A B7; A W1

Date of the items: 1944-2002

Physical description: 1 Metre

Title: Central School Fonds

Creator: Central School Administration

Repository: Trent Valley Archives

Reference number: TVA Fonds 121

Scope and contents: The fonds consists of scrapbooks, news clippings, collections of photographs, special events photographs, correspondence and memorabilia relating to the history of Central School in Peterborough from 1860 to the present, but mainly with documents gathered from 1960 to 2002.

Access Conditions: No Restrictions

Finding aid: See file listing below

Accruals: No further accruals are expected

Custodial history: Donated by Barbara McMahon in 2005 and 2013; xerox materials were donated by Keith Dinsdale in 2002.

Administrative History: Central School opened on January 3, 1860. Located at 90 Murray Street across from Victoria Park, it replaced Peterborough’s first school, which was in a log building that was located behind the lot designated for the new school. It also helped to alleviate the lack of educational space that was available in Peterborough at the time, as many students were going to local churches and private schools to learn. While it was an expensive building project for the city, costing $16,258, Peterborough’s common school and grammar school were finally under one roof.

Due to the growing population within the city, the school, which was only able to accommodate 400 students, quickly became overcrowded. To solve the problem, a new brick building with another four classrooms was built in 1871 to the west of the original school, which would exclusively house the grammar school after 1893. When the term “grammar” was replaced by “collegiate,” the building became known as the Peterborough Collegiate Institute.

Overcrowding continued to be an issue into the 1890s. In 1891, a wing was added to back of the Peterborough Collegiate Institute, which contained another four classrooms and a basement. A gym was also added a few years later. Once the Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School opened in 1908, all of the high school at Central School students were transferred over, and it became a public school. Although it was originally designed to be an Italianate style building, many of its original architectural features were removed or altered over the years.

The upper half of the original tower was removed, and a brick addition was added to join the two main buildings together. The school closed in the early 2000s and was turned into an apartment building within the original structure. Many students called the school home over the years, but the most historically significant was the Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. For more information see R. J. Bolton’s historical pamphlet on the history of the school published for its centenary in 1960.

Related fonds at TVA: There are several fonds at TVA with materials relating to Central School, including F91 Keith Dinsdale and F100 Peterborough Old Buildings.

Access Points: Peterborough Schools

List of Files:

F121, files 1 to 136

Volume 1, files 1-24

1. Scrapbook Record, 1948-1985
   Photocopies of newspaper articles and photographs for events and people at Central School, correspondence, speeches.
2. Sports, 1944-45
   Photocopies of newspaper articles pertaining to sports at Central School, mainly for the soccer and hockey teams. Also includes handwritten notes on referees, line-ups, team players.
3. Central School Sports Account, 1944-49, Hockey awards, 1950-52
   Sports account ledger and three Bristol board cutout hockey awards.
4. Central School Scrapbook, 1944-45
   Scrapbook of newspaper articles of the sports activities at Central School. Includes team photographs and written notes on team players, coaches, line-ups, final standings, house league players, and game schedules.
5. Central School Scrapbook, 1945-46
   Articles on athletic activities for Central School including hockey, softball, soccer, and swimming. The scrapbook includes team lists.
6. Central School Scrapbook, 1947-48
   Articles on athletic activities for Central School including hockey, softball, soccer, and swimming. The scrapbook includes team lists.
7. Central School Scrapbook, 1949
   Articles on athletic activities for Central School including hockey and softball.
8. Central School Scrapbook, 1950-52
   Articles on athletic activities for Central School including hockey and softball. The scrapbook includes team lists, scores and standings.
9. Central School Scrapbook, Soccer, 1949-53
   The soccer scrapbook includes newspaper articles, team pictures, standings, and schedules.
10. Central School Scrapbook, Hockey, 1950-53
    The hockey scrapbook includes newspaper articles, pictures, standings, and schedules.
11. Central School Scrapbook, Field Day, 1950-52, 1956
    The field day scrapbook includes the programme, ribbons, field day records, lists of participants by sport and by level, and newspaper articles.
12. Central School Scrapbook, Swimming, 1952
    The swimming scrapbook contains newspaper articles, pictures, team lists and attendance.
13. Central School Scrapbook, Softball, 1950-52
    The softball scrapbook contains newspaper articles, schedules, pictures, leading scorers, notes, scoring sheets, and batting averages.
14. Galt Public School Centennial, 1956
    Contains an envelope.
15. King Edward School, 1957
    Newspaper article on King Edward School titled, “King Edward’s 50-Year Scars”.
16. Cunningham Trophy, 1959
    Framed type-written article describing the trophy’s purpose and how it should be awarded.
17. In Our Public Schools, 1959-60
    Type-written article describing changes, improvements, hundredth anniversary plans, parent questions, parking problems, hockey, and home economics at Central School.
18. Pearson, Lester B., 1960
    Two letters to Lester B. Pearson from the principal, D.T. Crawford regarding Pearson’s attendance at the centennial celebrations at Central School.
19. Pearson, Lester B., 1960
    A letter from Pearson’s press secretary, L.F. Jones requesting information regarding Central School for Pearson’s address at the centennial celebrations. Includes the envelope.
20. Centennial, 1960
    Centennial pageant programme, speeches, staff lists, correspondence, newspaper articles, publicity, and notes pertaining to the Central School centennial celebrations.
21. Davisville School, 1960
    A letter to Mr. & Mrs. Sutton requesting they answer questions to help gather the history of the Davisville School for the upcoming centennial.
22. Central School’s Former Pupils, 1960
    A school exercise book listing the names, address, year of attendance of former pupils. Also contains correspondence from the principal, former student lists, and anniversary celebration information.
23. End of School Year, c1960s
    Newspaper article on the end of school for the summer.
24. Safety Patrol, 1967
    A framed award of merit for Central School Safety Patrol.
25. St. Joseph’s Hospital History, n.d., c1970s
    Newspaper article titled, “First patient stayed 159 days” under the heading “Hospital History”.
26. 1970
    Newspaper articles titled:
    Pupils Learn about Japan
    It’s Difficult to determine if Dawson City Is Just a Little Miffed at Robert W. Service
    Trent University’s After Four Program
27. 1970
    Newspaper article titled:
    Brotherhood The Year Round At Central School
28. Current Events News Clippings, 1970
    Newspaper articles regarding Central School.
29. Paintings and disturbed minds, 1970
