The 72nd Reunion of Fort Street Girls’ High School leaving year of 1947

It was a great privilege to meet 1947ers. They are the loveliest women, all in their late 80s who were so full of life and had an extraordinary zest for living. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear about their lives beyond school years and share their school experiences.

The stories and memories that they told about their time at the school during the war years will add immeasurably to the rich history of the school.  From the air raid drill practice in the tunnels under the roadway next to the school on Observatory Hill and being introduced to chewing gum and nylon stockings by the American soldiers was an unusual experience for impressionable young girls in those days.

It was interesting to note that most of them were in awe of and often terrified of Fanny Cohen, their Head mistress,  especially those whose maths marks weren’t up to scratch. The girls of today in their Lycra sports clothes would be aghast to hear about the loathed sports uniform that made everyone look like Sir Francis Drake in pantaloons with its white blouse, sailor collar and navy blue bow at the front. I was glad to hear that the War rationing spared everyone from having to wear gloves and the summer Panama hat.

It was impressive that the Fort Street staff at the time were encouraging girls to go on to 5th form and sit for the Leaving Certificate. They wanted the girls to see that tertiary education was possible for girls not just for the boys.

Past students still recall their time at Fort Street Girls’ High with fondness and many still keep in contact with their school friends. These ties were the result of each of the students “making their own fortune”, not always a monetary one but a wealth of friendships instead. I hope the present-day students will recognize the opportunity for such wealth today as those in past years have done.

Chris Egan – Assistant Archivist