Pickering College - Voyageur Yearbook (Newmarket, Ontario Canada)

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dedication EW HAVE KNOWN Pickering so long or served her so faithfully as Ella Rogers Firth. For over half at century, Mrs. Firth maintained a lively interest in every phase of the school 's work and activities. Her death on the fifth of December, 1949, deprived us of a staunch friend. Ella Rogers was born on her father's farm situated on Yonge Street. near Newmarket, directly opposite the Mulock estate. After receiving her early education in the local schools, Ella Rogers went to the I'nive1-sity of Toronto, where she became one of the first women graduates. She was engaged as liady Principal of Pickering College in 1892, and in 1894 married the Principal, Dr. NVilliam P. Firth. The years of devoted service that followed laid firm foundations for a fine school. llr. llorland has written of llr. and Mrs. Firth that Honly a Recording Angel could tell the tale of their unnumhered acts of kindness and generosity to the students ot' the school . After the fire at Pickering in December 1905, four years were required to raise funds for the new buildings at Newmarket. The school re-opened in the fall of 1909 with Dr. and Mrs. Firth again in charge. Their period ot' active service ended in 1917 when the school buildings were turned over to the Hov- ernment for use as a military hospital. Ella Rogers Firth was full of good works and kindness. ller enthusiasm for Pickering College and all that it represents has been a source of encourage- ment and strength to those who have lahoured there: her generous material support has enabled them to serve more effectively many hundreds of students. Mrs. Firth was never -one to seek recognition for her many benefactions. Her life exemplified in a beautiful way the principles of Christian living. In memory of one whose name is forever part of l'ickering, this volume of the Voyageur is most respectfully dedicated. Fire

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the headlnasterfs' message AST VOYAGEURS TELL THE STORY of Pickering in an interesting and vivid ' way. Through their pages march a fine array of athletes, students, members of clubs and committees, and good companions. Some have won scholar- ships, some have won the Garratt Cane, some have won a high place for their contributions to the community of Pickering. All are a part of the ever- growing family that lived on our hill-top and then departed, leaving some- thing behind and taking something away. This year another group has shared the ideals and sacred things of the city . Like their predecessors, they have tried hard to transmit the city, bigger, better, and more beautiful, than it was transmitted to them . Their record has been good. NVe continue to move closer to the realization of the beloved com- munity. I can think of many things that make the year memorable- The further development of our new corridor system, the increased pride in our buildings and equipment, the excellent student committees, the lively clubs, Charley 's Aunt, Gondoliers, hard-fought games, the dedication of Memorial Field, and the countless kind and thoughtful acts that lightened many days are happy mem- ories for a Headmaster to cherish. Of course, there have been disappointments. But the pluses have always obliterated the ininusesg the ,joys have always out- numbered the sorrows. To those who n-ow leave us to tackle the problems of the next level. I must say a few words. In the first place, we wish you well. You are our represen- tatives, the ambassadors who will prove beyond all talking the worthiness of our ways and the sincerity of our code. In the second place, we have faith in you. It has been said that if you don 't stand for something, you'll fall for anything . I believe that our graduates share at least two things: an attitude of sympathetic tolerance to all races and creeds, and a readiness to accept a full share of social responsibility. May the lessons learned in the corridors and on the playing fields supplement those of the classroom in helping you find fulfil- ment. Yes, it has been a good year. Robert E. K. Hourlfc' Seven