Central School replaced the "Yarmouth Seminary" (above top) which had been dedicated on October 12th, 1864 on the area known as "Education Hill". The picture (above) is the three-story brick edifice constructed in the year 1936 in front of the site of the Seminary. The cornerstone (below) was laid by the Hon. Angus L. Macdonald, who was premier of Nova Scotia at that time. Along with him was the Mayor of Yarmouth, His Worship J. M. Walker and the Chairman of the School Board, Mr.S.W. Williamson M.D. The school was opened the day following its dedication. Its cost back then was about $20 000, which was paid by the residents of the town of Yarmouth.
|
|
Central School was constructed in two phases. Before the main construction began, the basement had to be excavated. This was done with a team of oxen and a plow led by Captain Simms. Click here for a Quicktime movie of the excavation. The building is a steel frame construction with a brick exterior finish.
The school was originally heated by coal, and was the first school in Yarmouth to have electric lights and tiled floors along with movable desks. (The original tile is still on the floors, and in good condition.) The basement had no classrooms and was divided into two sections, one for the boys and the other for the girls. This was used for recess, games, sports, etc. For women back in the days of long dresses and feathered hats, female teachers could not be married and teach school. Slacks of course were not part of the dress code.
Central School has many memories in her hallways. The Canadian Red Cross used the basement during the War years for blood donor clinics. After the Yarmouth Academy fire in 1949, Central School was host for its classes. The School Library is named for our first Principal, John J. Oliver, who had a 35 year tenure.
The second phase (below, left), connected to the east side of the building over the site of the Seminary, is a one-story addition which was constructed in 1970. It contains classrooms and administrative offices. The addition has also hosted the Yarmouth Teachers Professional Centre for a number of years (below, right).
|
|
An Early French Immersion program was begun at Central School in September
1988. Its continuance goes through Yarmouth Junior High, where our English
stream students also go. The original group of Immersion students is part
of the graduating class of 2001 at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High
School. These two schools are Central's neighbours across the street. (below
left: YJH ; right: YCMHS)
 |
|
A sign bearing the Central's name was erected in 1999 as part of the School Advisory Council's School Improvement Plan for that year. It was funded by the Home and School.
Central School has had seven principals since the year it opened:
John James Oliver: 1937-1972
Vernon Moses: 1972-1979
Victor Landry: 1979-1985
Lawrence Banks: 1985-1995
David Sollows: 1995-2002
David MacDougall: 2002-2003
Janece McNutt: 2003-present
The
Central School neighbourhood:
In the 1870s an unknown photographer took pictures from the cupola of the
Seminary, from which a panorama was made. In the fall of 2004, this same view
was re-photographed by Grade 4 French Immersion teacher Jim Rideout from the top
of Central School. These two
panoramas are presented here, lined up for comparison. (Opens in new window
to maximize viewing space.)