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.)
BUILDING TO BE USED AS CAR WRECKING SHOP BY NEW OWNER-MEET IN RENOVATED CHAMBER
[Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 9 March 1940]
The old packing house on Seventh street, which reverted to Crowland township several years ago for back taxes was taken over by Stanley Reid, when the township council accepted an offer of $2,000 for the property. The original cost of the building was $40,000.
From the time that the packing plant business, founded by a group headed by the late Frank Ahman, went into bankruptcy the building deteriorated rapidly and will require a considerable expenditure for repairs. The new owner will use the building for a car wrecking establishment.
The township council had for several years made attempts to dispose of the building without success, although last year machinery in the plant was sold. In accepting the offer of Mr. Reid, which included only the land on which the building stands, the view that it would be preferable to dispose of the property and collect taxes than to let the building deteriorate further. Not included in the purchase price was land to the east on which stand some garage buildings, and land to the west for which the council had on past occasions received offers as building lots.
IN RENOVATED QUARTERS
The council met last night in the newly decorated chambers which has been vastly improved in appearance by the laying of a green and red linoleum, and the whole effect is modernistic in tone and highly effective from a decorative stand point. Venetian blinds on the large front windows of the building adds to the effect. Council members commented most favorably on the improved appearance of the chamber, which is also used as a courtroom. The redecorations extend to the clerk’s office and the office of the police chief. Cost of the work was approximately $500.
Council appointed C.R. Hagey, Fort Erie as township engineer, replacing J.R. Scott, who had advised council that his duties as county engineer prevented him for accepting any other commissions. The newly appointed engineer will begin his duties next week in connection with the proposed watermain and sewer on Wallace avenue north. Two more lots were sold on the street at last night’s meeting to bring to 15 the number of prospective homes to be built on the street this summer.
Coun il accepted the tender of Angelo Addario for supplying crushed stone from the township-leased stone quarry in Humberstone. Mr. Addario’s tender was $1.17 per yard delivered on township roads. Tenders for other materials were opened. But action was deferred.
Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune
9 March 1940
[Pelham Historical Calendar, 1978]
This handsome brick school was built in 1883-83. It was a one-room schoolhouse designed with a stately symmetry, two front entrances at each side, a frieze of arched windows between vertical columns of raised bricks, central rose window and steeply pitched roof crowned by a graceful tall cupola with the school bell. On the flagpole is a crown-shaped metal plaque commemorating the coronation of George V1 and Queen Elizabeth, May 1937.
One of the first school trustees in the area, a Mr. Reece, donated the land for the school on Sixteen Road, and the school was named in his honour. Many improvements were made through the years a well in 1920, woodshed in 1927, the flagpole, and in 1941 the school was serviced with electricity. In 1945 the school became part of Pelham Area #1. A few years later bus service was begun. The playground was enlarged through purchase of a half-acre from Mr. Albert Wegman, and a fence was built to protect the playground from the waters of the Fifteen Mile Creek which ran nearby through the quiet, wooded country setting of the school.
Many are remembered in connection with the school, teachers such as Miss Bessie Nelson, Mr. Charles Elliott, Mrs. George Alsop and Miss Jean Davidson, and also Mrs. C.B. Leppert (nee Reece) who lived in the family hoe next to the school and for fifty years kept the school clean and polished.
The Ontario Horticultural Association did a great deal to encourage the beautification of rural schools. Reece’s School won its share of prizes, including a first prize in 1945 when Mrs. Violet Bissell was teacher-principal, and again in 1963 when Mrs. Catherine B. Rice was teacher-principal.
When the schools of Pelham were placed under the jurisdiction of the Welland County School Board, now the Niagara South Board of Education, Reeces School was closed, along with the North Pelham and Law’s Schools. The school is now preserved as part of a home, the original facade integrated into an outstanding and beautiful example of preservation, using an old structure and modern additions.
REECE’S SCHOOL
[Author unknown]
The land for this school was donated by Mr. Reece , one of the first trustees.
The school was given its name in his honour. Construction was begun in 1882 and was ready in 1883.
