Working with the amazing crew pulling together the 50-Year CBC reunion uncovered this little gem. From 1974, we learn that the student leadership group of the day consisted of: (back row, from left) David Earls, Leo Lynch, Terry Harney, Chris Earls, Shane McCarthy; and (front row) Peter Carman, Anthony Boyce, Brian O’Keefe, Noel Mugavin, and Pat O’Shea. Thanks to Brian O’Keefe for digging this one out and sharing it with us. For more information regarding the 50-Year reunion link here.
The excitement of the Paris Olympics reminded us of these beautiful handmade dolls currently stored in the archive, that are too cute not to share. Donated to the College Archive in 2016 by Jenny McCarthy (Class of 1979), the dolls are made out of old stockings and while on first look they are proudly wearing the Aussie green and gold, they are in fact made to represent St Ann’s girls in their sports uniform. One doll holds a tennis racket and the other a hockey stick – both very popular and competitive sports teams through the 1960s at St Ann’s.
It seems that in addition to the College Annual in 1994, the graduating class put a lot of effort into collating stories of their cohort to publish a magazine. The 48-page extravaganza is a great collection of memories and is a great representation of the values, language and social trends of the time. It includes introductions of each student at the school that year, along with links to those who moved on from Emmanuel prior to 1994.
A current focus of work is caring for the various pieces of uniform we hold in the Centre, and as part of this there are some samples of habits for both the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers. As part of the research process to enrich the documentation we hold on our artefacts, we were delighted to receive some great details from Br Shane Wood explaining the custom of wearing a Habit, particularly learning that the proper terms for the gown is a soutane, and the sash a cincture. Br Wood notes, “The Brothers brought these clothing customs with them from Ireland and were to follow the same rules about wearing the Habit – it was to be worn in the house and in the school, but not normally out in public, where a black suit with the collar was the norm. Until the early 60’s a black hat was also required in public – as was common for men at the time. Gradually after 1969, the wearing of the habit fell into disuse to be replaced by dress that was to be ‘simple and distinctive’.”
