Lojdstrom, Hilda
Family background
Hilda Lojdstrom was born in Braidwood in 1869, fifth of eight children to storekeeper Nicolaus Eric Lojdstrom (also spelt Loydstrom) and Cecilia nee Coote. By 1876, the family resided in Bateman's Bay, where Hilda's father was declared insolvent and the Lojdstroms subsequently moved to Sydney.
Pupil teacher: Waterloo and Darlington Public Schools
In January 1884 Hilda, aged 15, began as Pupil Teacher at Waterloo, an initial report noting her good conduct and diligence, as well as her substantial walk from home. She appears to have progressed favourably until the end of 1886 when she was compelled to take leave due to 'weakness and debility'. Although still unwell after a month, she returned to school for an examination, which she failed – an outcome attributed to the fact she was 'still taking medicated wine' and although beneficial to her health, it was not endorsed to 'assist the mind at a written examination'. Fortunately, she was allowed to resit the exam six months later, and was successful. She continued at Waterloo until October 1887 when there was a measles epidemic with at least four pupils dying including her youngest sister. Shortly after this, Hilda was moved to Darlington where she finished her training and then applied to be a teacher of a small school.
Run of Water Public School
In June 1888, now aged 19, Hilda received notice of temporary appointment to Run of Water (Yarra) near Goulburn, on an annual salary of £96. She was given lodgings with the Barker family and appears to have settled to the position, which lasted twelve months. In October 1888, she was permitted to close the school for a day to attend the Southern Railway Picnic at Lake Bathurst. This was evidently a major occasion, with a crowd of over two thousand people being conveyed to the event by special trains from Goulburn and Queanbeyan ['Goulburn Evening Penny Post', 30 October 1888, p.2].
Ringwood Provisional School
In July 1889 Hilda was appointed to Ringwood, near Exeter, where her skill was rated as 'Fair to V. Fair', the inspector describing her as a 'deserving teacher' and recommending her for a better school.
Small's Forest Public School
In January 1891 she was temporarily appointed to Small's Forest, near Grafton, and by mid-1892 had gained a classification by examination, making her eligible for a better position. However ill health - diagnosed as 'anaemia and nervous exhaustion' - forced her return to Sydney.
Palmer's Island Lower Public School
After her sick leave expired, Hilda was temporarily appointed to Darling Road Public before being sent to Palmer's Island Lower, near Yamba. This was to be her final position as six months later she married Charles Dare Bondfield, an articled clerk from Grafton, and resigned in August 1893, having completed nine years' teaching service.
Later life
After marriage Hilda lived initially in the Grafton area, during which time her five children were born. The family then moved to Ryde where she remained until her death in 1949, aged 80. Two of her sons had notable WWI military service: Eric Bondfield, who lived in Ginninderra for a time; and Clive Bondfield, who later played representative rugby for Australia.
[Biography prepared by Joanne Toohey, 2024. Sources include NSW Teacher Career Cards, NSW school and related records 1876-1979, historic newspapers, NSW births, deaths and marriages index, and 'Early Education and Schools in the Canberra Region', (1999) by Lyall Gillespie.]
Schools
- Yarra
06/1888 - 07/1889