Memories of Golden’s Early Schools

Early Schools In Golden, BC

The early history of schools in Golden, BC, is quite fascinating! The first recorded school dates back to 1895, with 40 pupils enrolled in a single room. The school year began on August 1st and had a winter break in December, resuming in January and continuing until June 20th. Examination days were significant events where parents attended to see their children demonstrate their learning.

At the heart of this post are the memories recorded by pupils who attended the school. Interviews with a few of those whose names appeared in the records disclosed that the school was held in various places. Missus Margaret Gould recalled that she attended school in a boxcar set up near the site of the old CPR Station. Mr. George Love and Mr. John Anderson recalled that they had participated in a building that stood in the area of the Texaco bulk station in North Golden.  Later another building is in the location of the Old Courthouse was used. The latter was a two-room structure. Vivian Moss recalled how inadequately these buildings were heated. Often on very cold days, mitts were worn to protect the hands from the cold slates and slate pencils. Mr. Percy Oakland related that despite the discomfort of cold there was an advantage in it, when the water on the slates froze, precious moments of relaxation were enjoyed as the slaves were held up to the stove to dry.

The dunce stool and dunce cap were features of school equipment in those days. The cane, too, was prominent as a weapon of punishment, an effective deterrent to the wayward lad. Even then the boys played pranks like putting a firecracker in the heater, or perchance a ball might go through a window.

Happy times were enjoyed by the children of those early days. Jim Henderson often took his dog team to school and it was a great treat to be given a ride to and from school. This moss remembered that Mrs. Minnie Fish would bring some of her father’s choice apples to school as a special treat. A favorite game was playing court. Any trials were held in the small shed at the back of the school. The judge who presided was Jim Henderson.

Many teachers conducted classes in these various schools. Bates was one of the early teachers also prominent among the names were Mr Landell’s and Miss Billingsley. Mr Landell’s was the principal of the Golden School for 19 years. Mr Landell’s retired due to failing eyesight. After spending a few years in Victoria, he returned to the East where he died.

Mrs. Hairsine came to teach in Golden in 1907. Was in charge of the primary pupils in the little school which was situated near where the Robinson store would be in later years. Some of her pupils were Edith and Olive Tennant, Helen and Telesphore Mercier, Mini Holt, Birdie Sherlock, Jack Henderson, Wilfred and Lawrence Good, Helen Maxwell and Harriet Sanborn. There were many more. Missus Hairsine often spoke of the rides up the Columbia in the river boats operated by Captain Armstrong.

In 1912, the Lady Grace School was opened. It so happened that Earl and Lady Grey were on a tour of Canada. As they passed through Golden Earl Grey was asked to officially open the new school. The name of his wife was given to the building. Lady Grey presented the entrance class with their certificates, showing they were qualified to enter high school. That was thus honored at the time were: Minnie Connor, Florence Morgan, Nora Kenny, Orval Hoar, Jimmy Henderson, Blanche Engebloom, Moss Morgan, Greta Adams, Vivian Nichol, Alan Hanna, Ethel Pugh, Casine Shaw, Emily Shaw, Dorothy Tennant, Olga Sherlock, Olive Milligan.

The Lady Gray School was first under the principalship of Mr Landel’s, followed by Mr F.T. Robson, Mr J.E. Hamilton, Mr L.E Wells, and Mr. Lawrence Greig. During World War II, other principles served for a period of one or two years, but unfortunately, no reliable record of their names is available. In 1947, Mr Donald Gilmore joined the staff as principal.

In 1954 the citizens of Golden felt that Lady Grey School had served its day. It had been a fine building, but the town had grown larger, and the school itself was in very sad state of despair. The need for a larger modern building was very acute. In September of 1954, a new school was opened. A year later, a fire destroyed the new school. While plans were being laid for a new building, classes were held in the Civic Centre, the Masonic Hall, and the school annex. This condition lasted for a year, and in February 1957, the new larger school was ready for occupancy. This school is now the present Lady Gray Elementary School.

It’s amazing to see how the community and education have evolved over the years!