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PELHAM SECONDARY SCHOOL
[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”.
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