Selwyn House School - Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

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SUMMER SHOTS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK l955 QLJ ,Jiii '., V :'f 'l:VY1 ' ' --f - 1Q,,T fig , , 4 'nil' .J J- ,Hrvlh -I JL, J why ...dl

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18 SELWYN HOUSE SCHOOL MAGAZINE THE SCHOOL EXTENSION The 590,000.00 extension to the facilities of Selwyn House was informally inaugurated on Wednesday, February 15th., 1956 at a reception for all friends of the school who had contributed so generously of time, talent, money and enthusiasm to this maior proiect. One and all were amazed - not only by the beauty of the new hall and the skill with which so many new facilities had been added to the existing building, but also that so much had been added for the financial outlay made. Included in the over-all plan, in addition to the dining hall auditorium, are a manual-training room, large extra class-room, extension to senior locker-room, new kitchen and pantry lwith full modern equipmentb, superintendent's flat and extended storage space, new school oflice, common-room for the lady teachers, as well as new furnaces, water and electrical intakes, fire escapes, etc. Under the vigorous leadership of Mr. Gordon MacDougall, chairman of the Board of Governors, preliminary plans were drawn up in the spring of 1955. The Board of Governors constituted itself a Campaign committee and Mr. J. Bartlett Morgan was appointed chairman. Under his dynamic direction over 570,000.00 has been raised up to March, 1956, and steady efforts are being made to bridge the gap still remaining. The highest tribute should be paid Mr. Morgan, Mr. MacDougall and the other Governors for their tremendous work in this campaign and the genuine thanks of the school are due to all friends of Selwyn House who have responded so loyally and so generously to the appeal for support. The school has been extremely fortunate in securing the expert services of Mr. Francis Nobbs as architect. Mr. Nobbs, as an Old Boy himself and parent of a present student, has given to this assignment a measure of time, personal interest and enthusiasm far beyond what contractual obligations demand, and his ingenuity in striving to meet the wishes of the Staff in internal alterations merits the highest praise, whilst the new Hall, piece de resistance, is a work of art upon which he has spared no pains. A very genuine word of thanks is due the downstairs staff, who both worked and lived in a confusion, constriction and turmoil of noise, dust and workmen that would have driven lesser mortals crazy.

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20 SELWYN HOUSE SCHOOL MAGAZINE The Library During the year 1955 to 1956 the activities of the library were coloured by the construction work, and finally the removal of the books from their old home upstairs to the spacious quarters in the new wing below. The extra shelving was very much needed. As early as the month of May it became necessary to pack books in cartons in the library to make room for new acquisitions, so limited was the space. Before school closed in June, 1955, Peter Nobbs and Donald Doyle interested us with models of U.S. battleships and cruisers. Peter's U.S.S. Missouri was very fine with flags flying, and his cruiser Los Angeles was good. Donald Doyle's U.S.S. Sullivan, a destroyer and Patrol Torpedo boat 212, were much appreciated, but his nuclear submarine 'Nautilus' was specially exciting, being a model of the latest achievement in nautical science. An announcement was made that a prize would be awarded, with points, for the best essay on the travels experienced during the summer holidays. lt was suggested that illustrations would add to the interest of the essays. This idea emanated from Kerry Martin. During May some interesting loans were made to the library. John Sanford lent an unusual medal. It was issued to commemorate the coronation of Edward VIII, which had been arranged to take place on May 12, 1937. The abdication of Edward VIII was accepted on December 11, 1936, so the medals were withdrawn. Bill Hambly allowed us to exhibit a map of Labrador showing the location of ore deposits. This interested us specially in connection with the geological specimens. Michael Stanger gave an historical map of Eastern Canada to the library. lt showed the Great Lakes with the historic sites marked. This gift was greatly appreciated. Geoffrey Fisher surprised us with the loan of an Indian headdress, which had belonged to Chief Poking-Fire. This was so attractive it had to be exhibited entirely out of reach. Geoffrey also interested us with a painting, by himself, of a Japanese lady. Stephen Paquet added to Sanford's medal a 'thaler' which commemorated the coronation of William I, of Prussia, who became emperor after the German armies conquered France in 1871. He was crowned Emperor at Versailles, January 18, 1871. Just before school closed in June, we were interested in stamps which were shown by Peter Vodstrcil. They came from Switzerland, and were of the last century. He had interesting stamps too from Somaliland. Peter Martin also exhibited stamps, specially interesting were those from Cyprus, but he had, too, others from India and the Gold Coast. Francisco Cardona exhibited the head of a faun which he had modelled in clay. lt was very well done. The Librarian was most pleased when it was presented to her at the end of the term. When school opened in the Fall, there was great interest in the adventures of those who had been fortunate enough to spend their holidays in Europe.