Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Plate, Commemorative |
Title |
Burnhamthorpe Public School 1928-1965 |
Date |
1976 |
Creator |
Ronald Watson |
Place of Origin |
Burnhampthorpe/Mississauga/Ontario/Canada |
Description |
A white porcelain commemorative plate with a sketch of a large two-story brick school house by Ronald Watson. The bottom of the plate reads "Burnhamthorpe Public School 1928-1965". There is a gold accent running around the edge of the plate. |
History |
This commemmorative plate was created for a 1976 reunion for students from Dixie and Burnhamthorpe. Over the years four different S.S. #8 school buildings served the children of Burnhamthorpe between 1845 and 1965. In 1928 a fourth schoolhouse building, which was a brick two-room schoolhouse with a basement, was constructed beside the previous school: "The estimated cost was $18,000. The school had every modem feature: running water supplied from a 60-foot well, indoor sanitary conveniences, electricity, a heating plant, and dark and light wood finishes. There was a library and teachers' room on the main floor. These overlooked the playground which was convenient for supervision. There was a cloakroom with concealed lockers and a basement kitchen. There was space for a nurse’s clinic and the facade was made attractive with tapestry brick." The official opening of the new school took place on Tuesday, January 15, 1929. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including many former scholars. The Honourable T.L. Kennedy, Minister of Agriculture, was the chairman; "teachers and pupils who were already attending the new school assured the visitors that they appreciated the warmth and comfort of the new building and its spacious classrooms." The 1928 schoolhouse served until 1965. The school was later demolished to make way for the Burnhampthorpe Public Library on the site. A 1976 reunion for students from Dixie and Burnhamthorpe was held, and the souvenir program contained a poem by former Burnhamthorpe student Fannie Stanfield: "I thought I was the first one built in 1854 But now those snoopers have found out a log one was before. In 1845 it was, nine years before I rose I’m very pleased they moved me when my doors they had to close. Across the road I travelled, my front became my back For years I was lived in, for folks I did not lack. My wooden father they did move in 1883 A brick school must be built they said and so they planned on me. For years I served the children there, until I grew too small A two room school is needed now, two teachers we must call. And so in 1928 they tore me all apart My bricks, my boards, my seats they sold, and a new school did start. To served the folks of Burnhamthorpe, a fourth at S.S. 8, The trustees after arguing built me in ’28. I started out with two rooms first, they added year by year My shape became an L by now, my end I knew was near. For a time I was a French school and Library combined But now at Burnhamthorpe & Dixie Rd. a school you will not find A century and twenty years on this site we stood We served the folks at Burnhamthorpe as all good schools should. A vast and modern library, my spot will be its home To-day I give you from my heart this true and simple poem." |
Site |
Burnhampthorpe Public School |
Search Terms |
Burnhampthorpe |
Relation |
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