Vancouver College - Collegian Yearbook (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada)

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Spacious Shaughnessy... In 1927 McCormack Hall (left) greatly increased the facilities Lannon Hall while the Brothers ' Residence can be distinguished of Vancouver College. Boarders from as far as Calgary would in the background, now be accomodated. Standing in its magnificence (centre) is Those Were the Days Despite the increased facilities, the Brothers were still unable to meet the growing demands. Due to Mr. J.D. McCormack’s magnanimous generosity, the capacity for residential students was expanded by the addition of McCormack Hall, “the finest on the continent’’ of its type, at the time. Meanwhile, the graduation classes were proving that the education provided by the Brothers was of the finest. An average 75% of the class passing was maintained. By 1928 the registration list had grown to more than 300. However, just when the Brothers thought they could at last relax, the great Depression set in and registration plummetted. Financial crises developed one after another and, to top it off, V.C. was denied participation in public school sports leagues. Then partly owing to the publicity given to the Cadet Corps in the war years registration gathered momentum and by 1950, V.C. boasted more than 600 students. The great fire of 1946 was clearly the high point in the history of this era. The flames were first sighted coming out of a ventilator. Brother Johnson was awakened, the alarm sounded, and the senior boarders aroused. The slate-shingled roof prevented the flames from breaking into sight until going at full intensity. A stormy draft augmented the fury of the flames while firemen were hampered by the intense heat and flying shingles. The total damage was estimated at ap- proximately 50,000 dollars. Despite this fact, pupils coming for classes later that morning ap- peared surprisingly (?) jubilant. But good things seldom last and within a matter of days classes resumed. This incident rather dampened the hopes of basketball enthusiasts as plans for erec- ting a gym had to be temporarily shelved. However, by 1951, College ha d fully recovered and the Alumni Gym was proudly opened.

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From Crowded City to The enigma that is V.C. can hardly be explained through historical references alone or through im- pressionistic reminiscences. College is more than the student body often realizes; it is an institution operating on several levels at once. It is an academic community and of necessity dedicated to the preservation, trans- mission and, extension of knowledge. To the extent that it has done this, its academic reputation has always been high, but at the same time, College has acquired certain traditions which are often in conflict with its academic orientation. Its football and basketball teams have always enjoyed prominence. As far back as 1906, the Very Reverend Father Welch, then Administrator of the Cathedral, made application for the establishment of a Catholic high school for boys. This very honest appeal was made again in 1912 and repeatedly afterwards, but to no avail. Eventually, Brother Hennessey, Superior General of the Brothers, determined that he would do his very best to have the wish of His Grace the Archbishop and the desires of both priests and people of the city brought to a happy realization. Four members of the Christian Brothers of Ireland, headed by Brother Lannon, were sent; and in 1922, 91 boys registered at St. Mary’s Hall on Richards Street, the temporary quarters of the school. The warm response, becoming increasingly greater as the years rolled on, called for the necessity of a new permanent school, with ample and suitable grounds for potential development. A campaign was started in order to meet the necessary expenses and after a relatively short time in 1925, Shaughnessy Heights witnessed the erection of the new 60,000 dollar Lannon Hall. Rev. Br. M. J. Lannon 1877-1961 Founder of Vancouver College These 1927- ' 28 graduates, College ' s first Senior Matriculation class (which was Grade 12 in those days) reflected, by their outstanding achievements, the excellent education provided them. The group included one College President, one medical doctor and one registrar of a large College - as far as our limited information provides.

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College Develops Born 1899 in Victoria, Mr, Lee Wai went to China when a year old, only to return to Canada in 1923. After gaining experience at several lumber camps and re-visiting China, he came, in 1940, to work at Vancouver College. From the old kitchen of the Brothers ' residence, he fed 100 boarders and 20 Brothers. In 1957 he moved over to new kitchen in Mackin Hall and operated out of there for ten years. In 1967 he began to find cooking for the resident students too strenuous so he returned to the old kitchen in the residence to take care of the Brothers ' needs. In 1971 he went back to Hong Kong and Canton for a six month visit but he has now resumed his old routine - a good and loyal co- worker with the Brothers. Above is a typical afternoon, about 1962, when the Brothers found time to relax over a cup of tea. Lee is always there, catering to the needs of all. Until 1958, Junior Boarders were accepted down to Grade Three and were housed in the top floor of the Brothers ' resi- dence. The increasing demand for a well-rounded Christian education called for the necessary construction of Mackin Hall, completed in 1957. Classes were by this time completely filled to capacity and many prospective students had to be disappointed. Further expansion was evidently necessary but the means were sadly lacking. Then, early one morning, Mr. Henry J. Mackin walked into the office with a magnificent gift of 125,000 dollars. Almost immediately work began on the second wing. This new building was blessed by Archbishop Duke in 1957. The increased capacity was quickly filled, however, and enrollment leaped to 850 by 1959.