1940s

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• In service to British children

  Miss Hockaday exemplified her commitment to the Cornerstones of Courtesy and Character when she enlisted the help of families in the Dallas community to open their homes to children from war-torn England. Miss Hockaday managed to find 50 families that were willing to host children. One British family took her up on the offer, and the Pateman family sent their two children to live with the Leake family in Dallas. 

• Board of Trustees Formed

  The Board of Trustees has played such an integral part in the success of the school over the years, it is hard to imagine a time without them. Establishing this governance structure ensured that the school would have a group dedicated to keeping Hockaday viable for the future.

• Ela Hockaday Gives the Hockaday School to its Alumnae and to the Citizens of Dallas

  In a touching letter in which Miss Hockaday refers to the Alumnae as “My precious ones…” she gives the school over to them. This is a heartfelt look into how deeply Miss Hockaday felt about the school and more importantly, her girls.

• The War Effort

  Because the United States had entered World War II, many schools, including Hockaday, put full effort into community service. Courses in civil defense were introduced, war bond drives were organized, and the Junior College presented the Red Cross with a station wagon for their blood donor service.

• Green Gates Farm

  Miss Hockaday loved farming and owned a farm near White Rock Lake called Green Gates Farm. The farm was purchased during World War II and was used for recreation and educational classes in animal husbandry. Miss Hockaday would bring students to the farm for horseback riding, picnics, bike rides, and raising the many animals on the farm. Students would work to raise and take care of chickens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. This was not only a great education for the girls but also had a practical use for the school during war rationing. Green Gates Farm helped to supplement the school's rations for milk, cheese, and other items produced by the farm. Miss Hockaday even celebrated her birthdays on the farm.

• Dad's Night

  For many, Dads' Night is a much-anticipated event that celebrates that special relationship between a father and daughter. The first Dads' Day was organized by Miss Grow at Miss Hockaday's request. 
  
  "Miss Hockaday had to go out of town, and was in charge of the first Dads' Day and before she left she said, 'Miss Grow, think of something to honor the dads-they ought to be honored. I was just frantic! When I asked someone what I should do, they said, 'Feed 'em!'' 
  
  So she did. The first Dads' Day was held in 1940, and who but Miss Grow would think of having the daughters, at a given signal "crown" the fathers with royal crowns. The first Dads' Days were very formal-one was even held in the Crystal Ballroom in the Baker Hotel. But in the war years, they became less formal and have remained so ever since.

• Miss Hockaday's Retirement

  This transition came with much forethought and wisdom on the part of Miss Hockaday and the Board of Trustees. In her retirement speech, Miss Hockaday reflected on the thirty-three years since establishing the School and her vision for its future.

  
  “In the early days, I dreamed my dreams alone. Now I dream them with the trustees and the alumnae sharing my visions and the responsibility of bringing them to actuality," she said.
  
  

  Hobart F. Mossman was named President of the School.
  
  During this time, there was an annual ski trip for the senior class. In March 1947, the seniors took a trip to Sun Valley, Utah. One of the girls published her diary detailing the trip, from the late-night chat on the train ride to the trepidation felt by those who were new to skiing. These ski trips required a new ski-appropriate uniform which included Hockaday green ski pants that were cinched at the waist and ankle.
  
  

  March 28, 1947 "Dear Diary, Here we are, on our way to Sun Valley. Our send-off at the station was wonderful! We staggered onto the train with our arms piled high with boxes of candy. Families' "last minute instructions" were completely forgotten as soon as we settled down. Decks of cards were pulled out and violent games of bridge ensued throughout the afternoon...After dinner, we crawled into someone's lower berth and had a gab-fest enlivened, of course, by remarks from the upper across the aisle."

• Student Clubs

  Student clubs have always been a part of school life. Over the years the formula has remained the same: a girl or group of girls find a common interest and create an organization around that interest. During the 1949 school year, the new clubs established included the Overseas Club, the Typing Club, the Sewing Club, Dramatic Club, Archery Club, Tumbling Club, Music Appreciation Club, Painting and Drawing Club, and the Arts and Crafts Club.