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TRURSDAY, JUNE 26th, 1955 THE CANAD!AIi STATESMMI, EOWMAKVflIIZ, ONTAMO PAGE TWENTT-8EY I have been asked to write nome recollections of high school days in Bowmanville from 1918 to 1929, the period when I was Principal. My wife and I had left Dut- ton, Elgin County, where 1 had been Principal of the High School, in 1917, to move to To- ronto, where I spent a year at the University of Toronto, as a leboratory assistant in chemis- try and doing post-graduate work. During that year our first child was born. We moved to Bowmanvîlle in the summer of 1918, taking up residence on Liberty Place in the haif of a double house, the other haif being occupied by Mrs. Oliver, and her son and three dauh ters. Sehool Board The High School Board et the time of my appointment con- sisted of W. B. Couch, chair- man and F. C. Vanstone, Dr. J. C. Devitt, Dr. Bonnycastle, J. H. H. Jury, and A. L. Niçholls with John Maorcroft as Secre- tary. At that time Dr. Bonny- castle was serving with the Canadien forces in the Great War, 1914-18, returning home after the signing of the Armis- tice on November llth. The teaching staff included Miss Laura Smithson, classics; Mrs. L. T. McLaughlin <nce Isabel ç.K. Smith), English and French; and Mr. McConachîe, mathema- tics, my dcpartment being çcience. As the staff was small rach of us had other duties as well. System Different The organization of Ontario liigh schools for most of those *years was a system of Lower School grades 9 and 10; Middle School, grades il and 12; and Upper School, parts 1 and 2, taken in two ycars. As all Mid- dle School students were in one form and eh Upeper School stu- ,.dents in another four class- rooms accommodated all stu- dents, with an extra room be- Ing available for the teaching of science. In June, 1918, as in other war years, many of the stu- dents had been excuscd from school and granted certificates * ini rcturn for working on farms during the summer months. Other students were required *to write the examinations set 7by the Department of Educa- tion in Toronto. There were -zneny failures emong these lat- ter candidates partly owing no doubt, to the upheaval in school and out due to the war. As the war ehded with the signing of tile arxistice on November 11, 1118, all students were requir- ed ta write the Departmental examinations in 1919 and the years following. Examinations The examination system in those days is very signîficant, 'Grade 9 students were requir- ed to write four papers and Grade 10 students four, set by jthe Department of Education. t:These included botany, zoology, art, spelling, arithmetic, Eng- lish grammar, geography and physiography. Although certi- 1,'icates in these subjects were required mainly for entrance to Normal Schools, resuits were considereed in determining pro- motions to Middle School and most students wrote these ex- aminations. Very many stu- dents in the Middle School completed the course in one year, while others required two years. At the examinations in June, many of the students wrote twelve papers-two English, two French, two Latin, two Matliematics. two Science, and By W. J. Morrison two History. The successful completion af these courses quahified students for entrance ta Normal Schools, to prepare for sccond-class teaching cer- tificates, or to some course at anc of the universities. For many, however, it meant pro- motion ta the Upper School. Upper Sehool The enrolment in the Upper Schoal for the ycar 1918-19 and for some years afterwards was small. In some years it was in- creascd by admissions from Orono Continuation School, and Newcastle High School, espe- cially the former. Two years were required ta complete the course the subjects bcing divid- cd between Part 1 and Part 2, the former bcîng taken in the first year, and the latter in the second. As Upper School certificates wcre rcquired for entrance ta Normal Schools to prepare for first-class teaching certificates and for entrance ta most uni- versities, success on these cx- aminations had great signif - cance for students and teachers. Before I lef t Bowmanville in 1929, the whole system for On- tario had been changed, requir- ing twa years in the Middle School and one in thc Upper Schaol, much as it ds today, cx- cept that departmental exam- inations were continued et al levels, beginning with Grade 9. In Brantford After I went to Brantford as Inspector of Public Schools, I was appointed by the Univer- sity of Education as Examiner- in-Chief for Lower School BotI: any and Zoology and set the' papers for these subjects for four years, supervising the marking of the answer papers 1of ail candidates in Toronto during the manth of July. High academldc attainment should be the aim of every high school. As I taught science in every cless and thus