REUNION WEEKEND AT NORWOOD HIGH
More than 150 people gather to celebrate school that opened in 1952
Former student Renee Toms ('79-83) left, hugs former teacher Roberta Beamish next to former student Randy Hebor (('75-'79) during a reunion for Norwood District High School at the village curling club on Saturday. The school first opened its doors 66 years ago in 1952. Proceeds from the event supported the Norwood Hospice Project.
Former students and teachers from Norwood District High School had the opportunity to take a little trip down memory lane at a school reunion held Saturday.
Upwards of 150 alumni and teachers gathered together at the Norwood Curling Club for an enjoyable evening of reminiscing. Guests shared memories of good times while enjoying plenty of music and food. It is no surprise that many new memories were formed especially at the funny dressup photo booth, where a few traditionally reserved former teachers happily joined in the fun.
This is the first time a reunion has been held for past students and staff since the high school first opened on Oct. 29, 1952. Organizer and Norwood Alumni Lori McGee decided several months ago that a reunion would be a good idea, “It was just something that needed to be done,” said Lori, reasoning that the years can pass far too quickly and the opportunity to see and catch up with our former classmates and teachers does not come around too often.
Lori extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped her with ticket sales and setup including a special thank-you to Debbie Ottley and Julia Barber. Thanks also go to everyone that helped to make the evening possible including the many generous sponsors who donated door prizes and of course to everyone who came, and to those that did not unfortunately you missed a good night.
The first Norwood school was a log building constructed in 1832 on Peterborough Street.
By 1854 a large two-storey brick model and grammar school had been constructed on what is now Highway 45 just south of the present-day Presbyterian church and served the community until 1876 when the school's population outgrew the space.
This building and lot were traded for property on the corner of Alma and King Streets where a new school would be built.
The first building to grace this lot was constructed in 1885; a two-storey brick building used as a combination elementary, secondary and model school.
In 1892, realizing the need for separate accommodations for the different levels and the growing number of students, another building was constructed along the south side of the first structure.
This large red brick two-storey building cost $8,000 and served as the village high school until 1952 when the new District High School was opened on Elm Street. The present day District Public School was opened on Flora Street 10 years later in 1962.
Norwood District High School has seen its share of additions and renovations in its 66-year history, including several classrooms, the lecture theatre, gymnasium and the technology wing were all added over the last six plus decades.
In recent years there were fears that NDHS might be closed due to the decline in students.
Thankfully these fears have been alleviated and NDHS is currently in the midst of major renovations that will include some much needed updates and modernizations that should allow it to continue to provide Asphodel Norwood Township students with a first class education and hopefully guarantee its future in the village for generations to come.