H.J. Alexander Public School

Description

1892: School built (replacing an earlier frame, then brick school, which was sold for use as a pump factory). Public subscription and a $50.00 gift from the architect, J.A. Ellis, paid for a Keys and Bull bell which acted as school bell, village bell calling populace to work at seven in the morning, fire alarm, and 9 p.m. curfew 1903 Jan and Feb: School closed for several weeks during severe diphtheria epidemic. Seven pupils died. 1903 Mar 25: H.J. Alexander of Vittoria appointed principal at salary of $550. H.E. Irwin, K.C., donated an organ in his honour. Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Band of Hope, who met in the school, also used the organ. 1909: Severe measles epidemic closed school for several weeks; lost time regained during Easter holidays. 1912 Jan 3: Addition opened. During the building period, classes conducted in the Town Hall, the Methodist church, and the schoolroom of the Presbyterian church. 1958: New building opened. 1995 Sept: Third school on original site opened. NOTE: no reference yet found when the name changed from King Street Public School to H.J. Alexander Public School.