HIS7120-40
Production et diffusion de la recherche historique
Presented to
Michelle Comeau
A HISTORY OF WESTMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL TRHOUGH STUDENT LIFE,
1939-1969
By
Andréa Shaulis
With the collaboration of
Laurent Sioui
UQÀM
October 28th, 2013
What was student life like at Westmount High School between 1939 and
1969? It was obviously not like today's. However how did it differ from today's? On a
very basic note, the school model used was quite different. Unlike today, it was not
the Ministry of Education that decided what and how subjects were to be taught. It
was the Protestant committee within the Council of Public Instruction that held the
guidelines for the Protestant School Boards to follow1. For instance, this school
model promoted values that were particular to the Anglo-Protestant school system.
This system mainly promoted education since superior education2 was highly valued
just as was a good physical health3. Furthermore, student associations, clubs and sport
teams were seen as an essential part of students' social development 4. Finally, British
patriotism5, British imperialism6 and military values7 were promoted as well,
especially during the Second World War. Certain events, such as the Second World
War, also produced a noticeable impact on student life. So did the creation of the
United Nations after the War, the outbreak of the Cold War and the 1960's Quiet
1
Andrée Dufour, Histoire de l'éducation au Québec, Montréal, Les Éditions du Boréal, 1997, p. 50
and 94.
2
Robert Gagnon, Histoire de la Commission des écoles catholiques de Montréal, Montréal, Les
Éditions du Boréal, 1996, p. 158.
3
Mary Anne Poutanen et Roderick MacLeod, A Meeting of People : School Boards and Protestant
Communities in Quebec, 1801-1998, Montréal, McGill-Queen's University Press, 2004, p. 291.
4
Nathan H Mair, Protestant Education in Quebec. Notes on the History of Education in the Protestant
Public Schools of Quebec, Québec, Conseil supérieur de l'éducation. Comité protestant, 1981, p. 162165.
5
Robert Cadotte et Anik Meunier, L'école d'antan 1860-1960. Découvrir et se souvenir de l'école du
Québec, Québec, Presses de l'Université du Québec, 2011, p. 107-108; Poutanen et MacLeod, Op. cit.,
p. 344.
6
Poutanen et MacLeod, Op. cit., p. 241-242.
7
Cadotte et Meunier, Op. cit., p. 117.
2
Revolution in Quebec. Thus, the impact of both these values and these events will be
reflected on student life between 1939 and 1969.
A Short Background History of Westmount High School
Public education in Montreal was mainly under the jurisdiction of two school
boards, a Catholic and a Protestant8. Some cities on the outskirts of Montreal had
their own independent school board as it was the case for the city of Westmount9. In
1925, however, many Protestant school boards in the Montreal area united under a
federation, the Montreal Protestant Central Board, in order to ensure a better sharing
of school taxes. The different school boards still maintained their own autonomy and
the ability to administer their own school. In 1951, this federation becomes the
Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal (PSBGM) and which now has more
administrative responsibilities10. As for the Protestant School Commissioners of the
City of Westmount, it began following the Montreal Protestant Central Board’s
curriculum in 1925 and during the year 1953-1954 it began transferring
responsibilities to the PSBGM. In 1971, WHS is no longer a member of the
Protestant School Commissioners of the City of Westmount11.
8
Paul-André Linteau, Histoire de Montréal depuis la Confédération, Montréal, Les Éditions du
Boréal, 2000, p. 230.
9
Poutanen et MacLeod, Op. cit., 325.
10
Ibid.
11
Westmount High School, School History, < http://westmount.koumbit.org/node/21> (22 décembre
2012).
3
Obtaining a higher education was always emphasized in the Anglo-Protestant
school system. That idea is reflected in WHS's history. The high school curriculum
was made in order to ensure students’ preparation to enter university12. As a matter of
fact, the High School General granted access to any university faculty13. Until 1951,
WHS offered grades 7 to 12, and after 1951, grades 7 to 11 14. During the 1940’s,
students at WSH could graduate in Commerce, Sciences or Liberal Arts15. During the
1950’s, they could graduate in Commerce, Sciences or Arts 16. During the 1960’s,
compulsory courses were English, French, History and Physical education. Grade 8
students also had to take Mathematics, and grade 9 students took Mathematics and
Sciences. Depending on the student’s grade, different optional courses were also
offered. Thus, students could choose between Geography, Latin, Arts, Bookkeeping,
Stenographic, Typing, Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, Literature and Home Economics
only to name a few17.
