Lean Times and Lively Days by Reg Butler

Lean Times and Lively Days

Hahndorf Primary School 1879-1979

by Reg Butler

Investigator Press, c1979, [First Edition], ISBN 0858640279, black and white photographs throughout, black and white photographic endpapers, hardcover with illustrated laminated boards

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, previous owners award plate on half title page, previous owners colour class photo on back fly leaf, multiple gift inscriptions on back fly leaves (see photographs)

“The Hahndorf Primary School is one hundred years old.  In this time of rapid expansion and change, it is most interesting to review the development of the school during its first century, something which this book does extremely well.
Hahndorf School is a unique school with an eventful and interesting past.  As testimony to this, every past student with whom I have spoken has recalled his schooldays vividly, and certainly with more emotion than I have found elsewhere.
The German background of the early school adds a wealth of colour and interest to the book, a heritage few other Australian schools can boast.  Hahndorf School mirrors the community it serves, revealing many an intriguing fact all too often forgotten or unrecognised in Australia’s recollection of its national development.
We are indeed fortunate that Mr. Butler, a keen student of Hahndorf’s history, agreed to write this book.  The fact the author knows personally so many former students and even the descendants of some of the very early pupils, has produced a multitude of facts, anecdotes and photographs that few others would have been able to acquire. This material, coupled with the author’s knowledge, enthusiasm and literary ability, has resulted in a singular book which will appeal to a wide range of readers. – John Thompson (foreword).”