105 Years of Pymble

To mark 105 years since the foundation of Pymble Ladies’ College, College Archivist Enid O’Carroll will share a piece of Pymble history in the Newsletter each week – 105 Objects in 105 Years.

1943 – sports records and uniforms 

Despite the perils of war school day to day life continued, with sport a welcome distraction.  Sports such as Basketball, Hockey and Tennis matched Pymble against Ravenswood, Hornsby High School, Abbotsleigh, Redlands and Wenona. Miss Gorst, Sports Mistress coached all games. Cricket was introduced into the inter sports arena in this year.

White knee length dress was worn for Tennis, although shorter less modest versions were appearing.  Cricketers wore a simple tunic with split sides, bloomers, belt and short sleeve white blouse. Hockey and netball a box pleat tunic.  Red tunics with white girdles (belts) were used for special events and matches. As the war years progressed with shortages of material, students wore blue tunics, and the red were loaned.  The red tunics, when introduced, came under criticism, described as, “too bright, unladylike and unbecoming.”

Results programs and team names were recorded in the Sports Records Books which span years 1924 to 1977. Pictured are A teams for Basketball, Cricket, Hockey and tennis.  A small section of the red tunic bodice is held in the Heritage Textile collection.

1944 – magazine cartoons and sketches 

The school magazine featured cartoons and sketches depicting school life.  Many of the themes today’s students may relate to.  No doubt a topic of discussion by the Magazine committee of the day on whether to include. It appears that the committee was granted liberal editorial powers.  First mention of a Magazine committee are in the c1933 commencing a long tradition lasting numerous decades.

The magazine is creatively illustrated with artistic contributions by students, some signed other anonymous. A sketch around the correct way to wear your hat with comparisons to the millinery fashion of the day. A cartoon around an avid student artist or the depiction of school life in tartan skirt clad stick figures drawn by Christine Smith (1947). Or the creative piece on the busy day of a Boarding student, from morning till bedtime.

A simple poem by J. Woodhouse, Class 5 is included in 1944 magazine it is titled The School Magazine.

The school magazine is a wonderful book,

And through its pages we all love to look.

When the new one comes out at the end of the year

I hope there is room for my rhyme to appear.

Pictured is the magazine committee for 1972 meeting under the Chapel. Also sketches and cartoons from the magazine of 1944, a full collection of magazines are held in the Heritage Archive collection.