate trip for girls took place this year as 30 Girls headed to Tasmania under the leadership of Miss Tily, Miss Thompson and Miss Sullivan, and did similar tours to those undertaken by the boys in the previous year, and probably got up to much more mischief than the boys . Is this why they were accompanied by 3 teachers and the angelic boys only1.
The Queen chose this year to visit Australia and a large contingent of CHS students displayed our School Banner and messages of welcome as they lined up along Moreland Road as part of the greeting party for Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh. I unfortunately missed this event but was part of a National Service contingent forming a Guard Of Honour for them as they proceeded along Latrobe Street in the city.
I often reflect on my years at CHS of which I have very fond memories and left behind quite emotionally on that very last day at school. How blessed we were to have had such excellent opportunities for a great education at our little local High School.
Barry Mitchell. 1948 to 1954.