    Newspaper article titled, “Paintings unlock the secrets of disturbed minds” from the Toronto Daily Star.
30. Rising Cost of Education, 1970
    Newspaper article titled, “Opposition mounts to soaring cost of education” from the Toronto Daily Star.
31. Education, 1970
    Comments in Toronto Star, 28 Nov, 1970
    A page of education-related articles.
32. IODE Essay, c1970s
    Newspaper picture of essay winners.
33. Peterborough Official Plan, 1976
    Newspaper printing of the Peterborough Official Plan for 1976.
34. Newspaper, 1978
    Newspaper articles on Silverwood and milk sales.
35. Sportsmanship Awards, 1979
    Two sportsmanship awards awarded to Central Public School
36. PCVS Pep Rally, 1979
    Newspaper photo and brief write-up on the pep rally for the first football home game of the year.
37. Safety Patrol, Safety, 1980-81
    Two safety patrol award of merit certificates for Central School safety patrol
38. Newsclippings 1981-82
    Various newspaper articles and photos pertaining to Central School
39. Peterborough’s Kiwanis Music Festival
    Contains several award certificates and one adjudicator’s report for Central School
40. Diocese of Peterborough, 1982
    Special Peterborough Examiner newspaper insert highlighting the one hundredth anniversary of the Diocese of Peterborough.
41. MusicChord, 1984
    Central intermediate choir certificate of appreciation for Musichord.
42. Peterborough, 1984
    Toronto Star, 26, August 1984
43. History of Central School, 1960
    Contains a booklet outlining the history of Central School and letter to CKPT Radio regarding the centennial celebrations for the school.
44. Certificates, 1984
    Two Peterborough County Board of Education certificates of recognition for Central School.
45. Education Week Guest Book, 1984
46. George Elliott Sketch of Central School, 1985
47. Newspaper page,1985
    Peterborough Examiner, Saturday, October 5, 1985
48. Central School–125th Birthday, 1985
    Letters, planning committee notes, presenter lists, staff lists, ticket sales booklet, publicity all pertaining to the planning of the Central School anniversary.
49. Central School 125 Planning Book 1985
    Sales booklets, invoices, notes, letters pertaining to the planning of the Central school anniversary.
50. Kiwana’s Music Festival
    Two adjudicator’s reports for Central Public School. One letter regarding the guest book for the 125th anniversary celebration.
51. Central School Centennial file, 1960-1987
    Various letters and information pertaining to the centennial and 125th celebrations.
52. Heritage Peterborough Walking Tour, 1986
    Includes one walking tour pamphlet.
53. Newspaper, 1986
    Peterborough Examiner, Friday, January 10, 1986
54. History Scrapbook, 1985-87
    Various articles on Central School history and 125th celebrations.
55. Central School, 1985
    Letters, agenda, notes, copies of pictures, and staff lists pertaining to the 125th celebrations.
56. Miscellaneous items pertaining to the 125th anniversary of Central School.
57. History Scrapbook–photos, 1985-87
    Several pages of photos.
58. Icy School Yard, Jan. 1988
    Newspaper photo of Central School’s icy yard by Pat Marchen.
59. St. Mary’s Convent, 1934, 1989
    Peterborough Examiner article, Tuesday, July 4, 1989, two copies.
60. 1993
    Newspaper letter regarding uses for Central School.
61. Graduation 1995
    Central School graduation programme for 1995.
62. Milestones, 1995
    Newspaper articles, November 19, 1995 and Milestones page August 22, 1995.
63. Central School, 1996
    Newspaper articles on the closing of Central School.
64. Vibrations, 1996
    One copy of the magazine, “Vibrations”, volume 2, issue 1, June/July 1996.
65. High School Entrance Exam, 1890
    One copy of the High School Entrance, December Examinations, 1890, Education Department, Ontario.
66. Teachers, 1962-75
    A list of teachers and the dates they were at the school.
67. Education History
    Photocopies of three newspaper articles on the history of Central School, St. Mary’s, and Confederation School.
68. History of Kindergarten, 1890-91
    A report describing the beginnings of kindergarten at Central School.
69. Flavelle, Dorothea
    An article titled “Personal Reminiscences of Teachers in the Town of Peterborough” by Dorothea Flavelle.
70. Peterborough’s First Teacher
    Elwood Jones
    Newspaper article about Peterborough’s first teacher, Rev. Henry Scadding .by Elwood Jones.
71. Our Christmas Picture Book
    A scrapbook of pictures depicting a Christmas supper.
