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History of. Palmerston Public School.

Part 1. A Commemoration on the.

50th Anniversary of Palmerston Public School. 1961-2011.

©Palmerston Public School 2011-2012 Note: Contents were compiled from newspaper articles and photos of The Palmerston Observer (unless specified elsewhere). Palmerston Public School gratefully acknowledges the courtesy and permission of The Minto Express to cite their sources.

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History of Palmerston Public School Part 1

Artist Sketch: A New School Building is planned… As soon as frost is out of the ground, a new school building will start to arise on Prospect Street, a block and a half from the old school site, corner of Queen and Prospect Streets. It will be situated on an 8-acre plot, ample room for expansion and a large campus for sports and activities of the pupils. As a means of comparison, so readers may visualize 8 acres, the old school site is slightly less than 3 acres. The School Board, with an eye on expansion, planned for the day when public schools will change to a centralized location for better educational facilities. The architects, Kyles and Kyles of Hamilton, were instructed to design the building that it can be added to, almost indefinitely. The structure, as envisioned, can have rooms added to the left or right rear. All heating and plumbing pipes will be capable of handling the building as shown or with another eight rooms added. As planned, the building will be ready for occupancy in September, the commencement of the 1961-1962 term, having seven classrooms, plus kindergarten, a visual-aid room or playroom. Source: January 26, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Weathering Its Last Winter...

Palmerston Primary School served Palmerston's youngsters since 1893. It is hard to visualize the fate of the old building, but very likely may be facing discard. A block and a half up the street, a new and modern building will rise, of greater capacity than the old school and designed to be easily doubled in size.

Photo: Palmerston Primary School

Source: February 9, 1961 Palmerston Observer Footnote: See Addendum #1 for additional photos of school and its history (prior to 1961)

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Busy as Beavers With Building Blocks

A horde of masons laid concrete blocks to make Palmerston's new public school start to take form. A power mortar mixer was used to keep masons supplied with the necessary joint-filler. Most construction labourers worked many miles from home, but some lived in Palmerston.

Photo: Lee Dittmer of Palmerston screening the sand for mortar at the Palmerston Public School building site.

Photo: Mike Reid, an ex-Norwell student, wheeling blocks to the masons at the construction site of Palmerston's new public school.

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Photo: Five pair of hands busy with the wall set in trenches well below the frost level and then back-filled with gravel to give the new building a shift-proof foundation.

Photo: Workmen pause in their building of Palmerston's new school when Bill Schultz drives in with his portable restaurant. Gordon Wilson, Lawrence Kinsch and Lee Dittmer are three locals in this group of nine who came off the job for a sandwich and a thirst quencher. Sources: May 4, 1961 Palmerston Observer June 8, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Masons March --- School Cornerstone Laid --- An Impressive & Significant Ceremony

Photo: Masons marching toward the new school site for the cornerstone laying ceremony.

Rain threatened to dampen the colourful and historic event but held off. On Thursday, May 18th, members of Blair Masonic Lodge (Palmerston) in full regalia convened at the old public school at 2:30 to march for the cornerstone laying ceremony at the site of the new school. Norwell High School Bugle Band marched the Public School students, visiting dignitaries and Masons down Prospect Street from the old school to the site of the new one.

Photo: Norwell High School Bugle Band performing – “It’s their duty now and then, to march down the street and to march back again…”

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At 3:00, Russell Wilson, chairman of the School Board, called the assembly to order and the Palmerston Mayor, George A. Wright, gave a word of welcome. Most notably in attendance was J. Fred Edwards of Palmerston, Ontario M.P. representing Perth County at Queen's Park. Prominent in Masonic circles, Edwards participated in laying the cornerstone at the new school. Edwards received his primary schooling in the old building, the cornerstone of which, the masons dedicated 68 years ago.

Photo: Palmerston’s Mayor, George W. Wright, welcoming the visiting Masons, who came from many parts of Ontario to take part in the ceremony.

Photo: Most Worshipful Brother C. MacL. Pitts, Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Canada conducted the Masonic ceremony, the laying of the Cornerstone at Palmerston’s new Public School.

Photo: J. Fred Edwards of Palmerston, the M.P.P. representing Perth County at Queen’s Park in attendance at the cornerstone laying ceremony.

