As we reflect on the rich tapestry of Tudor House history, the September 1924 edition of The Tudorian offers a charming glimpse into school life a century ago. With only 40 students, 36 boarders and four day boys, the School was a close-knit community, already establishing the traditions and values that would define its next hundred years.
One of the defining moments of that year was the return of Mr and Mrs W. A. Inman, who were warmly welcomed back for the 25th anniversary of the School. Mr Inman, ever a champion of character, generously presented a handsome silver cup to be awarded annually in the spirit of the Rhodes Scholarship to the boy judged best for leadership and school spirit. That legacy of nurturing leadership still lives on in the heart of the School’s ethos today.
The rhythms of School life were marked by a new grace said before and after meals: Soli Deo Honor et Gloria and Honor et Gloria tibi, Domine, these phrases, echoes from the walls of Tudor House in England, served as daily reminders of the School’s heritage and grounding values.
Among the lighter anecdotes of 1924, “Jimmy” the foal brought delight to the campus, proudly securing a blue ribbon at the Moss Vale Show, though as the record gently notes, he was the only competitor in his class. His victory, nonetheless, was celebrated with typical Tudor cheer.
The inaugural meeting of the Old Tudorian Society had taken place the previous year, on 3 April 1923, at the Macquarie Restaurant on Market Street, Sydney. It was there Mr Inman was unanimously appointed founding President, a fitting honour for a man pivotal to School life.
Sport and activity in 1924 painted a vivid picture of early campus life. Golf had been disrupted due to the condition of the links and the enclosure of two greens, leading to little or no golf that year. Boxing was on the rise. The boxing class was commended for its enthusiasm and sportsmanship, while Scouting was marked by the presentation of a flag to the 1st Tudor House Patrol troop by Mr. Corlette.
The Tudor House War Memorial Fund also saw generous support from the community with a collection of £29, 17 shillings and six pence, a moving early example of the School’s enduring commitment to honouring service and sacrifice.
A century later, we look back on these details not just with affection, but with admiration. They remind us of the foundations on which Tudor House was built – community, character, resilience and tradition.
In every grace spoken, cup awarded and scout troop formed, we see the threads of a story still being written.
Here’s to the next hundred years.