Westmount School in Edmonton was built on marshy land, making it challenging for students to reach. Bridges were constructed to ensure safe access for children. Learn more about the school’s construction and its fascinating stories in this article. More on edmonton1.one.
Founding of Westmount School
Westmount School was built on land that once belonged to the Norris family farm. In 1909, Edmonton’s government purchased the land from the Norris family for $3,000.
In May 1913, architect George Turner designed the school. The Edmonton School Board contracted Edinger Construction to undertake the project for $204,000. The school was designed in the Gothic style, with bricks sourced from J. Little’s brickyard in Rosedale and Bedford stone used in the construction.
The two-story building featured stone crests and intricate carvings. Most notable were plaster wolf heads that adorned the entrance. The hallways were tiled with marble, doors crafted from solid oak, and large windows framed with leaded glass. Each classroom contained rows of desks affixed to wooden floors.
On the second floor, there was an auditorium with a large stage, which was temporarily used as a gymnasium. However, sports activities in the hall were limited because the noise disturbed classrooms on both sides and directly below. In 1915, Westmount School officially opened, with Joe Scoffield serving as its first principal. The staff comprised eight members, including the principal and seven female teachers.
The Mysterious Disappearance of a Teacher and Ghost Stories at Westmount School
In 1918, Edmonton experienced a deadly outbreak of the Spanish flu, leading to the closure of public schools, including Westmount. The school was repurposed as a health centre for treating the sick.
The epidemic claimed over 500 lives in the city and gave rise to one of Westmount’s greatest mysteries.
Teacher Felicia Graham, who had been assigned to Westmount School from Toronto just before the closures, mysteriously disappeared during the epidemic. Reports indicated she had contracted the Spanish flu but recovered quickly. She was last seen at the school. Her family, worried by her sudden disappearance, offered a $500 reward for information about her whereabouts. Unfortunately, she was never found. Investigators searched the school but uncovered no evidence.
In her book Ghost Stories of Alberta, author Barbara Smith speculated about Felicia Graham’s disappearance, suggesting her ghost roamed the third-floor corridors for nearly 75 years.
In addition to Felicia’s story, there are tales of strange nighttime noises and the ghost of a student named Harold. Harold was allegedly trapped in the tower and fell to his death while trying to escape. Over the years, reports of ghostly occurrences at the school have persisted.
Development of the School
By the 1930s, Westmount School was bustling with students, with up to 50 pupils per class. To accommodate the overflow, classes were split into two shifts: one in the morning and the other in the evening. This influx continued until 1971.
In 1971, the school expanded. A new gymnasium, stage, and administrative offices were added. The old auditorium was transformed into a library. Another major renovation occurred in 2000, with the addition of a basement, a music room, and extra classrooms.
Legacy of Westmount School
Westmount School remains a vital part of Edmonton’s history. Its unique architecture, intriguing stories, and continual growth reflect its enduring importance to the community.