Lakefield Herald Special Report

Historical Society tours Lakefield College School

by Anita Locke

Members and guests of the Smith-Ennismore Historical Society enjoyed a guided tour of Lakefield College School on June 25.

Participants learned about many aspects of the school, which was founded in 1879.

“The Grove – Preparatory School for Boys” as it was originally named, was established when the son of local pioneer Sam Strickland approached Sparham Sheldrake to start a school in his home.

The home consisted of a large farmhouse with several rooms, a shed, and a kitchen on 25 acres of land with room to accommodate about 15 boys.

Over the years, the school’s campus was expanded, and its student population has steadily increased over the years.

The school was renamed Lakefield College School in 1966 to better reflect its mission.

His Royal Highness Prince Andrew attended the school in 1977, starting a long lasting relationship that continues to this day.

The school went co-educational in 1989.

Construction projects have totally changed the campus landscape. A new library, music and art building, three residences, a Chapel, academic building, newly renovated theatre, and outdoor rink have been added and extensive renovations have been undertaken to all other buildings.

The Smith-Ennismore Historical Society donated a collection of books by local authors that it has published including Bridgenorth – The Centre of the Universe and Chemong Park Story (by Helen Rutherford Willcox); Kawartha Park by Path and Paddle (by Lois Huffman); Selected Poems (by William Tedford); History of the Post: Smith Township (by Robert Bowley); and Adam Scott: Master Millwright (by Robert Scott Dunford.

These books will become part of the Canadiana collection of Lakefield College School.

John Harris, President of the SEHS said, “Although we didn’t see any Royals, we all certainly felt that we had a Royal Tour at Lakefield College School.”

The Smith-Ennismore Historical Society houses its collection at its Heritage Learning Centre located at 826 Ward Street, Bridgenorth (former library site).

The center has audio visual equipment, computer facilities and a microfilm reader/printer. Archives include township histories, donated artifacts and family papers, and a video collection of past speakers and events of the Society.

Their website, located at www.sehs.on.ca also features online video streaming of some of its meetings, with more to be added in the future.

For more information, call (705) 292-9430, or drop into the Learning Centre Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Email: feedback@sehs.on.ca.

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