The Irish Catholic House of Education? by Dr. Carroll Smith

On a visit to the Armitt Museum and Library in Ambleside, England, I stumbled across a few letters which seem to indicate that in approximately 1921, there was an enquiry from a group in Ireland who wanted to set up an Irish Catholic House of Education. I have always wanted to explore the topic further, but as with many things in life, other issues seem to be more pressing. I thought it might be interesting to share with our blog readers a few of the letters that I stumbled upon that were written by Ellen Parish and Charlotte Mason. It also seems that there were thoughts of training teachers in the "Dominions."Based on these letters there were plans developing to set up an Irish Catholic House of Education which would train teachers. I do not know if it ever came to fruition. Maybe someone will know, but the letters have always intrigued me. Maybe one day I can investigate further.Here is my typed version of a letter from Ellen Parish to Mrs. Franklin. I have included the original as well.

My dear Mrs. Franklin, The enclosed are copies of two existing letters from Mother de Sales, I have left out nothing but the dearie dears. To the first Miss Mason asked me to write & support Miss Hamilton Bruce who seems to be made for the job.None of the other queries have been answered & so there is no more to tell you for the present. But it does look like getting on doesn’t it? I am delighted about it & Miss Mason wants to write to you about it as soon as she can. Yours affectionately (?)Ellen A. Parish

The other letters I believe you will be able to read for your self since they were typed, probably by Elsie Kitching. They are below the pictures of the original Parish letter.

Here are the typed letters regarding the Irish Catholic House of Education also referred to as the Irish Catholic PUS Training College.