Francis Rowell and the late John Archibald Campbell selected the first school site in the district at Stubbo; the stumps of the school still stand at this site — about six miles from Gulgong on the Barney's Reef road.
Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 24 June 1946
Location of the public school at Stubbo
Students at Stubbo school in the 1920s
Back row: Coral Heard, Sylvia Davis, Reg Davis, Bob Heard, Reg Lee, Charlie Davis, Keith Beattie, Gordon Beattie, Ettie Dawson.Middle row: Marjorie Thomas, Roma Fenton, Rita Watson, Mavis Carr, Isabel Fenton, Lily Heard, Vera Dawson.Front row (sitting): Gordon Davis, Sid Davis, Tom Lee, Billy Lee, Ted Dawson, Elle Kelly, (daughter of teacher) Nancy Beattie, Ruby Dawson
Stubbo school building next to a grain silo
Source: Barbara Gurney
1928 - AN ESTIMABLE FAMILY OF STUBBO SCHOOL TEACHER
Prior to his departure from the district, Mr. W. Kelly, who for over 20 years was in charge of the Public School at Stubbo, near Gulgong, was given a farewell by the residents of Stubbo and the surrounding districts. Mr. Ben Campbell, of 'Avoca' set the ball rolling, and the function was held in Mrs. J. C. Watson's woolshed, which was decorated for the occasion by former pupils of Mr. Kelly, in the persons of Mrs. A. Steele of Binnaway, Miss Rene Campbell of 'Avoca,' and Miss Rita Watson of Stubbo. Mr. Ben Campbell was unanimously elected chairman and in a neat speech spoke of the good qualities of the departing teacher, and the length of the time he was In charge of the school at Stubbo. The very fact he said, of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly being so long with them showed that the parents appreciated to the fullest his work in teaching their children and when we take into consideration that ten of his pupils became school teachers it only accentuates the sorrow we feel when we know that he has been removed to another district.
That district will assuredly be the gainer, but the names and personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly will live in our district for all time. We all wish Mr. and Mrs. Kelly and family much happiness in their new sphere and that good luck and fortune will attend them wherever they may be. Mr. John Campbell, a former pupil, lived over his school days again when he remarked that Mr. Kelly was always thorough; and now that he, the speaker had reached manhood's estate, with family responsibilities of his own he felt very glad that Mr. Kelly had been so strict — not only in the teaching of lessons, but in those matters which show the way to lead good, useful and happy lives.
The chairman then read an apology from Mr. J. Watson, Health Officer, at Rylstone, who regretted that he was unable to attend. Mr. Watson wrote that for over 20 years Mr. Kelly had taught our children and during that time we had seen them grow up into good and useful men and women taking their places successfully in the world's work and reflecting the greatest credit on him and his wife who had piloted them through their school days. During that long period, not one single complaint had been made, and the Department of Education should feel proud in having such efficient officers. No one has heard of any pupil turned out by Mr. Kelly that has not made good.
Mr. Kelly, on rising to thank them for all the kind things said about him and his family, was visibly affected. It is hard to leave such a district, he said, where he and his family had always been treated with the utmost consideration and kindness. He looked upon Gulgong and Stubbo as his home, and 20 years in the place tended to make one feel quite at home. He had taught his pupil’s children in the Stubbo School, and if he stopped much longer he would be teaching the grandchildren. He and his wife and family were very sorry that he had to leave, but marching orders have to be obeyed, and he assured them that Stubbo would never be forgotten. Mr. Jack Campbell, an ex-pupil ably responded on behalf of parents and pupils. Refreshments were then served by the ladies of Stubbo—all former pupils—and dancing was indulged in to piano music supplied by Mrs. Steele, Mrs. L. Lockley, Miss Rita Watson, Miss Edith Kelly, and to the accordion played by Mr. Arthur Dawson—all one time pupils of Mr. Kelly.
Miss Corrie Heard another ex-pupil sang a sweet song which carried away all present. The hardest part then came in the saying of good-byes, and when Mr. and Mrs. Kelly and family departed it was felt that a good teacher a good man, a personal friend, and estimable family was leaving.