was in daily contact with every stu- dent it was possible to place, before the students the import- ance of scholarship. Scholastic Standing In this I was supported by a capable and loyal teaching staff. Inspectors' reports and examin- ation results testify to at least Partial success in the ais we had in view. The school had always had a reputation for scholership and Mr. Couch fre- quently referred in his address- es to the graduates, men and women who had brought hon- our to their "alma mater". This was especially true in the Classics, a position which was meintained fromn 1918 to 1929 and later. At least two graduates, Helen McGregor and Marion Warder, have been tcaching Latin for some years in Ontario secondary schools, Maitland Gould won a schol- arship in Classica while a stu- dent in B.H.S. Good Teachers Two much credit cannot be given ta Misses Smithson, Tighe and Stedman for their work in the teching of the Classics. Work in the other departments was equally successful. Some outstanding teachers of math- matics wcre A. R. Scott and John Elliott, a former princi- cipal. Mrs. L. T. McLaughlin (nec Isabel K. Smith) was a member of the teaching staff et the time of my appointment and continued as a loyal colleague during my eleven years as Principal. Other teachers whom I recall were Mrs. Hiltz (nec Miss Brown), Mrs. Robinson (nce Miss Thornburn), Miss Whitton, Miss Ogden, Mrs. Belîman, Mr. Henry, Mr. In- ghamn and Mr. Edmonds. Assembly Upstairs In 1918, there were only four class-rooms and a science room available for teaching pur- poses. As enrolment increascd the Board decided to divide the auditorium to make two addi- tional class-rooms. At the same time the large space et the top of the building was convented into an auditorium with en- trance provided by a long flight of stairs. While this %vas a make-shift arrangement, great use was made of this addi- tional space for assemblies, li- terary society meetings, deé bates, etc. Addition Planned It became evident about 1925, thet an addition to the school would be required and archi- tects wcre consulted regard- ing plans. Several submitted preliminary sketches and Mr. Govinlock was engaged. He had been the architect for the' building of an addition to the high sehool in Newmerket andI the members of the Board andJ I went to Newmarket to sec B.H.S. Girls Visit Torontô Office Students i Grade 12C of Bowmanville High School recently visited the offices of the Manufacture's Lif Insurance offices in Toronto. Reading from left to right ti the above photograph, a member of the office staff showing the files; Pat Bartels, Joyce Milis, Evelyn Hicks, Carol Cale, Carolyn Foster, Joan Cann, Myrtie Prybek, Suzanne Thompson, Jerri Ross, Betty Locke, and Alice Lootsma. Camille Smith is seated in the centre. The girl behind Suzanne Thompson's shoulder is Gloria Purdy. Barbara Flintoff is between the f irst and second giris,. but as the one showing the files is leaning forward she cannot be seen ti this picture. the building there before plans wcrc finally approved. At first it was intendcd to have a gel- letyj in the gymnasium but this item was deleted whcn tenders were rcccived. Long Service shl Bardere oftheoitc she membrd er of thedg thcy served for long periods. W. B. Couch, chairman, F.- C. Vanstone, Dr. J. C. Devitt, Dr. Bonnycastie, J. H. H. Jury and A. L. Nichols served continu- ously during my eleven years as Principal. John Maorcraf t was succeeded by Charlie Ma- son as secretary. Ail members of the Board .wcre greatly interesteci in tie school and the progress of the students. Mr. Couch was a very efficient chairman. Meetings began on time and it was un- usuel for a Board meeting ta exceed an hour in lèngth. My relations with the Board were the most cordial at ail times. Of the members listed above, only F. C. Vanstone ta now living. Paid Feen During severel . years ail stu- dents were required ta pay fees, which werc collected by the Principal ta be paid ta the Treasurer of the Board. I don't recaîl the amount of the annuel fee but I think it wes $10 a year payable $4.00 the first term and $3.00 for each of the other ta Fees were discontînued whcn school ettendance ta the ege of sixteen was made compulsory. Students Recalled From 1918 ta 1958 is a long time and as I haven't a diary or records ta consult, memory may flot be too reliable. But I do recaîl many of the senior students who were in attend- ance in September, 1918. These included, Louise Morris, Ger- trude Hamley, Marian Wordcn, Catherine Warnica, Jane Grigg, Evelyn Joness, Ina Pethick, Bea- trice Devitt, Margaret McMur-, try, Gardon Moorcraf t, Gordon Morris, Ted Pethick, Philp Tii- ley and Ewart Pollard. Families 1 recaîl, too, the names of those, where two or more in al family were enrolled and com- pleted their education while I was