LAW SCHOOL

[Author Unknown]

The land for the first school was donated by the Oille family and the building itself was constructed of logs. The second structure (brick) burned and was replaced by a third one (also brick) which too was destroyed by fire. When the second one burned, school was held in an old house in Sanderson’s orchard. On the third structure, a platform was constructed on the outside of the building. In all, there were four schools at this location.

There were no cloakrooms for hanging your outdoor clothing but coat hooks were placed around the room. The building was heated with gas and all eight grades were in the one room. The pupils sat in double desks and slates and slate pencils were the writing medium.

Electricity was installed in 1939, and a fence put across the front. Two trees were planted in the yard during the reign of George VI and the school received township and county honours for school beautification.

The teachers made their own timetables and the teacher taught all subjects to all grades. For punishment, the fingers were tapped with a pointer but there was the strap, although  it was seldom used.

The methods of transportation were walking, horse and buggy and in the winter, horse and sleigh.

In 1945, a school area was formed uniting North Pelham (SS#7), Reece’s (SS#8), and Laws(SS#1) into Pelham area #1. Cupboards were built in the school and pencils, pens, etc. were supplied to the pupils. In 1948, indoor conveniences were added, the interior was painted and landscaping was done.

In 1949, Laws school housed grades one and two. It is interesting to note that during that year, an epidemic of measles closed the school. Also at that time after twenty years of service, “the old clock” stopped and was replaced with an electric one. In 1955-56, the school was once more repainted and some blackboard lights installed. Land purchased from Mr. J. Gilmore in 1956 made the yard larger.

The school was situated on the Pelham Stone Road. With the coming of County Boards, the school was closed.

Teachers

1885-88   Ed Michener—Tintern

1888-89   Frank Moffat—Rockway

1889-90   Robert Smith—St Catharines

1890-91   Miss Tushey

1891-92   Miss Leppert—Fenwick

1892-95   Julia Ferguson—Fenwick

1895(3Mos) Miss Chase—St Catharines

1895-96   Wilson Kline—Effingham

1896-97   John Trembley—Smithville

1904      Florence Carroll

1917-19   Laura Cavanagh

1922-30   Vera E. Morris—Effingham

1930-32   Marion Fox

1932-36   Margaret Van Every

1936-37   Ethawyn Damude

1937-39   Barbara McGee

1939-43   Margaret McFarlane

1943-44   Margaret Doherty

1945-48   Mrs. Vera Stewart

1948-49   Miss Flumerfelt—St Catharines

1949-51   Miss Betty Burley

1951-52   Miss Mary Wilkinson—Toronto

1952-54   Miss Enid Mason—St Catharines

1954-55   Miss Mary Moore—Turner’s Corners

1955-57   Mrs. Lois Tobias—North Pelham