Who Where WHS's Students?
The students of WHS themselves have changed between since 1939. Today,
WHS is proud of its cultural diversity. However, this diversity, as it is understood
12
Gagnon, Op. Cit., p. 158.
Dufour, Op. cit., p. 74; Gagnon, Op. Cit., p. 159.
14
WHS Archives, WHS Historical Documents 1960’s, «Fornal Opening of Westmount High School,
St Catherine Street West, Westmount, Quebec, 19th October 1961».
15
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1945, «Graduates», p. 24 to 38.
16
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1951, «Graduates», p. 21 to 34; 1955, «Graduates», p. 10 to 26.
17
WHS Archives, WHS Historical Documents 1960’s, «Pupil Handbook», p. 10-11.
13
4
nowadays, is fairly recent in the school's history18. In order to have a better
understanding of the students who attended WHS between 1939 and 1969, we mainly
studied the graduating students through the yearbooks they created every year.
During this period,
the majority of graduating students came from the Anglo-
Protestant community. Yet, there was also an important Jewish minority amongst
these graduates. There were however very few black students. It was during the
1960's the first Asian students were students at WHS19.
Student Life at WHS
A Community of Students
Throughout the 1940's, the 1950's and the 1960's, sports were very important
at WHS as many sports were offered to students. Students could practice football,
hockey, volleyball, basketball, athletics, swimming, golf, gymnastics, cheerleading
and skating, only to name a few20. The presence of these sports at school clearly
promoted a good physical health and a community life. As for students associations
and clubs, they were numerous as well. Some were oriented towards charity and
citizenship, some organized student social life while others, such as the
18
Boys'
Westmount High School, Why Westmount High?, < http://westmount.koumbit.org/node/
16#Strength_ in_Diversity> (22 septembre 2012).
19
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1939, «Graduates», p. 22 to 45; 1942, «Graduates», p. 22 to 38; 1945,
«Graduates», p. 24 to 38; 1951, «Graduates», p. 21 to 34; 1955, «Graduates», p. 10 to 26; 1960,
«Graduates», p. 14 to 40; 1969, «Graduates», p. 22 to 50.
20
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1939, 1942, 1945, 1951, 1955, 1960, 1965.
5
Menorah Club and the Girls' Menorah Club21, did a little of both. These two clubs
were Jewish student associations dedicated to helping the needy and to promote good
relationships with non-Jewish students22. Likewise, the Junior Red Cross, the Child
Foster Club, and the United Nations Club were working as charity clubs and, or, as
citizenship clubs23. On the other hand, the Purple 'n' White Review, the Friday Nite
Club, the Current Events Club, the Hobby Show and the Dramatics Society were all
oriented towards student social life24. Sports and both forms of student associations
were ways to promote the creation of a bond between students and toward the school
itself.
Former Students' Involvement
WHS also encouraged the participation of former students to student life at
school through the Westmount High School Alumnae Association, which was for
females only, and the Westmount High Old Boys' Association. These associations
regrouped former students of WHS and their main activity was to do fund raisings in
order to give scholarships to graduating students of WHS. The Alumnae Association
organized fashions shows and cooking demonstrations in order to raise money. They
partnered up with different companies and brands in order to have the supplies they
needed and a demonstrator for the event. These companies also donated goods that
21
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1939, 1942, 1945, 1951, 1955, 1960, 1965;WHS Archives, Vox
Ducum, 1945, «The Boys' Menorah Club», p. 48.
22
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1945, «Girls Menorah Club», p. 53; WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1945,
«The Boys' Menorah Club», p. 48.
23
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1939, 1942, 1945, 1951, 1955, 1960, 1965.
24
Ibid.
6
were given as prizes to the participants of these events. For the fashion shows, the
Association partnered either with Bruck Silk Mills Ltd, Chatelaine Industries Ltd,
Henri Morgan & Co. Ltd or Holt Renfrew Co. Ltd. As for the cooking demonstration,
they partnered with Robin Hood Mills and Planters25. Aside from fund raisings, the
Olds Boys held an annual banquet where former students could meet. They also
handed out student loans to help students with school fees. Finally, they organized an
annual hockey game between the Old boys and WHS's current students26. By doing
so, the Old Boys were encouraging the creation of bonds between former students
and current ones.
