Where memories were made

In a recent conversation with our oldest Collegian at 102 years, Airdrie Richardson (nee Cameron, MLC, ’41) shared fond memories from her three years at the Methodist Ladies’ College. Her three sisters—Ailsa Bain (nee Cameron, MLC, ’37, dec.), Denise Wilson (nee Cameron, MLC, ’41, dec.), and Sheila Jones (nee Cameron, MLC, ’38, dec.) also attended the College during the 1930s.   

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The Cameron family lived at Clareville, a heritage-listed farming property in Western Junction. Airdrie, the only sibling born at Clareville, lived there for 94 years and fondly recalled always looking forward to returning home. Today, Clareville is owned by renowned artist Michael McWilliams and his partner Robert Henley.

Methodist Ladies’ College, Domestic Science Kitchen, Nance House, where Airdrie would have taken domestic science (cookery) classes, c.1938.

When talking about her time at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC), Airdrie remembered the classrooms as cold and spoke of attending domestic science and commercial studies classes in Nance House. Acquired in 1929, the property adjacent to the College was named in memory of Rev. F. J. Nance (MLC Headmaster 1890–1902) and was dedicated entirely to domestic science education, including housewifery, cookery, laundry work, and needlework.

Methodist Ladies’ College Cricket Team, 1936, Shelia Jones (nee Cameron, ’38, dec.), Airdrie’s sister, is fifth from the left in the back row.

She also recalled practicing cricket, a sport introduced by Miss Fox (MLC Headmistress 1903–1941), who believed that with coaching and practice, girls could excel at the game. Cricket was played at the College from 1935 to 1941, with the team winning three out of four friendly matches in its inaugural year.

Methodist Ladies’ College, Kate Perrin Dining Hall, c.1935.

Airdrie fondly remembered being invited to share lunch with the boarders and sitting beside Miss Fox in the newly built Kate Perrin Dining Hall, part of the Mary Fox Jubilee Wing completed in 1936.

Both Miss Fox and her successor, Miss Madder (MLC Headmistress 1941–1954), were remembered by Airdrie as kind and gracious educators. The Cameron sisters achieved many academic, artistic, and sporting accomplishments during their time at the Methodist Ladies’ College. Airdrie received a Second Standard Prize in 1938 and had her poem The Hunt published in the 1939 Collegian. Sheila earned academic prizes from 1935 to 1938, served as a Prefect in her final year, played in the Second Tennis Team (Premiers in 1938), and was part of the 1936 Cricket Team. Denise was awarded academic prizes in both 1940 and 1941.

It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Airdrie and our conversation offered a valuable glimpse into life at the Methodist Ladies’ College during the 1930s, and the enduring impact of educators like Miss Fox and Miss Madder.

Veronica Macno
College Archivist