Classmates gather for 60-year reunion
Students from class of 1956-57 return to Old Havelock School
The idea of organizing a reunion of her schoolmates from SS6 Old Havelock School was an idea that former student Doris Dauplaise had come up with many years ago. Doris began her quest in earnest last December to reunite the students from her time at the school, the 1956-57 school years in particular; after nearly nine months of searching and organizing, the whereabouts of all but one of her original classmates was found.
On Sept. 8, more than 60 years after they had last gathered together, almost all of the remaining former students plus several guests from earlier years made the trek back to Havelock for an enjoyable afternoon of reminiscing and catching up.
The Old Havelock School House was a one room school located on Old Norwood Road just east of County Rd. 30, it housed grades one through eight and one teacher taught all grades. For many years a skilled and respected lady called Ina Garron instructed the students in their reading, writing, arithmetic, history and spelling lessons. Sadly, Ina passed away in 1996. However, her niece Mary Garron attended the reunion as a special guest.
With the coming of larger district public schools in the 1960s the Old Havelock School was permanently closed in November 1963. The building, almost unrecognizable from its former self, still stands today as a private home; reunion-goers gathered in front of their former school for a unique photo together, more than six decades after their last school picture together.
Attendees gathered at the Havelock United Church to enjoy dinner together and to continue their reminiscing. Stories abound during the afternoon of what I can only describe as a much simpler time where discipline was strict but fair, the ringing of a hand held bell by the teacher was enough to cease all conversation and signaled that lessons were about to start or continue. Recess activities consisted of games of tag, hide and seek, Red Rover, "Double Dutch" skipping, hop scotch, street hockey and softball. Apparently, there could possibly be a ball still stuck in a tree by the old school, the result of an impressive line drive during one of those ball games. Lunches were simple and nutritious and came with you from home in a bag or a lunch pail.
Heat was provided by a woodstove fueled by a supply of wood brought in from the woodpile by the senior students and all students took their turn at working the hand pump to keep fresh water in the wash basin.
From the laughter and general good feeling in the room it was plain to see that not only was that particular era a simpler time they were also good times with memories and friendships enduring the decades.
Candidates Meeting
With municipal elections coming up next month now would be a good time to learn about the candidates. A meeting with Asphodel-Norwood candidates is scheduled for Monday from 6:45 to 9:15 p.m. at the Norwood Legion, 27 King St. All residents and property owners are encouraged to come out to hear the candidates and voice their questions and concerns.