WOODSTOCK, P.E.I. - Built in 1916, the former one room schoolhouse near the O’Leary roundabout on Route 2 was falling into disrepair when the West Prince Arts Council (WPAC) acquired it earlier this year, but they knew the building had bones and something special.
The non-profit group set to work painting the peeled shingles red, cleaning and repairing, planted a gift shop, and now plan to turn the venue into a cultural centre, set up an office for the Arts Council, hold events, including teach classes and have demonstrations.
“We had a lot of people walk through the doors over the summer and tell us that they went to school here, and they were happy to see it being repaired. The school used to be yellow, but we painted it red because it’s been red for a while now,” said Marlene Bolger, treasurer for WPAC.
She continued, “I believe the school closed in the mid-70’s, and then it became a gift shop owned by the Windmill Craft Co-op until 2016. Then we acquired it and have been doing major fundraising because it needs a new roof, foundation, heat pumps, so we can use it year-round.”
On Sunday, WPAC celebrated their 40th anniversary and the official opening of the 102-year-old schoolhouse as it begins a new chapter.
“We plan to run classes here over the fall and winter months, including demonstrations,” said Bolger. “We’re really impressed that the original tin ceiling is still intact, and you don’t see that in buildings anymore.” WPAC plans to preserve the bones of the schoolhouse.
“The blackboards are still in there, the old stove, and we decided to keep the shingles instead of putting siding on to maintain the integrity of the school. I went to a one room school similar to this, so it brings back those memories,” she reflected.
During the celebration, the annual John Hunter Duvar award was presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the arts in West Prince. The recipient for this year is Glennis Bowser.
Yearly grants are given to individuals and groups to support new ventures that include musical events, book publication, photography courses, artist course materials, to name but a few.
Bolger noted, “The building of Westile High School with the inclusion of the 400 plus seat theatre was the motivation that lead to the creation of the West Prince Arts Council.”
