Hawkesbury Independent IND 168 May 2024 | Page 12

HAWKESBURY HISTORY

with Michelle Nichols & Jonathan Auld

The inspirational Mrs Cupitt

A young woman from Freemans Reach embarked on her teaching career in 1909 and taught for over 50 years , educating and encouraging young students in the Hawkesbury .

Born Honora McMahon on 4 July 1890 , and known as Nora , she was the eldest daughter of Denis and Mary McMahon . Her father was 50 and her mother , half her husband ’ s age , when they married in 1888 . Nora had three siblings and the family lived on their farm at Freemans Reach , opposite the Breakaway . Her father Denis died in 1894 , when Nora was only four years old .

Her education started in Wilberforce . She reminisced she was about six when she learnt to read . Nora said , “ I cannot remember not reading – nor can I remember who taught me to read . My Grandfather used to take me to the hotel at Wilberforce to boast about how I could read the Sydney Morning Herald . The family were stalwart Catholics and when she was older , she attended St Matthew ’ s Catholic School in Windsor , a daily walk of seven kilometres .

An excellent scholar , Nora was often listed in the local newspapers for her exceptional performance at school . Later , she attended St Joseph ’ s Convent School where she received a broad education and was taught English , maths , algebra , history , geography , Latin , French , advanced needlework , painting , music including piano and violin , plus singing and religion .

Nora related that she started teaching at Miss Robinson ’ s school at Wilberforce when she was 17 . By 1907 , she was appointed as an assistant teacher at Riverstone Public School and the following year she passed her teacher ’ s exam . Nora was appointed to the small school in Blackville , near Quirindi in 1909 , then taught at Curlewis in 1911 , a small

Nora Cupitt , as many locals remembered her . Photo : Moulds Family Archives .

rural village , south of Gunnedah , followed by a stint at Kurri Kurri . By 1913 , she had returned to Riverstone Public School to teach . She was appointed to Windsor Public School in 1914 and it was here she remained , teaching until her retirement in 1962 .

The Red Cross was established in Australia after the outbreak of World War 1 and a branch was formed in Windsor shortly after . Nora was moved to help the needy and joined as one of the founding members , helping to raise funds to provide comfort packs for soldiers .

In response to an appeal for socks for soldiers , Nora enlisted the help of the pupils at Windsor Public School to knit about 40 pairs . Some ended up in the trenches and the soldiers often sent back letters of thanks . One such piece of correspondence came from the grateful Private Norris , whose parents lived in Windsor . He was very appreciative of the warm socks , as the bitter winter had set in .

Nora was responsible for knitting hundreds of pairs of socks for the soldiers , and was also involved in the Windsor War Chest Fund as the treasurer . This group met regularly to knit , pack up necessities for the soldiers , and raise funds . Her interest in helping others not so fortunate continued throughout her life . She was particularly motivated to help the needy and helped to raise funds for the Windsor Hospital , she was also a foundation member of the first Hospital Auxiliary in NSW .

In 1917 , her mother Mary McMahon , was ill for several days and sadly passed away aged only 54 . Mary was born at Wilberforce , the daughter of Charles Hawkins .

Sometime during the 1920s , Nora met Frederick William ‘ Bill ’ Cupitt and they married in 1929 . Whether by choice or circumstance , they were not blessed with children . Frederick ’ s father was a carpenter by trade and he built a cottage at 268 George Street , on the corner of Suffolk Street , Windsor , as a wedding gift and she lived in this house for the remainder of her life . After her death , the cottage was named Cupitt ’ s Cottage in their honour .

Her husband died in 1948 , aged 66 . He was a painter and signwriter and was known to be a hard worker . For a number of years he experienced ill-health , and it ’ s possible that the lead in paint at that time may have contributed . Mr Cupitt was buried in St Matthew ’ s Anglican Cemetery in Windsor .

With a love of travel Nora enjoyed exploring , particularly overseas , and she was an avid traveller . In 1938 she travelled for six months , sailing to England via the Suez Canal , touring the Continent and journeyed to New York . Sometimes friends went with her , but mostly she travelled alone .

Nora continued to work at Windsor Public School , mainly teaching third class , and walked several blocks from her home to the school each day . Many local residents “ had received their early training and education at her hands ”. She was known to inspire her students and although strict , was fair . It was recorded that “ she awoke a hunger for learning ” in her students and through her travel experiences encouraged others to experience a “ wider world than Windsor ”.

After 49 years of service at Windsor Public School Mrs Cupitt retired . In 1963 the P & C organised a special presentation and hundreds attended . For several years she enjoyed her retirement but then returned to teach at the Windsor Catholic School for several years due to a shortage of teachers .

Her other interests included the Windsor Bowling Club in McQuade Park . The inaugural meeting of the Windsor Women ’ s Bowling Club was held in 1970 with Nora elected as the first treasurer . In 1974 she was appointed as Patron . She was also Patron of the Hawkesbury Historical Society . A proud moment occurred in 1978 ,

Honora McMahon as a young woman . Photo : Moulds Family Archives .

when Nora received an MBE in recognition of her service to the community .

In 1983 Mrs Cupitt attended centenary celebrations at Riverstone Public School as one of the earliest teachers . At the service she read a lesson and it was noted that the 93-year-old did so without the aid of glasses . Even as an older lady , she was pretty sharp , and known for her wit .

Nora passed away on 16 June 1990 , just 18 days before turning 100 . She had stayed in her George Street home until she was unable to care for herself and spent time as a resident of the Merrylands Nursing Home . The funeral was held in Windsor ’ s Catholic Church and she was buried at Castlebrook Memorial Park . She led an exemplary life and was an inspiration to many .

The Cupitt ’ s home in George Street , Windsor . Photo : M Nichols , 2024 .

( 02 ) 4577 8200 38 Fairey Road , SOUTH WINDSOR www . difftrans . com We can replace your tired old original Gear Box , Driveline & Rear End parts with new or reconditions after market components . FOR CARS – 4WD – TRUCKS – MACHINERY

Also Mini Spools , Full Spools , Detroit Locker , Tru-Trac , Planetary Gear kits .

Diff conversions a speciality , Billet axles made to order Mark Williams - Moser stockist , 9 inch Borg Warner and Hi-Lux , Kaaz race LSD units - Manual Gearboxes - free strip and quote . We are the Top Loader - Muncie - Saginaw and Tremic TKO Specialists . Complete I . R . S . AND S . T . Differential Assembly . Don ’ t delay - call the experts today !

10 ISSUE 168 // MAY 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT