DAPPER SCHOOL
Dapper Provisional School, Alice Williams teacher, 1898
Dapper had a provisional school from 1883 to 1884. It became a public school from 1885 to 1901, then a half time school with Medway. In 1911, it was forced to close but reopened in 1922. It closed again 1925. It reopened as a subsidised school between 1932 and 1935. The names of some of the teachers that taught at Dapper survive including: Eustace De Haviland (1884), William Mahon (1890) and Alice Williams (1898).
Source: Travelling Down the Cudgegong and Cobbora Coal Project EA - Appendix Q - Historic heritage assessment, 2012
Grace Elizabeth Carlisle (married James Edmunds)
teacher at Dapper School, Sandy Creek, Gulgong
Source: Julie Redman
Dapper School, ca 1900
Lucy Dorman nee Wright (centre back, right, in dark dress)
Source: Sue Smart
1909 - CELEBRATION AT DAPPER (From our own Correspondent.)Those who were fortunate enough to visit Dapper on Monday last were well repaid for their trouble. Lambing Hill, Medway and Dapper schools combined forces, and the pupils, together with their parents and friends, numbering about 100, met together to celebrate the day. Despite the unpropitious weather the people assembled from all parts. Many races were run off during the day and each and every race was closely contested. The interest remained unabated until after sundown, when the lovers of dancing journeyed to Medway Hall and spent an enjoyable time. Dancing was kept up with renewed vigour until the wee hours of the morning. Mr. Harry Rhindfleish made an excellent M.C.,and he proved himself worthy of the occasion. Miss E Talbot acted as pianist and as usual gave satisfaction.Numerous games were indulged in by young and old on the picnic ground. Each and every child present received a toy of some description Mr. S. Bendeich (teachor of Dapper and Medway schools) announced that it was the intention of the committee to present each child with a book as a souvenir of Empire Day, but owing to some unforeseen incident occurring the books were left in Gulgong. He also apologised for the absence of Mr. Horne, the member for the district, who was prevented from being present on account of official duties. He announced that Mr. H Hodge, of Lambing Hill, had consented to address the pupils on Empire Day. The speaker in well-chosen words addressed the pupils and those presont at the function. He concluded his address by asking for three cheers for the King, which were lustily given. He then stated that he had been asked to adjudicate the childrens' speeches on the subject of Empire Day. There were two contestants, Misses Ida Garling and Ruby Dorman. Miss Garling spoke first and quite surprised those present by the grip she had of the subject, as also did Miss Dorman, although, perhaps, this girl suffered from nervousness. It is no easy matter for a girl not in her teens to face a large concourse of people. However, Miss Dorman will do better next time. Mr. Hodge then came forward and announced that Miss Garling would receive the silver medal donated by the committee as first prize As there was no second prize he thought it would be a good idea to give Miss Dorman a small money prize with which she could purchase some article. This would, he continued, encourage her, and give her more heart to speak next time. Both contestants were applauded for their efforts.Prior to the addresses dinner was served and the ladies present helped hand-in-glove to give everyone a dinner, which, indeed, His Majesty, perhaps, would not have objected to. It would not be fair to single the ladies out, for they all worked indefatigably to make the dinner enjoyable. What, indeed, would we do without the ladies! ! Messrs. Bendeich and James acted as hon. secs, to the movement, and were ably assisted by numerous gentlemen, who gallantly offered their services. Soon after sundown the throng dispersed, some homeward bound and some to Medway Hall, all of whom were loud in their praises for the manner in which those interested had brought the day's function to a successful issue.
1914 - Wanted - TEACHER for subsidised School at Dapper. Eight children guaranteed. Teachers accommodation free. Apply JAMES DORMAN, Dapper, via Gulgong.
DAPPER CHURCH
Dapper Methodist 1945 (actually a Union Church in the Gulgong Circuit, 30 miles from Gulgong).
Source: Camden Theological Library
Dapper Church ca 2012
Religion was a major part of the social life of the area in the nineteenth century. Prior to the building of a church, a monthly service was conducted at the home of William and Margaret Dorman.
The Dapper Union Church is located at 1134 Sandy Creek Road, Dapper. The building of a Union Church resolved the issue of small congregations in rural areas. Three denominations came together in the Union Church: Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian. They shared the building, upkeep and rotated services at the Church building. This was the case at Dapper where the building of the Church was a community effort. It was made from bricks pressed and fired at the Dorman’s nearby Dapper property.
Charles Compton of Cobbora was the builder, as shown on a receipt in possession of the Gulgong Historical Society. The Church was a focus of the community, with long-serving organists Mrs Patrick, Mrs Amy Rhodes and Mrs Mary Burrows all coming from the surrounding area. The Church was always full as each denomination attended each other’s services. The first couple to be married at Dapper Union Church, George Williams and Matilda Rothe.
Source: Travelling Down the Cudgegong and Cobbora Coal Project EA - Appendix Q - Historic heritage assessment, 2012
Matilda Rothe and George Williams
1910 - [UNION CHURCH]
On Sunday the Dapper Union Church, 25 miles from Gulgong, was opened by Mrs. W. Dorman, sen., in the presence of about 200 persons. It is a nice brick building, with stained windows, two of them being memorial, one in memory of the late Mr. William Dorman (unveiled by the Rev. W. Hotson), the other in memory of the late Mr. and Mrs. Johnston (Allandale), unveiled by the Rev. B. D. Morris. Visitors were entertained at luncheon in a large marquee by the ladies of the district.
DAPPER NEWS ITEMS
1923 - SENSATION AT DAPPER - FRESH WATER AT SEVENTY FEET.The Government shallow boring plant, with, Mr. M. Halpin in charge, boring on. Mr. M. Falconer's property at Dapper, had the remarkable experience of striking fresh water at a depth of 70 feet which is flowing over the surface at a rate of three thousand gallons per day.This, site is in a valley of undulating country, and has caused quite a sensation among local settlers.This plant has been in the district for four months, and has completed, the following bores;J. Atkins, Tucklan, 503 feet;C. J Campton, Tucklan, 256 feet;Mr. M. Falconer, Dapper, 159 feet, No. 1 bore;Mr. M. Falconer, Dapper, 70 feet, No. 2 bore.In all cases good supplies of fresh water have been struck. The plant is now on Mr. M. Falconer's No. 3 bore.
