History Notes - Horton school closure
History Notes
Well, spring has sprung and so have a number of events to keep us all busy for the next few weeks as we cram things in before daylight saving arrives.
It has happened, at last we have a date of closure for the Upper Horton School. Thankyou Anne, for letting me know and now a search of the books of newspaper cuttings has revealed some relevant information which I am sure will complete another section of our isolated schools history.
The Horton school closed in December 1988, due to a lack of pupils - the number needed was nine but there were only six enrolled. Upper Horton residents and parents did everything to try and keep it open without success.
Local parent, Bill Shilling, said at the time "one hundred years of history was about to end". Teacher, Jannine Digley, was leaving after more than a year teaching at the Horton school and the children were facing an hour on a bus to get to Barraba to school and another hour in the afternoon to get home. It made a very long day for the students, especially for those in kindergarten. It is sad to drive past the old Horton School yard and see that Mr Shilling's prediction has come true. It has even taken weeks for someone to come up with the correct closure date!
While searching through old papers and records, the date of actual closure of the Court House has also "been found - it closed on the 6th July 1988, just six months before the Horton School. The Court furniture was all removed and the building was left as an empty shell. The actual record books (Birth, Death and Marriage) went to Gunnedah but I do not know where they are now.
There is still one question about the Court House. The Historical Society's original secretary, Mrs Betty Crowley, organized a copy of the plans of the Court House, had it framed and hung in the Court House. It would be good to know where that plan is now. I do not think it is in the Society's collection and perhaps it should be for its protection.
The markets are to be held on Saturday along with Frost and a host of other events. At least two museum members will be attending the Spencer funeral late in the morning and so the Society Stall could do with an extra member or two to help out if they have a couple of hours to spare.