[Pelham Historical Calendar 1999]
Some personal notes on staff
A quarter-century ago, on June 30, 1974, Pelham District High School closed its doors for the last time, one of the first victims of the consolidation (and impoverishment) of education which continues apace today throughout the province.
Photo Credits: The Pelham PNYX 1937 and 1941
Just as a family is made up of parents and children, so a school should engender a special relationship between those who teach and those who learn, at Pelham, there was a particularly good rapport between staff and students, and I would like to freshen your memories of a few of the teachers who helped make Pelham the unique place it was.
Artist Credit: Jacqueline Damato, 1978 Pelham calendar.
I have singled out 62 of the roughly 170 staff members who spanned the school’s 52-year history (1922-1974).This is not as arbitrary a number as it might seem, since I have devised four catagories into one or ore of which these individuals can be placed with some degree of objectivity; “pioneers” (nine who served during the first decade). “Builders” (20 who put in ten or more years at P.D.H.S.) “the last team” ( 23 who “Stayed with the ship” through its final, trying year) and “ honour roll” (33 who are deceased).
The very first teacher at Pelham (then called Pelham Continuation School) was Margaret Bonis, who ran the school single-handedly from 1922 to 1924. She remained until 1926, after being joined by Mildred Metler (1924-30) who left in 1930 and continued to teach for many years in Welland. She died in 1995, but Margaret Bonis is still living in Lindsay, Ontario. I had the pleasure of meeting both these ladies at the ‘84 and ‘89 reunions.
Of the original staff, I knew only Bertha Jousse (1930-37), and that was as Mrs. Collver during the second stage of her tenure (1953-63), with a total of 17 years to her credit, she also qualifies as a “builder” of the institution as does Madalene De La Mater (1927-48). a much respected classically trained scholar, who devoted 21 years to the school and continued to live in the community until her death i 1976.
Jessie Bell (1927-36) along with Miss De La Mater, joined the staff when the first permanent building was erected and Viola Culp (Later Mrs Roach) from 1931 to 1934, Mr. Fred Hicks (1926-29) and Mr. William Spencer (1929-30 served as our two principals, and Mr. Percy Beckett organized and directed Pelham’s first orchestra from 1928 to 1933.
A new era dawned in 1932 with the arrival in Fenwick of Edward Lewis Crossley, soon afterward known as E.L. or later as Dr. Crossley. This man took vigorous charge of every aspect of the school’s life, and infused it with a sense of direction and purpose; even the yearbook, The Pnyx was his idea, a far-sighted move which assured us of a continuous history. Working with a succession of boards and ministries, he shaped the philosophy of Pelham, steering it through the shoals of shifting government policies and curriculum fads. I personally owe him my first (and only) teaching appointment, and was allowed to “find my own style” under his firm but benevolent tutelage, after 31 years at the helm, Dr. Crossley assumed responsibility in 1963 for all three high schools in the area, one of which bears his name. He died on May 12, 1996, aged 96.
Second only to E;L. In terms of tenure is Edgar “Bud “ Ker, with 22 years at Pelham(1952-74), and that takes no account of his time as a student there. He taught chemistry before joining the administration. As Principal from 1965 on, he showed wise and fearless leadership, especially during those dark days when the school was veritably under siege.
Warren Loan (1049-69) and Rae Ball (1954-74)both logged 20 years, the former as an insightful teacher of English(though) I knew him also as a passionate lover of Beethoven). The latter expounding the arcane mysteries of Mathematics.Rae was among those who helped man the ramparts in ‘73-74. I count my own 19 years at Pelham (1955-74) as the central “fact” of my life; everything before and since seems to focus on that lengthy episode. I honed my skills there made many lasting friends. One of the people who helped smooth my initiation into the profession by sharing his own classroom experience was Russ Mennie, who also spent 19 years with us (1945-64) as an industrial Arts specialist. Russ who passed away in 1974, feigned a gruff manner with his sometimes obstreperous charges, but was at heart a kindly and caring man.
Doug Wallace (1949-65) and Bob Peart (1953-69) tallied up to 16 years each, the former serving as principal, the latter putting us on the map in football and basketball. Doug died in 1980. Gladys Martin was in charge of the French Department for 15 years (1945-60), and R.V. Howard taught Mathematics and Science for the same length of time (1944-59), “R.V.” had an almost limitless curiosity about the world, thought deeply about its wonders and was a warm and generous friend. Following his retirement, he moved to the London area where he died in1965.
