Learning from Lynn Valley School
Ideas for educators to make “A Landmark Transformed: 100 Years Serving The Community” real to contemporary students.
Ideas for educators to make “A Landmark Transformed: 100 Years Serving The Community” real to contemporary students.
Exterior image of the Fourth Lynn Valley School, currently the home of MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver. Photo: Alison Boulier, July 2018
Ah, Lynn Valley, centre of the universe… Geographically tucked in, nice and cozy, at the foot of the mountains and defined along one border by the mighty creek that might be a river. Gratefully located on the unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) lands.
In today’s forests, the ghosts of those who went before us continue to remind us to take care, keep the nature in this place. The dominant colour is green from forests that are and always have been lush and omnipresent. Thriving and growing, the traditional low-density houses are now taking their place beside high rises and townhouses with construction seemingly everywhere. Vibrant but somehow insular, this place is a community.
At the geographic, economic and emotional heart of this community lies Lynn Valley Elementary School.
Pupils in Lynn Valley School class room. Vera Fromme, third from left. Alec Allan, first row at right. Photo: NVMA 6983
The building is a jewel of architectural and cultural importance in its own right, taking its place in history. To look at Lynn Valley Elementary is to see so many things. It is a site with so much lived experience; the school gives educators and others a a glimpse into the history of teaching.
When we look at MONOVA’s exhibit A Landmark Transformed: 100 Years Serving The Community we are given some insight about what it would have been like to be a teacher in 1904. Oh, to walk a mile (as it was measured then) in Mistress Whiteley’s shoes!
2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the building originally constructed as the fourth Lynn Valley School and later restored and adapted for reuse as MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver. To celebrate the history of this building, an oral history project was launched to collect and preserve personal recollections of time spent at Lynn Valley School and the restoration process.
First Lynn Valley School on Church Road which opened in 1904. Miss Whiteley was the first teacher. Photo: NVMA 6648
The numerous audio clips and descriptions in the exhibit lead the viewer to be curious about the lives of the teacher and the children who started at this shiny new school right by the log pond by the clearing in the forest. What would a day in the life of a teacher or a settler child be like? What chores would they do, how would they get to school, what subjects would they learn?
The possible curricular connections are numerous, but to name but a few:
Lessons a teacher might draw from the exhibit could include:
“…I remember a few times, people would run out screaming, because there was a black bear in the forest between here and the park. And you couldn’t go out of the school…” — Bob McCormack, student from 1948 to 1955
There are so many ways of making this history reflected in this exhibit real to contemporary students! I encourage you and your students to explore the exhibit and have some fun with it.
From one history enthusiast to another,
– Chris Andersen, MONOVA Volunteer and Education Activity Tester
Chris Andersen is a teacher of 20 years usually found deep in Lynn Headwaters with her retired service dog, Admiral and her rescue pup, Indie. The next adventure is always just around the corner.
We rely on contributions, monthly or one-time gifts, to help MONOVA safeguard and expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
115 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, V7M 0G7
T: 604-990-3700
E: info@monova.ca
SUMMER HOURS
Wed | 10AM – 5PM
Thu | 10AM – 8PM (Open ’til late)
Fri | 10AM – 5PM
Sat | 10AM – 5PM
Sun | 10AM – 5PM
3203 Institute Road
North Vancouver, V7K 3E5
T: 604-990-3700 (ext.8102)
E: archives@monova.ca
OPENING HOURS
Mon
12:30PM – 4:30PM (Drop-in)
Tue – Fri
12:30PM – 4:30PM (By appointment)
We respectfully acknowledge that MONOVA: Museum & Archives of North Vancouver is located on the traditional lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, whose ancestors have lived here for countless generations. We are grateful to live, work and learn with them on unceded Coast Salish Territory.