Elmwood School - Samara Yearbook (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

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SAMARA 3 Clmtuoob 3 octicUffe Barfe My dear Elmwoodians, Twenty- five years ago a gracious lady came to Ottawa with her husband and two young sons, and found in Rockcliffe, then an almost pastoral spot — cows grazed in Buena Vista — a rambling old homestead, part timber and part stucco, surrounded by leafy elms and grounds that trailed away into a swamp, the latter a veritable paradise for small boys and mosquitoes. Here she had a vision, a dream, or what you will. It was a lovely one, anyway, as all her dreams were. She visu- alized in that very spot a band of happy, carefree children, who would play in merry groups in those grounds; a place where they would learn about pixies and fairies, and fare forth in a world of their own making on ad- ventures like Arthur ' s knights of old, learn- ing the while of those lovely gracious qualities which little children must practise as well as grown knights who go in quest of the Holy Grail. The lady was Mrs. Philpot. The shady grounds were those which surround our school to-day. Thus Elmwood came into being. I have told you how I first saw the Rock- cliffe Preparatory School, as Elmwood was known then, in the fading light of an early evening in January, 1917. There had been a heavy fall of snow. All approaches to the house were obliterated. I could not see anything that even resembled a front door, but through the window there was a glow of firelight, which seemed symbolic. A light is a friendly thing, and I made my way towards that. Then I discovered a door, tucked as if by accident in a corner, and re- ceived a cheery greeting as I passed through. You all know why it was that we were at first known as the Rockcliffe Preparatory School. The oldest pupil then was not more than fourteen. In speaking of those days, Mrs. Philpot pays tribute to the generous interest of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Keefer. A warm sponsor, too, who must be men- tioned in connection with this period of the school ' s history, was Admiral Sir Charles Kingsmill, who was largely instrumental in interesting our present governors, and it was through him also that the now famous barn was converted and incorporated in the school buildings. Mr. Norman Guthrie and other parents were also most generous in helping to establish the school. Elsewhere in the magazine you will see pictures which will help you to recall the outward appearance of the school at that time. There is also a summary of the various changes the school has undergone. Here I want to dwell more especially upon what I believe to be the main characteristics that the school has developed during this first quarter of a century, and try to show how even in the beginning, in spite of badly constructed and ill-equipped buildings, many lovely things were planted, took root, and grew, inspired by the vital force of Mrs. Philpot ' s personality. To those days we owe our school colours and our emblem flower, the daffodil. In connection with this I should like to quote Mrs. Philpot ' s own words: The daffodil became to me a symbol in its happy way of growing in merry companies and open spaces, joyous, strong, companiable and free. Later when she presented the Philpot Token, which many of you have worn with pride, she said: I ask that the Token may emphasize for you this way of living, and that its spirit may foster an open, kind and generous influence in the school. . . . and if you will,. Let it be called the dfeffodil spirit. I offer the Token to be awarded each year to the girl who best maintains the spirit and the ideals which, as well as high standard in scholarship ' achieve- ment in games, and charm of manner, I have

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PRESENT BUILDINGS FACING BUENA VISTA ROAD

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4 SAMARA always hoped may set their mark upon the School, i.e. the spirit of SERVICE, FELLOW- SHP, FREEDOM, FAIR-PLAY. It was in this manner that we had our be- ginnings. One of my first impressions of the school was that atmosphere of joyous com- panionship, both in work and in play, and I should like to think that the spirit of friend- liness and comradeship still characterizes the school and impresses itself on all who come within its portals, for out of friendliness comes fellowship, the desire to serve, and many good things that this sadly torn world of to-day needs. Steadily the school grew. A bit was added here, and a bit was added there, to house our growing numbers — one bit a barn! Some of the old parts were very shaky. I remem- ber on one occasion when the Duchess of Devonshire (then residing at Government House) visited the school. So many people climbed the rather uncertain and creaky staircase in the old section of the house that we held our breath for fear the worst would happen and the vice-regal foot go through the stairs! However, all went well then, but later a less august foot, but equally important to its owner, that of the primary mistress, went through the boards, of her classroom floor, and Mrs. Harry Southam said, ' That decides it, or words to that effect. We must have a new building. And we did. I should like to say a word about those years from 1915 to 1925, to tell you of the generous friends and benefactors without whom the school could never have survived. First of all Mrs. Edward Fauquier and Mrs. Harry Southam. From the very beginning they had taken a keen interest in the school, and in 1919 they, with the Hon. Thomas Ahearn, purchased this property, and so secured the future of the school. Very con- siderable improvements were made, after which the whole of the property was handed over for the use of the school free of all charges, a truly magnificent gift. Early in the year 1920 Mrs. Philpot ' s health neces- sitated her taking an extended rest which unfortunately did not have the desired effect and in June she resigned. At this time the Hon. Thomas Ahearn bought and presented to the School the entire equipment, and still further financial assistance was provided by Mrs. Southam and Mrs. Fauquier. I wonder how many of you know that it was through Mr. Wilson Southam that a very rough piece of ground was transformed into our present playing-field. Later the Hon. Cairine Wil- son associated herself with the school ' s progress, and completed our present Board of Governors, and ever since Mrs. Fauquier, Mrs. Southam, and the Hon. Cairine Wilson have been unfailingly behind everything that affects the welfare of Elmwood, giving generous financial aid and familiarizing themselves with all the problems of school management, and the welfare of staff and pupils. To their public- spirited attitude to- wards education, their broad vision, and their counsel is due so very largely the suc- cess the school has achieved. Another friend who gave much time and thought to the School ' s progress in the early nineteen twenties was Mr. F. W. White, father of three Old Elmwoodians, in whom I found an ever ready counsellor and helper when harassed and perplexed by the dif- ficulties that beset the School at that time. Of Mr Harry Southam ' s generosity we have daily evidence in the many pictures and engravings which hang on our walls and contribute greatly to our enjoyment and ap- preciation of art. The School Library owes much to the interest of Sir Arthur Doughty, onetime Dominion Archivist, who made many valua- ble contributions, while the athletic side of the school has always had a staunch sup- porter in Mr. Norman Wilson, who has not only presented many trophies for competition but, by his presence at Annual Field-days, instilled into us the elements of true sports- manship. And then there is that long line of builders which includes mistresses and prefects, and all those girls who have in various ways made their contribution and brought honour to the School. I should especially like to mention here one who for many years was our much loved dramatics mistress, Mrs. Odam. With her passing in September 1927 a personality of rare charm was removed from our midst. No one who came under her influence will forget her; vivid, sparkling and dynamic (she was a militant in suffragette days!) but gentle al- ways when gentle ways were needed. A very good friend or honorary member of the staff, as he was happy to be called, was Dr. E. Frank Salmon, now of Philadelphia, U.S. A., known to you better as the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. For fifteen years through