Cecil Dove held sway in the Biology lab from 1953 to 1966, and passed away in 1970. Two more of the “builders” who were around for the final count are Nancy Knisley (Haaf) and Martha Flagg. Nancy came on staff in 1962 as a member of the English Department, Martha in ‘63 as a Physical Education specialist, having herself been a student at Pelham. George and Caroline Holmes devoted eleven and ten years respectively to the teaching of Mathematics and Chemistry (1957-68); 1955-65); they both adhered to very high standards, and expected their students to do likewise. They were all so interesting and gracious hosts. George died in 1983, Caroline in 1997. Bep Gibbins (Home Economic) and Jerry Benner (wood shop) each spent eleven years among us (1961-72); 1962-73) and Jack Noble (Latin) an even decade(1948-58)
I feel a special kinship with the group who endured the traumatizing demise of our academic home, but apart from those already mentioned in another context, space prohibits more than a perfunctory listing of their names, along with the year in which they entered our ranks; Joan Epps, Murtio Gorman, Garry Lumley (1965);Leo Cepuch (1966-deceased 1992), Sophia Glinski, Jacqueline Morgan (1966), Art Moss, Joan Wilson (1968); Walley Farrell, Brian Walker(1969), Brian Baty, Bill McReynolds, Marg Mesaros, Glen Myers (1970); Ron Thompson (1971), Russ Anthony (1972), Wolfhart Busse and Lloyd Fox (1973).
I have had occasion to refer to fifteen of our departed colleagues. Of those yet to be mentioned, there are six, of whom I have no personal recollection, Earl Palmer (1934-36), Bill Ellis (1945-52), Beatrice May (1945-48), Marion Davidson (1951-54) and Winifred Bacher (1953-55). But there were others with whom I worked for varying periods of time; Charlotte McDonagh(1949-58), Catharine Fleming (1951-59), Don Bowman (1954-56), Graham Mathers (1956-63), Cam Miller (1957-63), Bert Branscombe (1958-61), and Jane Meek-Gibson (1958-61)
Finally there are five whom I regarded as special friends; Bob Peart (1953-69).Joyce Outred-Emerson (1955-63), and Malcolm Dochstader (1962-64), their passing will seem a little more bearable if the ideals they cherished outlive them.
J. S. Curtis
[Welland Tribune, 31 November 1947]
Forty years of service to God and the community are being celebrated by The Salvation Army in Welland. How could the Army celebrate without having the first of the series of meetings on the street corner? It was on the street corner, the Salvation Army was born. It was there, William Booth as a young man left the church because he saw the multitudes of the unchurched, uncared for. Godless crowds, to whom no one was ministering Saturday night true to tradition and conviction, the local salvationists, under the leadership of Major Frank Tilley, once again proclaimed the truths of the Gospel to the passing shoppers on the street.
The Saturday night indoor service was conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Acton who is the divisional commander of a large section of Ontario, with headquarters in Hamilton. It was a meeting of praise and reminiscence. Several of the older Salvationists recalled other days, some days of success and victory, other days of disappointment and a struggle against poverty and persecution. Several young converts gave testimony to the fact of a new birth in their lives. Colonel Action spoke of the experiences of Christ in Gethsemane, of His willingness that his Father’s will be done, and urged the Salvationists to let His will be done in them.
Sunday morning bright and early, the Salvationists were at the Welland County General hospital to celebrate their anniversary in service to the suffering. Colonel Action conducted the “swearing” in of three young people and three adults as soldiers of the Salvation Army. For 40 years the message of the Salvation Army in Welland has been salvation through the cross of Christ.
Letters were read from citizens who have formerly been in command of the Welland Corps, and the Citadel band assisted with music. The Welland Corps, under the leadership of Major and Mrs. Frank Tilley has made considerable advances.
[Welland Tribune October 1, 1931]
Continuation school
Fenwick, Oct. 1-The principal, W.C. Spencer. and his teachers, of the Pelham Contiuation school, are being congratulated upon the excellent results of the recent examinations. Wessel Horton and Edwin Kline both entered upon their new duties at the Hamilton Normal school this week; William Box has resumed his studies at McGill University; Sydney Dalrymple left Monday morning to study for medicine at Toronto University; Gordon Jarrrett who has passed with high standing, has left for Queen’s University to take a course in extramural to specialize in mathematics and physics. Walter LaRose, who won the special scholarship, has been awarded $125 in cash and is also receiving a four years tuition at Toronto University, he leaving Monday to enter upon his studies.
