Inkwells and Coal Fires
The pupils sat at timber desks, which had inkwells in them. They had to dip their pens into this ink to write. Slates and chalk were also sometimes used.
The school was heated by an open fire, and there was a coal store in the building to store the fuel. Water was carried from a nearby pump.
Looking Sharp
Photos of the students from the early twentieth century show that they did not wear a school uniform. Take a look at the photo below, which was taken in 1910.
Gaile National School, 1910
Photo of the students and staff at Gaile National School in 1910.
Courtesy of Gaile NS Centenary Committee.Gaile National School, 1910
Courtesy of Gaile NS Centenary Committee.
Courtesy of Gaile NS Centenary Committee.
Gaile National School, 1910
Photo of the students and staff at Gaile National School in 1910.
Courtesy of Gaile NS Centenary Committee.
Girls wore dresses, or skirts and blouses. Boys wore short pants if they were younger and long trousers if they were a little older, and jumpers, jackets and shirts. As you can see from this photo, the children are wearing their Sunday best, and some of the boys are wearing ties. In those days, it was considered a special occasion to have your photo taken.