New Zealand - Albany School - Standard 4 class - 1973 A brief history of Albany Primary School - 1865/1866: In August the Lucas Creek School was started on Reverend Bruce’s land. It was in a small building that was also used as a church, Sunday school and meeting place. - 1876: A school house was built on land situated between the two bridges’ (now 546 Albany Highway) at a cost of 190 pounds. - 1891: Lucas Creeks name was changed to Albany. It was stated by Captain McArthur that it should have the Scottish pronunciation of "Albany”. - 1897: On April the 8th the Albany School burnt down. The only part left standing was the brick chimney. It was thought to have been accidentally lit by "an inebriate in quest of a nights lodging”. - 1897: The school was rebuilt and opens October 1897. The school had been continuing in a building on the Cowley property. - 1918: A grove of 6 memorial trees were planted in the school grounds. Each bore the name of a soldier killed in World War 1 who was a past pupil of Albany School. - 1936: On August 20th the Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held. There was a display of school work and old photos and an afternoon tea. - 1945: The end of World War 2 and seven youngsters who were past pupils of Albany School never returned. The gate posts at the School are a memorial to them. A memorial plaque is also in the Memorial Library. - 1948: The school swimming pool was finally officially opened. It took 5 years to raise the money and was built at a cost of 207 pounds, which included sinking a bore to find water for it. - 1966: On October 7/8th was the Schools 90th Jubilee celebration. It was organized as the committee was aware that in the next 10 years there would be many changes to the district. How right they were! - 1976: February the new school is officially opened by the Governor General Sir David Blundell. The school in Bass Road is now open.... (Reference: https://www.albany.school.nz/14/pages/32-history-of-albany-primary) --------------------- Image source: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections T2632 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/34407