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Several visiting Masonic officials from Ontario were introduced followed by a presentation of scrolls. Members of organizations, representatives of the social and service work in and around Palmerston came prepared with mementoes to enclose in a hermetically sealed copper box within the cornerstone itself. There, protected against the ravages of time, these souvenirs would be preserved for hundreds of years, if necessary, and for generations to come the documents and tokens may provide insight into the history of Palmerston. The actual ceremony was quite extraordinary and based on three symbols: corn, wine and oil. First: Corn, the symbol of plenty Next: Wine, for joy and cheerfulness, was poured on the stone. Then: Oil, indicating comfort. The box of contents was sealed and laid in place within the stone using the ancient silver trowel that was used for the laying of the original stone. In addition, a new, ornamented silver trowel was suitably engraved for the occasion. Royden Clark, Worshipful Master of the Palmerston group, Blair Masonic Lodge, presented the new trowel to Grand Master Pitts to lay the cornerstone in place. In turn, Pitts gave that trowel back to the Lodge, saying it would be of much greater value, paired up with the more ancient one and suggested both trowels be displayed in the school or the lodge hall. Most Worshipful Brother C. MacL. Pitts, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada, was the highest-ranking official in Masonry at that time. As an interesting side note, this ceremony by the Blair Lodge was a repeat performance of one held on August 11, 1893 when John Morrison Gibson, K.C., M.P.P., Most Worshipful Brother, laid the cornerstone of the old building that served the town as a school for 68 years.

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Photo: On August 11, 1893, the Blair Masonic Lodge officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of the Palmerston Continuation School. Mrs. Thomas Edwards (left) and Mrs. J.T.

Donnelly (right) were in the crowd watching that ceremony. Again, they watched members of the Blair Masonic Lodge repeat the same ceremony for the new public school building. With Mrs. Thomas Edwards is Mayor George A. Wright and Councillor John Walker escorts Mrs. J.T. Donnelly. Sources: May 4, 1961 Palmerston Observer May 18, 1961 Palmerston Observer May 25, 1961 Palmerston Observer Footnotes: See Addendum #2 for program on the cornerstone laying of Palmerston Public School See Addendum #3 for listing of participants and organizations contributing to the cornerstone cavity

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Registration Day for Palmerston’s Kindergartens … New and Wonderful World … Delighted at Prospect

Wednesday, May 18th, was registration day for Palmerston’s Kindergartens at the old Palmerston School. Introduced to the awesome mysteries of school, the children are looking forward to associating with others their age and to play with the strange and wonderful new toys in the classroom coming September, especially at their new school on Prospect Street.

Photo: Debra Freeland was one of the many who were introduced to school. Her mother assists School Secretary Vivian Turner in recording Debbie’s vital statistics.

Photo: Principal George Waller and mother, Mrs. Alex Dick, introduce Dorothy to the new and wonderful world of school. As Dorothy was enrolled for Kindergarten, she seemed quite impressed with the miniature kitchen where little people “play house”.

Photo: Little Miss Heather Bowey is pleased “as punch” to be starting school. Her mother, Mrs. W.R. Bowey signed her daughter in with School Secretary, Vivian Turner. Heather is looking forward to start school and to play with the new toys in the classroom.

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Photo: As his parents register their son for Kindergarten, Peter Waller seems to realize that he is being signed in for many years of playtime. His father is Palmerston’s Public School Principal.

Source: May 25, 1961 Palmerston Observer Footnote: See Addendum #6 for list of students attending Palmerston Public School during the 1961-1962 school year.

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A Stone-Picking Bee

Supervised by principal, George Waller and school custodian, Ralph Morphy, about two-dozen Grade 8 students, on a sunny afternoon, were stone-picking and cleaning up the campus of the new school on Prospect Street. Russell Wilson, School Board Chairman, provided the use of his pickup truck. Ralph Morphy took the load of stones to the town dump at 3:00 p.m. and returned with two cases of pop at traditional "tea time".

Photo: Carole McEwen, Shirley Wilding, Jayne Hunt and Mary Evelyn Butt disposing their handfuls of rocks.

Photo: Boys with forks broke the clumps of sod and girls picked up stones from the well-worked soil. Unfortunately this group of students, toiling valiantly in the warm sun, will not enjoy the velvety green lawn next year; they will have graduated to Norwell.

Source: June 29, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Will the New School Be Ready for Service?