[The voice of Pelham May 2, 2012]
From 1928 to 1958 the little town of Fenwick was home to the only high school in the area-Pelham (Secondary) District High School.
Students came from all over the region- Lowbanks, Wainfleet, West Lincoln, Thorold, Welland, Fonthill. and Ridgeville. The school had a greenhouse; metal, automotive and woodworking shops; and a whole section for commercial and business studies where typing, shorthand, accounting etc, were taught. Academic studies included Latin, French, English composition and literature, algebra, physics chemistry along with many other subjects were taught to ready students for university or college. There were three gyms and sports were extremely important. Basketball, football, track and field, volleyball were played both in class and against other schools. The Tribune tournament was a highlight of the year and many students went to Welland High to cheer for the Pelham Panthers.
During the mid to late 50s there were more than 1,400 students in the schools. As the baby boomers began to hit high school Pelham High was stretched to its limits. In 1958 Thorold Fonthill High School was built and this took kids from Fonthill, Thorold and Welland. Then, in 1963 E.L. Crossley was ready for students and Pelham High was left with only a few hundred students. Dr. E,L. Crossley was the supervising principal of all three schools.
In 1974 the powers that were decided to close the school even after a valiant fight by students, teachers and residents of the town to keep it open. The school was bought and turned into a private school for international students.
A group of former students thought it would be a grand idea to hold a Reunion. So, in 1984 the first Pelham Reunion was held at the school. Thus was the only reunion we had there and they allowed us to have all the gyms, the older part and two other classrooms on the main floor. More than 4,000 people came and needless to say, it was a resounding success.
Some people had not seen each other in 90 years.
The community thought this would ba a one time event as the school became apartments and how could the first reunion be equalled? But, people kept asking for another and everyone had such a good time the committee decided to hold one every five years. From 4,000 people in 1984 to 350 people in 2009, our numbers keep falling. Pelham High School closed in 1974 so the youngest person to have attended is now in their mid 50s Since we keep losing “us” we thought it best not to wait until 2014 and have one this year- three years after the last and continue with every three years until there are none of us left.
So we are looking forward to getting together again to share our memories of growing up together have a few laughs, cry over people we have lost tell some stories, make stuff up and generally have fun.
Please if you were a student, staff or support staff, members mark Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 as reunion day. We will meet at Sparrow Lakes Golf Club, Pelham Street.
[Compiled by "S"]
In 1922, the trustees of S.S.#9, , Mr. George Kapplar, Mr. Merelle Stirtzinger felt provisions for Secondary School education should be made for Fenwick. Prior to this, students had to travel to Smithville or Welland by train. It was decided to establish a Continuation School.
On November 19, 1922, a room in the Public School was opened with Miss Margaret Bonis teaching Lower School subjects to seven students. Attendance rapidly grew to nineteen and in 1924, a room was made available in the I.O.O.F. Hall, Miss Mildred Metler was hired and Middle school subjects were taught. In 1926, Mr. F.M. Hicks was engaged as principal.
There was a steady increase in student enrollment and on Set. 15, 1926 the cornerstone for a new school was laid, with the Hon. Richard Harcourt former minister of Education officiating.
The schools, consisting of four classrooms (two on each side of the gymnasium, with a balcony at one end of the gym and a stage at the opposite end) was opened Sept. 1927, the formal opening being Dec. 16, 1927.
Miss J.M. Bell, Miss M. Fe La Mater and Miss Metler were assistants to Mr. Hicks and Upper school subjects were taught. Student enrollment was ninety and the school trustees were Wm. Julian, Norman Swayze, George Kappler, W.E. Boyes (sec.-Treas.)
In September 1929, W.G. Spencer became principal. The balcony was utilized as classrooms and Miss B. Jousse was hired to teach commercial subjects. Agriculture subjects commenced in 1930 In 1931, Miss Culp was hired as a fifth teacher permitting the teaching of complete Upper school subjects and Walter La Rose became the first of many Pelham students to win University Scholarship.
With the resignation of Mr. Spencer, Mr. E.L. Crossley was engaged as principal in September 1932. The student body numbered one hundred and twenty-five. Mr, Leppert joined the school board.
Pelham gained fame in the sports’ field when in 1934, the junior girls’ Basketball Team won the Province of Ontario Championship. It was considered to be a real victory for a school of Pelham’s size.
