Vermilion And The New High School

In early February 1929, Vermilion was abuzz with news that the new high school was finally finished. For years, Vermilion had been watching its school burst at the seams as an increasing number of students began to attend.

A new high school was desperately needed and in the late-1920s, construction was finally approved.

The new school cost $35,000 to build and on Feb. 4, 1929, it was officially opened. The opening was done by Chief Supervisor of High School G.F. McNally. He opened the school in front of 300 people. He said,

“Representing the minister of education and the government of Alberta, I dedicate this magnificent building to the cause of education in the town and district of Vermilion. I congratulate you people on your interest in the cause, and may this building bring forth the fruits which will make a great citizenship of the province of Alberta.”

The high school as built at the perfect time as no one knew that The Great Depression would soon be hitting the Western World. If construction was delayed by even a year, then Vermilion may have never had its new high school.

Also attending the opening was Major Fallow, Inspector H.R. Parker and Mr. Elliot from the School of Agriculture. The IODE chapter bought a brand-new set of books for the school, which Dr. W.H. Scott publicly thanked the organization for.

Music items were also donated.

The high school had all the modern bells and whistles. It was designed to provide comfort to students and help them in their learning. The entire building was constructed by Watermen-Waterbury out of Regina.

Within the school was an assembly hall that could accommodate 200 students. There were also large cloak rooms, a janitor’s room, a laboratory, teachers’ office and six large class rooms.

The school would serve the community for many years to come, helping many young people expand their minds and venture out into the world.

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