Over on Felix Avenue in Windsor’s west side, you’ll find another classic old school building. Today known as J.L. Forster Secondary School.
The building was designed by an architect named Andrew Johnston Riddell in 1922. Riddell is a bit of an interesting man… Born and educated in Scotland, he moved to Canada in 1904 settling in Winnipeg. He moved to Windsor in 1918, and died in 1924. This is his only known work in Windsor.
As the area changed, so did the original building. Wings were added on each side.
But the original section remains in great shape. When it originally opened it was called General Byng School. As Sandwich was a community that was growing, they were always adding to the school system. It started with the construction of General Brock School, followed by the Prince of Wales. The local school board noted a need for a public secondary school, as well as extra capacity for primary school children, so the General Byng School opened in 1922, serving both primary and secondary school students.
– The Contract Record, October 25, 1922
The school building was eventually renamed in honour of an early principal, John L. Forster.
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I have yearbooks 1961,62,63 and I love looking at the old photos of people I remember and some that I do not.
I was in Forster 1972 - 77. I have yearbooks 1973, '74 & '75. I also have a copy of 1971 - don't know why? My 1976 Gr. 12 Yearbook and my 1977 Gr. 13 Yearbooks are missing. If anyone has a spare '76 and '77 Yearbook, I would love to have them. Will cover costs.
WOW I KNOW THESE NAME BARB MOFFAT DAVID HANSEN==EVEN RUSS SANDERS WENT TO FORSTER JUST TO OLD TO REMEMBER WHEN I THINK STARTED 1973 NOT SURE LOL MICHAEL BOYCE
Bth my mother and grandmother attended Forster while Forster was principal - I believe my grandmother even attended while it was a grade school as well....
I attended here in the mid-sixties and remember Miss Weller very clearly. She was quite strict but deep down had a kind heart and a good sense of humour. The Principal during my time there was Mr R J Krol who was a bit austere but had everyone's best interests at heart. There was also the Deputy Principal, Mr Laughheed who seemed quite pleasant.
When I joined, the school was just recovering from a major fire that I was told was started by some rogue students. During my time there, the building was totally renovated with several extensions being built.
I didn't particularly like the place and some of the teachers were dreadful. I remember the Librarian, Miss Fields who was deranged to say the least. One of the best teachers was Ellis Landale who went on to receive the Order of Canada for his work with the Army Reserves.
I look forward to attending the May 18/19 2012 reunion. Lots of memories. This historical update is helpful.
I have fond memories of the school and my class mates. I just found out that Max Karcz passed away. He was our Gym teacher. We also had a shooting range in the basement, can you imagine that, loaded guns in a high school and part of the class! I only met a few classmates after graduating in 1967. Those were great days I can recall them as if it were yesterday.
Hello, I am trying to get copies of yearbooks, 1977,1978. Can anyone please help. Joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1977.
Here is a few names that may help.
Constantine Vasaladis, or George
Ted Reiser
Mitch Gibble
LeeAnn Desrosiers
Peggy Simpson
Anne Sparrow
Donita Smith
Mark Smith
Roger Rivard
Jeff Ogle
Mark Warner
Peter Palazolo
Thank
Scott
The high school is closing this year and they are having a final open house on Saturday, May 31 from 10-6 pm. There will also be another celebration hosted by the alumni at Forster on Saturday, June 21 from 6- 11pm with a dance.