~Ia Hall, Aylmer, Ontltb Greetings Springfield Alumni from the Springfield Lioness Club Proudly Serving Our Springfield Community Since 1981

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saturday, July 30th, 201/ ~ia Hall, Aylmer, Ontltb Greetings Springfield Alumni from the Springfield Lioness Club Proudly serving our Springfield Community since 1981

We support: Springfield Public School Springfield Fire Department (Malahide #3) Springfield Fu n Day 9.\p Springfield Santa Claus Parade Springfield Scouting o '.. ~ Springfield Minor Ball Springfield Library .... and more!

Mary H. Pearson Memorial Pathway and Garden 51137 Ron McNeil Line, Springfield (Cenotaph Park) Created in 2005 after the death of a charter and very active member of our organization, this memorial path allows area citizens to honour their departed loved ones by purchasing a · pavestone engraved with the name of the deceased individual. .~ (:x MAC & VIOLET I ' ;:~lo HAR·RIS ·\ SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL 1922 to 1976

Like all worthwhile things, Springfield School was of humble origin. Previous to the year 1837, there was no school in the immediate vicinity, and Springfield had not been thought of. The land on the north side of what is now Main Street (Ron McNeil Line), had been granted to Colonel Munroe for military service, and after his death, his daughter sold the · whole grant at the rate of twenty-five cents an acre.

Henry Gilbert purchased the hundred acre lot onthe northeast corner of the road, and in 1836, he sold it to Joel Burns. Burns seems to have been a man of vision, for in the following. year, he donated a plot of ground, back of where Kilpatrick's store (1976 - Post Offiee) now stands for school purposes, and also gave the land on which the little village cemetery is located.

A small log building was erected by voluntary labour on the school plot, with one door and two windows. Rude slabs of wood formed the desks and the seats were split logs, supported by pegs driven in auger holes at the ends. The pupils faced thewall and were kept warm by a huge stove which was stoked with cord wood. This school was known as "Burns School".

The first teacher was a daughter of Major Whaley, a pioneer settler who had a cooper shop near the school. Her successors were of the male persuasion, whose sole idea of education seemed based on the efficacy of a "blue beech" rod. But the little log school played its part in developing the youth of the neighbourhood, and opened the way for better things.

As years passed and the population increased, the people awoke to the fact that the old log school had out-lived its usefulness and better accommodation must be provided. On the advice of the Superintendent, a piece of land was purchased on the corner of the farm owned by Mrs. James Campbell (1976 - Don Atkinson; 2009 - Emcea Transport, 2011 Noroxel Energy) and a comfortable frame building erected. The site was chosen as the most central point of the section as laid out at that time. This was known as "Udell's School", the name of the pioneer on whose farm it was located. It was a one-room building with a cottage roof, and long forms with desks reaching to the wall, on either side of a central aisle which ran from the door to the platform, on which rested the teacher's desk. With its long blackboard, and maps adorning the walls, it was considered quite palatial. The first teacher was Miss Christine Scott, later, Mrs. Butchart of Owen Sound, who was famous for her splendid management of a school in which many of the pupils were her senior by many years. This school was first used in 1853.

r Among many fine teachers of those early days were John Lyons, an under graduate of Oxford University, who was known to his pupils as "Master Lyons"; John Leeson, afterward a noted physician of Michigan, and J. B. Lucas, who for so many years was clerk of the village and secretary of the fair board. Even in these remote days there was a fifth class in the school, which prepared pupils for the old third-class certificates, and graduates of the school are scattered far and wide. One of the most noted was the late Wei bern Atkin, who later became the very efficient inspector of Elgin County.

With the coming of the Canadian Southern Railway, Springfield became a thriving village, and as the Udell School did not furnish adequate accommodation for the rapidly increasing school population, it was decided to build a new school in the village. There was considerable strife concerning a location. It wasa case of West versus East; but finally the East won out, and fine white brick school was built on the southeast corner of the Yoder farm. A rather strange coincidence is the fact that the new brick school was built on the opposite corner of the farm on which was located the old "Burns" school, the farm having changed· owners in the meantime. The new school was . erected at a cost of $8,000, and was rated as the . . finest village school in East Elgin. It was opened after Christmas holidays in 1872, the first teachers being C. T. Burdick, who had formerly taught in the Udell School, and Miss Martha Leeson (the late Mrs. J. C. Dance).

This was Springfield's first experience of a two~teacher school. The belfry was empty for several years, but later, a fine bell was purchased with the proceeds of entertainments, sponsored by Principal S. C. Woodworth. This literary society had been in existence from the days of t~e old school of '53, and was organized by J. B. Lucas .

In a few years, a third teacher was added, at first for only part time. Then; when the regular continuation school was established, the fourth teacher was engaged, and later still, it was found necessary to have still another. The school was a four room building and consequently inadequate for the requirements of both continuation and public schools, and the next splendid structure was opened in 1922.

The new school cost $46,000 and was fitted with every modern requirement for educational work. The building contractor was George Craik. The land on which it stood was formerly occupied by a dwelling, undertaker's showroom and an amusement hall. When the owner sold, and buildings were moved away, in order to prevent friction which always arises when school children are too near peoples' homes, Principal George Stewart purchased the lot and seeded it down, and for seven years the pupils had free use of it as a playground, after which, the School Board took it over. Mr. Tyler Leeson (Edna Macintyre's father) was the first chairman of the new School Board. Mr. Thomas Belmore, at the age of 71, drew all the bricks with the "Leeson" team from the station for the school.

Soon after school opening, a Home and School Club was formed (1927). The aim was to foster a closer relationship between parents and teachers; and thereby giving the parents more knowledge of school activities. Books were given to the highest standing scholar of each grade; and to the room who had the most parents present, by the Home and School. The Club provided candy treats at Christmas time and picnic at the end of the school term for the students. Much talent was developed through students participating in entertainment at the meetings. As early as 1933, according to records, children were trained to take part in East Elgin Festival in St. Thomas.

Sprin.gfield School Section is union section which includes No.. 2 South Dorchester; No 20 Malahide and Springfield village. The first Inspector, or Superintendant,as he was then styled, was Egerton Ryerson, afterward, Minister of Education. He was succeeded by Rev. E. E. Sheppard of Mapleton. Then followed A. F. Butler of St Thomas; Samuel McColl for a short time; Welbern Atkin, Springfield and J. C Smith of Ingersoll.

Even from the early days, the people of the section have done everything in their . power to make Springfield School an honour to the community, and spared no expense to secure efficient teachers. And well have they been rewarded. Former pupils of Springfield School have occupied or are occupying honourable positions in all walks of life, not only in Canada and the United States, but in foreign lands as well. Those who have remained in the vicinity have done and are doing their bit to uphold the honour of the school and those brave pioneers who made it possible.

Some of the teachers have had rather unique records, CT. Burdick was principal on three different occasions with a record of eight years to his credit. John Lyons, one of the early teachers, was in charge six years; George Stewart, twice, with twenty years; Miss \i\{innifred Winter (Mrs Fred Shively) six years; l.C Murphy, seven years, and the principal of the (1934) of the school; Miss Jennie Rutherford (the .Iate Mrs. Jennie Kennedy) seven years.

Springfield school ranks first in the schools in the county, whose former pupils have returned in later years, to their Alma Mater as teachers, and with perfect success . Many won honours in defence of their country, while others sleep "In Flanders Field".

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Springfield, November 30, 1934 (The above information was obtained from a Registrar of Attendance - 1934, Home and School Minutes, and the Women's Institute "Tweedsmuir Book".)

In about 1947, the Continuation School facilities in Springfield were discontinued and students were taken, by bus, to the High School in Aylmer. Many residents in Springfield felt that the Continuation School should remain in the Village, and were very unhappy with the moving of the students to Aylmer. By this change, Springfield School became and elementary school with education provided from Grades 1 to 8.

In approximately 1954, arrangements between the Springfield Public School Board and the Department of National Defence were made. The Springfield School . Board agreed to provided education. to the children of the4 Air Force families stationed at the R. C. A. F. Base near Springfield (Police College). Soon two large "Air Force" grey buses began transporting these children to and from the Springfield School each day.

As this time, the Board considered it practical to introduce Kindergarten classes in the School. There were sufficient number of students coming in from the Air Force Base, together with local students to necessitate this extra class. The first kindergarten teacher was Mrs. Laverna Ferguson.

In the fall of 1961, the R. C. A. F. pupils left the school as the Air Force Base was being closed out by the Department of National Defence.

During 1964, agreement was reached between Springfield School Board and S.S. No 22 Malahide (White School on Hwy 73) for Grade. 6, 7 and 8 pupils to be bused into Springfield School. The children came to Springfield in September 1964.

With the amalgamation of School Boards in 1964, Springfield School Board was one of the many to disappear; and thus; Springfield School became one of the central schools in Malahide Township School Board Area. Students from parts of Malahide, as well as local' students, attended the school.

Malahide Township School Area Board proved to be only a "Stepping Stone" to County-Wide control of schools in Elgin County. In 1969, control of the Township School Areas was assumed by the newly-formed Elgin County Board of Education. f Springfield School still remained a central school, with students from parts of Malahide Township, South Dorchester Township and the Village of Springfield. In 1972 the Grade 7 and 8 students from Springfield began going by bus to attend School in Aylmer. Springfield School has been a landmark in the village and hundreds of children have passed through the doors. We have seen numerous changes take place within, but the outside has basically remained unchanged throughout the years.

th The closing date of the school was June 25 , 1976 and in September of 1977 the present day school was opened.

Teachers from 1922 to 1976 Mr. Hicks Marion MacDougall Miss Philpott Ella M. Steen George Stewart Irene Gracey Jean (Richardson) Gillespie . Frederick Morgenroth Grace Millard Agnes Coghill Shirley (Spence) Boyce Gordon Gracey Winnie (Winter) Shively Pat Gage Marie (Timpany) Schultz Wilma Martin James Robinson Ian S. Buchana-n Marion Burton Lillyan Marie Husser Jennie (Rutherford) Kennedy John H. Wickem Louis Murphy Joyce (Turner) Catling Isabelle McKay Wilfrid L. McNaughton Olive Williams Marion Wallace Marjorie (Oliver) Moore Harold Catling Gertrude (Crane) Kitchen J. D. Fulsom Dorothy (Charlton) Kipp Donald Campbell Ronald Froud Elizabeth Sabiston Mary (MacDonald) Cottrelle Grace Irene Hoshal Myrtle (Brown) Newell Lewis Brown Glenn Charlton Shirley Marie Donaldson Laverna (Boughner) Ferguson Aletha (Buchner) Bradt Frances Gould Wilfred Stewart Smith Olive Pratt Joseph H. Carr Audrey Cramp MargaretJ. Secord Mabel Farrow Mae L. Rath Vera Merle Hotson Ivan A. Heidt lIaWylie Donna Weekes Margaret (Beach) Charlton William Armes • Alma Emily Searle Namoth A. Daniel Lulu A. Warner Miss Mollard John C. Schultz Elain Rath Jean A. Barber Bonnie Mitchell Jean Martindale Sharon (Sinden) Nunn Beth (White) Charlton Joyce Maureen Skelding j