The prospects of having the Palmerston Public School ready for September were somewhat vague. Workmen were confident the new school would be close to ready, if not completely in order. Its steel curtain-type walls with baked on enamel finish below the windows gave the school a unique and colourful appearance. The ceilings were a blend of the oldest structural material, wood, with the latest in steel fabrications and plastics. Colour was employed lavishly throughout the building.

Photo: Two painters, Fred Boys of Mildmay and Lorne Allison of Ayton putting stain on the V-joint board ceiling of a classroom.

Photo: Alfred Widmeyer, Palmerston carpenter, on a ladder attaching the wood trim, racing against time getting the new school ready for occupancy.

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Photo: Carl Gebhart of Palmerston, putting primer coat on cupboards and sanding them down, ready for the finishing touches.

Photo: Rear view of a portion of Palmerston's new public school on Prospect Street

School Board members were hoping to have an "Open House" on October 5th to have the new school officially inspected by the public and especially when the Minister of Education, along with other officials, come to Palmerston for the event. Sources: August 24, 1961 Palmerston Observer September 7, 1961 Palmerston Observer September 14, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Get Ready for the New School

The Palmerston Public School principal, George Waller, revealed the teaching staff for the 1961-1962 year at the new school, along with a student supply list.

Kindergarten Mrs. E. C. Gray Grade One Mrs. F. E. Johnston Grade Two Miss G. Capling Grade Three Mrs. C. Hutchinson Grade Four Mrs. C. Hutchinson & Mr. J. Sanderson Grade Five Mr. J. Sanderson Grade Five/Six Mrs. L. E. Morphy Grade Seven Mrs. R.J. Welsh Grade Eight Mr. G. Waller & Mrs. R. Logan

Source: August 31, 1961 Palmerston Observer Footnote: See Addendum #4 for the student supply list.

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Photo: A group of local lads were "Joed" to help Jerry Hartung, local trucker and Principal George Waller transport desks from the old building to the new one. Pausing for a "breather", Wallace Long, "Butch" Moffat, Horace Holmes, Collin Smith, Glen Dobbie and Bill Johnston, who just graduated from the old school to high school, were certainly envious of the new school. Source: September 7, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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New School ... Students Like It

The new school went into service the first week of September, with one exception. The Kindergarten students started school in the old school building. It would be several weeks later that the Kindergarten classroom, with its multiplicity of cupboards and equipment, would be ready for occupancy.

Photo: A view of Palmerston School, in its second week of service. Below the windows of the gymnasium, the building is fronted with a haphazard pattern of glazed and coloured brick. Classroom walls have the lower portion covered with steel "curtains" that have a baked-on enamel finish. The interior has floors of bright tile, ceiling in white and brightly hued acoustic tile, and with wood and brick panelling.

Photo: Smiles on the faces of two students, Heather Ladd, Grade 5 on the right and Sandra Horne, Grade 6, on the left, enter their new school through "the back door" as the regular entrance was still under construction.

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Photo: Four little ladies, from the left: Nancy Eileen Finley, Patsy Stickney, Marlene Martin and Ann Palmer, pleased with their dandy, new school, wait for the 1:30 bell.

Sources: September 7, 1961 Palmerston Observer September 14, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Newspaper Announcement: Grand Opening of Palmerston's New Public School School Official Opening Scheduled for October 5th

Printed programs* have been prepared by Palmerston's Public School Board, for the once-in-a-lifetime event in a small town, the opening of a new public school. (*See Addendum #5).

Correction, on rare occasions, it can be a twice in a lifetime. Mrs. J.T. Donnelly* of Palmerston attended the official opening of the old school and it is hoped that she will be present for this second event. (*See page 8).

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The program opens with "O Canada" and remarks by the chairman, Russell Wilson. The School Choir will sing directed by John McFarlane. Rev. J. Smith, rector of St. Paul's Anglican Church, will officiate at the dedication.

The Palmerston Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has donated to the new school a "Union Jack" and it will be officially presented by Legion president, Wm. G. Johnston.

Guests who will be introduced and bring greetings include Marvin Howe, M.P., J. Fred Edwards, M.P.P., the Mayor and the Reeve. Among guests present will be L.D. Kyles, who designed the building as architect and J. Dempsey, head of the contracting firm that did the actual construction work. Royden Clark, Worshipful Master of Blair Masonic Lodge, will present to the Board the engraved silver trowel used for the laying of the building's cornerstone.

