Minerva's Diary - A History of Jarvis Collegiate Institute

Consequently, neither the delight With the overdue, ü'0-storey,
spacious square box, nor the reaction to the women secured in
the basennent's north classroom were ever recorded. But Dr.
Wtckson gave an indication of his fears when he published a new
dictum:
There must be no communication between the
pupils Of the two departments of the school. *7
The building- itself served as a deterrent to debauchery.
Only teachers were permitted to pass through the basement's
double doors which separated the Male and Female Departments.
Even the outdoor play areas were divided by a high, board
face. Despite such precautions, the deprived demons and
damsels found a way: at an opening in the fence separating the
two yards was the common water pump. It had two handles
which operated simultaneously. When a boy pumped one
handle, water rose in the single shaft and then gushed forth from
two spouts, one on each side of the fence. Here, amid slurps and
splashes, lad and lassie shared notes and whispers.
It is not known how many girls attended that first year, but
the Board's financial gains were minimal. For purposes of the
provincial grant, two girls counted as one boy — a fact which
pleased neither trustees nor women!
Parents wasted little time before complaining about the
new superintendent. In February, 1872, Thomas McKay
confronted trustees and censured Mrs. Howe for her "methods
of punishing children". Other letters revealed a lack of discipline
among the staff as well as students. *8 A week later Dr. Wickson
suspended three boys and fired a teacher. Three other boys
withdrew.
At the next Board meeting the trustees tried to help the
rector gain authority over Mrs. Howe. They resolved:
In April, Dr. Wtckson sent a letter to the Board informing
The trustees granted him a one-month leave of absence- At the
same meeting "a conference with Mr. MacMurchy [the first
mathematical master] then took place as to his acceptance. It
was resolved that Mr. MacMurchy be placed in charge of the
school in the absence of the Rector on leave granted by the
Board. "*11 As Dr. Wickson's ill health never permitted him to
resume his duties, he resigned and subsequently moved to
London, England where he worked for many years wåth the
Christian Instruction Society.
1 The Evening (Nov. 2, 122).
2 Year Book of the Toronto Grarnmar Schod, 1807-107 (Toronto: The
Bryant PrßS, 1897), and "Our Literary Society, IW1907," The
(1907).
3 Minutes, Toronto Grammar School Board of (Dec- B, 1869).
4 Minuts, Toronto Grammar School Board of Educatön (Dec- 30, 1869).
5 Cochrane, H., op. cit.
6 Minutes, Toronto Grammar School Board of Education (Aug. 18, 1871).
7 Wickson, Dr. A, Toronto High Reations for Pupils.
8 Minutß, Toronto Hgh School of Education (Feb. 20, 1872).
9 Minutes, Toronto High Scyool Board of Education (Mar. 6, 1872).
10 Minutes, Toronto High School Board of Education (Apr. 29, 1872).
Il Minutß, Toronto High School Board of Education (Apr. 29, 1872).
(1)There must be proper discipline in the school.
(2)The Rector must have full power and authority over the
management of the school.
(3)Mrs. Howe must be informed that she must subject
herself to the Rector in reference to the management
of the school. *9
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