The one-roomed brick building housed grades one to eight. (First Book to Fourth Book) The desks were single and no platform was at the front of the room. Some of the items of interest of the early days were:
1920—a well was dug
1926—teacher’s room, supply room added
1927– a woodshed added
May 6, 1937– a steel flagpole
1941—electricity installed
Oct. 3, 1941– a piano purchased (repairing and tuning of same, paid by students)
In 1944, first prize was awarded this school for the Rural Schools’ Beautification Contest, In 1945, the school became part of Pelham Area #1, and in 1949, bus service for the schools of the area came into being.
One-half acre to the west of the school was purchased from Albert Wegman in 1955, for the purpose of enlarging the playground. The area was surrounded by a new fence.
In 1955, an addition consisting of a furnace room, washrooms. Teachers’ room, and store room was built at the north end of the original building. In 1956, the woodshed was purchased by Mr. G. Goodfield. Dec. 3, 1956 filing cabinets were installed..
This school was situated on 16 Road and with the introduction of the Niagara South Board of Education, the school was sold.. It is now (1971) the home if Dr. C.W. Gillen.
TEACHERS—REECE’S SCHOOL
Miss McLure
Miss McLeade
Miss G. Milles
Miss Haines
Mr. Cline
Miss Wyatt
Miss Eskhardt
Miss Presswell
Miss Davis
Miss Hendershoy
Mr/ J.P. Pegg
Mrs. Tergrison
Miss McCullum
Miss Nelson
Mr. Elliot
Miss McIntosh
Miss V. Berry (1928-33)
Miss E. Pirie
Mr. L. Wipple
Miss Robins
Miss F. Scrutun
Miss Wessel
Miss S. Oille
Miss M. Davidson
Miss Gleason
Miss Gilmore
Mrs. V. Bissell (1940-50)
Miss J. Stewart (1951-53)
Miss D. Raddon (1953-54)
Miss J. Davidson (1954-55)
Miss M. Seburn (1955-56)
Miss I. Dueck (1956-57)
[Pelham Historical Calendar 1981]
Prior to 1910, U.S.S. #3 was a 2 roomed school (brick), more attractive on the outside than the inside.
Despite the fact that its interior was dark (due to dark coloured paint, no electricity and windows placed high up) the pupils were taught the 3 R’s by capable teachers and ones who commanded obedience. Mr. Jas. Wright, Mr. R. Grant, and Mr. Duncan Baxter were some of the principals while a local girl. Miss Grace Barron was a junior teacher. Miss Eckart of Ridgeville and Miss McLeod of Stamford were other junior grade teachers.
If there was any lighting, it was by means of coal oil lamps. Heating was by coal stoves and there was no indoor plumbing. For drinking purposes, a bucket and dipper were sufficient. Outdoor apparel was hung in the entry.
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The furniture consisted of double, varnished maple desks, bolted to the floor and a teacher’s desk. Each child had a slate, a slate pencil, a pen with a steel nib and a scribbler. The most important item in the teacher’s desk was the strap. A picture of Queen Victoria hung on the wall.
You began in the First Book, and proceeded to Jr. And Sr. Second and so on until you reached Sr. Fourth. To go to High School, you tried Entrance Exams.
School was from 9:00a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day with a recess of 15 minutes morning and afternoon. Lunch break was one hour. Classes were summoned by means of a hand bell.
Summer holidays were from June 30- August 15. There was a week’s holiday at Christmas and 4 days from Good Friday until Easter Monday. Victoria Day (May 24) was celebrated on the exact date.
Schoolground equipment was nil and if you played ball, the bat was a piece of wood.
The board of trustees were willing unpaid people, from the Townships of Pelham and Thorld. The inspector was Mr. A,M, Ball who visited the school twice a year. The Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario was also from nearby- the Hon. Richard Harcourt of Welland.
In 1910, following a great deal of arguing over a price tag of $10,000.00 a new , 4 room, red brick school was erected. Many tax payers were of the opinion that a school of that size would never be filled.