Principal George Waller, Inspector of Public Schools, E.I. Nelson, will each have a brief address and Teacher, E.C. Gray, will present a history of the elementary schools* as they developed in Palmerston throughout the years. S.J. McEwen, president of the Home and School Club, will present a set of filmstrips to Principal George Waller. J. Fred Edwards, provincial M.P., will introduce the guest, J.P. Robarts, Ontario Minister of Education. School Board member, Harold Struke, will thank the Minister for attending and support. Lastly, a few musical numbers and other formalities expressing appreciation to close the program. (*See Adendum #1).

Palmerston is fortunate to have such a distinguished personage present for this big event in the town's history. The public was also invited to a tour of inspection of this new, colourful and truly remarkable building. Source: October 5, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Last Class ... Kindergartens Finally in New School

On September 28th, after weeks of waiting, youngsters of the morning session of Palmerston Kindergarten clustered on the new school steps, ready to enter. Later on, youngsters of the afternoon Kindergarten shift waited for the signal to enter.

Photo: Morning session of the Palmerston

Kindergarten class, ready to move up the

street to the new school location, gather their

neat bed-rolls including art projects and

contents from the old school cupboard.

Photo: Principal George Waller greeted the afternoon shift of the Palmerston Kindergarten class at the front door and for the first time the little students saw their bright, airy and colourful room in the new school.

Source: October 5, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Grand Opening ... Many Took Part in Getting School Officially Opened

A crowd, estimated at over 400 Palmerston citizens, thronged to the new Public School for its official opening on Thursday evening, October 5th. They occupied the entire seating space of the large gymnasium and overflowed into the halls of the building, where loudspeakers carried the programme, commencing sharply at 8:00 p.m. with the singing of "O Canada". Russell Wilson, Chairman of the School Board, in his introductory remarks explained the planning of the new school. After 68 years, the general style, capabilities and possibilities of the old building had become such a handicap, that to educate progressively, there was little to do but to plan a new school. He also mentioned that there was in the audience, one citizen who had been present at the original cornerstone laying ceremony of the old school, Mrs. J.T. Donnelly* of Palmerston. (*See pages 8, 18).

Rev. P.J. Smith, rector of St. Paul's Anglican Church, dedicated the new building with appropriate scripture readings and prayer. At one juncture of the brief religious service, the entire assembly joined in the repetition of "The Lord's Prayer". Many people, instrumental in the organizing, building and operating of the school were introduced. Mayor George A. Wright introduced members of his Council. Reeve Howard Latsch brought greetings from Wellington County Council and thanked the Department of Education for such a beautiful new building dedicated to the education of young children.

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L.D. Kyles of the Hamilton firm of architects that designed the building, presented Russell Wilson with a golden key to the school. Speaking briefly, his firm found the Board members extremely reasonable which made business transactions a pleasure and a privilege. Russell Wilson acknowledged Don Smith, foreman for Logan Construction Company, for his faithful attendance to duty while the school was being built. Wilson also introduced the president of Logan Construction Company, J. Dempsey, who spoke briefly of pleasant experiences during the building of the new school.

Photo: The Hamilton architects, a father and son team, were present for the opening, the son, L.D. Kyles, representing the firm from the platform. Here the senior member of Kyles and Kyles, accepting a cookie from Mrs. Arnold Finley during coffee break that followed the opening ceremonies at the new Public School.

Principal George Waller introduced his staff and requested everyone present to sign the guest book set up on a lectern near the entrance. Inspector of Public Schools, E.I. Nelson, spoke at length on development in this area, quoting figures that in 1945, fifty-three schools were built in Ontario and in 1958, a total of 3,600 schools were constructed. Since 1957, there were 12 additions or new buildings in his inspectorate.

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J. Fred Edwards, local Ontario M.P.P., reminisced regarding the old school, listing several prominent citizens who claimed the school as their first and others who had exceeded in their chosen professions. Concluding his address, Edwards introduced the Ontario Minister of Education, J.P. Robarts. The Minister of Education spoke regarding the schools built in Ontario, stating that education was a three-level proposition of the school board, municipal council and the Ontario department working in harmony. He mentioned the government's effort to relieve the burden placed on homes and farms by providing grants to the school boards for each student and stressed the value of education in Ontario. In conclusion, Minister Robarts wished Principal Waller and his staff joy and happiness in the work of teaching. Trustee Harold Struke thanked Ontario Minister of Education Robarts and commented that Palmerston residents would certainly remember the official opening of the new school. Marvin Howe, representative of the riding at the time in Ottawa, could not attend. However, his wife was among the guests attending and read a letter from Marvin Howe.