72. Science Notebook, Eileen Armstrong, Mr McKee’s class
    A notebook on natural science from Mr. McKee’s class..
73. Exercise Book
    A primary exercise book belonging to “Joanne” with practise printing in it.
74. Scrapbooks
    Two scrapbooks with paper art inside.
75. Central School Class, c. 1895
    Original photograph of Central School’s 1895 class.
76. Photos
    Class and team photos for Central School.
77. Winter Pageant
    Programme and photos for a winter pageant.
78. Photos
    Two large photos, one of two ladies and one of three boys.
79. Peterborough Photo
    Photo of a building in Peterborough about mid 1950s,
80. Hockey
    Photo of a boys hockey team.
81. Soccer Team, 1936
    Photo of the 1936 Central Public School soccer team.
82. Caption Only, 1950s
    Caption from a picture with the names of the people in the picture.
83. Group Photo, c.1960s
    Staff Christmas phot.
84. Class Photos, 1960?
    Several class photos and lists of names.
85. Whitwell, Mr., 1964?
    A photograph of Mr. Whitwell.
86. Centennial Class, 1967
    Centennial class photo.
87. Christmas, c. 1970s
    Four photos from Christmas party.
88. Class Pictures, 1972-3
    Several class pictures.
89. Class Pictures, 1973-74
    Various class pictures.
90. Class Pictures, 1974-75
    Various class pictures.
91. Class Pictures, 1975-76
    Various class pictures.
92. Class Pictures, 1976-77
    Various class pictures.
93. Class Pictures, 1977-78
    Various class pictures.
94. Class Pictures, 1978-79
    Various class pictures.
95. Class Picture, 1978-79
    Black & white photo of graduating class.
96. Class pictures, 1979-80
    Various class pictures with some student identified.
97. c. 1980, n.d.
    Unidentified class picture.
98. Class Pictures, 1980-81
    Various class pictures.
99. Class Pictures, 1981-82
    Various class pictures.
100. Class Pictures, 1982-83
     Various class, staff, and team pictures.
101. Album Pages, 1983
     Pictures from Play Day, 1983.
102. Class Pictures, 1983-84
     Various class pictures.
103. Class Pictures, 1984-85
     Various class pictures.
104. Album, c.1985
     Pictures of various school events.
105. Photo Album, c.1985
     Pictures of various school events.
106. Class Pictures, 1985-86
     Various class pictures.
107. Class Pictures, King Edward, 1986-87
     Various class pictures from King Edward Public School.
108. Class Pictures, 1987-88
     Two class pictures from King Edward Public School.
109. Class Pictures, 1988-89
     Various class pictures.
110. Group Photos, c.1980s
     Two group photos.
111. Class Pictures, c. 1990
     A few class pictures.
112. Class Pictures, 1991-92
     Various class pictures.
113. Graduates, 1991-92
     1991-92 Graduating Class photo.
114. Photo, 1990s
     Possible graduating class photo.
115. Graduates, 1992-93
     Photo of graduating class.
116. Central School, 1993
     Several newspaper articles pertaining to closing Central School. Two pages regarding Lester B. Pearson.
117. Class Pictures, 1993-94
     Various class pictures.
118. Class Pictures, n.d.
     One unidentified class picture.
119. “Denne Cup”, c.1994
     Newspaper articles titled, “Central’s cadets were winners”. Recalls the 1924 win.
120. 1960s?
     School photo.
121. LaMoire, Donna
     Sports photo identifying Donna LaMoire.
122. Graduates?
     Photo that might be a graduating class.
123. Staff Photo?
124. Class Photo
     Unidentified class photo.
125. Barb McMahon & Central School, Historical Documents, c.1995
     Three pictures.
126. Buildings Photos Xeroxed
     Several photocopied pictures of Central School.
127. Sports, 1940s
     Photocopies of various sports stories, statistics, and team lists
128. Sports
     Photocopies of team pictures, articles, and team lists.
129. Sports, 1940s
     Photocopies of team pictures, articles, and team lists.
130. Sports, 1940s
     Photocopies of team pictures, articles, and team lists.
131. Sports, 1940s
     Photocopies of various sports stories, statistics, and team lists.
132. Sports, 1950s
     Photocopies of various sports stories, statistics, and team lists.
133. Sports, 1950s
     Photocopies of various sports stories, photos, statistics, and team lists.
134. Sports Photos, 1950s
     Photocopies of various sports photos.
135. Central School History
     Photocopied articles and photos pertaining to Central School history.
136. Central School Photos, 1960s
     Photocopies of various school photos with pages containing names.