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LAW’S SCHOOL S.S. #1 PELHAM
[Author Unknown]
This school began in 1832 when Nicholas Ollie donated land to the west of his home for the purpose of building a school. Upon this land a log school house was erected, measuring 24 feet square. The second school, made of brick, was built to the east of the log school. This school was destroyed by fire early in the twentieth century, and was replaced by a third school in 1906. This school also suffered the ravages of fire, and had to be rebuilt in 1916. This building was located at 2052 Effingham Street.
Students wrote about their school in scrapbooks, giving the impression that it was spartan by modern standards. The equipment consisted partly of a dunce cap and a birch rod. Only the fourth and final school was decorated in warmer tones. Electricity was installed around 1939. The school yard was well landscaped, and earned awards in the Welland County Beautification Contest four times between 1926 and 1930. (See the History of Education in Ontario for more details of the Beautification contest)
In the early days, Law’s School accomodated scholars between the ages of 5 and 16. The average attendance between 1845 and 1857 was 44, with the highest enrollment being 50.
Several teachers were hired before one was listed as having “qualifications”. At times, teachers were hired for one or two months, and then dismissed. Wages were not high, as they depended on the contribution of money from local parents. On January 10, 1855, the teacher’s salary was raised a certain amount per “Schollar” (spelling intentional), and henceforth only those who sent children to school were to be taxed. In addition, each “Schollar” was to furnish one-quarter cord of good wood, which was to be measured by the teacher and a receipt issued.
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