Photo: Politics or Education? Mrs. Marvin Howe of Arthur (left) and Mrs. E.C. Gray of Palmerston (right) were caught intensely discussing a weighty subject. Mrs. Howe was substituting for her husband, local Ottawa M.P.P., who was attending a United Nations session. Mrs. Gray, a member of the staff at the new school and whose husband is the principal at Norwell, had prepared and delivered a history of education in Palmerston.

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Photo: Discussing the New School? Lawrence E. Morphy (left) and W. Merd Henderson (right) were caught chatting together. Lawrence Morphy is a former member of the Palmerston Town Council, prominent in local fraternal circles; his wife is one of the teachers at Palmerston Public School. W. Henderson is Principal of Listowel Public School and came to wish all success for the new school building.

Several presentations were made at the official opening of Palmerston's new school. First of these was the presentation of colours to the school, by the Palmerston Branch of the Canadian Legion #409. A flagstaff was set up to the left of the platform. Standard bearers of both the Legion and its Ladies Auxiliary marched up both sides of the hall for the brief ceremony. Legion President, Wm. Johnston, made the official presentation and saluted the colours as Sergeant-at-Arms Elmer English unfurled them. The Worshipful Master, Royden Clark, of the Blair Masonic Lodge, presented two silver trowels to the school. The original trowel was used 68 years ago to lay the cornerstone for the old public school. The second and newer trowel was used to set the stone in the building being officially opened. Filmstrips to be used for visual education were presented by the Palmerston Home & School Association President, S.J. McEwen. He invited all parents to attend the meetings, urging them to take an active part in improving relationship and cooperation between home and school.

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Eastern Star Lodge, Palmerston Women's Institute and the Palmerston Lions Club were other groups that made presentations toward new school equipment. Teacher, Mrs. E.C. Gray, of Palmerston Public School, presented an interesting and detailed history of elementary education* in Palmerston. (*See Addendum #1) The Palmerston Public School Choir of approximately 70 pupils directed by John McFarlane and accompanied by pianist and teacher, Mrs. L.E. Morphy, sang, "Come to the Fair" and "Beneath the Lemon Tree". The students' vocal ability and charm seemed to catch the audience by surprise. The second appearance was a medley as the songsters flitted effortlessly through snatches of many songs, "Pop Goes the Weasel"--"Twinkle Little Star"--"Johnnie's so Long at the Fair"--"Tom, Tom the Piper's Son"--"I've Got a Dog Named Rover"--"Hang Your Clothes on a Hickory Limb"--"Lazy Mary"--"Farmer in the Dell"--"Three Blind Mice", to mention a few. Their final song was "Praise to the Father". The audience was captivated, broad smiles of appreciation were seen and the applause was thunderous. At the close of the program, Miss Dianne McEwen, daughter of S.J. McEwen, president of the Home and School Association, sang "Bless This House." Source: October 12, 1961 Palmerston Observer Footnotes: See Addendum #1 for a brief history of education in Palmerston. See Addendum #5 for the program (4-paged leaflet). See Addendum #7 for other photos of Palmerston Public School.

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Palmerston Public School First Graduating Class ... Ready for High School

Twenty-one students from Palmerston Public School, soon to be Niners in September, held the first graduation ceremony in their new school. Dressed in their very best finery, the lads and lassies of Grade Eight of Palmerston Public School had a banquet at Knox Presbyterian Church, with the teaching staff occupying the head table and mothers who were members of the Home and School Association catering.

Photo: To Grade 9, from left to right they are: Susan Edmunds, Isabelle Coulter, Sharon Palmer, Marietta Dittmer, Gail Gadke, Wendy Weis, Janet Thuell, Rosemary Finley, Marilyn Holmes, Patsy Montoux, Sharon Rock, Sharon Leary, Judy Barrett, Shirley Busch, Jeanne Mallett, Mark Robinson, Larry Clark, (concealed behind Larry is Jack Bontje), Garry Mitchell, Gregory Daum. Missing at time of photo: Grant Fotheringham

Sources: June 28, 1962 Palmerston Observer July 5, 1962 Palmerston Observer

Footnote: See Addendum #6 for listing of students, including their grade, for the 1961-1962 school year, attending Palmerston Public School.

