Looking northwest towards the Winchester Public School at the corner of Rose St and Winchester St in the Cabbagetown and St James Town neighbourhoods of Toronto.
Since 1874, a Winchester Public School has existed at this site. The current building, designed by architect Charles H Bishop, had its first story built in 1898, with the upper floors added in 1901. By the late 1950s, the building became too small to accommodate all the students, which led to the construction of the Winchester Senior Public School just north of the original building.
Over the decades, the old school building has undergone various renovations. However, in 1973, a fire severely damaged the top floor, resulting in $400,000 worth of damage. Despite this setback, the school celebrated its 100th anniversary the following year, and in 1976, the old building was added to the city’s heritage register.
Notable former students include Walter Thomas Huston, a Canadian actor, and Arthur Leonard Schawlow, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. Today, the school continues to serve the community, with students representing over 40 countries.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: Winchester Public School at 15 Prospect St
- Heritage Toronto: Winchester Public School plaques
- TDSB: Winchester Junior and Senior Public School History
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
