The Original (1926) Gym
In late 1926, a gymnasium was under construction just west of the other buildings on the growing campus. With only a few windows and siding left to finish, it was nearing completion. However, on December 16, fire swept through the campus, consuming every building – except the gym. The gym was spared partly due to the accumulation of snow on its roof which melted in the heat of the fire and formed a protective sheet of water between it and the fire. The sheathing was scorched, but the gym was saved, providing refuge for the boys on the night of the fire.
Workmen hurried to make the gym ready for functions it was never intended for: a kitchen, dining area, storerooms, classroom, and carpenter's workshop. The senior students returned to campus in January, sleeping in "Hill House" (the former Ravenhill home) and attending classes in the gym each morning. This makeshift classroom was smoky, cold and noisy, but they endured it until the new School was completed a few months later, at which time the gym was converted back to its original purpose – as a gymnasium.
In 1966 a new gymnasium was built and the old gym was repurposed again, this time as an Assembly Hall. A stage was added at the far end, and this became the new venue for assemblies, plays and dances. The Graduation Ball was held here until 1992.
In 2001, the Assembly Hall was moved to the east side of the Main Building – where it currently sits – to make room for a new dining hall. The stucco, windows, and roof shingles were removed to make it lighter for the move. It continued as the Assembly Hall, with a new crawl space below and a new entrance on the side facing the Main Building. It continued as the Assembly Hall for many years and later it underwent a major transformation into a theatre (more to come on the theatre at a later date).
The original gym has passed the test of time, enduring licking flames, a physical relocation, and many renovations to serve a variety of purposes. It stands as the oldest building on campus.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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