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Addendum #1

Photos of the old school, including brief notes on the beginnings of Palmerston’s education.

Early Photos, Postcards of Palmerston Continuation School – circa 1900

Courtesy: Rob Vanner @ rvanner@rogers.com Photos from rvanner’s Flicker Photo Slideshow [Online, Available July 2011]

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Palmerston Continuation School – 1914

Palmerston Continuation School – Front View Courtesy: Rob Vanner @ rvanner@rogers.com Photos from rvanner’s Flicker Photo Slideshow [Online, Available July 2011]

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Palmerston Education’s History – a Synopsis

§ On July 11, 1854, Thomas McDowell, an immigrant from Ireland, took title to a farm that is now Palmerston, incorporated December 21, 1874. McDowell built the first house in Palmerston; it was a log structure built near the Norwell High School Campus.

§ The first school was on Queen and Yonge Streets, known as “The Baker House”. At the same time as this school was in operation, there was also a private school operated by a woman, who taught music.

§ During the parcelling out the original McDowell farm to various citizens and the railway

company, a designated cemetery lot on the corner of Prospect and Queen Streets became the site of Palmerston Continuation School.

§ On August 11, 1893, Most Worshipful Brother Hon. John Morrison Gibson, I.C. and M.P.P., laid the cornerstone for the Palmerston Continuation School.

§ In a motion during the first town council meeting of 1962, the Palmerston Public School Board urged the town to buy the school. The Town of Palmerston bought the old two-story brick school building with furnishings and land for the nominal sum of $1.00. The town council eventually demolished the dilapidated building.

Sources: October 12, 1961 Palmerston Observer January 11, 1962 Palmerston Observer

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Addendum #2

Program on the Cornerstone Laying of Palmerston Public School Description/Dimensions: 4-paged light blue-coloured leaflet; approx. 9” x 6”

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Source: Archive Collection of Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum [Available July 2011] Original copy of program donated to the Palmerston Public School Library Courtesy of Museum Curator: Bob McEachern

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Addendum #3

Participants and organizations who contributed to the cornerstone cavity were: Palmerston Town Council Palmerston Public School Norwell District High School Palmerston Presbyterian Church United Missionary Church The Salvation Army St. Paul's Anglican Church Palmerston United Church Peace Chapter #52; O.E. Star Britannia Rebekah Lodge #215 Palmerston Lions Club Canadian Legion, Palmerston Branch #409 Palmerston Board of Trade Palmerston Home & School Palmerston Public Library Ladies Orange Benevolent Association Vimy Lodge #248 Palmerston Womens' Institute Palmerston Public Utilities Commission Palmerston General Hospital Palmerston Agricultural Society Palmerston Police Department Wellington County Health Unit Ladies Auxiliary to Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Ladies Auxiliary of Palmerston General Hospital Palmerston Girl Guides Blair Masonic Lodge, with a copy of their monthly meeting notice Enterprise Chapter of the Masonic Order True Blue Loyal Orange Lodge #65 Palmerston Preceptory #1054 Royal Black Knights of Ireland of the Camp of Israel Palmerston Boy Scout Troop A copy of the Printed Program for the day, A copy of that Week's Palmerston Observer Letter from J. Wald Monteith, M.P. for Perth and Minister of Health & Welfare Letter from Marvin Howe, M.P. for Wellington-Huron Source: May 25, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Addendum #4

Palmerston Public School principal, George Waller, released a student supply list. It was publicized with the intent that parents would purchase recommended classroom items for the upcoming 1961-1962 year at the new school, mentioning also who would be teaching each grade.