head of the school. Some of those werc: Philp and Ross Tilley; Stuart, Dorothy and John James; Helen, Alex and Margaret MeGregor; Agnes, Je- bez and Morley Vanstone; Relph and Wilfrid Carruthers; Jane and Ruth Grigg; Herb, Fred, Lawrence and Evelyn Goddard; Beatrice and Jim De- vitt; Marian, Helen and Jessie Warden; Louise Gardon, Ger- trude and Florence Morris; Ina, Ted and Bud Pethick; Law- rence and Ted Mason; Donald and Nora Gibson; Gardon and Marion Moorcraf t; Edsello4ill) Lucy, Florence and Margaret Oliver; Rosie and Viola Shortt; and Claire and Dorothy Allun. Some Others Some other former students came ta mind-Dorathy Bon- nycastle, Jancy Mason, Bernard Mitchell, Kenneth Switzcr, Mer- ion Pickard, Harold Slemon, John Jury, Wallace Horn, Mel- ville Dale, Marion Rickard, Winnifred Rickard, Kenncth Werry,' Brenton Hezelwood, Reva McGill, etc. Screech OwI The decision ta publish a school magazine was made. on the initiative of the students and the name "Scrcech Owl" was chosen by the edîtorial staff, no doubt suggcsted by the mounted owl thet was always an view in anc of the corridors.. To prepare the first issue Helen McGregor and Ross Tilley, the editors. worked et the school for several days during Easter week. War Memorlal The erection of the Memor- ial tablet ta the veterans of the First Great War, wha wverc former students, gave us much satisfaction as moncys were collected from former students and friends of the school by a committee of students, who be- came responsible for organize- tion, letters, etc. Ail donations were receîved in my office. The unveiling af the Teblet was donc and the address given by a distinguished graduate of the schaol, Professor A. T. De Lury, of the University of Turotito. Suecess in Debates While extra curricula activi- tics in ail schools are mare nu- merous today then they werc in 1929 and before, I would like ta refer ta successes in some fields, even before that date. Inter-school debates with Whit- by and Oshawa brought ucs ta aur studesits on many occa- sions. Thé girls' basketbal teams were successful, although the only court available was on the school grounds. While very little money wes spent for equipment the students made severel records et the annuel field days in competition with Oshawa, Whitby and Port Fer- ry. Percy Muirhcad was out- standing in the pale veuit, and Stanley Osborne-in the 100 yard de sh. Soccer in the autumn and hockey in the winter provided recreation for the boys. Hockey Teams While there were several ggod hockey teams, the one that brought greetest satisfaction ta the school wes anc that includ- cd players who entered the Up- per School from Orono Contin- uation School. Others on the teem were Stuart James, the very successful goalkeeper end Will Pointen and R&ss Tillcy. This team won a cup, present- cd by Oshawa Rotery Club, by defeeting such teams as Osh- awa and Bellevile. A victory banquet was held to celebrate, the speaker being Dr. Aithouse, et that trne Principal of Osh- awa Collegiate Institute and la- ter Chief Director af Educa- tion for Ontario. Plays The schaol plays directed by Miss Elsie Tighe and Mrs. Mc- Leughlin (nec Miss Smith), stand out in my memory be- cause plays selected were those by Shakespeare, being studied in Middle or Upper School. hey had great value in help- ing studcnts end the public ta appreciate the bcst in literature. Knew Every Fupil While a small scho6l has dis- edvantages compared -with anc with a large enrolment it also has its advantages. Between 1918 and 1929 and before, the Principal knew cvery student in a way nat possible in the. large school. This was also true of the teaching staff. As these former students or many of them, arc now in middle life, I ha.ie followed their careers or those of them, who have been recordcd in The Canadien Statesman with great interest. I share with the late Mr. W. B. Couch, my gratitude for the success of many, who live out- side of Bawmanville and the County of Durham, but I have been particulariy pleased, ta know that so many have suc- cecdcd in their home town and township and have servcd and are serving their communities in municipal and other offices. Gifted Pupils There were many boys and girls of that era, who, today would be describcd as gifted and who wcre diligent in their studies. Many werc dcnicd a University education owing ta lack af finances. Not only the students but the state loses where this condition prevails. Only in recent ycars have et- tempts been made by gavern- ments ta correct this situation, although editorials by students in early issues of The Screech Owl deait with this problem and suggested solutions. In Ihe Edifor's Mail Oniemee, Ont. The Canadian Statesman, Dear Sirs. I thought maybc your readers might be interested in the comn- ing Orange 'Camnemoration in your tawn after