One room schools are a thing of the past but they are still remembered by the many students and teachers who are a part of their history.
After 1964, when all other schools were closed, the elementary students of Guelph Township were bused to Marden, the last township school, which closed in 2001.
As part of the Guelph-Eramosa Township celebrations of Canada’s 150th anniversary, there was a school and community reunion of the Guelph Township schools S.S.#1, 2, 3, 4, 4 1/2, 5, 6 and Marden School on May 27 at the Guelph Curling Club.
The reunion brought together past students from as far as England, British Columbia, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Wasaga Beach, Florida and Texas. Past teachers were also present including Elizabeth Ecclestone, Jean (Laidlaw) Fletcher, Dorothy (Hodgson) Trimble, Chalmers Wilton, Janis (Fletcher) McDonald, and Georgina Cowbrough.
Memories and memorabilia were shared throughout the luncheon and social. Special pictures and books came from the personal collections of Marion (Angst) Campbell, Ron Hattie and others.
“I graduated from Grade 6 at SS #4 1/2,” said committe member Sue (Shifflett) Baldauf. “By that time, there were only six rather than eight grades at that one-room school.
“With 27 other students, I felt going to school was just another part of my happy childhood. Our wonderful teacher, Miss Dorothy Hodgson made school a welcoming place where we all flourished in a healthy environment of learning and well being.
“Characters were built with strong family and community values as older students (often siblings) helped younger students, blackboards were wiped, a schoolyard full of leaves was raked, and community events like the evening Christmas concert were planned and enjoyed.
“Walking two miles to and from school was all part of the experience.”
The largest family group in attendance was the Walker family who has renovated and enjoyed the old S.S.#5 as their home for many years. Special guests included Fred Pierce, a long time employee of Guelph Township and Dave McCrae and John Teeter who were councillors.
Plans are in the works to continue this reunion gathering in two years time.
