Historic Sites of Manitoba: Fleming School (2320 Louise Avenue, Brandon)

Link to:
Principals | Vice-Principals | Teachers | Photos & Coordinates | Sources

Built in 1914 on a design by Brandon architect Walter Henderson Shillinglaw, Fleming School was named for the city’s first physician, Alexander Fleming. Initially consisting of six classrooms, the brick structure underwent two major renovations. In 1953, an 8,875-square-foot, one storey addition was made on its south side. Nine years later, a 5,395-square-foot, two storey addition was built on the west side. This second addition included a gymnasium.

The school closed in June 2005 and, as of late 2006, the building was used as a high school by the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. The building was sold to the band in December 2010.

Principals

Period	Principal
1915-1921	Ethel Alida Paisley (1873-1946)
1921-1922	Victor Norman Riddle (1897-1952)
1922-1923	J. E. McDowell
1923-1928	William Arthur Wood (?-1978)
1928-1929	Neil Alexander McLennan (1902-1982)
1929-1938	Allan Redvers Mitchell (1900-1975)
1938-1941	Emerson Goldwin Christilaw (1904-1978)
1941-1942	James Irving Bateman (1911-2000)
1942-1943	Henry Frederick Hyson (1904-1979)
1943-1949	Edythe May Wood (1904-1998)
1949-1955	Betty Gibson (1911-2001)
1955-1958	?
1958-1966	James Irving Bateman (1911-2000)
1966-1973	Colin M. Mailer
1973-1979	Emelia Hudy
1979-1988	Bob Thompson
1988-?	Arnold T. Hersak
?-1997	?
1997-?	Pat Bowslaugh