By 1921, however, the enrolment was such that one of the basement rooms (the one to the south) was converted into a classroom for the beginners, and it remained that way until one of the late inspectors (in the late 1930’s) termed it “The Black Hole of Calcutta”. An annex at the northwest corner resulted from the remark.
One cold Sunday morning, January, 1923, an event occurred which did such good despite the damage. This was an electrical fire in the two northerly rooms. A volunteer bucket brigade fought it for some hours. This resulted in (1) the installation of slate boards and (2) drawing attention to the need for a fire department and a waterworks system.
In 1949, two rooms were added to the south at a cost of $50,000.00. Then, in 1953, four more classrooms plus other facilities were constructed at a cost of $153, 000.00 The annex was removed and over the years, two portables have replaced it.
Arthur K. Wigg has the distinction of being principal from 1938-1972—a total of 34 years. Two local teachers, as well served the Fonthill Public School Board for long terms- Miss Marjorie Stirtzinger for 34 years and Mrs. Marjorie (McInnis) Jenter for 36 years.
Quality education for each and every child as an individual has for many years been the goal of staff and administrators in the Fonthill Elementary School system
Marjorie L. Jenter
[Author Unknown]
This one-room schoolhouse was built in 1852, and served pupils from four townships- Pelham, Gainsborough, Clinton and Louth- until 1965, when it closed. The land had been bought for five pounds from John Cosby and the present school built, replacing an earlier from structure located on the opposite corner. The bricks were made from clay found on the Cosby farm.
A bell was purchased in the early 1900’s, a large slate blackboard installed and an organ and piano were bought for musical instruction. In 1907, additional land was purchased and the school grounds were extended.In 1945, Pelham Union School won first prize in the school beautification contest in Welland County and fifth provincially. The school continued to win prizes, with pupils planting shrubs, a perennial garden, a large circular bed of annuals, and window boxes on the west wa;; filled with bright flowers. Fence posts, a flagpole and pump were kept painted, and a bucket well was erected with funds from the prize money.
The Pelham Recreational Board assumed control of the school when it closed in 1965 and the Women’s Institute of Pelham Union began to use it as a meeting place and community hall.
PELHAM UNION SCHOOL
[Pelham Historical Calendar 1978]
The one-room schoolhouse- with Ontario Readers, heating stoves and inkwells- is a memory now.This little,red brick schoolhouse is one of the oldest in the area. It served four townships- Pelham, Gainsboro, Clinton, and Louth- until as recently as 1965.
The 100th anniversary of the school was celebrated in 1952. A century earlier, “Twenty-one Square rods of land were bought for five pounds from Mr. John Cosby”, and the present brick school was built, replacing an earlier frame structure on the opposite corner. A brick-making machine was used to shape clay from Mr. Cosby’s farm into the bricks for the school.
In the early 1900’s a bell was purchased, a large slate blackboard installed and an organ and piano were bought for the musical instruction offered to the children. The sturdy double desks were still in use when the school closed, and many desks were bought by former pupils. In 1907 more land was purchased and the school grounds were extended.
School Beautification Contests were an important part of school life. In 1945 Pelham Union School won first prize in the Welland County contest and fifth provincially. Each year after that the school entered and received prizes. Pupils helped plant shrubs, a perennial garden, a large circular bed of annuals. Window boxes brightened the west wall. Fence posts, flagpole and pump were kept freshly painted. A bucket well was erected, with funds from the School Beautification prize money, when Miss Lillian Neal retired in 1951 after teaching in the school for thirty-nine years.
When thr Pelham Township school area was formed the children of this school were taken by bus to other Pelham schools. Pelham Union School closed in June 1965. The building is now managed by the Pelham Recreation Board. It is used and looked after by the Women’s Institute of Pelham Union, Community Buildres Branch. The school, in outer appearance, is much the same as when the three R’s were drilled, and the mornings began with singing “God Save The Queen.”