Marion Louise (Cowan) Holman Ron Farrow Jas W. L. Axford Marilyn Greenwood Jack Empey Chester Glinski Shirley M. Liddle Margaret (Peggy) George Vivian Brown Marie (Laur) Wolfe Lillian Leacock Vanda Verheyden Marjorie (Clarke) Payne Karen Jones Brock Barrett Linda Moffatt John Newell Cyril Heidt Paul Leinwieber Jane Hutchison Helen Munroe Katherine Fabi Susan Wiltsie Mrs. Bain Peter Stoll . Irene Johnson Rhonda (Burton) McNaughton . Mrs. O'Donnell Mrs. Gough Jeanette (Suz) Killough

TEMPORARY TEACHERS Edna L. Baxter Wilma Clarke Edna Macintyre Laverna Ferguson Ruby Brackenbury Myrtle Newel Helen Warren Gertrude McConnell

INSPECTORS J. C. Smith A D. McColl A. M. McColl G. Gardiner K.H.1. Hall J. F. Lawless F. S. Cooper R. Earle .Rawlings A. P. Silcox T. Cunniffe

JANITORS Mr. Hopkins Oscar Simmons Mr. Ashbrookhill Mr. C. Hilbourn Harvey Nesbitt George and Gertie Warner Ross Bagnall George Hought Don and Helen House Mr and Mrs Hayward

OFFICE STAFF - Sheila Craik

TRUSTEES ~ 1955 1956 1957 1958 L. Gable E. Boughner J Hodgson M. Brown L. Bogart A. Macintyre M. Brown M. Craik , J. Ross M. Lamb M . Craik J. Hodgson M. Craik L. Gable A. Macintyre E. Boughner M. Brown J. Ross C. Fulkerson H. Strong M. Lamb L. Bogart E. Boughner G. Hoshal 1958 1960 1961 1962 H. Strong L. Gable L. Gable L. Gable G. Hoshal C. Fulkerson H. Strong H. Strong M . Brown D. Brooks I. Gracey I. Gracey L. Bogart H. Strong E. Rule E. Rule C. Fulkerson E. Rule G. Kiddie G. Kiddie L. Gable Mrs. I Gracey C. Pearson C. Pearson

1963 1964 S. Bye L. Gable Mrs. L. Craik L. Craik L. Gable S. Bye A.Kilgour M . Charlton C. Pearson C. Pearson H. Strong A. Kilgour

Thanks to Joan McClintock; Sharon Macintyre; Violet. Harris; Evelyn Hoshal for the above information taken from a booklet made Jor the 4 July 1976 Reunion.

THE PRESENT SCHOOL , ~

Sfjir/~J r (r;,bJ1 PDtllnc". Judy (S~JIII) Cdok. Ntl iJ~J' Ross·llilI, Ros~,"I"'Y (Pe.llrsOIf) K~""uy. U ; (JYray) Firby. W.yne B~,.,~ss. Di(jll~ (ShRc#tlelon) Burxt!~ Cltal4r Glinski Abu nt: Mill)' Lynn (PuIN atn) Magyar, ShuI)' (AudmIJlf) (iralru1II • ..____II!;;,~.,.. ! Photo by Kevin Ross

The R.e(,(vU.oV\, c.oVVtVVt~ttee wo(,(lot ltIu to e)(-press o(,('r s~v\'ceye tViClv\'~ to everk:j0V\,e for hel-p~v\'g VVtClR.t tVi~s re(,(vU.oV\, s('(cVi a woV\,oterf(,(l t~VVte. we Viope k:j0(,( ViCive e~ok:jeot tVie otClk:j - reVVt~vU.sc~~ w~tv! oLoI Clcq(,(CI~V\,tClv\'ces ClV\,ot VVteeH~ V\-tW OV\-t$. w~tVio(,(t k:j0(,( we co(,(lot V\,ot ViCive ClcVi~eveot tVi~s. , Special 5 1'umfl6 to- :KJhj !J~cm joJt- "ettituJ up ~ ) and all tire UUJJtk tpm ~ done, willi tire p~ , tIie . poawtpoint, tire cuUwtWinfJ, tire ticht ,, ~ and ~ ~e - UU?- tJudy app't£ciaU aIl lJ6U't- fuvtd ~. Program

Emcee for the evening: Chester Glinski Welcome Grace Dinner Thanks to the Caterers: Wayne Burgess Introduction of the Committee Introduction of Teachers who taught between 1922 and 1976 at Springfield School.

