Knock School declared Innisfil's first historical site
By Wendy Soloduik

(ABOVE) - Mayor Brian Jackson and Heritage Committee president Robert Rymell reveal the Innisfil Historical Site plaque on the front of the Knock School. Photo by Wendy Soloduik

Saturday, during a well attended plaque dedication ceremony, the Knock School was declared the first Historical Site in the Town of Innisfil.

The school house, located on the 10th Side Road at the 9th Line, was originally erected in 1902. Over the 63 years it operated as a school, hundreds of Innisfil area children got their start between its four walls, "and what a fine start it was," added historical society president Donna Wice. The building, which also served as a community centre for some time, will now host the monthly meetings of the Historical Society, proving that history truly does come full circle.

The restoration the Knock School SS #15 was an endeavor that required support from the community, especially as it concerned finances. Although the Town of Innisfil had declared the structure a heritage site nearly three years earlier, the restoration of the building did not commence until June, 2006, after funds needed (in excess of $200,000) were raised. The Innisfil Historical Society was surprised at the support it received from the community during its fundraising efforts, and even more so when it was discovered that they had exceeded the original target. The two main contributors in the Knock School restoration were The Trillium Foundation and The Innisfil Town Council, of 2005, each of whom contributed $100,000 to the project. Additionally, 76 families, individuals, and several local businesses donated unselfishly. They have been recognized for their generosity with a permanent plaque listing their names inside the Knock School.

THE BELL RINGS AT THE KNOCK SCHOOL ONCE AGAIN - Saturday, the newly restored Knock School House dedication ceremony recognized everyone who had a art in the process of naming Innisfil's first historical site. (Above) MP Peter Van Loan, Historical Society president Donna Wice, Conservative Julia Munro, Jean Warrington and Molly Malcolm. Photo by Wendy Soloduik

"Your support shows that we did the right thing, at the right time," added Wice.

Several dignitaries were in attendance for the dedication ceremony, including the Town of Innisfil mayor, Brian Jackson, MPP Joe Tascona (represented by Julia Munro), Simcoe County warden Tony Guergis and York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan. Each offered greetings to the crowd, and congratulations on the restoration of Innisfil's first historical site.

"We have started a new era of historical restoration in Innisfil," said Jackson, who is a current Historical Society member.

Jackson's greetings were followed by the ceremonial bell ringing, performed by Evelyn Pilgrim, a student of the Knock school in the 1920's, and Ruth Cowan, teacher of the last Knock School class.

Van Loan, who has retorted two historical buildings himself, was next to offer his remarks.

"September, of course, is back to school month," said Van Loan, "and here we are, back to school. I'd like to congratulate all those who helped to bring this project to its successful conclusion." Van Loan then added, "It's too bad it's so cold out today, us politicians will now have to put own hands into our own pockets," which, of course, was met with laughter from the crowd.

Guergis, who is also the mayor of Springwater Township, reminded the audience of the need to remember our past.

"We need to know where we came from, to know where we're going, especially as our area changes. We must preserve our history."

Munro, who is a school teacher herself, added "I am very please to be joining you on this special occasion."

Wice then acknowledged heritage architect, Robert Mitchell, the fundraising committee, contractor Geoff Bertram, of Les Bertram & Sons Ltd., and the Town of Innisfil, represented by Paul Wylie and Bob Browne, for their contributions to the project.

The following people were also acknowledged for their contributions: Historical Society members, including: past president Doug Warrington, president Donna Wice, vice president Margaret Baker, secretary Sheila Hall, treasurer Merv Wice, directors Arthur Jack, Andrew Cowan and Molly Malcolm. The fundraising committee: Grant Andrade, Barb Baguley, Arthur Jack, David Pratt, Doug Warrington and Donna Wice. Innisfil Heritage Committee members include: Robert Rynell, Paul Wylie, Doug Warrington, Andrew Cowan, Brian Baker and Peter Kmet.

To close the ceremony, a plaque reading 'Town of Innisfil Historical Site' was revealed by Jackson and Rymell (who by the way did an excellent job of not trampling the newly planted flower beds, despite the lack of cooperation from the wind).

The completion of Innisfil's first historical site renovation is appropriately timed with the Historical Society's 35th anniversary. Proving that what is old can be new again, and what is new quickly becomes a community's proud history.