U.S.S. no. 7 PELHAM UNION (PUTT’S INN)
[Author Unknown]
This school is one of the oldest in the area and is situated in the northwest corner of Pelham Township. The pupils of U.S.S. #7 lived in Pelham, Gainsborough, Clinton and Louth Townships. As the records have been inadvertently destroyed, information has been meagre and this has been compiled from the memories of pupils.
Little is known of the first school which was a few yards south of the present building, on rather low ground.
Around 1850, the present brick building was constructed on the corner of “Schoolhouse Lane” and the “Townline.” This small lot was a part of the property owned by Murray Cosby. It had been granted to the Cosby family as United Empire Loyalists. Later, the farm was owned by his daughters, Mrs John Haist who taught at the school in the late 1880’s with about 8 dozen pupils. The school yard was small with a board fence just west of the well and a few feet north of the school. The woodshed was a small separate building.
In the early days, the desks were long and placed lengthwise in the room under the windows. These long desks and benches were often a disturbing factor when one pupil wished to raise the desk lid while the other wrote. From about 1875 until the school was closed, double desks without lids were used in the traditional arrangement in the room. Samples of these desks may still be seen in the neighbourhood.
The older boys took turns building the wood fire to heat the building. Periodically, a fire was lit outdoors to heat water for the girls to scrub the floor. The small entry at the west was a place for the water pail and dipper and for coats.
Probably in the early 1900’s, the school yard was doubled in width and extended west to the town line. The rather large woodshed was attached to the east end of the building.
During Miss Neal’s forty years as teacher, many things changed. Even though there was caretaker services for lighting fires and sweeping the floor and dusting, one day in May was a cleaning day. On Arbor Day, pupils brought cleaning equipment, rakes and hoes, etc. The yard was raked windows, woodwork and floors were cleaned and flowers planted. Work proceeded quite rapidly even though the number of pupils were often very small because the day ended with a walk to the woods for wildflowers. This was generally to the corner of the Town Line and Tintern Road on the farm of Mr. Peter Bradt.
Christmas concerts were big events when stage entrances were made from icy woodshed or from behind the piano. Lighting was by coal oil lamps and later, from borrowed Mantle Lamps or gasoline lanterns. In the early 1930’s, the school was wired for electricity.
The original entry was doubled in size in the 1940’s and converted into washrooms. The old box stove was replaced by an oil space heater about 1955.
In 1965, the Township School Board decided to close the school and transport all pupils south to larger schools. The Community Builders Branch of the Womens’ Institute considered buying the property.. On Hallowe’en however, in that same year, fire destroyed the woodshed and much of the interior of the main building. The Community Builders have done much renovation and are using the building for their activities.
Teachers at U.S.S. #7 (Putt’s Inn)
Flavell Davis 1867-?
Isaac Moyer
Miss Effie Miller 1885-1888 ?
Miss Maggie Cosby (Mrs. John Haist)
John Comfort
Adison Moore
Geo. Henry (6 Mos.)
Adison Moore
Flavell Davis 1896- ?
Miss Lily Lampman
Miss Anna Sheldrick
Miss Mabel Huff (Mrs C. Van Every, Beamsville 1905-1907
Miss Sara McDougall (Mrs. Lorne Gordon, Harrison 1907-1909
Miss Irene Wright
Miss Smart
Miss Lillie Neal 1912-1952
Mrs. Gerald Martin 1952-1955
Mrs. Fretz 1955-1956
Miss Spencer 1956-1957
Mr. James Perry 1957-1962
Miss Wiebe
Mr. Kenneth Hill 1963-1965
Inspectors
Mr. Ball 1880’s
Mr. W.W. Ireland 1905-1913 ?
Mr. Carefoot
Mr. Marshall
Mr. Runnalls
Mr. Peat
For many years, music was taught by St Catharines teachers on a regular basis. The teachers were—Mr. Arthur Hannahson, Mrs. Eva Griffin, Mr. Geo Hannahson.
Modest Beginning To be Made With Prospects Of Enlarging.