an absence of 31 years. I hope it is a fitting finale ta the Centenary observ- ance* which Bowmianville is celebrating and we are only taa glad ta be able to Participate. I might say that lodges are going ta your town from an arc extending from Ajax and Whît- by araund ta Lindsay and Pc- terborough ta Cobourg. Some af the finest in bands of ail kinds, pipe, brass, flute and bugle are already booked by lodges down this way. Right here from aur own area of Omcmee and Emily, threc mcn's lodgcs and one la- dies' lodge totalling about 20ù ail told, with the Omemee Le- gian Brass Band af 30 pieces and 20 majarettes.. Many of the younger genera- tion have the wroxîg conception, of Orangeism and just why it has been commemorated for these many, many years. Orangemen have taken the leed in ail walks of life down through the ages. The Order lost 6,600 men out of over 60,- 000 who enlisted in the firstl war and no lodge suffered more than the Purpie Guards L.O.L. 2384 of Bowmanville, et that time. One Indien lodge et Aider- ville, north of Cobourg, prac- tically went dormant because ail of its younger men were in the Army. No wonder we display the Union Jeck profusely. Orange blood has been spilled for At in every theatre of war. 91 hope we have a typical July day for the parade, and I feel sure that the impression we leave upon the citizens of your town will ot be discour- aging and I hope we do not ab- sent ourselves again for another 31 years. Sincerely, Byron Hyland OBITUARY Former School Principal Recalis Many Students And Events at B.H.S. Africmn Violet&. Orlan music for the funeral w88 played by Ifs. A.lbert Cole. Floral tokens were recelved from the. Miniaterial Associa- tion, Woodville, Trintty W.A. Group II, the Engineering De- partment, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the Civie Hospital Alumnae, Peterbor- ough, the Hay Company, Hunts- ville, as well as beautiful wreaths, sprays, etc., from re- latives, iriends and neighbours. Pallbearers were Howard Bradley, W. Widdecombe, Rich- ard Widdecombe, Wayne Poin- ten, Pat Logan and Bruce Ber- ry. Interment was at Bowman- ville Cemetery. Friends attended the funeral fromn Rochester, New Toronto, Huntsville, Peterborough, Whit- by, Oshawa and Woodville. A man who can be a hero to his wife's relations may face Lthe rest of the world fearless- ly.--Meredith Nicholson. youR 14OLIDAT I1 REMINDERI to stock Up on 0 0 0 rlrAý LE 1EOJ NE cREOsDAI a omEur 169.1t DON'T TAKE CASH- take, Traveller'sCheques 'Ihey protect you agairsit lose whie awa>, from home. Safer than cadi everywhered Easy to cash anywhere. The cout las umail. Our ehor uvvlou laeudef SAVIN ACCOUNT PERSONAL LOANUI PERSONAL CHEBUINS ACCOUTS SAFETY DEPOSIT 11OXEl CURRENT ACCOUNTS BILLS OF EXCHANIE LETTERS OF CREDIT MONET ORIElS FOREION REMITTANCES MANKINCS UTMAIL COLLECTIONS NOME IMPROVEMINT LOANSl Ask for datais$ of tbon servics e t pair marées: hiansh THE CANADIAN B ANK 0F COMMERCE MORE THAN 775 BRANCHES ACROSS CANADA READY TO SERVE YOU Bowmanville Branch H. G. Hacking, Manager Newcastle Branch J. C. Porter, Manager BEST WISHiES to the citizens of Bowmanville on their iOOth BIRTHDAY cSiïncere O1~est to Ç/owmanvile on its Cen tennial OSHAWA AND DISTRICT LABOR COUNCIL (C. L. C.) We have enjoyed progressing with the community, and looking forward to the nexi 100 years, during which we hope the achievements will be even greater than they have heen in the past. MARJORMEil" WIDDECOMDE T'he funeral service for Mrs. Marjorie Louise (Pointen) Wid- decombe who passed away on May 23, 1958, was oonducted by Rev. T. A. Morgan on May 26 at the Morris Funeral Chapel. She had been illi for six-weeks and died at the Civic Hospital, Peterborough. She was born ln Bowmville on March 6, 1902, the daughter of the late' Mr. Wm. H. Pointen, and is sur'ied by lier husband, Mr. George Widdecombe, chil- dren, Marion, (Mrs. A. P. Lo- gan, Peterborough), Marguer- ite (Mrs. H. Bradley, Bowman- ville), Georgina (Mrs. G. Dun- ford, Huntsville, and a brother, Rev. Dr. W. H. Pointe, D.D., Woodville, Ontario. Mrs. Widdecombe was a lufe long. member and worlcer of Trinity United Church and the Trinity Woman's Association. She took a great interest in flowers and her specialty was Local 222 U.A.W.ý- would like to Congrafulafe the citizens of BOWMANVI LLE on their Centennial Celebr ations This is a very hisloric occasion and il must bring a great feeling of satisfaction fo those who pioneered and made such progress. Also to the men and women of the present day, who have carried on sf11l making progress in a commendable manner. They ail musi feel proud. By the united action, determination, experience and reasoning, you are ensuring that the future will be even more successful than the pasi. - - ~ TEURSDAT, MM 28th, 1055 TRE CANADUN STATESMM, 307?MANVt=, ONTAPM PACU m Wishes