The school building served the community adequately until 1943 wen increased enrollment necessitated the addition of a second storey. This resulted in four new classrooms, complete Commercial department, model office with two way communication between office and classrooms.
In 1945, under the guidance of the school board, W.E, Boyes, W. Julian, H.J. Alsop, F. Morgan (Sec.-Treas.), Pelham launched out on a large extensive building program which resulted in the addition of a two-storey block and basement at the back of the school, providing accommodation for Home Economics, Shop, Farm Mechanics and Agriculture departments. The teaching staff was increased to ten and the student population was one hundred and sixty.
In 1948, Miss De La Mater, one of Pelham;s original teachers retired after twenty-one years of service.
In 1949, the High School Area was formed and as a result Pelham Continuation School became Pelham District High School. This school area covered the Township of Pelham, Wainfleet, Gainsboro, part of Thorold and the Village of Fonthill. Five large and a various number of all busses were transporting the pupils. The school population increased to three hundred and was climbing steadily. The teaching staff now numbered fourteen and Mr. R.V. Howard was the Vice-Principal. School board members at the time were; H.J. Alsop, R. Best, W.A. Hansler, H.E. Stark, J. Stirtzinger,A.L. Deab, J. Lampman N.D. Milne(Dec.-Treas.) F. Barrick, L.W. Emerson,H. Rigg
The years 1950-51 saw greater expansion in school building. New classrooms, washrooms, cafeteria and lockers were included in the addition.
By 1943, enrollment had increased by one hundred and fifty, the teaching staff by eight and plans were forming for a new high school in Fonthill. One of Pelham’s students, Ronald Dowd was chosen to represent Ontario as delegate to the International Red Cross Camp in Sweden.
The fall of 1956 saw the final addition of the school’s extensive building program fully in use. At a cost of $200,000.00, it included 7 classrooms, 3 shops, gymnasium, various auxiliary rooms and a cafeteria serving 800 meals a day. The school now consisted of 26 regular classrooms in addition to labratories and shops. The student population was now 850 and there was a teaching staff of 37.
The board members were:
R.F. Barrick, L. Book, D.S. Little, J.L> Stirtzinger, J.A, Barron, A,L, Dean, G. Minor, M. Berry, W.A. Hansler, H.E. Rigg
Thorold-Fonthill High School opened in 1958 and two former Pelham teachers were put in charge. Mr. J.A. Noble was named principal and Mr. A.E, Bridgeman was Vice-Principal. Mr. Crossley became supervising Principal of both schools with Mr. T.D. Wallace as Vice-Principal and Mr. A.E. Ker as Assistant in Pelham.
The opening of E.L. Crossley School in 1963 resulted in the end of Pelham as a composite school. The Commercial and Technical departments were moved to the new school, cutting Pelham’s school population nearly in half, bringing relief to the overcrowded conditions. The school was now srictly academic, offering a 5 year programme in Arts and Science.
Mr. Crossley was named Superintendenr of Secondary Schools, Mr. T.D. Wallace, Principal of Pelham with Mr. A.E. Ker as Assistant.
IN 1965, Mr. E.A. Ker was appointed Principal and Mr. R. Ball was named Vice-Principal in 1966. Student enrollment was 400 and the teaching staff was 24.
The year 1968 brought many changes. The years of being under the small school board were ended. The area schools were brought under the jurisdiction of the Welland County Board of Education as of Jan 1, 1969. The name of this board was subsequently changed to Niagara South Board of Education
Dr. El.Crossley retired as Pelham’s Principal and Superintendent after thirty-six years.
Mr. R. Peart was appointed 2nd Vice Principal at Pelham
In December 1968, fire destroyed a chemistry lab, and the home economics room above it—these rooms were rebuilt immediate
The year 1970, brought the closing of Thorold-Fobthill High School and with it an increase of 130 students for Pelham, bringing the school population to 513 with a teaching staff of 30. This was also the year for another change of name for the school. It is known as Pelham Secondary School.
Pelham Continuation, District High, Secondary School has produced a long line of scholarship winners and the many trophies to be found on display there are evidence of its record of Championships won in the field of sports.
(The information for the record of the school’s 48 years of history was found in the copies of the year book, “The Pynx” from the first edition in 1933 to the latest in 1970)
[Welland Tribune, 30 January 1940]
Ottawa, Jan.30-The St. Lawrence seaway project under discussion at Ottawa has been planned to provide a channel of 27-foot depth from Montreal to the head of the Great Lakes. This would enable vessels to be laden to the 25-foot mark or possibly 26 feet.