Vice-Principals

Period	Vice-Principal
1960-1967	Mrs. E. H. Hammond

Teachers

School Year	Teachers
1915	?
1915-1916	Miss Clandenning, Ethel Alida Paisley, ?
1916-1917	Ethel Alida Paisley, ?
1917-1918	Ethel Alida Paisley, ?
1918-1919	Miss Clandening, Ethel Alida Paisley, Miss A. Rathwell (grade 2), Miss Riesberry
1919-1920	Ethel Alida Paisley, Miss E. Rathwell (grade 2), ?
1920-1921	Ethel Alida Paisley, ?
1921-1922	Grace Davidson, Muriel E. Freeman, Miss Hazel Grant (grades 3-4), Ethel Alida Paisley, Victor Norman Riddle (grades 6-7), Gertrude Riesberry See also: Brandon Ultimatum (1 May 1922)
1922-1923	Evelyn M. Dorrett, Muriel F. Dorrett, Mary McCartney, J. E. McDowell, William Wilson, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1923-1924	?
1924-1925	?
1925-1926	Mary Clark, Marjorie Davidson, Edith Insley, Mary McCartney, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1926-1927	Miss M. Clark, Miss M. Davidson, Miss M. McCartney, Miss E. Pottinger, Mrs Mary M. Wilson
1927-1928	Miss Mary Clark, Miss Marjorie Davidson, Miss Mary McCartney, Miss E. F. Pottinger, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1928-1929	Miss A. B. Fraser, Miss Mary McCartney, Neil McLennan, Mary E. Parker, Miss E. F. Pottinger, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1929-1930	?
1930-1931	Margaret Doak, Miss Evelyn M. Fisher, Mary A. Harrup, Elizabeth F. Pottinger, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1931-1932	Nellie Ambrose, Margaret Doak, Miss Evelyn M. Fisher, Mary A. Harrup, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1932-1933	Nellie Ambrose, Margaret Doak, Miss Evelyn M. Fisher, Mary A. Harrup, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1933-1934	?
1934-1935	Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Evelyn M. Fraser, Miss Kay Fraser, Miss E. L. Nicol, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1935-1936	Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Evelyn M. Fisher, Miss Kay M. Fraser, Miss E. L. Nicol, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1936-1937	Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Evelyn M. Fisher, Miss Kay M. Fraser, Miss E. L. Nicol, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1937-1938	Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Irene Drysdale, Miss Winnie Hunt, Miss Alexandrina Walker, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1938-1939	Miss A. S. Bailey (England), Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Irene Drysdale, Miss Alexandrina Walker, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1939-1940	Miss Margaret Collins, Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Irene Drysdale, Miss Alexandrina Walker, Mrs. Mary M. Wilson
1940-1941	Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Irene Drysdale, Miss Georgina Sanford, Miss Alexandrina Walker
1941-1942	Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Georgina Sanford, Miss Alexandrina Walker, Barbara Yaeger
1942-1943	Miss Alice F. Braund, Miss Dilys Davies, Miss Georgina Sanford, Miss Alexandrina Walker
1943-1944	Miss Alice F. Braund, Miss Dilys Davies, Doreen Franklin, Miss Alexandrina Walker
1944-1945	?
1945-1946	?
1946-1947	?
1947-1948	?
1948-1949	?
1949-1950	?
1950-1951	?
1951-1952	?
1952-1953	?
1953-1954	?
1954-1955	?
1955-1956	?
1956-1957	?
1957-1958	?
