HomeMy WebLinkAbout754"Article copied from the Pickering News, Wednesday, June 18, 1964, page 3.
Atha Public School Celebrates 100th Anniversary.
Last Saturday, the community of Atha marked the 100th anniversary of the local public
school by holding a special celebration to mark the occasion. Shown here in front of the
school, decked out in top hat and his special centennial celebration board is
Cliff Dunkeld. Photo by Jim Thomas
Dr. M. B. Dymond, Minister of Health was the guest speaker at the centennial
celebrations of Atha public school on Saturday last. Dr. Dymond also officially
opened the ceremonies..
In attendance were Reeve of Pickering Township, Clifford W. Laycox and Deputy-reeve,
Mrs. Jean McPhenson who both spoke to the gathering.
During the afternoon those attending enjoyed a sports program and then a supper
provided by the School Section.
In the evening there was a variety program and oh Sunday a special church service was
held to commemorate the occasion.
The present school was constructed in 1864. The site was purchased for the sum of $10.
The building was opened in January 1865 and has served the Section continuously to this
day. The first teacher a Mr. T. C Smith held the position for seven years.
The oldest living pupil is Mrs. Jacob Smith, now a resident of Altona. Four generations
still live in the community who are past or present pupils.
They are: Mrs. Thomas Dukeld, her son Murray Dunkeld and her grandson,
Donald Dunkeld and a great grandson, Douglas Dunkeld.
Many former pupils and teachers were on hand for the occasion,
which marked a real milestone for the little red schoolhouse, of which there are few left,
especially in the township of Pickering."