The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School –

Part 3: Peppi the Ghost.

Stanley Grammar School 1897 [SLSA: B 16781]

There are always local legends about buildings that become derelict in small country towns, the former Stanley Grammar School is no exception. It is claimed that the stairway that allowed boys access to the male dormitory on the first floor, was narrow and very steep.
Legend states that one small boy either fell or was pushed down the staircase, dying from his injuries (there is no record I can find for this). It is alleged this boy, dubbed ‘Peppi’ haunts the old school.

There have been claims by witnesses to Peppi’s haunting of hearing a small boy crying out in pain, sometimes he calls for help, sounding as if he is in great pain. Other witnesses state that the cry for help is more of a plea, than one of pain, like Peppi is lost, or alone, and pleading for someone to help him. One former owner of the building claimed to have heard Peppi but never saw the ghost.

According to Geraldine Pearce, in the book, Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, by Gordon de L. Marshall, the only witness to sight Peppi is Michelle Dohnt, who, ‘thought she saw the vague outline of a small boy at the dormitory window.’[1]

[1] Gordon de L. Marshall, ' WATERVALE: Stanley Grammar School,' Ghosts and Hauntings of South Australia, (2012) p. 288.

The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School –

Part 2: Family History

Joseph Stear Carlyon Cole, 1895 [SLSA B 12272]

Joseph Stear Carlyon Cole was born in Exeter, Devon, England in 1832.[1] He emigrated to Penwortham, South Australia in 1857. He taught at the Auburn Public School and worked as a clerk at the local district court; was secretary for the Independent Order of Oddfellows; was a correspondent for the South Australian Register newspaper; and curator for a local cemetery.
In 1861, Cole was headmaster at the Pulteney Street School in Adelaide. He left to open his own school at Watervale.[2]

Hannah Cole nee Peacock

Cole married Hannah Peacock in Adelaide, in November 1862. Together they had five daughters and one son; Florence (1863-1936), Ada (1865 – 1890), Jessie (1867 – 1949), Alice (1868 – 1934), Clement, (1871-1931), Mable (1865-1905). Joseph Coles retired in 1904 but remained on the property until his death on 15 October 1916 at the age of 85. He was buried at St Mark’s Cemetery, Penwortham.[3] Hannah died in August 1928.[4] Hannah was buried with Joseph, and their son, Clement, was later buried with his parents. Jessie and Alice Cole are buried together at Penwortham Cemetery.

Next week: The Ghosts of Stanley Grammar School – Part 3: Peppi the Ghost.

[1] Jean V. Moyle, 'Cole, Joseph Stear Carlyon (1832–1916)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, ANU, (1981).

[2] Ibid.

[3] 'Family Notices', The Register, (17 October 1916), p. 2.

[4] 'MRS. COLE.', Chronicle, (8 September 1928), p. 22.

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Tuesday, 29 October 2024