For Tiiu Noukas, the motivation involved in telling the story of each and every one of Prince George's schools - both past and present - is a mix of nostalgia and solemn duty.
Noukas, a member of the Prince George Retired Teachers' Association, has presided over a 10-year effort to document the complete history of Prince George schools. The effort involved a total of 33 researchers, who collectively documented the histories of 130 elementary schools and eight secondary schools. This included both current schools and schools that have closed over the past hundred years. The history, collected in the book, Historical Memories: People, Places, Programs & Services, has been published in four volumes. The most recent volume was completed this month.
Noukas, who co-edited the most recent volume with former teacher Kris Nellis, said that many teachers who contributed to the project had taught at schools that have since closed.
"You know, you're retired and so you have a little bit of nostalgia going back to your teaching days, especially if the school closed down," Noukas said. "You want to keep the memories alive."
The book was a product of a committee set up by retired teachers in 1995 aimed at preserving memories and memorabilia of closing schools. Noukas said that research for the book began in 2005 but that it was 2007 "when we really got down to it."
The four volumes provide extensive details of teachers, administrators and students of these schools, as well as anecdotes that speak to everyday life of the time.
Although many of the memories were benign, some of the stories were more macabre.
Noukas recalled in her research finding the story of a teacher from Ferndale elementary, which has since closed, who was murdered near the school's housing for teachers in 1946. The tragic murder-suicide was documented by the Prince George Citizen, and a jury trial was later held despite the fact that main suspect committed suicide shortly after the incident took place.
Other stories, such as those of Wright Creek elementary, a school for only two years in the mid-1960s, depict everyday mischief that would likely make the agenda of Parent Advisory Council meetings today.
One former student of Wright Creek recalled students of the school gathering for a "rock fight" which ended in two injuries.
"Just then, Bruce Gendron, my Grade 6 uncle, let fly with a fair-sized stone... Oops! I got stitches. Bruce got the strap. Rock throwing was forbidden. Bruce and I remain 'buds,'" read an entry from Anthony Gendron, the former student.
"We've done a lot of research about schools and schooling in this area. Scandals and delights and all kinds of things," Noukas said.
The newest volume also includes an illuminating section about the Nusdeh Yoh elementary school, located at the former Carney Hill elementary. The school became the first Aboriginal Choice school in the province in 2010, welcoming children from several different First Nations. The school teaches the provincial curriculum, and also welcome non-First Nations children, but focuses on validating and recognizing the cultures, histories and languages of First Nations' people.
Although the book has been completed, Noukas expects that the Prince George Retired Teachers' Association will remain busy. Many of the records related to past schools still need to be digitized, and the group will continue to set up displays at local heritage events.
Individuals wishing to obtain a copy of Historical Memories: People, Places, Programs & Services can e-mail [email protected].
