This is the story of Strathcona School on Fairfield Island, here in the City of Chilliwack.  It all began like this . . . .

In the midst of a farming community, a two room schoolhouse was constructed in 1909.  When it opened in September, 1909, only the west room was used, with a total of 19 students attending.  You quickly notice a few differences from present day Strathcona.  Outhouses were the order of the day and there were no lights!  Water for drinking was hauled to a granite urn.  Your drinking cup would have been among the tin cups hung in a tidy row along the wall.

One school activity was gardening.  Every student who was old enough had their own garden spot to care for, growing vegetables and entering them in the Fair, competing with other schools.

After-school activities were quite different from today.  The students did the janitorial chores!!  The good news was that they got paid for their work!  Some examples include cleaning the brushes and chalk boards for 50 cents a month, sweeping the floor for $1.50 a month and for heavier tasks, like chopping wood or lighting the fire, $2.50 a month.

In 1913 our second schoolroom was opened.  Then, in 1921, grade 8 students from Fairfield (a one room school) were transported to Strathcona by taxi.  In 1929, Grades 5 to 8 were transported from Fairfield District to Strathcona in a milk truck with wooden slats for seats.  Strathcona was closed September 1943-46, however after World War II, the school was re-opened.  In 1952 (still outdoor plumbing). the P.T.A. (Parent Teacher Association) was formally organized.  In 1954, "music" came to Strathcona.  In 1955, BATHROOMS were installed, an oil furnace replaced the potbellied stove and the oiled wood floors covered with linoleum.  In 1961, a 2 room addition was added.  As the community was growing rapidly, subsequent additions were built in 1970, 1971, 1974 and 1975!  By 1983, Strathcona had 15 rooms, 1 portable plus the library and the gym.  Picture several more portables and you've got our school today!

Our school is special!  It has seen incredible changes over the past 100 years - history in the  making!  It saw the world progress from horse drawn buggies to space shuttles blasting off into space!  It stood firm while the world fought through two wars.  It survived a flood.  It saw miles of farmland transform into subdivisions and through it all it came to life with dedicated principals and teachers and the laughter and energy of hundreds of students.  It has seen three generations of the same family grow, learn, laugh and play!

Our school has been the home to the "Strathcona Stars" for 100 years and will continue its legacy for many more years to come.