1958-1959	Miss S. Ayers (grade 4), James Irving Bateman (grade 6), Mrs. L. Bedford (grade 1), Miss M. Bruce (grade 3), Miss N. Bunting (grade 1), Mrs. E. Denbow (grade 1), Miss C. Eaton (grade 2), Miss L. English (grade 4), O. Epp (grade 5), Miss N. Ford (grade 3), Miss D. Gray (grade 2), Mrs. C. A. Lenover (grade 1), Mrs. J. Lumbard (grade 1), Miss N. McConnell (grade 2), Miss G. Poersch (grade 5), Miss H. Short (grade 2), Mrs. E. Wyton (grade 3)
1959-1960	Mrs. L. Bedford, Mrs. B. Bertram, Mrs. M. Burns (cottage), Miss N. Dauk, Mrs. E. Denbow (cottage), Mrs. C. Franceschini, Miss W. Greaves, Mrs. E. Hammond, Miss D. Hyndman, David John McDowell, Miss B. McLaughlin, Miss H. Short, Mrs. S. Spence, Miss R. West, Mrs. E. Wyton
1960-1961	James Irving Bateman (grade 6), Mrs. L. Bedford (grade 1), Mrs. B. Bertram (grade 3), Mrs. M. Burns (grade 2), Mrs. E. Denbow (grade 1), Mrs. D. Ferguson (grade 1), Mrs. C. Franceschini (grade 3), Miss W. Greaves (grade 4), David John McDowell (grade 5), Miss B. McLaughlin (grade 4), Mrs. H. Patmore (grade 2), Mrs. P. Pettis (special classes), Mrs. M. Smith (special classes), Mrs. S. Spence (grade 6), A. Sytnyk (grade 5)
1961-1962	James Irving Bateman (grade 6), Mrs. L. Bedford (grade 1), Mrs. B. Bertram (grade 3), Mrs. R. Chambers (grade 2), Miss M. Eamer (grade 1), Miss G. Erven (grade 2), Mrs. C. Franceschini (grade 3), Miss W. Greaves (grade 4), Miss E. McLaughlin (grade 4), Miss L. Moore (grade 5), Mrs. M. Neilson (grade 1), Mrs. H. Patmore (grade 2), Mrs. P. Pettis (special classes), A. Sytnyk (grade 5), Mrs. C. Vance (grade 6)
1962-1963	James Irving Bateman (grade 7), Mrs. L. Bedford (grade 1), Mrs. B. Bertram (grade 3), R. Blair (grade 7), Mrs. R. Chambers (grade 2), Miss M. Doak (grade 5), Miss M. Eamer (grade 1), Miss G. Erven (grade 2), Miss L. Foster (grade 3), Miss W. Greaves (grade 4), Miss E. McLaughlin (grade 4), Mrs. M. Neilson (grade 1), Mrs. H. G. Patmore (grade 2), B. Patterson (grade 6), Mrs. P. Pettis (special classes), Mrs. S. Reekie (grade 5), Mrs. C. Vance (grade 6)
1963-1964	Mrs. L. Bedford, Mrs. R. G. Chambers, B. J. Diller, Miss M. Doak, Mrs. A. L. Douglas, Miss G. H. Erven, Miss W. Greaves, Miss I. M. Iverson, Miss M. E. Lockhart, Miss H. R. Martin, Miss B. M. McLaughlin, Mrs. M. E. Nielson, Mrs. H. G. Patmore, B. W. Patterson, Mrs. P. R. Pettis, Miss J. F. Rainbird
1964-1965	Mrs. L. Bedford, Mrs. R. G. Chambers, B. J. Diller, Miss M. Doak, Mrs. A. L. Douglas, Miss G. H. Erven, Miss W. Greaves, Miss H. L. Hatch (kindergarten), Miss S. L. Hatch (kindergarten), Miss R. E. Levenick, Miss M. E. Lockhart, Miss B. M. McLaughlin, Mrs. M. E. Nielson, Mrs. H. G. Patmore, Mrs. P. R. Pettis, Miss J. F. Rainbird
1965-1966	Mrs. G. O. Adams, G. A. Auriat, Mrs. L. Bedford, Mrs. R. G. Chambers, B. J. Diller, Miss M. Doak, Mrs. A. L. Douglas, Miss W. Greaves, H. L. Hatch (kindergarten), Miss J. Lowe (kindergarten), Miss B. M. McLaughlin, Mrs. H. G. Patmore, Mrs. P. R. Pettis, Miss J. F. Rainbird, Mrs. P. Rogers, J. J. J. Wishart
1966-1967	G. A. Auriat (grade 5), Miss M. Collins (grade 1), Mrs. W. M. Curtis (grade 4), Miss W. Greaves (grade 4), Miss H. L. Hatch (kindergarten), Miss M. B. Ilott (grade 2), Colin M. Mailer (grade 6), Mrs. H. G. Patmore (grade 3), Mrs. P. R. Pettis (special classes), Miss B. L. Thompson (grade 6)
1967-1968	G. A. Auriat (grade 5), Miss M. Collins (grade 1), Mrs. T. Cullen, Mrs. W. M. Curtis (grade 4), Miss W. Greaves (grade 4), Mrs. E. H. Hammond, Miss M. B. Ilott (grade 2), Colin M. Mailer (grade 6), Mrs. R. Moore (ungraded), Mrs. R. H. Patmore (grade 3), Mrs. E. Penner (kindergarten), Miss B. L. Thompson (grade 6), L. Veale

