1938 Whitla Hall

Oldest photograph (1938)

This is our oldest known photograph and features Mr Gillespie, the first Principal of the school. It was taken outside the Whitla Hall in Belfast at a verse-speaking competition. As you can see, some of the young ladies and gentlemen are past 11 years-of-age. Back then, the school was called Finaghy Public Elementary School and pupils stayed on until the age of 14. (Click to enlarge)