An historic building in Fort Frances soon will enter a new era of existence, and it seems a fitting time to examine its history.
The building known as old Fort Frances High School, located on the 200 block of First Street East, actually was built in a series of additions around the original structure, which opened in February, 1923.
The John East Company was contracted to do the work for $62,700, and this section now makes up the centre block of the former school.
In 1925, there were 126 students and six teachers at the high school. It then was decided the structure would have to be expanded, and in 1928, wings on the east and west ends of the centre block were opened.
The school now had 14 classrooms and an auditorium, as well as two teachers’ rooms, the principal’s office, and a board room.
These are the sections now earmarked for demolition and likely will be turned into an open courtyard.
A fire in 1950 destroyed most of the east wing, including the auditorium. The wing was rebuilt and opened in 1952.
New wings were quickly added in succession, with a new west wing in 1957, a technical shop wing in 1961, and a vocational wing in 1963.
The final additions were made in 1973 with construction of a band room and a new library.
The class of ‘99 was the last to graduate from the old high school.
Editor’s note: The above information is courtesy of the Fort Frances Museum.
Fort Frances Times
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