Wolfe Island School: S.S.#6

Click on photo for larger version
S.S. 6 on 9th Line Rd, Taken May 13 2003

Click on photo for larger versions
Photos from Pat McAvoy-Costin 2004

Old Stone School, Keyes School
Built: before 1850
New school built abt 1870
Location: Con 9 lot 4
Closed: 1942
Reopened 1948
Closed: after 1953
At present: Still standing.

Annual Reports 1850-70

Image of page: Public School teachers 1911 & info on their schools

In 1878 tenants map Con IX Lot 4 E, land owned by George Keyes Stone structure, built abt 1870.

The school was closed for a few years and when opened again; some children already seven ,also took 5yr. olds to have enough to reopen teachers: Ken Keyes, Geneva Keyes

Pat McAvoy-Costin interview with Arthur Keyes, August 19, 2004
"I talked to Arthur Keys of Concession 9 (SBL) in August, 2004. The picture on the Wolfe Island schools page is SS #6 according to Mr. Keyes. The building is right next to the Keyes property. I enclose a picture of a close up of the lettering over the door of the school.
Mr. Keyes said he went to that school as a child. There were two trees planted on the school lot. The trees were Windsor Oak trees. The acorns for the trees came from a tree at Windsor Castle in England. Acorns from this tree were distributed to Canadian schools to commemorate the visit to Canada by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939.
Mr. Keyes remembers the acorns were too fragile to be planted outdoors right away. The acorns were put in containers for a few years and brought indoors during the harsh Wolfe Island winters. They were kept at Mr. Keyes’ house. Eventually, the trees outgrew their containers and were planted on the school lot and still thrive there today. For some reason, however, the trees did not produce additional acorns. So there are no other Windsor Oak trees in the vicinity.
The current owner of the lot lives in Kingston, ON. He plans to retire to the property when he is older."

Click on photo for larger version
S.S. 6- Stone school or Keyes School
Sketch by Joan Breen
Submitted by Theresa Broeders

From Wolfe Island Women’s Institute, Tweedsmuir books- Theresa Broeders:
S.S.#6:
This school was built in 1870. The first teacher was Bidwell Davis. The first inspector was Dr.Agnew who later became a lawyer in Toronto.

In 1873 the roof blew off.

A flag and pole were put up in 1905.

Two nurses, five doctors and one priest were former students of this school.

Hot lunches were started in 1928. A garden was started in 1936.

Coronation acorns planted in May 1937. Trees were planted in memory of the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Kingston. These pupils went to see them on May 21, 1939: Winston McReady,Kenneth Keyes, Evelyn McReady, Anna McRae,Lorne Keyes, Lillian Stevenson, David Ferguson, Arthur Keyes, Glen Keyes, Helen McRae, Weir McRae
More tees planted in May, 1940.
New roof put on shed in summer 1940. Spruce, pine, maple, oak trees planted in May,1941.

School closed : only three pupils in June , 1942.

Pupils were transported to P.S.S.#4 by Oscar McReady.

School reopened, seven pupils in Sept. 48. Half roof shingled Sept. 48. Roof completed, Oct. 49. School redecorated Sept. 49. New flag pole erected Nov. 10th, 1949.

On Oct. 12 th, 1952 Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Kingston. These students went to Kingston to see the Royal visitors: Suzanne McAdoo,George McIlwrick,Ian, Katherine, and David Kingsley.

1952-53 The school board consisted of Mr. R. Bustard, Mr. G. Eves, Mr. ? Henderson, Mr. H. Armstrong, Mr. C. Woodman, Mr. J. M. Halliday was the Secretary Treasurer. Books were supplied again this year for each pupil. a new well was dug,roof and out buildings repaired.

1953-54 Chimney was rebuilt, school pointed, bats exterminated before opening. School board Chairman: G. Eves, Sect0Tres: Jean Black, Trustees MRs. E. Horne, Messrs C. Woodman, J. Halliday, R. Bustard

A former student Lorne Keyes graduated from Queen's in 1954 with a #500. price and the first known resident of Wolfe Island to graduate in Electrical Engineering.

These are taken from the General Register and notes by Wyona Horne, teacher who mentioned that inspectors since Mr. Agnew were Dr.William Spankie,Mr.Truscott and at present Mr. Smith.
The pupils and teacher from this school went to Kingston on June 11,1954 and toured the Whig- Standard as well as Fort Henry. A member of the Gideon's Society, Mr. Calvin visited; a fine resident of Garden Island.

Care takers:
1917-27 Thos. Rogers average pay- $40. annually
1927-29 Thos. Rogers pay- $80.
1929 - 32 Ira Payne salary - $50.
1936 - 37 Alan Keeley
1937-38 Donald Keeley
1938-42 John Keyes at $50. until school closed in 1942

Teachers:

From Annual Reports (see reports for more info)
1855- Jane McCann
1856- Ewen McKennon
1857- Horace H Looke
1858- Alexander Munsie
1859- AB McKechnie
1860- Elizabeth Duncan
1861-63-Walter Johnson
1864- John J Walkes
1865- Jane Wollard
1866- Ann Grant
1867- William H Godwin
1868-70- Matthew M. Davis

1912-Clara E. Sleeman
From Wolfe Island Women’s Institute, Tweedsmuir books- Theresa Broeders:
187? Bidwell Davis. *SEE PHOTO BELOW*
1917 Harold Spencer
1918 Miss Horne
1919 Miss Helen Wert
1920 Miss Lena Davis
1920 Miss Orser
1921 Miss Jean McDougall
1922 Miss H. Goodfriend
1923 Mr.Harold McLean
1923 - 27 Miss Rattary
1927 - 28 Miss Marjory Keys[sic]
1928-33 Miss Martha Douglas
1933 Helen Stevenson
1933- 34 Blanche Cunningham
1934-40 Miss Wyona Horne
1941 Mrs. Wyona Halliday[nee Horne]
1941- 42 Mrs. Allan Keyes

Queens Arts class 1881
Photo includes B.N. Davis (Bidwell)
Submitted by Susan

Also see: Teachers

Class Photos

Class Photos
If you have class photos to add please email me!

If you have more informatin, or photos on this school please email me!

The Islands:Wolfe Island School: S.S.#6