ON BURGAR STREET
[Welland Tribune, 16 March 1940]
The establishment in Welland of a shoe manufacturing concern was announced today by T.J. Darby, K.C., of behalf the Welland Shoe Co., formed recently to manufacture children’s shoes and sandals. The new industry is the first of its kind to late in the city.
The company was formed by Steve Krnjaich and Joseph Yeszam of Humberstone, both of whom have considerable experience in the manufacture of shoes, and were until recently connected with the Erie Shoe Co., of Humberstone. The latter is a co-operative enterprise promoted by Mr. Krnjaich which in a year’s time has grown from a concern employing eight persons to the employing 35 at the present time.
The Welland Shoe Company recently completed the purchase from the Griffiths Estate of a brick warehouse at 198 Burgar street, which was formerly occupied by National Grocers, and it is expected that full operations will begin by the first of April. Machinery is now being installed.
The factory will begin operations with 10 employees, but according to Mr. Krnjaich a considerably greater number will be employed when operations are fully under way. The building is sufficiently large to house machinery to occupy 100 employees. Including a basement and two floors, the structure is 80 feet long by 40 feet wide.
The firm has orders available at the present time. Mr. Krnjaich was optimistic concerning future expansion. “With the present demand of shoes, particularly for the export market, I anticipate that it will not be long before we will have to increase our staff,” he said.
Mr. Krnjaich has had 30 year of experience in the show business, first in Jugoslavia whence he came to Canada 12 years ago and later at Humberstone. His partner, Mr. Yeszam has been connected with the industry for 12 years
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WAS FOUNDED 106 YEARS AGO
[Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 5 November 1941]
Wellandport, Nov. 5-The anniversary service of the Presbyterian church on Sunday afternoon was largely attended and the music furnished by the choir of First United church, St. Catharines, under the leadership of Arthur Hannahson was beautifully rendered and well received. Rev. James Ferguson spoke in an inspiring and forceful manner, taking as his subject, “I am the Lord, your God.” He was assisted by Rev. Wood of Beamsville and Rev. Kane of Dunnville, who told the congregation that the Wellandport church was celebrating its 106th anniversary and that many years ago it was connected with Dunnville. Each year a great many of the old boys and girls attend this anniversary of their church in memory of other years and it has become an event of interest to many from distant points. Visitors were present from Hamilton, Buffalo, Homer, Welland, St. Catharines, Beamsville, Dunnville and Stevensville.
[Pelham Historical Calendar 1980]
This school was built in 1872, but the original building was on the other side of the tracks. The rural setting is still intact and beautiful. An addition was made in 1961, which enabled it to house two classes very comfortably. The school has been changed into a home now, the owners being Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Miejadlik. Our sketch shows the earliest building.
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The first written information that we found us in the school year January to December, 1890. The pupils were registered in four “Classes”, not grades, totalling twenty-four children. The attendance was not all that it should be, perhaps because of bad roads in wintertime, and chores at home in the warm weather. The average attendance in January was 14.3. We were happy to find teachers name Sarah Gaiser. An interesting fact is that school continued through July and August and the school year ended on Dec. 31. A new teacher arrived to begin the year 1891, Annie Leppert. In January, 1899, when Mr. E.V. Augustine was the teacher, class 5 had been added, which was perhaps equivalent to the first year of High School now. In 1922, when the inspector, Mr. J.W. Marshall signed the register, he remarked, “Neat and Complete and Well-kept.” It was heart-warming to see the “Selected Scripture Readings” in the front of the register, and to all appearances it was well-used.
On Sept. 1, 1921, Mildred Haist was in charge with six “levels” of pupils. We conclude that she was very satisfactory, as we see she is listed as teacher until 1925, with thirty pupils and seven grades to manage. She may have stayed longer, but we have no written proof. In 1929 when the enrolment rose to forty-one, two teachers were considered necessary—Viola R. Culp and Laura P. Fee. As they were separated into nine classes, it is obvious that they were trying to give their young charges as much individual attention as possible. There were many excellent teachers in these small schools. My they be long remembered. Mr. Edmund Kline also taught here, and Miss Bessie Marshall who is in our class picture. Following Mr. Jerry Murray, Mrs Mabel Davison and Mrs. Catherine Rice, Mrs. Lois Tobias was the very last teacher, when the school was closed, in June, 1970.