Students of their Time
During the period going from 1939 to 1945, the war had a daily impact on
student life. Indeed, the war also promotes stronger patriotism and military values.
This period's yearbooks contain numerous examples of this. For example, a student
poll in 1945 reveals that 69.5% of girls and 62% of boys were in favor of compulsory
military training after the war. One of the strongest examples of the importance of
25
WHS Archives, WHS Historical Documents 1950's, Lettre de J.D. Tobin à Mr. Steeves, 31 octobre
1950; Lettre de A.N. White à Mr. Steeves, 30 octobre 1950; Lettre de Barbara Baker à M. White, 4
décembre 1950; Lettre de A.N. White à Barbara Baker, 23 novembre 1950; WHS Archives, WHS
Historical Documents 1950's, Lettre de Mrs. Frederic B. Coppin à M. Rowey, 7 janvier 1951; Lettre de
Mrs. Frederic B. Coppin à J.L. Charbonneau, 29 janvier 1952; Lettre de Westmount Alumnae
Association à Miss Murphy, 2 avril 1947; Lettre de Eve Trill à J. Charters, 12 novembre 1954; Lettre
de Mrs. Frederic B. Coppin à G. Foltz, 20 mars 1951; Lettre de Mrs. Fred Packer à M.G. Foltz, 17 juin
1949; Lettre de Mrs. Frederic B. Coppin à Henry W. Morgan, 2 avril 1952; The Wesmount High
School Almunae Association Presents Henry Morgan & Co., Limited in “Colourama”, March 31st,
1955.
26
WHS Archives, WHS Old Boys' Association, Agenda 20th Annual Reunion Banquet; WHS Old
Boys' Association, Documents and Records 1957 to 1980, WHOBA Monthly Meeting Minutes 1957,
1958, 1959.
7
patriotism is the number of former students who participated in World War Two. The
school kept track of those who went and died during the War27. The Old Boys sent
letters to soldiers in Europe and tried to keep count of former students who died28.
After the War, from 1945 to 1969, the link to the Empire fades away, but attachment
to British monarchy remains fairly strong29. During this period, the students'
Canadian nationalism grows. Finally, peace becomes an important value for students.
Students are confident that the United Nations will be able to protect it.
In short, WHS's history has been shaped by various circumstances.
Furthermore, the school then, as it still is today, was a reflection of what goes on in
society. By the end of the 1960's, one can see quite clearly that the school is starts to
resemble what it is today.
Westmount High School is interested into expanding the school’s archives.
Therefore, if any student, faculty member, former student or former faculty member
is interested into sharing pictures or documents, they may contact the school on this
matter.
27
WHS Archives, Westmount Alumni Killed in Action; Vox Ducum, 1942, «In Memoriam», p. 16;
1945, «In Memoriam».
28
Andréa Shaulis et Laurent Sioui, Entrevue avec M. Richard Lord dans le cadre du projet sur WHS
[Mp3 son], Westmount, 19 juin 2012. (1 heure, 21 min, 3 s)
29
WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1951, 1955; WHS Archives, WHS Old Boys' Association, Agenda 20th
Annual Reunion Banquet; WHS Historical Documents 1950's, The Wesmount High School Almunae
Association Presents Henry Morgan & Co., Limited in “Colourama”, March 31st, 1955.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SOURCES
WHS Archives
Vox Ducum 1939, 1942, 1945, 1951, 1955, 1960, 1969
WHS Historical Documents 1950's
WHS Historical Documents 1950's
Westmount Alumni Killed in Action
WHS Old Boys' Association
SHAULIS, Andréa et Laurent SIOUI, Entrevue avec M. Richard Lord dans le cadre
du projet sur WHS [Mp3 son], Westmount, 19 juin 2012. (1 heure, 21 min, 3
s)
STUDIES
CADOTTE, Robert et Anik MEUNIER, L'école d'antan 1860-1960. Découvrir et se
souvenir de l'école du Québec, Québec, Presses de l'Université du Québec,
2011, 198 p.
