Objects of Substance- Shirley Lahey Togs

c1940 Brockway Cup at the Valley Pool.

What does this swimwear tell us about Girls Grammar? There is a long history of swimming and, more particularly, lifesaving within the School curriculum. Girls have been learning to swim and swimming competitively for most of our 147 years. Importance has always been placed on the ability to swim, rather than swimming fast, and having the capacity to protect and help others. Two concepts that say much about the philosophy of this School. Shirley’s togs will always be treasured as they are a tangible link not only to our long and colourful swimming history but also to the idea that girls must be given every opportunity to be challenged and to prove their abilities in any field of endeavour.

Pauline Harvey-Short (1971) Manager, School History and Culture

References Foley, JCH The Quetta: Queensland’s worst disaster, Nairana Publications, Brisbane, 1990. Lahey, Shirley The Laheys Pioneer Settlers and Sawmillers, Shirley Lahey, 2003 Brisbane. Stirling, Joyce “A drama of the Sea” The Telegraph, 24 February 1940, page 9 .