Recognition of Students by decade: (please stand if you attended during that decade& be recognized) 1920's; 1930's 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's

Who is it? Student in attendance this evening who ...... 1. started school.at the earliest year? 2. travelled the furthest? Teacher in attendance this evening who ...... 3. taught the longest at Springfield School? 4. travelled the furthest to get to this reunion?

Comments> Anyone wishing to speak about their days or events at the Springfield School during these years - please do so.

Thank you for coming, enjoy the rest of the evening! I

The Opening of the Springfield Continuation School (Article by Pat Zimmer, Aylmer District Museum Curator) The doors of the new Springfield School were opened Monday evening April 10, 1923 to receive current and past students who crowded into the new rooms and corridors for the grand opening. Building of the school began in 1922. The school board consisting of Chairman T. Leeson, J. Williams, D.G. Gillies, John Brown, F. Lamb and W. Fulkerson received many handshakes and expressions of congratulations from the delighted crowd regarding the new $46,000 building. The unknown reporter who submitted the article to the St. Thomas newpaper stated "The people of. Springfield have always placed the education of children first and foremost and it is very gratifying to know that graduates of our school are holding splendid positions, not only in Canada but in the United States and even inthe Mother Country." Principal Hicks occupied the chair and gave a few introduct~ry remarks. The architect Mr. Murray and Contractor George Craik assured those present that the design and construction of the new school building were both first class. An unexpected guest 1. C.Dance stopped by on his way back from Toronto to see and express his delight over the building. His interest stemmed to the tales he heard from his wife who attended the old school. Other platform speakers included Rev. Mr. Williams and two former principals. E. A. Awde of Aylmer High School and George Stewart who had "spent seventeen years at the helm" both gave short addresses. Next, W.I. Atkin spoke on the old days when the second school was located on Udell farm, east of the village. The entertainment portion of the program included Mrs. Mae Winter, a former student who displayed her talent as an elocutionist followed by Dr. G. Gillies, a member of the school board, who presented diplomas form last summer to Freda Cooper, Vera Cole, Viola Chambers, Winnie Winter and Mildred Williams. The rest of the entertainment was supplied by the pupils of the new school who sang, played instruments and gave recitals. These students were R. Smith, R Fulkerson, Mary Hodgson, Murrel and Merritt Brown, William and Helen Jamieson, E. B. Cooper, Winnie Cathers, B. Davies, Marguerite Lamb and Helen Coreless. Mrs. R Connor, another former pupil, played accompaniment for some of the student performers. Wesley Collins, the school board secretary, told the audience of the causes leading up to and the building of "this fine new edifice". The school board members then received their introduction to the people and were duly recognized for the long months and efforts in getting the support necessary to build the school. Village council members present received their share of applause for their support. Students took possession of their new school the next morning. Only the spirits and memories of the past would roam the corridors of the old white-brick school, soon to be demolished. The East Elgin District High School · Board, established in 1947, immediately took on two tasks. They included transportation of all high school students in East Elgin and the enlargement of the existing Aylmer High School to deal with the increase of students from villages with small high schools, like Springfield. From 1947 onward, the school built in 1922-1923 became a public school and the increase in the village population make quick use of th~ top floor, formerly reserved for the high school students ..

Enjoy peace of mind... & protect you family.

