Hannon, Miss Mary
Clonalton House-to-House School
In 1887, Mary Hannon aged 20, was appointed inaugural teacher at Clonalton (Reid's Flat), north-east of Boorowa. The school's classification of 'House-to-House' indicated its low attendance, and Mary's remuneration was minimal. After eighteen months she asked to be examined for classification to allow her to teach in a larger school, and while she had the local inspector's backing, her request was denied as she had under three years' practical experience. Despite this refusal, she applied for another position, stating she could not find 'a suitable place at which to board', adding that Clonalton was 'a place not fit for any teacher to go' and was eventually moved.
Taylors Flat Provisional School
In late 1889 Mary was appointed to Taylors Flat, about 15 kilometres from Clonalton. Although a promotion, she soon requested transfer to the Albury District, citing ill-health due to the dampness of the local climate, and after six months this request was granted.
Clear Hills Provisional School
In June 1890, Mary took charge at Clear Hills (Oaklands), about 100 km north-west of Albury, which had an average attendance of 20. When she applied soon after for week's leave, stating she had taken no 'holidays' in the previous 12 months, her request was denied. Undeterred, she delegated her duties to a local woman, and absented herself to attend the Corowa Show. When the school inspector became aware of this, he demanded Mary 'show cause why she should not be removed from the Service'. A penalty of a week's pay was implemented, and Mary was reprimanded for 'delegating her duties ... without obtaining official sanction'. The next year she requested a few days' leave and the inspector, noticing the proposed dates again coincided with the Corowa Show, recommended her application be declined. Mary however asserted she needed to 'consult a medical man', and while this was met with scepticism, she ultimately received permission. After two years at Clear Hills, Mary was nominated for a temporary vacancy nearby.
Coreen Public School
The news of Mary's appointment to Coreen (Daysdale) in September 1892 was poistively received, a reporter noting 'Miss Hannon... has made herself quite a favourite on her occasional visits to Daysdale and will be warmly welcomed in our midst' ['Albury Banner and Wodonga Express', 16 September 1892, p. 16]. Unfortunately, she became 'seriously ill with rheumatics' soon after arrival and closed the school for three weeks. Over the next year, Mary's health remained problematic and she eventually applied for a position in a cooler climate as medically recommended. In October 1894, she was moved to Congera, near Boorowa, but falling enrolments soon closed that school.
In March 1895, Mary, now aged 28, was appointed to Brooklands, which had been closed for a few months awaiting a teacher. She was given convenient lodgings at Richard Southwell's, but after only two months was forced to close the school due to ill health. After seeking medical advice, she was granted four weeks leave, but before this period expired, she resigned having completed eight years' service in bush schools. Mary's later life is unknown.
[Biography prepared by Joanne Toohey, 2024. Sources include NSW school teachers' rolls 1868-1908, NSW school and related records 1876-1979, historic newspapers, and 'Early Education and Schools in the Canberra Region', (1999) by Lyall Gillespie.]
Schools
- Brooklands
04/1895 - 05/1895