Figure 1.-- One of Meredith Fletcher's school books is about the younger of the Jefferson brothers at a public school. The tradition was to refer to boys by their last mane. If there were brothers, senior or junior would be added. The book is "Jefferson Junior". It was published by Blackie and Son Limited. It was illustrated by J.R. Burgess. Note the style of the school buildings in the background. The caption reads, "He strode on with calm deliberation, as if he cared not a jot." |
An American reader might think this was about a junior high school named after President Jefferson. Actually this school story written by Meredith Fletcher is about the younger of the Jefferson brothers at a public school. The tradition was to refer to boys by their last mane. If there were brothers, senior or junior would be added. A third brother might be called minimus. Jefferson Junior by Meredith Fletcher is published by Blackie and Son Limited. There is no publishing date but it seems to be
from the 1900s. It is illustrated by J.R. Burgess. The illustrations are very similar to Harold Copping but Burgess seems to focus on the zenith of the moment in a far more dramatized fashion. The story, it is written in the first person and judging by the heightened moments in the illustrations, the boy's (10 years old) account of Redshaw School is adventurerous and laden with excitement. Interesting to note (as observed in other stories and remarkably similar to Harry Potter), the story starts with the departure by train from a small station where he meets his bosom friend to be
on the carriage. There are moments of heightened emotion as the train pulls away from the platform.
An American reader might think this was about a junior high school named after President Jefferson. Actually this school story written by Meredith Fletcher is about the younger of the Jefferson brothers at a public school. The tradition was to refer to boys by their last mane. If there were brothers, senior or junior would be added. A third brother might be called minimus.
Jefferson Junior was written by Meredith Fletcher. We know he has written other school stories, such as Every Inch a Briton. We have, however, been unable to find any additional information. We would be very interested in any informatioin readers may have on this author.
The book was published by Blackie and Son Limited.
There is no publishing date but it seems to be
from the 1900s.
It is illustrated by J.R. Burgess. The illustrations are very similar to Harold Copping but Burgess seems to focus on the zenith of the moment in a far more dramatized fashion.
The story, it is written in the first person and judging by the heightened moments in the illustrations, the boy's (10 years old) account of Redshaw School is adventurerous and laden with excitement. Interesting to note (as observed in other stories and remarkably similar to Harry Potter), the story starts with the departure by train from a small station where he meets his bosom friend to be
on the carriage. There are moments of heightened emotion as the train pulls away from the platform.
Some sample text:
"What's your name?"
"Graham Clarence St. Clair Lilley", I responded shyly, painfully conscious that it was an unfortunate one for a new boy of my fragile appearance to possess. For my delicate pink-and-white skin, clustering curls, and soft hazel eyes with the long, curling black sashes that were the admiration of all the ladies around Beechcroft, would, I well knew, only made me conspicuous target for the pleasantries of my new school fellows; and the dread of a feminine nickname had haunted me persistently ever since the morning of the previous day, when Josie had assured me, in a burst of mournful confidence, that she was afraid the boys would be certain to call me either 'Airy Fairy Lilian' or 'Lady Clare' ".
The captain's young brother received my response to his query with a smile which he made no attempt to conceal.
"Suits you to a T!" he declared frankly.
The illustrations in Jefferson Junior show the younger boy always dressed in sailor suit tops, kneepants, and dark long stockings. The older boys are dressed with Eton collar and waist coats beneath there jackets. There also appear to be senior boys wearing adult-styled suits.
We are a little confused about the school uniform showwn here. The unifor, is an Eton suit, exceptg for the seior boys. We are not sure why Jefferson Junior wears a sailor suit and has his hair still in curls. We note that many public schools did not have defined entry ages until the late 19th century. Eventually it became about age 13, but for many years younger boys attended these schools. Somde schools put these younger boys in a separate boarding house. The normal boarding house had boyus of mixed ages. An exception at many schools came to be made for these younger boys. We have noted that the clothing of these younger boys often varied. Sone of the boys did wear sailor suits. Perhaps this is why Jefferson Junior wear a sailor suit. We have not noted them, however, wearing curls.
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