One of the oldest elementary schools in Sault Ste. Marie

This week, Remember This looks back at the history of Central Public School . . . and comes up with a bit of a mystery. Can you help us solve it?

Do you know if this is the Central Public School Reunion of 1922 or 1923? If you know who is pictured here, please contact the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Archive. SSMPL Archive photo

From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library:

Central Public School is one of the oldest public schools in Sault Ste. Marie. It was originally built in 1889 on Albert Street East as an eight-room school at a cost of $11,000.

James Bassingthwaite served as the first principal for Central Public School. The original white brick school was demolished to make way for a larger school which opened in September, 1913, one that would better serve the growing population.

The new school was built at a cost of $64,000. In 1918, two additional wings were added at the rear of the school. The school continued to serve the community until it closed on June 30th, 1978 due to declining enrollment.

Following the closure, the Algoma District School Board turned it into its head office.

The accompanying image from the Sault Ste. Marie Library Archives refers to the 1922 Central School reunion, however the memorial book for the Central School reunion in 1993 states that the first reunion was held in 1923.

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Archive records do not have any names listed for these individuals and we would like your help to identify any of the people in the photo. Please email any information you might have to [email protected]

Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives provides SooToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.

Find out more of what the Public Library has to offer at www.ssmpl.ca and look for more Remember This? columns here