PART 1
Over time I have driven often across the old iron O’Reilly’s Bridge and canoed on the waterway that once was an important transportation route for early settlers. As an historical feature of the Welland River, I failed to acknowledge to myself that the bridge would disappear with time and be replaced by a modern, concrete structure. In my research I have read about so many old buildings disappearing from the landscape and wondered what the towns would have looked like in earlier days. Vintage postcards are an excellent way to view how life was. In the old newspapers there is references to O’Reilly’s Bridge and the community of people living nearby. Squire John B. O’Reilly farmed the land and it is documented that Pelham children used the bridge to reach their school.
Here is a sample of an event, 16 January 1909, documented in the Welland Tribune by One Who Knows, a correspondent for the early newspaper.
O’REILLY’S BRIDGE
Farewell and Oyster Supper
On Friday evening, Jan. 22nd, an oyster supper was held at the spacious home of Mr. and Mrs. R.A Phillips, who are about leaving the vicinity, having rented their farm to Mr. W.W. Dilts of Welland.
Although the night was dark and the roads bad, a large number of neighbors and friends were present to bid adieu to the inmates of the home, who have always been noted for generosity a kind hospitality.
The success of the evening was largely due to the untiring efforts of Mr. C. McCollum and Captain Hunter, who were the chief promoters of the very pleasant affair. After the oysters and other good things were disposed of, social chat and games, combined with selections on the piano, were enjoyed till the “wee sma hours,” when all wended their way homeward, after wishing Robbie and his family bon voyage in their future abode.
Mr. Phillips, we understand, intends moving on a fruit farm near St. Catharines.
O’REILLYS BRIDGE
[Welland Tribune, 29 January 1909]
Mrs. George Dochstader, who has been very ill, is improving.
Mr. and Mrs. Lounsberry of Canboro are visiting their son, P. Lounsberry.
Marcena Criegar, who insured his foot some time ago, is able to use it now.
The revival meetings, we are informed, have been postponed on account of the roads until next Monday evening.
We are glad to welcome Mr. Irwin and family, who are moving from Lindsay this week, to our neighborhood.
Miss Mable Woodwork of Binbrook arrived on Tuesday to spend several weeks with her sister, Mrs. Robert Murphy.
[Report of the oyster supper sent in by this correspondent has been published in a previous issue.-Ed.]
By Mary Lamb
[The Voice, 10 June 2009]
In Pelham, in the early 1900s, transportation was by horse and wagon or buggy. The roads were mostly unpaved. If you could afford a car, and they were beyond the means of the average family, the speed limit was 20 M.P.H., and you had to give way to horses. In the village of Fonthill there were four cars in 1918, and that was when Herbert Minor opened his garage. At the time it must have looked like a risky venture, but it paid off and the garage didn’t cease pumping gas until 1984.
Herbert Minor grew up on a farm, but he became interested in automobile engines and in 1910 passed his mechanic’s test. When he moved to Fonthill, the old registry office, built by Dexter D’Everado in the 1850s, was empty and unused. Mr. Minor decided to buy it and open it as a garage business, selling gas and servicing cars. He also provided a towing service for cars which broke down or got stuck in the Pelham’s roads. When the village fire service was organized, Herbert Minor was appointed chief, and the hand-drawn fire truck was kept next to the garage. Mr. Minor served as fire chief for 18 years.
When the time came for him to retire, Herbert Minor passed the business on to his son, Austin, who later took on his son, Wilfred, as a partner. Although the garage was sold to Cliff Moffat in the 1960s, the Minor family connection with Steve Milnor, Wilfred’s son working there as a mechanic. Herbert Minor’s risky enterprise lasted for 66 years.
*I took my car to Minor’s garage in the 70s and always found Cliff to be an excellent mechanic. Always felt confident he would see that my car left the garage in great condition.
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