DUFOUR, Andrée, Histoire de l'éducation au Québec, Montréal, Les Éditions du
Boréal, 1997, 123 p.
GAGNON, Robert, Histoire de la Commission des écoles catholiques de Montréal,
Montréal, Les Éditions du Boréal, 1996, 400 p.
LINTEAU, Paul-André, Histoire de Montréal depuis la Confédération, Montréal, Les
Éditions du Boréal, 2000, 627 p.
2
MAIR, Nathan H., Protestant Education in Quebec. Notes on the History of
Education in the Protestant Public Schools of Quebec, Québec, Conseil
supérieur de l'éducation. Comité protestant, 1981, 369 p.
POUTANEN, Mary Anne et Roderick MACLEOD, A Meeting of People : School
Boards and Protestant Communities in Quebec, 1801-1998, Montréal,
McGill-Queen's University Press, 2004, 507 p.
WEB-SITE
WESTMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL, School History, < http://westmount.koumbit.org/
node/21> (22 septembre 2012).
WESTMOUNT HIGH SCHOL, Why Westmount High?, < http://westmount.koumbit.
org/node/16#Strength_ in_Diversity> (22 septembre 2012).
APPENDENCIES
I. Sports offered at Westmount High School by Year
Discipline \ Année
1939 1942 1945
Athletics
O
O
Badminton
O
O
O
Basketball
O
O
O
Borden ball
Cheerleading
O
Curling
Football
O
O
Golf
Gymnastics
O
Hockey
O
O
O
Field Hockey
Swimming
O
O
O
Skating
O
O
Rugby
O
Ski
O
O
O
Soccer
O
O
Tennis
O
O
O
Archery
Volleyball
O
Waterpolo
O
O
O
1951
1955
O
O
O
1960
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1939, 1942, 1945, 1951, 1955, 1960, 1969.
1969
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
2
II. Student Associations at Westmount High School by Year
Club \ Année
1939 1942 1945 1951 1955 1960 1969
Air Cadet Corps
O
O
Art Club
O
O
Board of Publication
O
Boys and Girls Athletics Clubs
O
O
O
O
O
Boys and Girls Hi-Y Clubs
O
O
O
O
Bridge Club
O
Café Vendredi
O
Camera Club
O
Chess Club
O
Choir or Signing Club
O
O
O
O
O
Cinema Committee
O
Current Events Club
O
O
O
Debating Society
O
O
O
O
O
Dramatics Society
O
O
Editorial Board
O
Foster Child Club
O
French Club
O
O
Friday Nite Club
O
O
O
O
O
Hobby Show
O
O
O
Menorah Club for Boys
O
O
Menorah Club for Girls
O
O
O
Newsletter committee
O
Pep Club
O
O
Philanthropy
O
Photography club
O
Poster Club
O
Prefects
O
Record Club
O
Red Cross
O
O
O
O
O
O
School Paper
O
O
O
Student Council
O
O
O
O
O
O
The Purple 'n' White Review
O
O
O
United Nations Club
O
Vox Ducum Staff
O
O
O
O
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1939, 1942, 1945, 1951, 1955, 1960, 1969.
3
III. Picture of current WHS building for the Opening in 1961.
Source : WHS Archives, WHS Historical Documents 1960's, «Formal Opening of Westmount High
School, St Catherine Street West, Wesmount, Quebec, 19th October 1961».
4
IV. Picture of the school’s library in 1961.
Source : Westmount Historical Association Archives.
5
V. Example of a page of Graduates in the 1951 yearbook.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1951.
6
VI. Example of a yearbook page: Clubs.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1945.
7
VII. Example of a yearbook page: Clubs.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1969.
8
VIII. Example of a yearbook page: Sport teams.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1942.
9
IX. Example of a yearbook page: Sport teams.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1955.
10
X. Example of a yearbook page
The 1969 Vox Ducum team behind bars.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1969.
.
11
XI. Example of a yearbook page.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1969.
12
XII. Example of a yearbook page.
Source : WHS Archives, Vox Ducum, 1942.
13
XIII. The 1955 Fashion Show program.
Source : WHS Archives, WHS Historical Documents 1950's, The Wesmount High School Almunae
Association Presents Henry Morgan & Co., Limited in “Colourama”, March 31st, 1955.