Here is the article from "The Coquitlam News" 7 November 1924
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL GREATEST MONUMENT
Auditorium formally opened
Boys did entire work of construction
Youth are self-governed
Packed to the doors, with all standing room occupied, the newly completed auditorium for the Boys' Industrial School was opened on Wednesday evening.
Entering―the program had well begun―the ready impression was that the pupils and their instructors were fully enjoying each other's confidence and were untiring in activity.
A magnificent building containing Class Rooms in addition to the "Assembly" So intensely interesting were the exercises from start to finish that the three hour program held to closest attention everyone in the audience.
After an opening address by Supt. D.B. Brankin, W.H. McGinnis, civil service commissioner was introduced by the speaker as Chairman. Mr. McGinnis, after formally declaring the new building opened, commented upon the marvellous changes during the past three years under the management of Supt. Brankin and his instructors, and also from the goodwill and labor of the boys themselves.
From a steep bare slope, which in winter had been a scene of mud and small torrents of water, beautifully healthful grounds had been formed he stated, on which handsome up-to-date buildings had been erected.
These included offices, classrooms, dormitories and even modern barns and poultry houses. The institution maintained that prize-winning herd of "Biscoq" purebred Jersey Cattle.
The best example of the proof that a "Boy is worth more than a dollar" is found in the result of the training at the Boys' Industrial for upright Canadian Citizens.
The program was one of the best in all probability that any one present had enjoyed. There was not a hitch. The songs, recitations, Playing acting, club exercises, flag drills all and each bore the impress of efficiency. In execution all bore evidence of careful preparation.
Just inimitable were most of the parts taken. Perhaps to the best advantage did they appear when taking the role of women or girls, then times without number, they “Brought down the house", The Skits were studied and skilful.
But Assemblage, Auditorium, Formal Opening and all were but setting...The real and underlying exhibition was concerning what the Boys are capable of doing.
These boys built the whole fabric. They did the plumbing, the cement work, the carpentry, the painting as well as the finishing work. So they have left the impression that the whole boy is going to School at Industrial. Wonderful exhibition of the things that can be accomplished by well directed activity!
It costs a few thousand dollars to train these boys for good clean industries and honest citizenship.
On the other hand it costs the Country millions to deal with its Delorme, its Loeb and its Leopold.
The accompaniment on the piano was by some of the boys themselves. As for the Band its leader, Mr. Ayling and the various members of it won the admiration of all present.
Mr. A. Rayner, on all occasions recognized as the Boys' Friend, sang in his own very captivating style, every note of several captivating songs.
Matron Mrs. Brankin, with all the assistance of the staff prepared the students and acted as coach where necessary.
Supt. Brankin gave an address in between the acts. It was interesting. The lumber used in the building was largely taken from old structures. There is a large Basement. On the ground floor is the spacious Auditorium, with stage and cinema equipment. The seating capacity is 300. Walls are well lined with prettily grained laminated material. The whole room is illuminated by lamps of various artistic design. On the floor above there are three classrooms, a teacher's room and library.
Among those present were;―
Rev. Dr. Sanford, New Westminster
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson, Maple Ridge
Dr. Carson, Marpole
Miss Hamilton, Matron, Marpole Hospital
School Trustee, Galer, Coquitlam
Mr. J.R. McKenzie, Coquitlam
Councillor Walker
Trustee W.J. Scott
Things that you could not get the children to do today.
I think that the building was torn down in the 1960's, no one seems sure of an exact date.
No comments:
Post a Comment