This photo was taken about 1948 in a snow covered play ground in
Portadown College, Edenderry. Note one of the teachers mingling
with the pupils in his robes.
The school actually started life in 1921 as the Carleton
Collegiate School in St Mark''s former Parochial Hall in
Carleton Street; its founding headmaster was Mr W J Warren M.A.,
who before war service in 1914-18 had been joint principal of
Banbridge Academy.
The new school grew rapidly and larger premises were acquired in
October 1924 when Mr Hamilton Robb''s dwelling house on the
Edenderry bank of the River Bann was purchased by a group of
prominent local citizens and made available to Mr Warren.
The total cost of £4,400, including improvements, was raised by
a loan from the Ulster Bank on the personal security of these
seven local Trustees. They were
William Moffat Clow, Miller
William Laird Cowdy, Linen Manufacturer
Thomas Cordner, Merchant
George Dougan, Medical Doctor
John Davison, Merchant
Samuel Lutton, Linen Manufacturer
David William Thornton, Merchant.
A courtyard/assembly hall block was added in 1927, and finally
the large new classroom/laboratory wing added in 1936.
Space soon ran out again, however, and in 1949 the Preparatory
Department of the College moved to a second and larger site on
the Killicomaine Road. In 1962 the rest of the school moved up
there too, and the old buildings were taken over for a variety
of other uses - most recently as "Bann House", area headquarters
for the musical activities of the Southern Education and Library
Board.
Photo courtesy of Mrs Woodman and research courtesy of Craigavon
Historical society.