Grade One (Mrs. Johnston) 1 workbook - thick, unlined, rough, paper 6 Primary workbooks - smooth, lined (1 red, 2 blue) 2 Primer print pencils #1 1 box crayons (8) 1 eraser (pink pearl)

Grade Two (Miss Capling) 1 workbook - thick, rough, lined (Jumbo) 1 workbook - smooth, lined 1 box crayons (8) 1 eraser - pink pearl 1 straight-edge ruler (wood or plastic 12") 1 jar white paste (NOT MUCILAGE) 2 Junior Writer pencils #3

Grade Three (Mrs. Hutchinson) 2 workbooks - rough, thick, lined (8 x 11) 8 workbooks - Wellington Interlined Exercise Book 2 Junior Writer pencils #3 1 Canadian Music Dictation Book - 6 staffs per page 1 box crayons (8) 1 straight-edge ruler - wood (NO METAL EDGE) 1 eraser - pink pearl

Grade Four (Mrs. Hutchinson & Mr. Sanderson) 10 workbooks - smooth, lined, assorted covers 1 workbook - rough, lined (8 x 11) 1 straight-edge ruler 1 bottle of mucilage 1 pair scissors 5" - sharp points 1 box crayons (8) 1 eraser - pink pearl 2 lead pencils 1 red marking pencil 1 Music Dictation Book 1 Winston Dictionary (For Canadian Schools)

Grade Five (Mr. Sanderson) 2 lead pencils 1 red marking pencil 1 good ball-point pen 1 eraser, pink pearl 1 straight-edge 9 workbooks - smooth, lined, assorted covers 1 workbook - rough, thick, lined 1 2-ring notebook, plus refills (2 lined) 1 bottle mucilage 1 pair scissors 5" - sharp points 1 Winston Dictionary 1 box "reinforcements"

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Grade Five and Six (Mrs. Morphy) 2 lead pencils (HB) 1 eraser - pink pearl 1 good ball-point pen 9 workbooks - smooth, lined, thick (@25¢) 4 workbooks - smooth, lined, thick (@15¢) 1 Music Dictation Book 3 2-ring, loose-leaf notebooks 5 lined refills 3 plain refills 1 bottle mucilage 1 "Scotch-tape" 1 pair scissors 5" - sharp points 1 box pencil crayons 1 box crayola crayons 1 Winston Dictionary 1 box "reinforcements" 1 ink eraser Grade 5 Pupils - 1 My Literature Book V (keyed to Wide Open Windows) Grade 6 Pupils - 1 My Literature Book VI (keyed to All Sails Set)

Grade Seven (Mrs. Welsh) 9 workbooks - smooth, lined 1 2-ring notebook - loose-leaf 2 refills - 2 hole, standard lines 1 refill - 2 hole, plain 1 box pencil crayons (8) 2 pencils HB 1 red-lead marking pencil 1 eraser - pink pearl 1 straight-edge - wood (showing mm. and cm.) 1 good fountain pen 1 bottle ink WASHABLE BLUE 1 Music Dictation Book 1 Winston or Oxford Dictionary

Grade Eight (Mr. George Waller) 1 loose-leaf notebook with hard cover (3 rings) or 1 zippered binder - 3 rings 5 refills for the above (standard lines) 2 refills for the above (plain) 1 box "reinforcements" 1 set of index dividers 5 workbooks, smooth, lined 1 eraser, pink pearl 4 pencils HB 1 mathematical set (compasses, protractor, etc.) 1 box pencil crayons (8) 1 good Dictionary (Winston or Oxford) 1 good fountain pen 1 bottle of ink WASHABLE BLUE 1 Music Dictation Book 1 marking pencil

Source: August 31, 1961 Palmerston Observer

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Addendum #5

Program on the Official Opening of Palmerston Public School Description/Dimensions: 4-paged ivory-coloured leaflet; approx. 9” x 6”

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Source: Palmerston Public School Library [Available July 2011]

