It is fascinating to read an article in the Age from Saturday 6 April 1935, called ‘Re-living the Early Days’ and to switch into the reminiscences of people looking back 35 years to the turn of the century. On the Napier Street School, it is written:
I also went to Napier-street school, where the Crellin boys and girls attended. Mr Wright was head teacher and after him Mr. Camm. Miss McCutcheon (familiarly known as ‘Biddy’), the Misses Rilley, the Misses McPherson and Miss Bloom were lady teachers. Mr. Lupson, a fine old teacher who when the class was a bit troublesome would run his fingers through his hair and tap his forehead, saying “Live here”; and then, putting his hand to the back of this head, would say “Play there.” Mr Kinsman gave us religious instruction and sometimes invited us down to his auctioneer’s shop, where he gave us lollies…. We boys from Napier-street school played at Jerusalem-square, next door to Paddy White’s, who was the head master at the Model School. Authored by ‘B.C.’
My Grandfather Bertrum Schumer / Calcutt was Dux of Napier State School in 1907. He had a difficult childhood spending many a night studying on the local park bench under a light. He went on to live a life surviving three years serving as a Corporal in the 4th Lighthorse Signal Troop assigned to North Africa during WW1. On his return from service, he established a Pineapple Farm in Yeppoon (near Rockhampton) Queensland living out his later years.