At present the rock excavation in the Welland Canal for the most part is down to 27 feet but the earth excavation not more than 25 feet. Upper lakes have been deepened to 27 feet in rock excavation and 25 feet in earth on the downward channels and to 22 feet on up bound channels.
Shoals have been removed from the Thousand Islands section so that boats of 25-foot draught could operate. Canals of such depth between Prescott and Montreal remain to be built.
The proposed division of the Ogoki waters now flowing into James Bay into Lake Superior would add something to the present depth figures which of course fluctuate with the rise and fall of the water levels.
[Pelham Historical Calendar 1978]
IN 1922,the trustees of S.S.#9 Mr. G. Kappler, Mr N. Swayze and Mr. N Stirtzinger felt a local school was needed for students who were then travelling by train to Smithville or to Welland to continue their education. First classes were held in the public school on Baxter Alley (now an apartment building). Enrolment increased and plans were made for a permanent school.
On December 16, 1927 a formal opening was held for the new “Pelham Continuation School”. Within ten years a complete schedule of Upper School subjects was taught and agricultural courses were introduced. The original student body of 7 had grown to 125. In 1943 s second storey was added and two years later a two-storey rear addition, The Continuation School became “Pelham District High School” in 1949 and students were brought in daily on buses from the Townships of Pelham, West Lincoln, Gainsboro, part of Thorold and Fonthill Village. More classrooms and facilities were added in 1950-51 and in 1956 to accommodate the 850 students. The opening of two new schools in the areaThorold-Fonthill (1958-1970) and E.L. Crossley (1963) eased the strain on Pelham’s High’s facilities.
In 1970 the school became “Pelham Secondary School”. But it was not long to remain an active school. Discontinuation of an agreement that brought in West Lincoln students resulted in a decrease in students and was a factor in the Niagara South Board of Education’s decision to close the school. There was strong community pressure to keep the school open, but the Board’s decision prevailed and the school closed in June , 1974. Pelham Secondary School had served the Fenwick area well, and to the end the community fought for the heritage , high standards and close staff-studentt relations.
Many staff are well remembered: Principals Mr. F.M. Hicks, Mr. W.G. Spencer, Dr. E.L. Crossley, Mr. T.D. Wallace and Mr. E.A. Ker; early teachers Miss M. Metler, Miss J.M. Bell, Miss De La Mater; and many people including Mr. Irvine Muir and Mr. James Robertson, who headed the “Save Pelham” campaign.
In the summer of 1975 desks, machinery and equipment were put up for auction. It has remained closed ever since and is now in private ownership.
Mr. Kerr wrote in the 1974 “Pelham Pnyx”, the last edition of the school magazine; “But we may be sure that, in any event, as long as there are descendants of its students, the influence of Pelham continue for generations”.
[Pnyx 1960]
On the fifteenth of September, 1926, the Honourable Richard Harcourt laid the cornerstone. And the building was ready for use in September, 1927. The first day in the new school there were present seventy-two pupils and three teachers, F.H. Hicks, Principal, Miss J. Bell and Miss Metler. Of the seventy-two pupils several asked for Upper School subjects. The Board at once engaged another teacher, Miss E.M.de la Mater, whose valued career with the school continued until her retirement in 1948.
The school consisted of, what is now the old gymnasium, the four classrooms around it on the ground floor , a balcony across the front end of the gymnasium, and the stage at the other end.The Formal Opening, with te Hon. Wm. Finlayson, Minister of Lands and Forests, speaking to a large crowd, took place on Dec. 16, 1927.
At first the curriculum was purely academic with no frills, but in 1928 Percy Becket began the training of a school orchestra after school hours. He worked for nine years with such enthusiasm and drive that this first extra-curricular activity was highly successful. The orchestra played at garden parties and social events in the vicinity, spreading goof will for the school in the community.
In 1929 W.G. Spencer succeeded Mr. Hicks as Principal. He added a commercial department for which the balcony was enclosed as a classroom, an unusual classroom. The next year a course in agricculture was introduced and in 1931 a fifth teacher was needed. That same year Walter La Rose, the first in a line of outstanding students, won a University Scholarship.
