This photograph may have been taken at the opening of the public school on George Street in 1907 – certainly not long after.
For 60 years it was known as Central School – but only through oversight.
Thomas Gillbard was a member of the Public School Board for 40 years and gave $10,000 toward the building of a new “central” school. In acknowledging the gift, the school was to be named Thomas Gillbard Memorial School. However, the gentleman died just before the building was completed and the naming ceremony was forgotten.
In 1967, as a centennial project, the school was given its proper title - marked by an impressive ceremony and elaborate program in which many notable figures took part.
School Board member J. S. Hinman unveiled the new name, Thomas Gillbard School, assisted by Karen Bush and Billy Lancaster. Attending the event were six former teachers who had retired - (Mrs.) Jean Brown, Mrs. A. Charlton, Miss Beryl Cross, Mrs. Mary (Roddick) Clarke, Miss Bea Sheppard and Miss Vera Berry.