Photos & Coordinates

Fleming School (no date) Source: Archives of Manitoba, School Inspectors Photographs, GR8461, A0233, C131-3, page 134. Fleming School (October 2012) Source: Gordon Goldsborough Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.84360, W99.96935 denoted by symbol on the map above

Sources:

“Brandon School Board secures good price for its debentures,” Brandon Daily Sun, 11 August 1914, page 8.

“Routine business before trustees of School Board,” Brandon Daily Sun, 10 November 1914, page 8.

“Little of interest at inaugural meeting of the School Board,” Brandon Daily Sun, 7 January 1915, page 8.

“Long discussion by School Board on truancy work,” Brandon Daily Sun, 11 March 1915, page 5.

“Extension of car tracks laid over by city council,” Brandon Daily Sun, 8 April 1915, page 1.

“Public schools re-open Monday,” Brandon Daily Sun, 10 April 1915, page 1.

“New school opened in west end today,” Brandon Daily Sun, 12 April 1915, page 1.

“Schools north of C.P.R. [Fleming School],” Brandon Daily Sun, 19 June 1915, page 2.

“Prepare for opening of the city schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 11 August 1915, page 1.

“Teachers should give longer notice,” Brandon Daily Sun, 12 August 1915, page 1.

“Many beginners: public schools are well filled,” Brandon Daily Sun, 6 September 1917, page 1.

“Public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 30 August 1918, page 6.

“Changes in the teaching staff public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 2 September 1919, page 1.

“Teaching staff Brandon schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 5 September 1922, page 10.

“Have full staff of teachers for public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 1 September 1923, page 1.

“Have full staff of teachers for public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 1 September 1923, page 1.

“Schools open in Brandon, attendance high,” Winnipeg Evening Tribune, 2 September 1925, page 11.

“Beginners will be taken into public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 28 August 1925, page 1.

“Teaching staff complete for school opening,” Brandon Daily Sun, 30 August 1926, page 6.

“Public schools and collegiate open tomorrow,” Brandon Daily Sun, 31 August 1927, page 1.

“Temporary accommodation for higher grades,” Brandon Daily Sun, 1 September 1928, page 6.

“List of teachers public school,” Brandon Daily Sun, 1 September 1930.

“All schools to open Monday for fall term here,” Brandon Daily Sun, 27 August 1931.

“One addition only to city schools staff,” Brandon Daily Sun, 30 August 1932.

“Some changes on teaching staff of public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 31 August 1934.

“Schools to open Tuesday for fall term in city,” Brandon Daily Sun, 31 August 1935.

“Few changes in teaching staff as all schools in city open Monday morning,” Brandon Daily Sun, 29 August 1936.

“Five new teachers on staff of Brandon schools for fall term commencing next week,” Brandon Daily Sun, 27 August 1937.

“Teaching staff public school,” Brandon Daily Sun, 30 August 1938.

“Schools staff public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 2 September 1939.

“Seven changes on teaching staff of the public schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 28 September 1940.

“Important changes made in teaching staff for opening schools here Tuesday,” Brandon Daily Sun, 27 August 1941.

“Elementary and junior high schools open tomorrow for fall term after long holidays,” Brandon Daily Sun, 26 August 1942.

“Eleven new teachers on staff as schools prepare to open for fall term commencing Monday,” Brandon Daily Sun, 28 August 1943.

“Back to school Tuesday,” Brandon Sun, 29 August 1958, page 3.

“Brandon school teachers for 1959-60,” Brandon Sun, 29 August 1959, page 2.

“6,000 Brandon students go back to work on Tuesday,” Brandon Sun, 3 September 1960, page 12.

“Teachers listed for opening of schools on Tuesday,” Brandon Sun, 2 September 1961, page 12.

“Teachers are assigned to schools,” Brandon Daily Sun, 28 August 1962, page 10.

“33 newcomers on elementary schools staff,” Brandon Sun, 21 August 1963, page 15.

“39 newcomers on elementary staff,” Brandon Sun, 19 August 1964, page 13.

“191 teachers placed here,” Brandon Sun, 20 August 1965, page 8.

“Over 200 elementary teachers,”Brandon Sun, 23 August 1966, page 16.

Brandon Elementary Schools, 1867-1979, Canada-Confederation, Brandon School Division, 1967.

“Artifacts, pictures attract attention at Fleming school anniversary tea”, Brandon Sun, 2 November 1974, page 10.

“Board approves principals,” Brandon Sun, 30 April 1988, page 3.

“School division shuffles the deck,” Brandon Sun, 11 June 1997, page 2.

A Study of Public School Buildings in Manitoba by David Butterfield, Historic Resources Branch, Manitoba Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, 1994, 230 pages.

“Fleming School, land up for sale”, Brandon Sun, 10 August 2005, page A3.

History of Brandon School Division - Fleming School, Brandon School Division.

We thank Greg Sigurdson, Nathan Kramer, and Sheri Bailey (Brandon Teachers' Association) for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 2 May 2022

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!