School Days Again, Wednesday, August 27, 2003

The waning days of August are unique. The sun still holds summer's heat but the breeze feels different. The evening darkness quietly begins to arrive earlier, setting stage for the crickets' full chorus. Autumn is coming.

Soon the kids will be heading back to school, so early this year. Remember how great it was when Labour Day was late? Stretching summer holidays into September was delicious. But always 'first day back' arrived, with first day nerves usually part of the tradition often alongside the new outfit (one usually too hot for the day).

In Dundas the story of formal education began in private schools, taught in the early years by schoolmasters. Fees were often paid in firewood or in food and lodging if the teacher 'boarded around'. In 1836 Robert Spence taught in a house on York Road. He changed sites several times, the last being on Park opposite Church Street. In 1846 Robert began publishing the Dundas Warder and became an auctioneer, giving up teaching. He became elected to the first Town Council and ultimately served as Canada's Postmaster General. Bessie Ridler taught from her Hatt Street home for over fifty years. Samplers stitched there by two sisters, one at age seven, hang in the Dundas Museum alongside a replica of Bessie's schoolroom.

After 1840 the number of female teachers saw a substantial increase. Given later marriages many parents realized their daughters might need to work for a considerable time. Teaching offered non-factory employment. Though principals were always male, school districts across Upper Canada were keen to hire women as teachers received less in wages. 1857 saw the first Board of School Trustees open the first municipally built school, Dundas Union School, today the front section of Central Public School. Females almost outnumbered the men on staff.

At early schools the boys had split firewood to warm the classroom; the girls kept things swept and tidied. That changed with the new public school. The 1857 Voter's List names George Giles as School Caretaker.

However, George died of scarlet fever leaving his wife, Jane, to support a daughter and two sons. Jane applied for and was awarded the position of 'school janitress'. The Dundas Public School Cash Book in 1879 records her annual salary as $200 plus the use of a house on the southwest corner of the school. The Canadian Dominion Directory of 1871 lists 'Giles, Mrs. Jane, wid. George, Albert Street'. The house still stands today.

Jane developed a maternal way with the school children. Her home became their impromptu first aid station. After 21 years advancing age made it impossible to continue working. She retired to Chicago, living with her son. But Jane's care of cuts, scrapes and broken bones had developed relationships not to be forgotten. Jane sent back to Dundas seven of her own silver teaspoons to Dr. and Mrs. Tom Bertram in celebration of their 25th Anniversary, the accompanying letter explaining the spoons were fifty years old. The spoons along with the note of congratulations are preserved in the Museum's collection.

Missing Dundas, Jane wasn't content in Chicago. The kindness of Dundas friends brought her back to reside in the House of Providence, moving to the Ellen Osler Memorial home in 1909 as one its first residents. She died in 1915 at the age of 98 years. Prominent citizens Lt.-Col. H.C. Gwyn, S.N. Moffatt, S.J. Lennard, Henry Bertram, Lt.-Col. J.J. Grafton and W.A. Davidson served as pall bearers. The newspaper reported: 'She was a woman beloved by all, and has exerted an influence for good with all she came in contact. The funeral was very well attended, many who had come under her influence in earlier years being present to pay their last tribute of respect.'

Throughout generations students, teachers, custodial and secretarial staff together have knit our school communities. September is almost here. We wish you each well as you return!

website updated June 23, 2010
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