Mr. E.L. Crossley succeeded Mr. Spencee as Principal in 1932. He had ambition for the school but those first years were depression years and no one in the government thought that the slump could be broken by spending money on schools. The Board tried to keep expenses to a minimum without impairing the standard of the school. The principal, with his limited budget, was working for a school that would help the students in other ways besides the academic. He stressed the Agricultural Course; the Pnyx was started in 1933; the Junior Girls’ Basketball Team won the Provincial Championship in 1934. Meanwhile registration had climbed to 125.
The school survived the Depression and the war with little change. In 1939 the boys formed a corps of Army Cadets, many of whom saw service before the war ended. In the evenings the classrooms were open for Short Courses in Agriiculture, for Junior Farmers meetings and Homemaking Clubs as well as for social evens. Evening classes were held in Agricultural Current Events, Typing and English. The janitors during this period , Archie Beamer and later Jake Rinker, had all they could do to clean the rooms between day classes and night classes.
In 1941 the Board added the upper rooms around the old gymnasium and opened them for use in 1944. when the balcony was torn down to make way for the stairs. The Commercial Class had a regular classroom. At the same time a Shop and Home Economics addition was built at the rear and there was a room in the new basement for an Agricultural Shop.
By R.V. Howard
[Pnyx 1960]
Pelham Continuation School opened in 1922, thirty-eight years ago, with an enrollment of seven pupils and one teacher, Miss Margaret Bonis, Miss Bonis taught Lower school subjects in one room of the old Fenwick Public School where E.W. Farr was the Principal. The School Trustees of S.S. #9 Pelham at the time were George Kappler, Merrelle Stirtzinger and Norman Swayze. They had been supported in the plan to have high school subjects taught in Fenwick by two well known residents, Fred Morgan and Arthur Armbrust. And by others whose children had to go back and forth to Smithville High School on the train where their conduct was not commendable.
The new school crew rapidly,. In 1924 a second teacher Miss Margaret Metler, joined the staff; another room was opened in the I.O.O.F. Hall, and Middle school subjects were taught. As there were forty-eight pupils by the spring of 1926, the Department of Education, in March, declared that the temporary quarters could no longer be approved.
Accordingly between March and September of that year the ratepayers held many meetings to debate the question of S.S.#9 Pelham taking on the responsibility of supporting, by itself a secondary school. As usual in such debates there was opposition because of the cost. But a school had to be built somewhere in the district. The pressure of increased school population was forcing similar action throughout the province.
One factor in the increase was that the Ontario Legislature, because of heightened appreciation of the value of education after the First World War, had passed the Attendance Act of 1921 raising provision for increased grants to the secondary schools from the province and from the county.
The feeling of the majority of the voters in S.S.#9 was shown by the election to the school board of two men who favored building a school in Fenwick. These were Mr. William Julian, who began a twenty-five year term of office in 1925, and Mr. W.E. Boyes, who came on the board in 1926 to serve, as a trustee for twenty-one years.
A point of historical interest in connection with the finances of the district is that the public schools of the Township of Pelham had a revenue, which still amounts to $800 a year, from the interest on investments made with the money received from the sale of Clergy Reserves.
But much greater sums than $800 were needed from the province, the county and other municipalities to carry on high school work and to build a school. The ratepayers argued these points back and forth until they finally decided to build a school.
The early school stood on the property of the late Louis Blake Duff (presently owned by Mr. A.B. Scott). The building had been used as a blacksmith shop and is now an historical landmark. One of the first teachers was Mr. Dexter D’Everardo “The Father of Fonthill”.
Another building was erected later but there appears to be no information about it, except that it was converted to a blacksmith shop owned by Stewarts.
A third brick building was begun in 1879, at a location north of the second building and it was used until around 1956-57 when the St John’s pupils were taken to the Fonthill schools. Around 1898, a teacher received about $17.59 per month, their food and lodging being supplied by the parents and guardians of the pupils.
When enrolment in the Fonthill Schools became acute, the ratepayers of St. John’s decided to build a two-room school. This was done in 1958 at a cost of $39,400.00. The school was located on Hollow Road, opposite the St. John Firehall and at the present time is part of the Niagara South Board of Education System and is used as a Conservation School.
The four schools at St. John’s were used by pupils from both Pelham and Thorold Townships (Union S.S. #4). Records show that the first school was known as Darling or Street’s School and that in 1804, Mr. Sam Birdsall was the teacher. (John Darling was an early pioneer in the St John’s area).
(Material derived from “Pelham Women’s Institute Tweedsmuir Village History, Jan. 1951” and “The Township of Thorold 1793-1967”. Published 1967.)
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