John Marden
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John Marden | |
---|---|
Presbyterian elder | |
Term | 1887–1919 |
Successor | Dr E. Neil McQueen |
Spouse |
Jane Armstrong (m. 1883–1924) |
Children | 4 |
John Marden (9 April 1855 – 29 October 1924) was an Australian headmaster, pioneer of women's education, and
Early life and training
Born in
While completing his law degree, Marden married a schoolteacher, Jane Armstrong at Cape Clear, on 20 December 1883. He also returned to his old school, The Geelong College, this time as a teacher under notable educator George Morrison, moving to the Methodist Ladies' College, Melbourne (M.L.C Melbourne) as a Science master three years later.[2]
Career
In July 1887, the committee of the
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/PLCShubra1892.jpg/230px-PLCShubra1892.jpg)
In 1890, after his
In 1916, due to the overwhelming popularity of the Presbyterian Ladies' College, and under Marden's guidance, the school bought 50 acres (20 ha) at Pymble for £15,000, and established a second campus, The Presbyterian Ladies' College, Pymble (now Pymble Ladies' College). Both campuses were administered by a single council until 1929. Marden was Headmaster of the two schools until ill health forced his resignation in 1919.[1]
Marden administered both of his schools with firm discipline, kindness, understanding and generosity, and winning the respect and affection of his pupils, strongly influenced them. He was a strong believer in equal opportunity in education, and has been described as an "early feminist" and "truly a man before his time."[4] He scorned the idea that P.L.C Croydon was some kind of finishing school for daughters of the wealthy,[1] and was quoted as saying:
I am ... out of sympathy with the cry that education is unnecessary for girls, and that all they require is a few accomplishments. Women have also to live their life – in most cases a harder one than men have. This notion of accomplishments being sufficient for girls is surely a remnant of those barbarous days when women were looked on as the plaything of men.[1][4]
He believed that women should share in opportunities for secondary and tertiary education, and also hold high Christian ideals. Although trained as a lawyer, he gave physics,
Retirement and death
Upon his retirement in 1919, Marden purchased a residence at Wentworth Falls where he spent his leisure time and holidays, and exercised his horticultural skills. It was here that he also he became friendly with Peter Board, then director of education.[2][5]
Marden was active in the Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder at Ashfield for 28 years, and for his last six years at Wentworth Falls. He died at Randwick on 29 October 1924 at 69 years of age, and was buried in South Head Cemetery. His wife, son and three daughters survived him.[2]
Legacy
The Marden Memorial Library at the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney, Marden Boarding House at Pymble Ladies' College and Marden house are named after him.[1]
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 0-9597340-1-5.
- ^ a b c d e Dougan, Alan (1986). "John Marden (1855–1924)". Marden, John (1855–1924). Australian Dictionary of Biography. Vol. 10 (Online ed.). Melbourne: Melbourne University Press. pp. 407–408. Retrieved 7 March 2008.
- ^ "Principals". History. Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 22 March 2008.
- ^ a b "The Girls of PLC have made history". The Sydney Morning Herald. 6 April 1988. p. 26.
- ^ Wyndham, Harold (1979). "Peter Board (1858–1945)". Board, Peter (1858–1945). Australian Dictionary of Biography. Vol. 7 (Online ed.). Melbourne, Vic.: Melbourne University Press. pp. 327–330. Retrieved 22 March 2008.