The Gap Historical Society Inc. by Elaine Zendler
The end of 2021 is approaching fast and a trip to any shopping centre reminds us that Christmas is just around the corner. Schools across the district will soon celebrate the end of another school year in their own individual ways. Back in the 1930’s break-up day for The Gap State School was a great day for The Gap community and especially for the children. As part of some interviews with the late Connie Carnegie, nee Proctor, recorded several years ago, break-up day in that era when Connie was a child, was one of the topics discussed. Break-up day was always celebrated on a Saturday and was held at the Church of England Hall which then stood in the middle of what is Illowra St. today. Everyone would be dressed up in their finest. The Proctor’s
neighbour, Mrs Carnegie, who would later be Connie’s mother-in-law, would make new dresses for Connie and her sisters and would also buy them new shoes. This was a very special treat. The day began with a concert in the church hall organized by the teachers, Mr Gall and Mrs Cameron. Bill Proctor used to recite funny poems and Connie would recite poetry too. There would be a sing along with some of the children singing and also some funny skits. At the end of the concert, school prizes were awarded. When the prizes had been awarded, the children went downstairs for races. Connie didn’t think there were any prizes for wining the races, but at the end every child got a bag of fruit. There were always cherries in the bag. These were a special treat. Most of the children would
never have tasted cherries if they didn’t get them on breaking-up day, because they were too expensive. Afternoon tea followed. The adults had a cup of tea and the children had cordial with their afternoon tea. Each family was responsible for providing a different thing for afternoon tea. Connie remembered that the Proctors always provided the milk. Following afternoon tea, everyone went home to milk the cows and feed the chooks. In the evening everyone came back to the hall for a dance. Break-up day really was a special occasion that brought the whole community together. By the 1950’s Breaking up day was held at “Greenlanes”, now Taylor Range Club. Anyone from The Gap community who wanted to come was welcome. In
Established 2000 the weeks leading up to break-up day older school children were tasked with collecting donations from the community to fund the occasion. The school swimming carnival was held in the morning and this was followed by a picnic lunch with huge trays of water melon and bucket icecreams being favourite items for the children. The day ended with school prizes and swimming cups being awarded. The last of these events was held in 1957. The Gap farms were beginning to be subdivided for housing lots and the school was becoming bigger. Break-up day as a community event became part of our history.
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