Pickering College - Voyageur Yearbook (Newmarket, Ontario Canada)

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'76 THE VOYAGEUR ...M wg Editorial Staff fLvft to riyhty-5111111111111-MR. R. E. K. RoL'111i14:. D. T. DoL'Gu'1'Y. D. OILLIZ, S. F. BIGGAR. G. E. K1-:RN011-xN. H. B. CUM111cR. R. A. CONNOR. J. G. MACDONALD, C. E. H. BAIN. MR. G. N. T. W11111R1NG'1'oN. .Sitting--V. A. O11.1.1:, R. D. C.x311-:Rox J. R. SlIIliI.DS. A. J. FAREXVELL.

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THE VOYAGEUR 25 Random Comment As a worker with boys, Mr. Taylor Statten is known from coast to coast throughout Canada and we, here at Pickering, feel ourselves most fortunate in that he has spent three or four days every week during the past year with us. NVe value his expert psychological advice, we appreciate his helpful counsel in the subject of vocational guidance, his breakfast table talks are wells of in- spiration, above all these, however, we have beenglad of the opportunity to know Taylor Statten, whom the Camp Ahmek boys affectionately call HChief, and to discuss with him those personal problems in which his life-time ol' experience with boys so eminently fits him to be a Counsellor. His official title is Hllirector of Character Education twe suppose if a name had -to be given to an unacademic post such as his that this as closely fits it as anyl, but we want him toknow that we have all been helped and inspired this year, not by an occupant of a high-sounding and somewhat unexplainable position, but by the very real and human Taylor Statten. This Magazine is more in the nature of a family journal than an official school publication. VVe may be pardoned, t.herefore, if we make particular mention of that one person to whose thoughtful care we owe so much-Miss Ancient, the Hguardian angel' of Pickering College. Cn the occasion of the visit of Sir George Foster to Newmarket to speak on the League of Nations it was our pleasure and privilege to entertain him at dinner. He spoke to the school for a short time and it was evident that the passage of years makes no difference to the youthful spirit that is the real Sir George Foster. He compared present day educational facilities with those in existence when he was a boy and challenged the youth of Canada to measure up to their opportunities. A considerable number of members of the school subsequently attended the lecture in the Town Hall and heard from Canada 's outstanding orator the story of the League and our part in it. Cur editorial remarks would be incomplete without reference to the domin- ating figure of our happy community-our Headmaster. And here at once we are faced with an almost insurmountable difficulty, for we write not only for ourselves, but also for a larger circle-thus must the torrent of our loyal pane- gyric be decently dammed. Cf the Headmaster, therefore, standing tall and majestic, albeit with a twinkling eye that ever and anon belies his stern aspect as he conducts the more formal duties of the day, let us say nothing. Cf Mr. McCulley, the host, plying a daily quota of youthful guests with coffee, soft music, and the use of a glorious range of literature, let us hold our peace. Cf Joe, the counsellor, confessor, and sage advisor of the oldest to the youngest of us all, let no word be spoken. Of the guide to the tortuous paths of History and Literature, enthusiasm in his eye and eloquence upon his lips, let no whisper be heard. Cf unfailing cheer- fulness, of ever-resurgent inspiration, of almost sleepless vigilance, let us utter no word. To the Chairman of the advisory board of f'Le Voyageurf' however, for his advice and guidance to harassed editors breasting a stormy sea, may we tender this brief word of thanks?

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THE VOYAGEUR 27 An Historical Sketch Pickering College has not had what one could call an easy founding. It has been subject to many diliieulties, but time and again it has struck back with increasing enthusiasm regardless of its losses through casualty or dissolution. Its progress 'has been due to the leader- ship and co-operation of men of tireless ability and great resources. liven flames and the Great VVar could not dampen the zeal the founders had for WEST LAKE SEMINARY the welfare of the college. Vile certain- ly owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have raised the college to the position and standard it holds to-day. The founding of VVest Lake Seminary, the predecessor of Pickering tfollege, was prompted by several existing circumstances. The Great Separation of 1827- 28 awakened The Friends to the fact that the following generation must be educated before taking over the responsibility of the great work already begun. The question of establishing a school for the study of the Scriptures was brought up by the Orthodox Friends when during the years of 1836-43 a number of denominational academies were founded. Mr. Joseph Gurney, the true founder of our school, succeeded in getting the plans under way by means of persuasive ideas and suitable scriptural quotations. This was backed up by the approval and financial help of the New York Yearly Meeting and subsequently the NVest Lake Boarding School was inaugurated in 1841. It was situated near Picton. and was quite a. success for a while, having an enrolment of sixty-three boys and forty-seven girls. However, this did not last long, as the Vilestern Friends failed in some of their responsibilities and in the financial support of the insti- tution. In 1878 the school was again opened as Pickering College, in Pickering, and for seven years was a great success, but another separation on the part of the Friends Society again closed the school. This time it was only temporary and a. few weeks later, as a result of the efforts of Mr. A. S. Rogers and Mr. J. R. Haines, the school resumed its course under the able supervision of Mr. Firth and his wife. But. the school seemed doomed to disaster. ln the winter of 1905 the entire building was gutted by fire and everyone who had seen the debts removed and success almost within its grasp had their hopes dashed to earth. But. the flame of vigor and enthusiasm could not be extinguished and the school opened its doors once more, this time at Newmarket. Once again the college began its climb for success, and once again all hopes were dashed. But the disaster that overcame the college this time overcame the whole world as well. It was the Great. VVar. Vnder the conditions, the Society of Friends. though pacifist, considered that it would be deemed a real service to offer the buildings to the Government for use during the period. So, the school and equipment was handed over as a hospital for shell-shocked soldiers, and was not returned for three years succeeding the close of the war. For the next five or six years the buildings remained idle. until the Trustees decided to re-open the school for boys only. the former co-educational idea being dropped. It was to be a school of old traditions and new ideals. It planned to turn out men with a sound general education where knowledge of work in con-