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Addendum #6

A listing of students attending Palmerston Public School during the 1961-1962 school year. Kindergarten John Allison, Philip Armishaw, Heather Bowey, Janice Brodhagen, Bruce Carnahan, Tim Clark, Dorothy Dick, Holley Elliott, Debra Freeland, Sandra Heinmiller, Brock Hutchinson, Fred Locking, Neil McCoag, Douglas McLachland, Joanne McRae, Peter Moore, Rosemary Murdoch, Heather Rennick, Mark Rundle, Cynthia Schultz, David Smith, Heather Stephenson, David Telfer, Murray Thuell, Catherine Tout, Peter Waller, Dean Wick, Dale Widmeyer, David Wilson Grade 1 Martin Bontje, John Clark, John Cox, Larry Dance, Bruce Elliott, Lisa Finlayson, Nancy Finlay, Joan Goettler, Randy Kissack, Brian Lawrence, Marlene Martin, Wendy Murdoch, Ann Palmer, David Palmer, Wendy Prior, Dennis Pul, Mark Smith, Dale Wick, Ronnie Williamson, Murray Wright Grade 2 Wendy Bolander, Wendy Bowey, Brenda Brodhagen, Michael Clark, Rae Collins, Sharon Dick, Rudy Downing, Randy Freeland, Betty Jean Hunt, Tim Johnson, Gerry Lambier, Julia Locking, Tommy Marsden, Guy Mason, Donna McCann, Bobby Moore, Gwen Murdoch, Audrey Noble, Tommy Schmidt, Murray Smith, Gwen Wark, Ricky Williamson Grade 3 Randy Arkell, Bill Bowey, Bob Carnahan, Paul Davis, Tim Elliott, Jack Freeland, Kathryn Gilliland, Nancy Hill, Donald Leary, Wendy Martin, Donna Melville, Donna Montoux, Brian Noble, Catherine Noble, John Pul, Connie Robinson, David Rock, Jim Rogers, Bab Walker, Dianne Widmeyer, Ellen Wilkie, Maurice Wilson, Ronald Wilson Grade 4 Alan Armishaw, Jane Cox, Judy Cox, Barbara Dick, Gary Downing, Jim Edmunds, Lynn Gadke, Trudy Horne, Debbie Iza, Connie Johnston, Dennis McLachlan, Carol McRae, Valerie Moore, Bob Morton, Judy Murdoch, Joan Noll, Terry Lynn Prior, Bonnie Siebert, Cathy Smith, Mary Anne Struke, Allan Toner, Cheryl Vanner, Jim Wall, Danny Wick, Gary Wilson Grade 5 Anne Bridge, Richard Brodhagen, Kathryn Clark, Wendy Cox, Brenda Cuyler, Ronald Dick, Ann Fotheringham, Barbara Gilliland, Barry Heinmiller, Shirley Holmes, David Horne, Ricky Hutt, John Johnson, Heather Ladd, Brian Leary, Graham MacArthur, Crystal Mason, Jim McTaggart, Wanda Mennie, Larry Montoux, Brian Moore, David Moore, Gail Prior, Kenneth Rock, Brian Rush, Lynn Seifried, Connie Stephenson, Margaret Thuell, Marlene Welsh, Linda Widmeyer, Paul Wilkie, Glenn Wright Grade 6 Bill Bontje, Brian Cuyler, Steven Edmunds, Martin Foley, David Gadke, Chuck Hawes, Mike Heikamp, Sandra Horne, Linda Lambier, Larry McRae, Bob Moffat, Jane Robinson, Donna Rock, Barbara Rogers, Gary Sampson, Don Stephenson, Bill Walker, Gloria Wark Grade 7 Bob Allison, Daniel Armitshaw, David Armitshaw, Keith Bridge, Robert Brodhagen, Mary Ellen Brooks, Jewell Busch, Barry Church, Joan Clements, Glenn Davis, Shirley Dick, Donald Elliott, Melville Embury, Brenda Forster, Carl Fotheringham, Fred Goettler, Noreen Heinmiller, Joan Henderson, Linda Johnson, Paul Long, Wayne Martin, Valerie McEwen, Terry Miller, Barbara Moore, Dianne Moore, Barbara Morphy, Donald Noll, Bonnie Prior, Susan Prior, Fred Rock, Richard Rush, Roger Stephenson, Georgia Welsh, Norman Wilding, Gail Wilson Grade 8 Judith Barrett, Jack Bontje, Shirley Busch, Larry Clark, Isabelle Coulter, Greg Daum, Marietta Dittmer, Susan Edmunds, Rose Mary Finley, Grant Fotheringham, Gail Gadke, Marilyn Holmes, Sharon Leary, Jeanne Mallett, Garry Mitchell, Patsy Montoux, Sharon Palmer, Mark Robinson, Sharon Rock, Janet Thuell, Wendy Weiss Sources: December 21, 1961 Palmerston Observer January 4, 1961 Palmerston Observer July 5, 1962 Palmerston Observer

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Addendum #7

Additional photos of Palmerston Public School. The new public school was built to replace Palmerston Continuation (or Primary) School.

Source: Pictorial History of Palmerston (Scott Vanner & Bob McEachern)

Source: CS Studios: School Life Memories Photo (circa 1965)