Urban history in Selkirk, MB: Daerwood School

© 2021, Christian Cassidy

In 2020, I had a chance to do a lot of historic research for the City of Selkirk for their new online museum and archive collection. This series is a brief summary of some of the interesting buildings and places that I found there.  If you want to try someplace new or an urban walk, definitely check out Selkirk! 

This research first appeared in my column in the April 17, 2018 edition of the Winnipeg Real Estate News.

 

Daerwood School
211 Main Street, Selkirk MB
Architect: Edward Prain
Officially opened: January 26, 1951

Daerwood school was built to replace the ageing South Ward School built in 1907 on this site. By the 1940s, the old building had become outdated and, like all schools in the area, very overcrowded.

The architect chosen to design the $150,000 structure was Scottish born and trained Edgar Prain from Winnipeg. 

Though he had some experience designing or expanding urban schools Prain chose to do something very different in Selkirk. Rather than the traditional brown or buff brick inlaid with decorative Tyndall stone features, he used a variety of coloured bricks in alternating patterns. The simple silhouette and curved main entrance gives Daerwood School a distinct art deco feel.

The school division turned to its pupils to pick a name for the new school. The winning essay came from 10-year-old Barry Gordon, son of mayor W. E. Gordon. For his efforts Barry received a $15 prize.

Ground was broken in April 1949 but the discovery of an underground stream beneath the site meant that the contractor, Leitch Construction of Winnipeg, had to drive 65 steel caissons before construction could continue. This caused a significant delay in construction time and inflated the price tag.

On July 15, 1950, Daerwood school’s the cornerstone was laid.

The ceremony included acting mayor Steve Oliver, Mr. C. Harper, chair of the school board, Edgar Prain and a performance by the Selkirk Male Voice Choir. The person who got to lay the cornerstone, inside of which is a metal box containing "many documents of interest" including Barry Gordon's winning essay, was provincial education minister C. Rhodes Smith.

The school officially opened to the community on Friday, January 26, 1951. Over 1,500 people showed up to get a tour of its eight classrooms and gymnasium before classes began on Monday.

Some areas of the school, like the basement home economics area and some equipment, had to be put on hold due to budget constraints. Long-time school principal Mae Gardner hosted a tea during the open house to raise money to furnish her own office and teachers’ lounge.

The school has been expanded a number of times. To the credit subsequent school division officials, they chose to hide the additions behind the original building leaving its unique, colourful façade intact.