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SpringfieUScftoo!9(r:union WelCome to all>t£umni tJ3est 'Wislies on a successfultfay

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Shelley McVittie Studios 48664 John Wise Line R.R. #5 Aylmer, N5H 2R4 The Official Opening of the present school Thursday, October 14, 1976 The staff of the school at that time: Shirley Liddle - principal Mrs. C. Bain Mrs. J. Johnson Miss R. Burton Miss E. Banks Mrs. K. MacDonald Mrs. W D'Angelo Miss V. Brown Mrs. H. Munroe Mrs. L. Savage P. Stoll Secretary - Mrs. Sheila Craik Custodian - Mrs. C. Hayward

Chairman for the evening was R. G. Howey (Chairman of the building and finance committee)

Chairman of the Elgin Country School Board -G. H. Vogan Director of Education - C. R. Prosser Superintendant of Education...,. T. J. Cunniffe The school was designed by Architects - Bruce W. Martin of St. Thomas and Norbet J. Schuller of St. Thomas and was built by Van Gurp Construction Ltd of Harrietsville.

Greetings came from : Elgin County Warden M. A. Schafer Village of Springfield Reeve J. W. Hodgson Township of South Dorchester Reeve J. B. Wilson Township ofMalahide Reeve W. R. Caverly Prayer of Dedication Rev W. Ziegler

DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL The Springfield Public School is the fifth school to be built in the village, the first one being a one-room log school erected about the year 1840. The new school is modern and functional throughout and should create a pleasant atmosphere for learning. It conSists of seven classrooms, a kindergarten room, library resource centre, a gymnasium, staff room, administrative offices and storage rooms. There are three classrooms, including a special arts and crafts room, in the trainable retarded area. Most of the school is carpeted to reduce noise levels which might result from the open ceilings. Hallway lockers ensure that classroom space is not occupied with cloakrooms. The area of the school grounds has been increased by two acres to give additional playground space. I

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519·765-3911 Hours Free Delivery to ope Monday - closed Tues to Thurs 4 to 10 51146 Ron McNeil Line Fri day & Saturday 4 to 11 Springfield, ON NOL 2J0 Sunday - 4 to 8

SPRINGFIELD LIONS CLUB

WE SERVE at SUCCESS REALTY

52 TALBOT STREET EAST, A YL1\1E.R 519.765.4993 , 566 TALBOT STREET,ST THOMAS 519.633.5570

"WELCOME BAC"'K' TO SPRJNGFIELD"

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:Funera{J{ome Limitecf

119 Talbot Street East Aylmer, Ontario N5H 1H3 liaRe66eCfunera[[email protected] (519) 773-8400

__....IiiL:.:~. kebbelfuneralhome.com HERB KEBBEL BOB KEBBEL BILL WHITE We also want to remember those who are no longer with us . ~~~~ "A PLACE OF HONOUR" ~ pJ JflY~ As you entered this area you may have noticed a small table in a place of honour, it is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that some of those who attended Springfield School are missing from our midst, and so we have chosen to remember them at this time.

The Plate is ROUND - To represent the circle of life.

The Runner is WHIlE - Symbolizing the purity of their contribution to their classmates and community.

The candle is LIT - - Symbolizing the light they . have given us by . their unconquerable spirit.

The pinch of SALT -Symbolizes the sweat of their labo~rs, and the tears endured by those left behind,

The BREAD - Symbolizes the fruit of their efforts. The seed they have planted so we may enjoy the Harvest; they have given to us all.

The GLASS inverted - Symbolizes that they cannot celebrate with us today.

The CHAIR - is empty, they are no longer here.

REMEMBER! .. All of you who attended school with them, and called them friend, who depended upon their aid, and relied upon their wisdom, for surely, they have not forsaken you. BY CRAVINGS simpLy the Bes.t!

p. 519.765.2530

c. 519.902.4164

e. [email protected]

51117 Ron McNeil Line Springfield ON NOL 2JO www.simplydeliciouscatering.ca ) . --~- ------. ( Cravings Family Restaurant 51117 Ron McNeil Line, SPRINGFIELD, ON

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